Columbia Theatre’s Ghost Light concert venue will host its second modern concert for music lovers of all ages.  
Doors will open at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. The artist lineup features Tandem; Yo, Picasso; Modern Language and Startisan as the headline band. Tickets can be purchased for $7 at the door or during regular Columbia Theatre box office hours.
The vibe and purpose are primary differences between the Ghost Light and other musical venues.
“This is a place where the music is why you come here. These aren’t cover bands,” said David Avelar II, operations and production technical assistant. “We want to put together events and shows that an audience wants to see, but we also want to give a stage to artists who are serious about their music and are here in the area.”
The venue will be utilized throughout the semester as a trial project in promoting college-aged audience involvement in the Columbia Theatre.
“It’s still in the testing phase. We’re seeing if this is something people want to come see,” said Avelar. “If people don’t enjoy it, then there’s no reason to do it. We feel there’s a need for [this type of venue] in Hammond, and we want to fill that gap.”
In providing entertainment for the Hammond community, the Ghost Light also provides a stage for newcomers in the industry.
“We’re hoping that one of these bands hits big, and we can help present them,” said Pete Pfeil, associate director for operations and production.
Startisan, a Baton Rouge-based poetic rock band, often plays in Cate Street Pub, but has had a difficult time finding venues to play their original music. They became aware of the Ghost Light venue through recommendations from close friends.
“From what I’ve heard the Ghost Light is an amazing place to see a show and should prove to be a unique experience, different from your typical bar gig,” said Jon Scholl, keyboard player for Startisan. “We are looking to get back in touch with followers of the band we haven’t seen in quite some time, get to know the other great bands on the bill and hopefully between the four bands we can create a memorable night for everyone involved.”
The conference room will be redesigned to showcase the artists with a concert stage, professional sound and lighting systems.
“We’re seeing what we need in here to make this function more efficiently. I think we’re on the way up,” said Avelar. “We’re known for our productions of quality in the main hall, and we’re bringing that into here for the Ghost Light.”
The first concert exceeded Avelar and Pfeil’s expectations for the kickoff event.
“We hit our goal and got more of a response than I thought we would get off of the first show,” said Avelar. “People stayed for the show’s duration, and the artists were happy, which made us happy.”
The venue focuses on promoting new and local bands. After the initial concert, word began to spread to local artists.
“We were interested in playing at the Ghost Light because we really want to be a part of the Hammond music scene, which hasn’t had a good rock venue in years,” said Nathan Heck, bassist for Yo, Picasso. “Hammond’s music scene has been held back by the lack of venues. Hopefully, the Ghost Light can change that.”
For the initial concert, Avelar reached out to contact artists, and the artists have begun to seek out slots for the upcoming shows. Each of the featured bands sent complete press releases in hopes of performing at the Ghost Light.
“These four bands really care about what they’re doing, and you can really see that,” said Avelar.
Overall, both staff and artists are anticipating an exciting and successful evening for the upcoming concert.
“Startisan and the other bands on the bill are all fantastic, and we are so happy to be involved,” said River Gibson, singer and rhythm guitarist for Tandem. “All I know is that we’re going to give it everything we have, and we can promise a crazy fun night for everyone there. I just hope Hammond knows how to dance.”
Find more information about the Ghost Light venue at Columbia Theatre’s website at columbiatheatre.org, which includes links to each band’s Facebook page.