DON’T DERAIL THE MUSIC: SAVE ASHLAND SOUNDTRACKS!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Ashland Soundtracks. This 24-week public concert series in Downtown Ashland was created and is currently run by Origin Beer Lab. Funding for this program ends at the end of 2024, so please help us preserve the music and get funded for 2025 and beyond. Thank you for your support!
What is Ashland Soundtracks?
Ashland Soundtracks is a town supported music series that takes place over 24 Saturdays from April through October. This free live music takes place on the sidewalk in front of Changing Reins on S. Railroad Avenue and can be enjoyed on numerous outdoor seating areas including at neighboring restaurants and community benches.
Why is Ashland Soundtracks Important?
Ashland Soundtracks was created to incorporate more entertainment and movement in the downtown Ashland corridor. It serves to make the town livelier for its citizens and more memorable for those visiting the area for the first time. The increase traffic is also helps to boost the sales for those businesses located in the downtown corridor.
Why is it in danger?
Ashland Soundtracks was originally funded using funds from the federal ARPA program that provided financial assistance to states and localities to help with recovery efforts from COVID. Enhancements to downtown areas and programs designed to increase tourism all fit the criteria for what those funds could be used for. Now that the 3-year term is running out, we requested a continuation of funding to be included in the next town budget for an amount of $8,000, which is what the booking cost is for 24 bands plus advertising and printing costs. Ashland’s Town Manager is not recommending that Town Council fund this program moving forward.
What can you do?
Fortunately, Ashland has an elected Town Council made up entirely of Ashland residents who have the final say for the Town’s budget. Below is a list of email addresses for our elected Town Council. If you feel that Ashland Soundtracks is a worthwhile program for the town to continue funding, please reach out to these folks to let them know. Town Council Members are the voice of the town’s residents, so this is the best way to make your opinion known. Just a reminder, Town Council members have not weighed in on this topic, so please keep these emails positive and kind. They, just like all of us, want to make Ashland the very best place to live!
