PHOTO : ALEC DONNELL LUNA
modern , allowing anyone coming in to put their stamp on it to speak to their vision or use the space as is . “ The room is very flexible . You can have cocktail tables , a full banquet setup , a general admission floor with cocktail tables at the back … We ’ re open to everything ,” Gardner adds .
The two-tiered space features a general admission section on the main ( lower ) level , and a 365-capacity mezzanine area overlooking the stage – areas that can be used to offer a wide range of layouts and experiences for artists and audiences .
The concept from early on was to provide a uniquely-intimate concert setting but in a “ convertible ” space capable of providing a wide range of tiered experiences – with the venue ’ s North Floor Box VIP side-stage area ( an exclusive space with a dedicated bar that has an entrance from the outside ); the South Floor Box on the main floor , and the mezzanine ’ s private / semi-private Box Suites – by utilizing the areas in various ways to fit any incoming client ’ s needs . “ There are a few different VIP areas and those all obviously could come with different price tags and could be all different experiences ,” Gardner says .
“ It ’ s purpose-designed for tiered experiences and purpose-built so that not only does the artist have a great experience , it elevates the fan experience ,” he continues . “ Because Live Nation was able to start from scratch , they designed and built it this way as opposed to , say , a place like the Opera House or Danforth Music Hall , where they ’ re restricted by what they ’ ve already got there . So , History is totally customizable . Our venue operations manager and our director of corporate sales have done a great job of coming up with a few different ways to set up the venue so it can be
anybody ’ s event . For example , we can convert our merch area into your sign-in area , so if you were coming to your event you go to the table pick up your welcome package . Again , the idea being , it ’ s all customizable for your event or needs . I don ’ t think we ’ ve had anyone reach out yet for movie shoots , but that ’ s also not beyond our ability to do if someone approaches us and wants us to do that .”
Most importantly , History is a dedicated concert venue ; one specifically designed to provide the high-end touches a larger venue possesses and allow a club-sized band to put on a show that comes off as an arena-sized experience . That ethic informed not only the construction and design of the interior to ensure there are no bad seats in the house , from a visual or sonic standpoint , but also , the AV systems inhabiting the space — the kind of technology and flexibility generally more likely to be found in larger spaces and / or festival venues .
In terms of both audio and lighting / video systems , the idea was to provide a comprehensive , rider-friendly solution that can be augmented as necessary for the needs of an incoming artist or private client . “ Again , it ’ s all about trying to be flexible and accommodating for touring artists . To have the best experience they can have ,” Gardner says .
When purchasing the audio package from PRG Canada , Live Nation chose a highlyflexible suite of equipment : “ d & b audiotechnik loudspeakers are great products . They ’ re always in the top three of everyone ’ s rider ,” Gardner says . “ The Avid Profile consoles are older , but also rider-friendly . Being the size we are , I would say , at least 60 % of the headliners that come through will be carrying their own floor package of consoles , in-ears , and floor lighting , so the monitor system , the consoles , they ’ re probably going to get used mostly for openers and / or corporate events .”
“ We have a lot of experience with the d & b J Series ,” says PRG ’ s Jon Halliwell , who designed the audio system . “ It ’ s kind of our go-to – the same system that we use at all the large venues in Toronto , like Budweiser Stage , Scotiabank Arena , and a lot of big festivals we do . The only difference is the number of boxes . For History , d & b J Series is a really good fit because you have really good fidelity and it ’ s definitely rider-friendly . There are very few acts that would come through there who would have any issues with the sound system .” The J subs , being “ cardioid by nature ,” he adds , helped address the concerns of leakage to adjoining buildings .
“ Again , it goes back to the neighbourhood ,” Gardner notes : “ History was purpose-built to be able to exist within the neighbourhood without being a problem . So , when we have events going on , we ’ ll be taking measurements outside throughout the night to ensure we ’ re doing our job as diligent neighbours .”
Starting from scratch allowed that due diligence to begin during History ’ s construction . The entire space is acoustically treated with acoustic-rated drywall and insulation . Even the stage is isolated from the floor , “ It ’ s all floating , all purposely done , and it turned out phenomenally ,” Gardner says .
That said , the sleek , modern – and ( at first glance ) highly reflective – interior looks like it might present some sonic challenges . Not to worry …
“ It ’ s an interesting venue ,” Halliwell says : “ It looks very reflective but it ’ s not . They did a really good job with the acoustics and all the
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