Don Baron Band opens Avenue 912′s 3rd year

Patrick Murdock, managing partner for Avenue 912 in Griffith, is giving himself a birthday present Jan. 13 with a performance by his favorite singer.

“I know it’s a number one rule of producing and programming to not book acts based on what you personally like since the focus is attracting the taste of the wider audience,” Murdoch said.

“But since Jan. 13 is my birthday, I decided I’m allowed to invite my favorite act back to our stage.”

Murdock’s favorite act is The Don Baron Band, which is at 7 p.m. at Avenue 912 in Griffith.

“Don Baron slips in and out of character while performing the hits of the ’80s and ’90s,” Murdock said.

“Don has been part of the Northwest Indiana music scene for a long time, with many fans familiar with his performances as part of the region cover band Bravo Johnny, which started in 1991.”

Murdock is responsible for scouting talent and arranging the schedule for the 400-person standing room stage space, which will celebrate a third anniversary on May 6.

“We are at about 50 shows a year, along with our space booked for wedding receptions, showers, parties and other events,” Murdock said.

“We have shows announced through March with more concerts going on sale soon in time for our third anniversary.”

Murdock’s career prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was as a pharmaceutical representative.

“I really never knew all that much about the entertainment industry, but I was interested in producing and how to manage a performance space,” Murdock said.

“I joined two other business minds and we purchased this available space which was originally a Service Merchandise store. We created a model to appeal to audiences in the key demographic range of age 35 to 60, and we’ve been listening to what this audience wants on stage.”

Murdock said the management trio agreed to have early start times, with a “no later than 8 p.m.” rule and adopted a promise for variety to entertain and attract audiences.

“We are always testing out what we think works, and also what we want to adapt and change,” Murdock said.

“We have full bar and beverage service but not food as of now. We do have an arrangement with a local pizza restaurant so guests can order pizza to be delivered.”

Murdock said in the first two years of programming, he has booked tribute country music artists highlighting the hits of greats like Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith and Garth Brooks. For 2024, Murdock has his eye set on a true country music legendary headliner.

“We are looking to book a national country music artist and we have some names in mind,” Murdock said.

“Right now, we are working on the math so we aren’t ready for any major announcements.”

He said Avenue 912 is also planning more comedy night bookings for the new year.

“Most of our weekends book up pretty fast with private events and our advertised concerts, so my idea is that we dedicate a couple of weeknights to presenting stand-up comedy,” Murdock said.

Last year, Avenue 912 began scheduling a once-a-month movie night staging for the traditional cult following interactive screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

“We work with a local group of promoters who dress up as the characters in the movie and host the screening of the film, including selling bags of rice and rolls of toilet paper as props the audience uses during key scenes during the film,” Murdock said.

“The hosted monthly screenings for the last Thursday of each month last year of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ have been so popular, we’ve decided it’s a good idea to now host it as an audience opportunity twice a month in 2024.”

The Don Baron Band

When: 7 p.m. with doors open at 6 p.m. Jan. 13

Where: Avenue 912, 202 W. Ridge Road, Griffith

Cost: $5 to $80

Information: 219-306-6790; avenue912events.com

Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for The Post-Tribune.