WHERE ARE THE NAYSAYERS NOW?

Thanks for writing this, Kaze. I hadn't had a chance to read the C-L blogs for a couple of days, but you're right about negative insults that have been hurled towards Jackson on the C-L blogs. Anytime the hint of anything positive was happening, somebody there would counter by posting something negative like "Who's gonna go there if they're gonna get robbed?"

If you saw my post from earlier today, I mentioned my experiences about going down to the convention center and that there was a good time to be had by all. From art exhibits to bunjee trampoline jumping to concert performances, there was a lot to celebrate. There was not an upfront parking space to be found and that's a good thing (plus, I needed the exercise anyway). And don't forget about the auto show taking place next weekend, which I think will, by far, bring even more people down to the convention center.

I really felt the synergy of downtown with the CCC now open and along with the Pinnacle now open for business and work on the King Edward going along well. With all this going on now and with more to come later, it's gonna be hard to say something bad about Jackson now.

Amen, Kaze. Amen.

Kaze, I was there during the afternoon (you were performing when I came in) and I was amazed at all the people there and the energy I felt. I took some pictures, and I'll share them when I get around to uploading them.

Think of the contrasts in style and design that you guys have seen in the last several days. From the Pinnacle to the Old Capitol and now a cutting edge state of the art convention center. You've got it covered from the best of the Past to the cutting edge of the present. That's a City Center! And more to come.

The best is definitely yet to come.

It was a great day for Jackson. The Convention Center is amazing. Here my only concerns.
1. There is no parking. A large convention needs close parking. There isn't any.
2. To spend $65 million on the building and then untold tens of thousands in advertising and paying artists of all types to perform why hire such an undermanned unprepared sound company. There are many much better equipped sound reinforcement companies out there. It was a nightmare.
3. Tear down the old Firestone before any of the Telcom/Convention Center was even started. It is an eyesore and takes up what could be at least some parking.

In an ideal situation you WANT people to walk while in downtown. We've gotten spoiled and believe its our inalieable right to park right in front where we work, shop, or come to be entertained. We WANT folks to walk because that lends itself to taking in more of the downtown amenities. Take Farish for instance the only major parking will be the garage at the corner of Farish and Capital.

But I agree totally on the sound issue. However, it is a huge building and when you have people(even 6 or 7 thousand moving) the acoustics have nothing to bounce off of. I experienced the bad sound first hand. Kinda put a damper on my performance but the event was FANTASTIC!

Wanting people to walk is true but to shop where to see what? Now when Farish street gets its deserved attention then that would be great. When people come to a convention they are normally there for a specific purpose. I know I go to many on business all the time.

As far as sound I too experienced it firsthand and while front of house was pretty good overall but not great at all. The on stage situation was terrible at best. I think the sound company was just outmatched.

All that said, all those who attended were polite and giving and everyone had a good time. The displays were first class and the facility is as nice as any that I have seen. I believe the Grand opening was a great positive for Jackson.

I would be concerned about people not familiar with that area walking to and from their cars at night unaware of their surroundings.

And yes your performance rocked from the front of house....

Thanks:-) Glad someone liked despite the (ahem) sound! Lol

Yeah FOH was kinda good overall... missed some solos and such but oh well.... What was the name of the Gospel singer and band that was second. That gentleman can sing.... bigtime....