Lincoln has long possessed a cherished downtown music scene, now the city is giving back.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community leaders held the inaugural sound check today for “The Music Box” — or “MBX” — a new public space for rehearsal, recording, performance, and music education, located downtown at 1330 “N” Street.
“The Music Box is a multi-use band rehearsal and recording space ideal for musicians and artists of all levels to hone their craft and cultivate careers in the music industry,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “It’ll offer cascading benefits for economic development by generating support for our local businesses, cultivating performers who attract visitors, and strengthening the vibrancy of our downtown.”
The 1,200 square foot facility features a stage with state-of-the-art lights and sound reinforcement, an LED video/light wall and a professional-level recording studio. The performance space features a garage door to access an adjacent covered alley, which will serve as a secondary entrance, equipment loading area, and gathering space.
The space meets nearly every equipment need for budding and professional musicians alike. From microphones and monitors to a full drum kit, guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and consoles for recording, mixing, and light production.
The Music Box is owned by the City and leased through an in-kind agreement to the Downtown Lincoln Association (DLA), which will operate the venue. No food or alcohol is allowed in the venue. The Music Box and adjacent alley improvements cost $350,000 to construct and were funded by the Downtown Lincoln Association using American Rescue Plan Act grants awarded to them by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Education and artist development programs will be supported through fees from the membership program.
DLA President Todd Ogden says the idea for the venue began with the belief that music has always been part of Lincoln’s character and the DLA and partners should invest in the music community.
“Lincoln’s music scene has helped shape our city’s identity. The Music Box honors that legacy by planting it in the heart of downtown – and creating a space where local talent can grow, thrive, and stay rooted in our community,” he said.
For more information, visit mbxlnk.com.
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City Announces New Downtown Music Space ‘The Music Box’ – klin.com
