That’s Like Some Madison Square Garden Madness
Bennett Stein (Junior, Pioneer HS) waxes poetic his long term relationship with Breakin’ Curfew (Neutral Zone and University Musical Society’s collaborative musical teen talent show)
Two years ago, I was starting my freshman year and Steve Hall (the big, scary senior) asked me if I wanted to come help out with a new project at the Neutral Zone, as well as go to a bunch of UMS shows for free. How could I say no? I met a ton of kids right off the bat, the coolest upperclassmen in Ann Arbor. My first year, I definitely had more of a watching role — watching what Steve was doing and trying to learn the ropes.
Last year, Ian Pollack and I were the co-production managers for Breakin’ Curfew, and Josh Hayward was in charge. Ian and I worked closely with Jeff Beyersdorf at UMS to make sure the show looked how we wanted and ran how we wanted it to run without breaking the bank. We scouted the acts, and made sure everything was progressing how it should be. I also worked with Mary (Moffett, NZ’s PR Director) to create a full media plan to make sure the show sold out. We had a teen design the promotional poster as well, which was a logical piece to add to the production.
One high point of last year’s show: we had set a goal to be on the cover of The Ann Arbor News’ Spotlight Section, and we got it. Here’s how: I cold-called the editor of that section, he took my call, and he interviewed me on the phone. Next thing, right before the show: we’re on the cover. It was a big thrill to be recognized in that way. I mean, Wynton Marsalis was on the cover a couple months before, as were all the big UMS acts. Then “Neutral Zone’s Breakin’ Curfew.” We always knew teens thought it was a cool show but it was satisfying to get adult recognition for it. That recognition reaffirmed that we were involved with the real thing, not some ‘teen’ event. Breakin’ Curfew stands on its own.
One other high of last year’s experience: the end product. I’ve never been more proud of something I’ve created. We sold almost 1300 tickets to the event, packing the Power Center to its capacity. I knew it was big time when we actually had to turn away would-be ticket buyers — that’s like some Madison Square Garden madness. It was incredible to see so many people enjoy the show that we had developed.
This year (year three for me), I’m running the show. I’m the Steve Hall and the Josh Hayward, which is crazy because they’re the Neutral Zone big names. When Josh handed me the Breakin’ Curfew binder, with everyone’s notes from years back, it was pretty awesome —very ceremonial. It is a lot more intense for me being in charge, but I have an outstanding team. In my opinion (of course) these are the best NZ kids — the most involved, the most committed, the best musically. They know the most about their individual areas. I’m not a musician, but I can organize a show filled with music because all these great teens, NZ and UMS staff surround and help me.