Downtown Businesses Hope Music Festival Comes Back Bigger And Better

The popular music festival that puts the Brady District at the center of the universe is being put on hold until 2017, which could impact Tulsa’s economy.

During the Center of the Universe, blocks around the Brady District are shut down for two days as dozens of local and national bands take the stage.

Organizers say, after three years, the festival has outgrown the Brady District and they want to use this year to develop plans to make future festivals bigger and better.

Music is the prime focus of the Center of the Universe Festival, but, on top of that, its purpose is to provide fun and help the Brady District grow.

"It brought a lot of people down here, and I know a lot of the small business and food trucks people, we were all excited about it," said Dog House food truck owner, Josh Lynch.

Since the first festival in 2012, buildings have been renovated and new businesses have opened. Organizers say, because of that boom, the festival is running out of room.

"The economics of the festival world are changing, and bands are getting more expensive. The key is finding the perfect balance between talent, ticket sales, and community support," said festival organizer, Philip Kaiser.

In 2014, the Center of the Universe Festival brought in around $8.7 million. Organizers say an economic boost like that can't grow if the festival doesn't get bigger bands that sell more tickets; so the festival is postponed.

2/26/2016 Related Story: Center Of Universe Festival To Take Break In 2016, Will Return 2017

Lynch said, "I hope they get everything figured out and it comes back the following year bigger and better."

The businesses and food trucks within the festival area generally fair well. But according to Rusty Crane owner, Lee Brannan, businesses sitting on the outskirts often see a drop in business.

"We do take a little of a hit, but it's not a big deal. It's really great to see the people down here, and it's really great for the city it," he said.

Over the years, thousands have come for the festival, and Brannan said those thousands are potential year-round customers.

Some of the proceeds from the Center of the Universe Festival go to supporting local artists, the Tulsa Public Schools music program, and an artist support organization, Red Dirt Relief Fund.