More events are on the horizon for the Brushy Creek Amphitheater (BCA). The Hutto City Council recently voted to approve an agreement with a special events firm, The Directors of Chaos (DOC), to provide management and marketing services for the amphitheater through at least 2025.
City leaders identified the need to partner with a third-party vendor to efficiently manage and produce entertainment events at BCA after studying public input, such as the 2022 community survey and the City’s noise abatement study, and talking over the opportunity with City Council. Together with The DOC, the City is focused on producing events that celebrate the history and diverse heritage of Hutto while also incorporating regional, state and national audiences.
With more events anticipated to come to the amphitheater beginning this summer, here are the answers to some commonly-asked questions about the partnership and the venue:
When will concerts come back to BCA?
The partnership between the City and The DOC will officially roll out to the public during the annual 4th of July Celebration at the amphitheater. The DOC are actively working on booking talent for this City event. The concert calendar for the remainder of the calendar year is still being determined.
What about the sound study?
The DOC have thoroughly reviewed the City’s noise abatement study that was conducted in late 2021. As part of its agreement with the City, The DOC will direct all performers to operate under the limits of the local noise ordinance. Further, The DOC will measure and control all noise output at the amphitheater. Long term, The DOC recommend utilizing sound mitigation devices to help control output, such as sound-walls and the construction of a physical bandshell around the stage.
What kind of concerts will be at BCA?
Until proper sound-mitigation devices can be implemented at the amphitheater, The DOC are focusing on music genres that do not rely on heavy bass, such as country, lighter rock, folk, indie and comedy. The DOC plan to begin with lower-capacity events to build a new foundation for the venue, helping to ensure a robust 2024 concert calendar.
Does this agreement include improvements to the Amphitheater?
All ticketed, non-City events at the Amphitheater will include a $3-per-ticket facility fee, which will be directly applied to pay for property improvements recommended by The DOC and approved by the City Council. In addition to sound-mitigation devices, potential future improvements could include permanent restrooms and concession areas.
What about KOKEFEST?
As part of the agreement, The DOC may not stage any event at BCA, or anywhere else within Hutto city limits, that would interfere with any City-organized or City-planned events—including KOKEFEST, the 4th of July Celebration, and any other event the City designates as protected.
Will there still be community events at BCA?
Yes. In addition to utilizing the amphitheater as a concert venue, the City and The DOC remain committed to using the space to host non-ticketed community events! The DOC are currently proposing community events around Halloween and the winter holiday season.
Can I still rent out the park?
Absolutely. The amphitheater and Adam Orgain Park will still be available for rent, contingent on any previously-booked events.
What makes The DOC a good fit for Hutto?
The DOC have pledged to become a true partner with the City of Hutto, implementing measures for job training and placement, local business growth strategies, and open lines of communication for residents.
As it becomes engrained in the community, The DOC will begin hosting “The DOC School,” a program to provide alternative-education and job-training to those interested in a career within the hospitality and live events industry.
The DOC pledge to hire as many local residents as possible and are scheduled to host a job fair or light school program for the upcoming fall season.
The DOC are also planning to offer sponsorship and vendor opportunities at events to local businesses; a percentage of sales space will be dedicated for local businesses in Hutto.
Finally, The DOC are designing a system for resident suggestions and complaints to avoid issues and allow the community to have a voice.