tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post6424032686410910169..comments2023-09-24T07:48:41.512-04:00Comments on WTMD's Radio For Music People Blog: WTMD and the Senator TheatreStevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01271351710493425599noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-45729839014732357562010-03-30T23:47:11.222-04:002010-03-30T23:47:11.222-04:00Awesome! One key factor I've found is that whe...Awesome! One key factor I've found is that whether one's a local originally or an urban history buff from abroad, people truly don't know such landmarks exist, and so close to their home at that. <br /><br />WTMD could be great at getting the word out through the universities around town as well as on the radio. A recent drive-by with my best friend gazing toward The Senator recently left him befuddled, asking me the typical who/what/when/where/why questions in regards to its history. People just don't know. Look at Bolton Hill-it's beautiful. As a grad student, so many of my peers are clueless to these stunning areas.<br /><br />Baltimore is a city that acts on what it knows; however, not by way of its Ph.Ds. Get the word out-loud. Music, events, movies, maybe a history field trip so kids familiarize with these places before suburban lands call and urban blight cycle through again? I've a grandparent in Pasadena; she'd be safer and happier within city limits; and has great memories of dates at The Senator.<br /><br />Once in the suburbs, it's easy to move; however if you've lived in Baltimore, you simply can't. As a Texan recently described it to me: "It's a comfortable leather boot."Brunonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-44710105950623674952010-01-14T12:36:37.709-05:002010-01-14T12:36:37.709-05:00Peter,
Thanks for the direct question. The propo...Peter, <br />Thanks for the direct question. The proposal is in the hands of the Baltimore Development Corporation.<br /><br />If you feel moved, a short email in support of our proposal wouldn't be innappropriate. Though please remember, this is not a popularity contest, the BDC will choose a proposal baised on lots of considerations.<br /><br />I would encourage you to be specific about your thoughts on programming and the financial impact on the community.<br /><br />Their link is in the posts.<br />steveStevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271351710493425599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-62946792643793273692010-01-14T11:52:47.268-05:002010-01-14T11:52:47.268-05:00A bolder call to action would be appreciated. What...A bolder call to action would be appreciated. What can I do, besides agree with the idea and/or leave a memory?Peter Davishttp://www.betterbrandstory.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-12349917057961488332010-01-05T21:40:39.569-05:002010-01-05T21:40:39.569-05:00Steve,
I was at the Senator Theater tonight for th...Steve,<br />I was at the Senator Theater tonight for the proposal presentations. Let me first say that your presentation was professional, full of energy, and informative. Some of the others lacked all or most of the above. <br />In my opinion, WTMD has the only VIABLE proposal. <br />The day of the single screen/single purpose theater has (sadly) passed. Adding restaurants and additional retail space is not what attracts people to an area such as Govans. To revitalize the theater and the surrounding area, a multi-purpose venue such as you are proposing is the answer. A variety of exciting attractions - concerts, dance, and MOVIES - will, I believe, do just that!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09016604670902875076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-9530929615148749182010-01-04T07:58:47.705-05:002010-01-04T07:58:47.705-05:00The WTMD/Towson proposal would benefit the City an...The WTMD/Towson proposal would benefit the City and all of us. The proposal for music, film mixed media would be well supported and successful.<br /><br />There are great music venues across the country that have become successful by supporting their local, regional and eventually national arts (e.g. World Cafe, Austin City Limits, etc.) Another successful model for music would be "Later with Jools Holland".<br /><br />One of the most successful artists is from <b>Towson University; <i>Hank Levy</i></b>. I note there are a lot of acoustic Jazz and big bands in the area and showcasing this type of music at the Senator would add a unique element along with all of the diverse local talent in the area.<br /><br />The exhibits and themes from the students of the local schools such as Towson, Peabody, Morgan, and MIA will provide the energy for this approach, and placing operations of WTMD on the site will assure that a positive energy is maintained.vicherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845452648780880982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-8888874164755030912009-12-28T13:04:20.246-05:002009-12-28T13:04:20.246-05:00Though I have not been back to visit my hometown t...Though I have not been back to visit my hometown theatre in many years, The Senator Theatre will always hold a special place in my heart. Thomas Kiefaber was the cornerstone of keeping this unique piece of history above water in even the dimmest of times. My memories as a prior employee will always be remembered with the excitement, pride and enthusiasm Tom displayed.<br /><br />My time in this classic art deco theatre welcomed a host of celebrities ~ Muhammad Ali, Johnny Depp, Kevin Bacon and John Waters to name just a few. I can reminisce also of the wonderful experience during the Senator's 50th Anniversary celebration in October 1989 in conjunction with the restored 1939 classic, "The Wizard Of Oz."<br /><br />In regards to the latest proposal, it seems most fitting that Towson University be the best candidate for this transition.<br /><br />To you Tom, congratulations on your THSA's "Creating Theatre History" Award. It seems most fitting and well deserved. And, thank you for all the years I could be a part of "a bunch of old theatre nuts."Larissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-54925107288604861632009-12-02T09:14:01.647-05:002009-12-02T09:14:01.647-05:00Sounds like a perfect match. WTMD is already intim...Sounds like a perfect match. WTMD is already intimately involved with the Baltimore/Towson community and would really keep the spirit of the Senator alive while also expanding on its mission admirably. <br /><br />My fondest memories of the Senator are attending the midnight world premier of Dick Tracy and a private event celebrating John Waters' Divine Trash. <br /><br />I enjoyed more than a few movies at the Senator and was always saddened to see the steady deterioration of this beautiful landmark. I know that WTMD can provide love, restoration, and (most importantly) restore the public support the Senator needs to reclaim its status as a relevant anchor to the surrounding community. <br /><br />Go for it!Jesse Trahanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00862801458047156998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-35334053175332687412009-11-28T20:19:23.696-05:002009-11-28T20:19:23.696-05:00Go for it, WTMD! The Senator needs to live on, and...Go for it, WTMD! The Senator needs to live on, and I can think of no better custodian for such an historic venue. My best memory of the Senator was seeing Lawrence of Arabia there. Even though it's a 4-hour movie, I was ready for more! I hope to see WTMD keep the Senator going long into the future.Woodstock Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-7666178305713951842009-11-25T23:59:33.682-05:002009-11-25T23:59:33.682-05:00Tom Kiefaber here.
I appreciate [Mr. or Ms.] Wats...Tom Kiefaber here.<br /><br />I appreciate [Mr. or Ms.] Watson's spirited support of my efforts at The Senator over the years as it's former owner. The public's abiding love for The Senator however, also has a great deal to do with its dedicated long-term staff, who have been its true heart and soul for many years, including "Natty Boh" and "Nipper" ! <br /><br />Watson sounds like someone who's researched the real Senator back story that the general public is blissfully unaware of. Knowing those egregious circumstances, as opposed to the fiction passed on through the media, can often trigger a counterproductive "Team Tom" mentality. It's a distraction though.<br /><br />I respectfully disagree with the posts that support Buzz Cusack's RFP plan as good for the hood. While I consider Buzz a friend, from my perspective his plan is quite problematic. Thankfully many others seem to agree and the emerging consensus may have quickly shot his RFP plan down before it achieved any altitude. He's a good guy, but with a bad plan. That's showbiz...<br /><br />In response to the post that relates The Senator's struggles to unimaginative thinking, I can't help having a defensive response to that fallacy. The truth be known, a great deal of collective imaginative thinking has kept the theatre intact and elevated The Senator 's brand to national renown. This was accomplished while also overcoming severe economic hurdles, seven days a week, for over 25 years. For decades the national accolades for The Senator, and it's inclusion on national top-ten lists have also been off the charts. <br /><br />The revelation that TU has an interest in owning and operating The Senator as an enhanced multi-purpose showcase for a wide array of entertainment and educational programming is very encouraging. At first blush, we are genuinely excited and simpatico at The Senator with the overall direction things appear to be headed. The TU / WTMD RFP mirrors, in large part, the plans that have been developed in the past few years at The Senator through scores of round table meetings and numerous town hall events in collaboration with historic theatre consultants and the extended community. <br /><br /><br /><br />The added WTMD public radio station component in the TU proposal is very intriguing, and it may well represent a key synergistic plus to the mix of proposed uses for The Senator. While the business and residential community leaders might be initially reticent embrace the TU plan, hopefully through the process of extensive evaluation, its merits will emerge and overcome any knee-jerk, "nimby", college-town concerns. <br /><br /><br /><br />In that light perhaps Phoenix Watson's spirited posting may be a form of advocacy for key Senator staff to be recognized as valuable future assets in place with award-winning, hands-on experience. We may well have much to offer to further the cause and assist in bringing TU's proposed new Senator Theatre incarnation to fruition.<br /><br />The Senator Theatre and Towson University are both celebrated, historic institutions that have coexisted in close proximity on York Road for over 70 years. Perhaps it is their destiny to be linked together to ensure that the beloved and irreplaceable Senator Theatre will evolve to realize its great potential, and in the process be preserved and protected in perpetuity. That may turn out be a wonderful surprise ending to this cliffhanger.<br /><br /><br /><br />See you at The Senator!Tom Kiefabernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-1468441053348702372009-11-25T02:04:46.172-05:002009-11-25T02:04:46.172-05:00I haven't read all the proposals, but I defini...I haven't read all the proposals, but I definitely think rental apts. would not bring the community there together the way the Senator has over all these years. Maybe the local businesses would benefit, but it definitely disheartens me to think of the Senator being put to such use. I went to my first movie there in 1972, when I was 6 years old. My father took me to see <br />"The Towering Inferno," and I knew that I was a at a special place. I've seen many movies there over the years and try to see everything I can there, actually, because I love the Senator and want to see it survive so I can take my children there. I didn't see Squeeze there, for some reason, but have loved seeing concert movies like the <br />Grateful Dead movie and "Stop Making Sense," the Talking Heads movie there and dancing in the aisles along with the shows. Special treats like the <br />"Wizard of Oz" set to Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" are etched in my memory forever. We also met Laurie Anderson and <br />Michael Hedges (RIP) there when they performed on the Senator's stage, and I remember being there when someone proposed to his gf, before one of the movies (don't recall which one it was). Say what you will about Tom Kiefaber's pontification before the shows and on the recordings, but he has a wonderful voice, and his love for the Senator was always quite evident. I could go on about the premiers and always bringing folks to see the many handprints on the sidewalk (oh yeah, did I mention meeting Fred Schneider of the B-52's outside after a premier?), but suffice it to say, anything to save the Senator would be great. I think a multi-media use would be smart, although I have to say that as much as I've supported the Charles Theatre over the years, I am inclined to believe that, if I dropped a passport in the Senator, I would be much more likely to get it back from the Senator than I was from the Charles (yes, this happened, and I was not allowed to go back in and look for it, and, of course, it was gone the next day, along with the money I had tucked in it--this was at the end of the night, when the only people left in the building were cleaning staff.) Good luck, Senator!! And I hope your steps in the back are repaired, before someone gets hurt on them. ;)Mary Anne Tomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-73950399520271123532009-11-24T17:38:42.841-05:002009-11-24T17:38:42.841-05:00This would be an absolute disaster for Belvedere S...This would be an absolute disaster for Belvedere Square and the surrounding businesses. As would the apartment plan, for that matter. How does no one see that? Buzz Cusack has demonstrated an incredible ability to create a vibe around the Charles Theater, is an amazing contributor to the City arts and theater scene, and has what it takes to make the Senator a success. He would leverage his marketing skills and cross-promote with his other theaters, could add the Senator to the mix for the acclaimed film festival, and return it to the vibrant theater it once was. That would be the best thing for all involved. WTMD is an amazing radio station; I just don't think it is a slam dunk like everyone else seems to. The Recher, maybe...but NOT THE SENATOR!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-31873952316553692032009-11-24T15:12:25.772-05:002009-11-24T15:12:25.772-05:00I remember seeing "Indian Jones and the Templ...I remember seeing "Indian Jones and the Temple" of Doom there when it first came out in theatres. I remember standing on my chair and screeming when they pulled the beating heart of the guys chest. Not exactly a heart warming memory but I can't think of the Senator and not think of that. <br /><br />~JAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-57819463818945318422009-11-24T12:53:03.483-05:002009-11-24T12:53:03.483-05:00As a resident of the Senator's surrounding nei...As a resident of the Senator's surrounding neighborhood, I really think this is the strongest proposal of the four that have been put out. It's clear to me that WTMD knows how to successfully operate a non-profit, and it would be fantastic for the theater to continue to be used as an arts and performance space. <br /><br />I hope that there is a chance for us to make our voices heard as the BDC goes through the selection process. Please keep us up to date on any ways that we can give public input as to which proposal is accepted.Abbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00552828120682789989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-13309826229245884112009-11-24T11:30:40.980-05:002009-11-24T11:30:40.980-05:00Steve or anyone else who knows: Is there any way w...Steve or anyone else who knows: Is there any way we can concretely show support for WTMD's RFP, or is the Baltimore Development Corporation just going to pick without community input? <br /><br />Aside from personal bias (I love WTMD and am committed to radio in general), it's definitely the strongest proposal. Rental apartments would be a tragedy, and the other two proposals just aren't exciting.'beccahttp://beccafolk.50webs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-32678039926488505762009-11-24T11:07:06.823-05:002009-11-24T11:07:06.823-05:00My first movie memory is at The Senator. In the ea...My first movie memory is at The Senator. In the early'60s my grandmom took me to see "My Fair Lady." Of course, we dressed up. We sat towards the back on the left side. I had never sat in such a sumptuous chair. The memory is of vibrant color and sound and "yer bloomin' arse" - had to go to confession after that. Good luck, Ellen McAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-36660678500774062452009-11-24T10:45:50.605-05:002009-11-24T10:45:50.605-05:00I was so happy when the senator was saved the firs...I was so happy when the senator was saved the first time around, and even more so that its going to become an active theatre like it should be.<br /><br />Myself and a crew of 50 some people filmed a full length feature film over the summer of 05-06. We had it premiered at the senator being the first movie to be projected digitally without the use of a reel there at the senator.<br /><br />I'm currently in the midst of my film career at Towson University and would love to know how I could contribute to this project. I am also a WTMD 5000 member and an avid listener. Email me!!!<br /><br />-eric widder<br />ezwider@gmail.comWidderichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06810545141925498398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-53663611558183762712009-11-24T10:28:31.518-05:002009-11-24T10:28:31.518-05:00I wonder if Phoenix Watson is one of Tom's pse...I wonder if Phoenix Watson is one of Tom's pseudonyms. Why else would they be so angry. I am sure the WTMD staff wouldn't stroke their egos before every showing by spouting on and one the way Tom does - the only thing I hated about the senator.<br /><br />Good luck WTMD.<br /><br />70mm Alien/Aliens double bill in '87 was my best memory there.shiftynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-39185829379858032402009-11-24T09:58:40.883-05:002009-11-24T09:58:40.883-05:00This would be great for Baltimore! This is precis...This would be great for Baltimore! This is precisely the kind of partnership that would help take the city to the highest levels of culture and entertainment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-80525728797117651432009-11-24T07:36:19.370-05:002009-11-24T07:36:19.370-05:00When I was a little girl (sometime back in the 70&...When I was a little girl (sometime back in the 70's), my dad took me, my brother, and my sister to see Fantasia at the Senator. A wonderful theater to see such a classic film! Little did we know at that time what a cool idea our dad had, but I appreciate it immensely as an adult. Kudos to my dad ... and to you WTMD! Your proposal to use this iconic Baltimore landmark as a place to continue serving the community is brilliant and I fervently wish that you are able to make this a reality. Perhaps I may once again have an opportunity to view Fantasia at the Senator theater.... and share the moment with my niece and nephew so they too can one day look back and reminisce.Jen Cashellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447936544163021732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-89747404060819212612009-11-24T01:14:41.263-05:002009-11-24T01:14:41.263-05:00If it's financially do-able, this would be a w...If it's financially do-able, this would be a wonderful use of The Senator. As someone who also listens to WXPN-FM in Philadelphia, I've been very impressed by what they did with World Cafe Live. My first thought about The Senator would be to have it become somewhat like The Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA--as a community entity which would serve as a concert venue and a site for children's theater; indie film festivals & other community events. (Also, somewhat like the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown.) <br /><br />I have lived near The Senator most of my adult life and have chosen to see most of the "key" movies of the last 25 years there. We celebrated my husband's 50th birthday with a party in the loges. There's something special about The Senator which should be preserved.M Fergusonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-75579358148825529202009-11-23T23:47:48.685-05:002009-11-23T23:47:48.685-05:00I sincerely hope your RFP is accepted, as your sta...I sincerely hope your RFP is accepted, as your station has proven a genuine commitment to the arts. I would love to see what you would do with the opportunity to manage a space as wonderful as the Senator.taotechuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18275520227023393969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-43148326221755499832009-11-23T22:51:06.898-05:002009-11-23T22:51:06.898-05:00Good luck! You may want to look into the Paramoun...Good luck! You may want to look into the Paramount Theatre in Austin for ideas. It it a very similar theater that went through a similar demise, but found success again as a multi-use performance art and movie venue. I would love to see the Senator become a major music destination in Baltimore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-19114607849029975672009-11-23T22:35:28.911-05:002009-11-23T22:35:28.911-05:00Steve Yasko's posting and the responses are re...Steve Yasko's posting and the responses are revealing. After reading his sales pitch for his RFP, highlighting an apparent reverence for The Senator, I must note, what's wrong with this picture?<br /> <br />In Steve's world, "The Senator has created countless memories" as a "beloved landmark", and now he aspires to be the prime-mover and "continue that tradition" by noting his "reverence for the building", "because, after all, all good things happen . . . At The Senator". [sic]<br /> <br />The respondents have reverence for the building too, yet their accolades note a key factor that Steve chooses to ignore, regarding why they love The Senator. <br /> <br />It's because of the theater's staff and all the extraordinary, first-hand experiences that millions of Senator lovers have consistently enjoyed there for years. It wasn't, however, the art deco building that sacrificed and struggled for decades to provide such a renowned level of programming, creativity and service to the community. <br /> <br />Tom Kiefaber and The Senator's extraordinary, devoted staff did just that for decades, as they continue to do today, against all odds while raising millions for area non-profits in the process. <br /> <br />In his rapturous ode to The Senator, why does Yasko pointedly omit any acknowledgment that it was Tom Kiefaber who steadily built and enhanced the unique Senator brand, elevating the theatre to become infinitely more than a beautiful edifice built by his family in 1939? <br /> <br />Perhaps Yasko took that approach to obscure the fact that what he's shilling as his personal RFP vision is a near-direct, copy and paste rip-off of Kiefaber's past written assessments of The Senator's optimal multi-purpose future, minus the radio station component. <br /> <br />Factions in city government and at the BDC have sought to throw The Senator's outspoken preservationist owner and activist community leader under the bus for over a decade. <br /> <br />Yasko's clumsy attempt to elevate his stature by standing on Kiefaber's shoulders is just more shameless opportunism at the expense of The Senator's true leader and unsung hero.Phoenix Watsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-41158123755454796362009-11-23T21:39:24.978-05:002009-11-23T21:39:24.978-05:00I loveee WTMD, and I love this idea! It's bril...I loveee WTMD, and I love this idea! It's brilliant. Although I have never gotten the chance to see a movie at the Senator, it is a Baltimore tradition, and if your proposal wins, we can all be assured that it will be in good hands. This plan would be great news for local musicians and artists alike. I would love to see bands play here. Go WTMD!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205878069432093032.post-40074521564198373892009-11-23T20:53:55.636-05:002009-11-23T20:53:55.636-05:00So...I will tell you of one of a most painful, emb...So...I will tell you of one of a most painful, embarrassing, and instructive coming of age events for me that occured at the Senator Theater. It must have been 1967 or 1968. The movie that was showing was "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." I went there on a first date with a seemingly great guy named Larry. But I had recently broken up with a bullyish guy named Bruce. My sister told Bruce where I was that evening, and he stormed into the Senator Theater looking for me. When he found me, he insisted that I leave with him, and threatened my date. For fear of a scene, I left with Bruce, not thinking of what it must have been like for Larry when his parents came to pick us up. There was no such thing as assertiveness training at the time. I was 15. I was stupid. I have been ashamed of my action that night for 40 years. Larry, please forgive me.<br /><br />KittyKittynoreply@blogger.com