New Infinity owner gets an earful about hall’s needs

NORFOLK — What was billed as a meet and greet with David Rosenfeld, one of the new co-owners of the two Infinity Music Hall & Bistros in Norfolk and Hartford, evolved into a town hall-style event with announcements on plans for the historic Norfolk venue, including free shows, memberships, a new booking policy, aggressive marketing and rebranding.

Norfolk really cares

During the hour-long presentation held Saturday, April 27, at the Norfolk Hub and sponsored by the Norfolk Foundation, Rosenfeld fielded questions and comments from the 30 or so people in attendance who were eager to learn about the venue’s future — and to share their thoughts on what is needed for one of the major businesses in their town.

Rosenfeld was introduced by Joe Hurst, Norfolk Foundation president, who encouraged residents to be free with their input and not hesitate to “ask the tough questions.” 

“The number one thing is to drive traffic” to the venue, Rosenfeld told those who had gathered to meet him. 

He, along with Tyler Grill, are co-founders of the Fairfield-based GoodWorks Entertainment, which purchased the historic music hall on April 4.

 “I’ve spent a lot of time up here in the past three weeks since we bought the property, and have started a dialogue with Lime Rock Park,” among other major attractions. “We are trying to identify the key assets in this region and stitch us all together.” 

Expanding the company’s email lists to include surrounding towns is one major step, he said. 

Rosenfeld announced that starting the first Wednesday in June, and continuing the first Wednesday of every month until the end of August, Infinity will be holding free shows from 7 to 8:30 p.m., “with an acoustic person on deck and a reduced price menu. It’s a way to start to change the conversation about what we’re going to be doing. We’re trying to be a socially conscious, for-profit organization.”

Among the changes to programming will be the showing of family films; lower-priced shows; enhanced bookings; and “membership is coming soon — you can expect that in a month,” said Rosenfeld. The venue will also be available for rentals for community events and productions.

Tired of cover bands

Norfolk resident Bill Thomas, who expressed dismay over what he called a decline in the quality of shows over the past decade, praised the company’s plans to breathe new life into the venue. 

“I am so thrilled that these guys have come to town. It’s a real shot in the arm for the Northwest Corner and Infinity Hall,” he said.

Thomas, who has worked in the music industry for many years and is an avid concert-goer, recently purchased a second home in town “deliberately within walking distance” of Infinity. 

“There’s no question in my mind, and with all due respect, that the venue has completely taken its eye off the ball,” he told Rosenfeld. 

“I’m sorry, but the tribute acts and cover bands are so tiring. The sooner you can implement a freshened-up booking policy, the better.”

“You’re gonna see it,” Rosenfeld promised. He said plans are in the works to bring to Infinity the Adam Ezra folk group out of Boston and Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter John Hiatt, who plays a variety of musical styles including new wave, blues and country.

Rosenfeld warned that with top-bookings, though, come higher ticket costs. 

“You can put good bands in there, but you have to pay for it. We have to build attendance. It’s coming, but all these things are connected.”

“Will you reconvene this in a year’s time?” one audience member asked. 

“Sure,” responded Rosenfeld, who ended the session on a high note with attendees, who lined up to introduce themselves and share their experiences about the music hall. 

“It’s going to take some time, but we have the resources, desire and commitment,” said Rosenfeld.

“I am very excited. He really listened to me,” said lifelong Norfolk resident Ann Moseley, who spoke out about the importance of making the venue a hot ticket with younger audiences. “They really need it.”