“ I think that many people already know that if they upgrade to VIP seating, that extra revenue isn’ t going into my paycheck,” Buehler said.
He added that the center’ s success this year and before has raised some eyebrows. And one might understand such surprise when major artists of the past have cancelled entire tours in recent years due to poor advance ticket sales.
“ I think one of the biggest stats is that we were not originally projected to be profitable for five to 10 years,” Buehler said.
Both he and Smith, also a part of the facility’ s volunteer crew, say that such significant manpower helps keep ticket prices and other expenses reasonable.
Smith believes that the venue’ s location only a few hours’ drive or less from metro areas such as Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, and other communities, makes it an easy draw for fans looking to see a favorite act close up, rather than in an arena or stadium.
Buehler said he feels that music reaches many people on such a deep emotional level, so they remain willing to spend discretionary income at concerts— especially those with easily navigated surroundings such as tiny Nashville.
“ They still want to find a way to get away and make a good memory,” he said.
He knows such from his own family. His grandfather, amid a battle with later-stage dementia and a fading memory, attended the Krauss concert with his wife, whom he sometimes does not recognize. Buehler saw something that night that profoundly affected him.
His grandad was singing along to a number of songs— somehow remembering the words. Music lives beyond notes and harmonies.“ That,” Buehler said,“ really did a number on me. I had to step out of the venue for a second and just breathe.” •
Remaining 2026 Shows
Nov. 7
Nov. 8
Amplify Nashville feat. Reverend Peyton’ s Big Damn Band
Blue October
Nov. 12 Mark Farner’ s American Band & Molly Hatchet
Nov. 13 Little River Band Nov. 14 Deana Carter Nov. 15 John Waite & John Cafferty Nov. 17 Kenny G Nov. 20 TUSK: Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Nov. 29 Allman Betts Family Revival Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 6 Dec. 9
Mac McAnally The Texas Tenors Danny Gokey & Natalie Grant The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show Dec. 10 Crystal Gayle Dec. 12 Rick Springfield
Dec. 13 Mark O’ Connor‘ s An Appalachian Christmas
Dec. 15 Chris Isaak
Tickets and info browncountymusiccenter. com 812-988-5323
Nov./ Dec. 2026 • Our Brown County 59