Downtown Diaries

Springfield Based Enhanced Biometrics Introduces The "Biometric Bouncer"

2010-05-30T20:09:00.001-04:00

Smile, you're on candid camera!That used to be a tag line for an old TV show, but now it's a fact of life. Let's face it: Our faces are being photographed everywhere these days. This is because of the modern omnipresence of security cameras, which are used everywhere from banks to airports to convenience stores. So the question isn't if you're going to be photographed, but rather how those images are used. Most law-abiding citizens don't worry too much about being caught on video, as they know it's the price of living in a secure society. As long their basic privacy is preserved, people know that these cameras can solve and even stop crimes.Until recently however, technology was limited both in how good of an image could be rendered inexpensively and how these images could be tied into computers to create a database that could identify potential security threats.

This has all changed with the formation of a new company named Enhanced Biometrics. Enhanced Biometrics has created a product that surpasses any security camera system to date. Using a complex computer algorithm, coupled with a state-of-the-art camera, the program can capture a face and accurately compare it to pictures on file in a database to do everything from weeding out undesirable patrons (ones who may have been banned for problem behaviors in the past) at a venue to identifying VIPs to whom the owners want to give preferred treatment.The potential uses for this new technology are virtually limitless. For example, a night club using this program might not only keep out troublesome patrons, it could also ensure that underage customers trying to sneak in using fake IDs are thwarted. At some point in the future, a venue may also be able to identify wanted criminals entering its doors. This would not only potentially save the venue some unwanted problems, it also could allow the owners to notify law enforcement officials the whereabouts of a suspect. And those possibilities are just the beginning.

The program can work with almost any camera and the system is designed to be used with touchscreen technology for ease of use. It was also created so that the average person can learn how to use it in 15 minutes. So don't be left behind. Face the future in face-recognition technology and learn more about Enhanced Biometrics today @ BiometricBouncer.com!

http://www.enhancedbiometrics.com/

Biometric Bouncer Informational Video

2010-01-09T11:06:00.002-05:00

This video was produced for Enhanced Biometrics @ the Skyplex.
The Biometric Bouncer has gone through over a year and a half of development and is now ready for distribution.
http://www.biometricbouncer.com/

Paramount Key to Downtown Rebirth

2009-12-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

We have always viewed downtown Springfield as a place that can compete with most other major cities when it comes to entertainment.

As the unofficial capital of Western Massachusetts, Springfield needs to attract music and arts patrons with top-notch performers and venues. Many great efforts have been made along these lines over the years, from the revamping of the Civic Center into the MassMutual Center to the build-up of a corridor along Stearns Square. But we feel that the centerpiece to this smorgasbord of entertainment is, and has been for years, The Paramount.

The long history of the Paramount (later the Julia Sanderson Theater, then The Paramount again, then The Hippodrome) includes many impressive performers. We'll detail them in an upcoming post, but a short list includes such artistic luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole and The Velvet Underground--quite the diverse mix!

The Paramount also is unique in that it fills a void between the normal-sized nightclubs and the vastness of the MassMutual Center. Many events that are too large for the former and too small for the latter (such as a large wedding party; see photos below) fit perfectly into The Paramount. It's also the perfect size for great bands such as Ireland's Saw Doctors, who have said it's one of
their favorite places to play.

The Staff has always taken pride in the special events that have taken place at the Theater. The unique opportunity exists to utilize the Paramount's production capabilities and incorporate them into a function or parties theme.
The Paramount has hosted, Weddings, Corporate functions, Proms, and Holiday Parties to name a few. Weddings typically feature a live band and DJ, The Wedding pictured on the right utilized a DJ and a troupe of Cirque Du Soleil Performers.

RAISING THE BAR AND JOINING THE CLUB

2009-12-29T00:57:00.000-05:00

Downtown Springfield has had a lot of good bars and restaurants over the years, but really only a few truly great concepts. The difference between the two in our eyes can be how the venues are operated.

The Paramount Theater will again be the largest attraction in the city. What separated this facility from it's competitors in the past was the vibe and atmosphere that was created for the place. My partner Steve Stein and I used our extensive career backgrounds to create a unique venue that would be a destination spot for downtown.

Steve's 25 years in the hotel industry managing four and five star properties, has brought him everywhere from Boston to Palm Beach, Beverly Hills and even the Mediterranean. Steve has opened nine restaurants in his career. His resume includes first class convention centers and large banquet facilities that specialize in social events and weddings. This experience will be crucial to the Paramount's newest incarnation. The renovated theater will feature a full banquet kitchen that will have the ability to create and prepare unique cuisine. This is the next step in the continuing transformation of this historic landmark.

For my part, I have managed large entertainment venues for 23 years, including The Palace in Saugus, which featured eight separate night clubs and restaurants and could hold 4,000 patrons. I managed The Roxy in Boston during it's heyday in the early to mid 1990's. I also designed and built The Palladium in Worcester in 1996 and opened Atlantis in Fort Lauderdale in 1999, among many other achievements.

Our point here is not to brag, but to illustrate that it takes a certain type of knowledge, experience, and proven track record to make a facility like The Paramount work. Steve and I feel that our talents and acumen complement each other, making for a great partnership. This level of experience and dedication doesn't exist in many other establishments in the city. We could have chosen a lot of different places, but Springfield's Paramount was--and still is-- a jewel that we wanted to make shine again.

We think we have--and will continue to do so.

The Springfield Intruder and a "behind the scenes" tour of the Theater.

2009-10-19T23:57:00.006-04:00

I recently gave a tour of the Paramount to Bill Dusty of the Springfield Intruder. I thought that some people may find it interesting to see parts of the theater that the public never sees. Below is a link to the story that Bill wrote about the tour and a link to the video that he made.

http://springfieldintruder.com/?p=3169

View From The Top

2009-10-02T19:36:00.008-04:00

The Paramount has a 90 ft. "Boom" lift on the dance floor. The lift is being used to install the sprinkler system on the ceiling, which is 60 feet above the floor.

(Click on any of the pictures to enlarge)

Here is a view of the mural above the stage, taken from the same level as the mural. I was bout 15 feet away from it when I took this picture.

The last time we had this type of lift in the theater was in 2000 for the Hippodrome restoration. I have to confess that sometimes at night when all of the workmen go home, I like to take the lift out for a spin. This lift is made to be used indoors "only" and can fit through narrow doorways. That is why I think it sways so much. It takes some getting used to as the lift is rising and the shaking becomes more pronounced, the higher you go.

Above is a picture taken on the way up of the dome in the center of the ceiling.

Here is a view from above the mural. Not a great angle to see the painting, but a very different perspective on the whole theater from this high up.

This is a birds eye view of the Proscenium Arch.

This is the view looking back into the balcony and all of the scaffolding above it.
The dome is lit with red lights.
The batteries on my camera went dead after I snapped these pictures, unfortunately, I wasn't even all the way up to the ceiling yet.
In the next few days I will take the machine for another ride and get some better pictures.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

2009-09-30T12:09:00.002-04:00

As we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Paramount and prepare for its reopening, we noted an advertisment in the Spetember, 1929 archives of the Springfield Republican. The Publix Corporation, the company that owned the Paramount as well as numerous other theaters, took out an ad for the then-new theater that said "Expect everything in a Publix theater, because you won't be disappointed."
We like that kind of optimism and confidence. We plan on setting the bar equally as high for the revamped Paramount because we know that the good people of Western Massachusetts have high expectations--as they should--when it comes to entertainment. Springfield already has much to offer; we simply plan on bringing some new facets to this city, in order to let people know what they're missing if they don't come for a visit.

Scaffolding Returns to The Paramount

2009-09-21T23:25:00.016-04:00

Hardhats are now required @ the Hippodrome. Scaffolds have been erected, a "Boom Lift" has taken over the dance floor, Sprinkler pipe is everywhere, and work is underway.
I spent the day working at The Hippodrome, watching the scaffolding being set up for the sprinkler installation and ceiling restoration. This afternoon a 90 ft. boom lift was delivered and carefully driven down to the dance floor.
This combination of lifts and scaffolding is very similar to what was used in 2000 for the Hippodrome restoration. Today, I brought a camera with me to take some pictures of the interior with the scaffolding installed.

The scaffolding took 2 days to load in and set up. There was definitely a feeling of Deja vu for me, as the last time we had platforms like this built was 9 years ago. The difference this time is that the scaffold is meant to work on the entire ceiling, while last time we were restoring paint on the walls and only a few damaged parts of the ceiling.

The view in the above picture is from the top of the scaffolding looking across the ceiling at the other towers.

The view from 60 ft. up looking down on the chandeliers.

The scaffolds and lifts in 2000 were brought in and the paint restoration was done before we built the decks that lead down to the dance floor. At that time we were able to tie the lift to a Bobcat and drive the lift down to the dance floor. Now there are four sets of steps to drive the 6000 lb. lift down. I had this nifty looking ramp built out of 2"x 12"s and 3/4 in. plywood. There was a lot of snapping and crackling of wood, but we made it.

Back to the Future

2009-09-03T23:47:00.007-04:00

“They came, they saw, and they went away shouting. Thousands of people stormed the doors of the Springfield Paramount Theater yesterday and the saw the greatest show they have ever witnessed, all shouting the praises of this magnificent palace of amusement!”

That was the copy from the newspaper ad the day after The Paramount opened in 1929. It certainly sounded like a good time. We can only hope for a similar reaction when we re-open the Theater in the coming months.

But because this month marks the 80th anniversary of the Paramount, we thought it would be fun to post some of the archived materials we’ve found about the theater’s original opening. It definitely was a big deal for the city back then, and we believe it will be just as crucial to the revitalization downtown today. So check back often for these historical and sometimes amusing updates from the past.

Another ‘Hook’ That Makes The Paramount a Knockout.

2009-08-27T00:36:00.000-04:00

Another unique aspect to the Paramount that beyond fashion shows, concerts and even weddings, is our ability to book boxing and MMA matches here.

As a licensed boxing promoter in Massachusetts, I would say booking fight nights at The Paramount is one of my favorite things to do. It really sets us apart from many other venues and makes downtown even more of a destination. We’re pretty sure a lot of surrounding businesses do better when the boxing crowds come into town.

Of course, other venues do have fight cards at times but I’m confident that none do it quite the way we do. Our cameras broadcast the matches on our 25-foot screen, making every seat like a ringside one.

One of the most popular fights we’ve promoted was an amateur one between Springfield Police and Firefighters. This card donated $25,000 to the Shrine Hospital.

Everyone was a winner that night.

CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

2009-08-26T09:46:00.006-04:00

When Staind was filming the video we posted yesterday, noted video director Nigel Dick, who has worked all over the globe in beautiful locations shooting videos with artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Guns and Roses, Britney Spears, and Robert Plant, said he loved the building's mix of classic architecture and modern technology. In an Oct. 6, 2001 article in The Republican, Dick called the Hippodrome "gorgeous" and further said of the venue: "...it's totally contemporary, but has its roots in older classical foundations."If The Paramount/Hippodrome building was gorgeous to the guy who has been known to shoot videos in small, beautiful villages in the south of France, who can argue?

The picture above is from a Staind live performance at the Hippodrome, not from the video shoot.

Full Court Press

2009-08-20T16:02:00.008-04:00

When you hold a press conference, you always wonder who, if anyone, will show up. After all, attendance is a pretty good gauge of the level of interest about what you’re announcing.

So it was exciting to see the media-fest our press conference created this morning. All the major news outlets—both electronic and print—showed up, as well as a throng of interested citizens and downtown movers and shakers.

We believe this shows that people believe what we already know: The Paramount renovation and re-opening will spearhead the drive to reinvigorate downtown and create a synergy between theatres, restaurants and clubs that is new and different. Just because we’re not as big as some cities doesn’t mean we have to settle for second best. And we don’t plan to.

We have the right vision for these changing times, and today’s conference proved we also have some pretty significant support for that vision.

Cynthia Anzalotti, president of CityStage was enthusiastic about what she heard at the press conference.

“I think it will be great. It’s another positive step and a sign that Springfield is coming back,” she said. “They’re doing all the right things and it’s just what downtown needs.”

The restaurant sector, which always benefits from having a venue like The Paramount bring in shows, was also excited, as witnessed by comments by Rudi Scherff, owner of The Fort and The Student Prince restaurants.

“I’m thrilled someone is putting their money into the city like this. It’s nice to see the faith they have in downtown,” Scherff said. “And anything that puts decent people on the streets helps make other people feel comfortable and willing to come out to restaurants downtown. It’s all positive.”

Many people were also intrigued by the announcement that we will be unveiling plans for a new restaurant at some point. But you, like them, will have to wait for that. So stayed tuned to this space!

Paramount Press Conference

2009-08-17T22:55:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 17, 2009
For more information, contact Mike Barrasso
PARAMOUNT OWNERS TO ANNOUNCE RENOVATION/RE-OPENING PLANS AT AUGUST 20 PRESS CONFERENCE
New loan to settle tax issues, update sprinkler system and upgrade entire 80-year-old theater.

Springfield, Mass. – One of the countries most storied venues will soon re-open under its original name, The Paramount Theater. Recently known as The Hippodrome, the downtown Springfield facility has been closed for several months as owners sought solutions to the new state fire code.

Owners Michael J. Barrasso and Steven C. Stein will announce their plans for the future of the 80-year-old venue at a press conference Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. The press conference will be held at The Paramount Theater, 1708 Main St. Springfield, Mass.

Barrasso and Stein closed on a loan last week that has enabled them to pay off all taxes, and update the sprinkler system to comply with new state fire code. They will further use some of the money for a buyout of other partners, leaving Stein and Barrasso as sole owners of the Paramount building and the adjacent 30,000 square-foot parking lot. The Paramount celebrates its 80th birthday on Sept. 29.

Soon thereafter, a Phase Two and Three part of the building upgrade will include the upper floors of the property, which runs from 1676 to 1708 Main St. Phase Two will see the completion of theater restoration, including upgrading the exterior facade, a new marquis, renovated restrooms, and an overall upgrade of the facility. Once Phase Two is done, the historic Paramount Theater will re-open for business.

The Paramount Theater opened in 1929 and has served as the stage for such entertainment luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole and The Velvet Underground.

Michael J. Barrasso has managed several large entertainment venues for 23 years, including The Palace in Saugus, which featured eight separate night clubs and restaurants and could hold 4,000 patrons. Barrasso also managed The Roxy in Boston during its heyday in the early 1990s, as well as designing and building The Palladium in Worcester in 1996.

Steven C. Stein has 25 years in the hotel industry, managing four and five star properties, has brought him everywhere from Boston to Palm Beach, Beverly Hills and even the Mediterranean. Steve has opened nine restaurants in his career. His resume includes first class convention centers and large banquet facilities that specialize in social events and weddings.

START YOUR (ECONOMIC) ENGINES!

2009-08-05T12:40:00.015-04:00

You might call it a closing that will lead to an opening—or to be more accurate, a re-opening.

I’m thrilled to announce that my business partner, Steve Stein, and I closed on a loan today that will enable us to bring the former Paramount Theater back to life. This is a project that has actually been in the works for some time now, but we didn’t want to announce it until everything was in place. We know this will be a huge boost to the economy in not only downtown Springfield, but the entire region, but more on that aspect in a later post.

The loan will enable us to update the sprinkler system to comply with new state fire code and pay The City of Springfield $210,000 to bring all taxes current. We will also use some of the money for a buyout of other partners, leaving Steve and I as sole owners of the Paramount building and adjacent 30,000 square-foot parking lot. These actions make up Phase One of the Paramount restoration.

I’ll get into later phases as they draw nearer (and we hope they’ll all be completed quickly) but for now let me just mention that Phase two will see the completion of Theater restoration, a new Marquis and an overall upgrade of the facility. Phase Three will include renovating the upper floors of the property, which runs from 1676 to 1708 Main St. into 30,000 square feet of shared office space, market-rate housing and Artisan “live-work” space that is all the rage these days.
There is also exciting news about the space that was formally "Luva" Restaurant, Which will be revealed in the next few weeks.

Once Phase Two is done, we’re excited to say that the historic Paramount Theater will be back open for business. Stay tuned.

SEEING—AND HEARING—IS BELIEVING

2009-07-30T00:32:00.021-04:00

I admit today’s post is a little longer, and a bit on the techie side. But I’ll try to keep it as readable as possible, because I want everyone to understand what kind of state-of-the-art lighting, video and sound equipment we employ at The Paramount.

The Theater currently has Intelligent (Computer controlled and automated) and Static lighting (fixed Par cans and leekos), including "Dataflash" strobes, Martin 918's, MAC550's, Digiscans, follow spotlights and $25,000 worth of par can lights. We also have "Special Effects" including, snow machines, fog machines, Hazers, and Wind machines (fans, this is an inside joke) in the mix. We will be adding some versatile and energy efficient LED lighting from Kolorkinetics. This whole production is run by a system of computers using preset programs. It doesn’t take a degree in electronics to figure out what amazing effects can be rendered by that combination (along with many other lighting fixtures).

On the sound side, We use an EAW Avalon System with a bank of Crown amplifiers that pushes up to 35,000 watts of power. This doesn’t mean that the Paramount shows will be ear-splitting loud, however, The extra power is mostly used to handle “peaks” without any clipping and distortion, and to help cover the entire space with clear, articulated sound.

For video, With the Theater movie screen still intact and the biggest focal point in the room, we spared no expense. We have a 3 camera system that uses Sony Studio cameras with a Panasonic video mixing board. There is a system of computers, video splitters, DV decks, and miles of wiring, that allow us to broadcast video from a number of sources to our video screens and TVs, We can also create "Broadcast Quality" video productions and commercials using our AVID editing suite. In the future we want to install a system that will allow us to show first run movies.

The Paramount's production systems were designed to be versatile and far exceed the capabilities of any competitors.

Knocking Your (City)Block and Rocking your Socks Off

2009-07-15T12:16:00.011-04:00

One of the more recent ventures I've taken on has been the booking of the Stearns Square CityBlock Parties every Thursday. I took on this task a few years ago when I realized that my experience with the music business would allow the SBID not to have to pay a booking agent. This, in turn, would allow the SBID to spend more money on the actual talent and thereby bringing in better acts.

I also try to book high level acts for less money by catching them on off days during their tours through the area. Since we are right between New York and Boston, some acts will take an extra gig for less cash since they're traveling through our area anyway.

This model has enabled us to snag artists such as Johnny Winter last year. This year's lineup is as good as we've ever had, kicking off with LA Guns on July 2. Upcoming shows include The Little River Band on July 23, Fat on July 30, Roomful of Blues on August 6 and Black 47 on August 13.

But no matter who is playing, the scene alone is worth coming down for. Hope to see you there one of these Thursdays. The shows start at 7:30 p.m., but come earlier for the food, drinks, outdoor festivities, and lots of motorcycles.

(SPRING) FIELD OF DREAMS

2009-06-29T19:43:00.001-04:00

We knew if we built it, they would come. And they did, in droves.

Over the past 10 years, The Hippodrome drew more than 1.4 million people to downtown Springfield, pumping millions of dollars back into the local economy.

OK, we didn't actually build the Hippodrome; we rehabbed the old Paramount Theater into a palace that combined the best of old world charm and state-of-the art technology. Now we're giving it another facelift and giving the venue its old name back: The Paramount.

While we constantly look to improve downtown Springfield's future, we also felt it was important to take the best from its past, and The Paramount Theater ranks among the most storied of the city's buildings.
So while we say goodbye to the name Hippodrome, we are proud of what the venue accomplished during its decade-long run under that moniker.

Wedding Hippodrome Springfield, Ma

2009-06-18T12:48:00.001-04:00

This video was taken in 2007 during a Wedding that took place at The Hippodrome (Paramount). The Paramount will reopen this fall (2009) and will be booking Weddings and special events. The Paramount features over $500,000 worth of production equipment, Lighting, Sound, and Special effects.
The 45 ft. Movie screen is put to good use and the stage allows for great live performances. This Wedding used a Cirque Du Soleil Troope