Country Club Hills hiring theater manager

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Updated: February 12, 2012 8:14AM

The Country Club Hills Theater soon may have a new management team.

The city council Monday voted 9-0 with Ald. Cynthia Singleton (1st) abstaining to proceed with two contracts for the city-owned outdoor concert hall.

One agreement would have Chicago-based promotions firm Concert Management Inc. running operations for the multi-million dollar facility at 4116 W. 183rd St.

The 3,000-seat outdoor bandshell offered 12 shows last summer, each headlined by rhythm and blues acts. Aldermen threatened to close the venue before its first show last season, citing the fact that it loses money.

This year, 24 dates are expected on the summer roster, with Concert Management general manager Al Kennedy promising more variety.

“Last year, there was nothing for the kids, there was nothing for young adults, and there was no blues, no gospel, no comedy,” Kennedy said. “And that’s the main thing. We’re going to bring a whole different variety.”

The city also moved forward its talks with Techniquarium Inc., a Chicago-based graphic design firm that will redesign the theater’s website. The company also will boost online marketing, dedicating a Facebook page, Twitter account and Youtube channel for it.

“We want to get out months in advance,” Techniquarium spokesman Derek Lindsay said, “because the tickets are not $15.”

Discussions will continue this week to finalize bids on the contracts and documents then will be reviewed by the city attorneys.

The council is expected to grant final approval for both contracts at its Jan. 23 meeting.