Key West Exploring Future Management Of Coffee Butler Amphitheater
Rams Head Presents will not exercise contract extension, city officials say
The City of Key West is exploring new options for managing the Coffee Butler Amphitheater after its current operator, Rams Head Presents, informed city officials it does not plan to exercise a three-year contract extension available later this year.
Assistant City Manager Michael Turner notified the City Commission in a March 4 memo that city staff recently met with the operator to discuss the future of the amphitheater’s operations agreement.
“Their contract has a three-year extension available in August, and they don’t plan on exercising that option,” Turner wrote. “The city is currently exploring options as to how the amphitheater will be managed and will hopefully have a better idea of the future in the coming months.”
The update followed a request from Commissioner Sam Kaufman, who asked city management for information about the status of the amphitheater’s operational agreement and whether the city anticipated issuing a request for proposals for future management of the venue.
Kaufman also asked whether the city had received any indication from the operator about its intentions and whether management had insight into what appeared to be a lighter concert schedule this season.
In his response to commissioners, Turner acknowledged that the amphitheater experienced a slower season of shows.
“It did appear to be a slower season than usual for shows, partially due to losses they took on shows the season before and due to an amphitheater being built in Clearwater,” Turner wrote. “Some of the bands who came the year before optioned for that location.”
The venue has also faced criticism from some performers and production crews who say the facility lacks amenities typically found at touring venues. Musicians who have played the Coffee Butler Amphitheater have noted the absence of a dedicated green room, permanent restroom facilities and backstage hospitality space for performers. Others have reported sound quality issues in portions of the venue, particularly in the outer corners of the amphitheater seating area.
Rams Head Presents is a regional concert promoter and venue operator based in Annapolis, Maryland. In addition to managing the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, the company programs shows at the Key West Theater and produces the annual Key West Songwriters Festival, one of the island’s largest music events.
The company also operates and books concerts at venues in Maryland and other markets, including Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, and produces several songwriter festivals and concert series across the country.
City officials did not outline a timeline for how amphitheater operations might be handled once the current agreement expires, but Turner said staff will continue updating commissioners as planning moves forward.
The Coffee Butler Amphitheater, located at Truman Waterfront Park on the site of the former Truman Annex naval property, is one of Key West’s primary outdoor entertainment venues and hosts concerts, festivals and community events throughout the year.
Was wondering why past acts were skipping past here. Makes sense on the issues described. Maybe the city manager will allow the powerboats to park all over the amphitheatre. No need for lawn sears anymore.