Bronson Centre looking to become bigger player in Ottawa music scene with new partnership

A new partnership for the Bronson Centre is expected to bring a bunch of new concerts to the venue, and support major improvements to the facility.

Starting in October, the centre will be partnering with the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto and its booking managment will be taken over by one of Canada's largest independent promoters: Collective Concerts.

“An all-new Bronson Centre Music Theatre will be an amazing addition to a music market that has been largely underserved with venues of this size,” said Lisa Zbitnew, co-owner of The Phoenix Concert Theatre. “We are thrilled to be part of it and even more thrilled that we are supporting the music community, and the public at large, with this new partnership.”

Amy Hersenhoren, partner with Collective Concerts added, “This is great news for a city that has historically lacked spaces to book shows in mid-sized venues with 800-1100 audience capacity. Collective Concerts sees a wonderful opportunity to bring many artists to the Ottawa market that might otherwise not visit the Nation's Capital. The positive response to this news in the music industry has been unanimous.”

In 2015, the City of Ottawa embarked on a study to review its potential to develop its music assets, and better cultivate the potential of its music industry. One of the challenges identified in this report was the lack of mid-size venues.  

The new Bronson Centre Music Theatre wants to help Ottawa become a “must stop” city on touring calendars.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson applauded the announcement, Tuesday.

''I am very pleased with this important investment in the Bronson Centre,” he explained. “The revitalization of the facility will help us deliver on a music strategy objective of creating an appropriate mid-sized venue in our city – one that will encourage more musical acts to make a stop in Ottawa.''

“With its unique offering of social enterprise and diverse and active cultural communities from all walks of life, Bronson Centre is a treasure to Ottawa,” said Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper, who sat on the task force that led to Ottawa's music strategy. “This new live music initiative also anchors Ottawa's thriving music scene and its cultural economy. We see jobs, enhanced tourism experiences, and lots of spin-off investment coming out of this partnership.”

“It's incredible to see this expert team building on the momentum here,” says Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, based in Ottawa. “Be it the live music industry, stakeholders, artists and fans, or local business, we will all benefit from this increased activity. Ottawa is getting ready to become a world class music city, and the “new” Bronson Centre Music Theatre is a giant step in the right direction.”

This new alliance for the Bronson Centre is also expected to contribute significantly to its sustainable operating revenues, which in turn support 40 charities and not-for-profit tenant organizations that are housed in the facility.  Services offered by these organizations directly benefit 20,000 Ottawa residents who walk through the Centre's doors every month. 

Improvements to the venue will allow for a greater frequency of events, enhanced concert experiences for audiences and performers, and versatility, with new, removable seating.