The Spire Center has drawn a lot of attention recently with the completion of its renovation. In the 10 years since opening, it has become a vibrant cultural downtown destination. The venue has 16 events scheduled in August, which include a range of music from Tom Rush to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Its superior acoustics are often mentioned in reviews of performances.
So how do you design a sound system on top of the bones of a 19th century Methodist church that isn’t just adequate but excellent and becomes one of the main reasons to go to this venue?
Sound design starts with the room’s shape. Generally, rectangular rooms like the Spire’s are preferred because of their predictable sound wave behavior. Then, as production manager Gary Sjolin described it, “We had the benefit of being able to fly the sound system (hang it), getting it above the patrons’ heads so there are no obstructions.”
The church had plaster walls, lots of glass surfaces because of the huge stained-glass windows on each of the side walls and a large, wooden, multi-shaped ceiling. This created a fair amount of reverb. The Spire decided to hang huge curtains and upholster the pews to cut down on the bouncing sound. Then there was tuning and optimization, part of the steps needed to create the acoustic equation. The goal is to get the sound as close to the same in every seat. There is also a separate monitoring sound system on stage for the musicians.
A combination of computer software and human experience is used to fine tune the sound. “We use the testing software that we have in order to optimize the system, Sjolin said. “It’s important because it can hear some things that are impactful once you make the change that I would say very few humans would actually hear. But at the same time, we still walk around as we’re dialing in a show to make sure that we like the way it sounds everywhere. The reason I love audio engineering is it is a scientific field, but it’s also very artistic, too.”
With so many kinds of artists performing at the Spire, it was critical to get the acoustic equation right.
“With a jazz act, from the audio engineering perspective, you’re trying to create an illusion almost that a sound system doesn’t exist, that it will disappear sonically, versus a rock and roll show where a sound system plays a real critical role by providing a big impact, Sjolin said. “We work hard on every show to make sure that the artist is comfortable and that the patrons have a good experience.”
Whether you’re into R&B, big band music, Steely Dan covers, or Broadway tunes, you can be sure that August at the Spire is going to sound great.
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July 29
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., presents Let’s Make Art from the Heart, a creative exploration of art making. Linda Belocas will help you explore different techniques to express yourself through art. The event is aimed at children ages 6-12. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.
July 30
Tuesday evenings, the Chess Club at the Library welcomes chess players of all levels. Bill Petrillo, an experienced chess instructor, and volunteer Jim Pritchard will lend their expertise. The program is open to adults and students. Chess sets are provided. This event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at 132 South St. and it’s free. Your move!
July 31
Divas with a Twist features five powerhouse female vocalists performing a mix of pop, rock, Motown, and original music. They will headline this week’s popular Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. Local artist Cara Brindisi will open. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
August 1
The Spire Center presents The Marshall Wood – Donna Byrne Quartet, including Tim Ray and Les Harris Jr. With decades of experience, these internationally established jazz artists will perform a variety of American standards, jazz standards, and bossa nova. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and you can get them here.
Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Road, presents Spamalot from August 1-17. Monty Python’s outrageous retelling of the King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table saga comes to – the bright side of – life. There are evening and matinee performances. For tickets, go here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront. From 7 to 9 p.m. at 79 Water St.
August 2
First Fridays returns to downtown with close to 25 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms opening their doors for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. North Street will be featured this month. The Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., will be filled with the music of the Slainte Plymouth (previously Celtic Circle), while painter Margaret Rosenbaum will be painting outside the center. Enjoy light refreshments while viewing the members show, “Rhythms.” First Friday events happen between 5 and 8 p.m. For more information, go here.
August 3
The Plymouth public Library presents “Your Vote is Magic” with master illusionist Lyn Dillies. This visual civics lesson is designed to get you inspired to use the power of your vote, to learn that every vote matters and people working together can create change. This event is for tweens and up. The show starts at 1 p.m. at 132 South St. and is free. You can register here.
August 4
The Spire Center presents Branden and James’ “Summer Nights on Broadway.” Vocalist Branden James, with James Clark on cello and background vocals, perform a night of Broadway covers. Known for their classical crossover music, they have teamed up with Broadway musical director, Brett Rowe to create this program. The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 and you can get them here.
August 7
Larsen (Lars Chappell) will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. Come listen to Plymouth resident Chappell’s gritty vocals and blistering guitar. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
Get in the mood as the Spire Center presents the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The 17-member band, on a national tour, will perform big band music hits, including “In The Mood”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Moonlight Serenade.” The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $42 and you can get them here.
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. During this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m. For more information, go here.
August 8
Plimoth Patuxet Museums presents guitarist, Mike McHugh as part of its ongoing summer Thursday night series, The Best Night of the Week. In addition to listening to the music, you are encouraged to take walks along the ground’s winding paths, enjoy lawn games, or eat wood-fired pizza at this family-friendly event. Make your own history. Admission for children 12 and under and Plimoth Patuxet Members is free. Otherwise, you pay for general museum admission, and prices vary. For tickets, go here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront. From 7 to 9 p.m. at 79 Water St.
August 9
The Spire Center presents musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer and band leader Grace Kelly. With 14 acclaimed albums and sold-out concerts under her belt, Kelly has taken the jazz world by storm. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $42 and you can get them here.
Pilgrim Progress, a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath procession to worship starts at 6 p.m. at the Mayflower Society House at 4 Winslow St. Participants dressed in period costumes representing the survivors of the winter of 1621 proceed through town. The event is free. For more information, go here.