It's Official! Eddie Owen Coming to Red Clay in Duluth

It’s official! Eddie Owen, the founder and former manager of Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, is coming to Duluth. In a brief called meeting Thursday afternoon, the Duluth City Council approved a two-year lease agreement with Owen that allows the legendary music promoter to use the Red Clay Theatre in Duluth as a live music venue.

“Eddie Owen Presents” at the Red Clay Theatre could open by Thanksgiving weekend.

The council had delayed action on the agreement at a previous called meeting Monday (Oct. 24) to give the council, the city attorney and Owen’s attorney time to review the document. Owen appeared before the council at its regular Oct. 10 meeting to make a formal presentation to use the Red Clay after negotiating over the summer with Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee.

The agreement between Owen and the city allows him to manage the 250-seat Red Clay Theatre in downtown Duluth and book musical acts on its stage. Owen plans to present live musicians in nighttime concerts at the Red Clay Theatre and offer workshops and classes for singers, songwriters and musicians during the daytime.

Owen said Monday that he would like to launch “Eddie Owen Presents” at the Red Clay Theatre with a show Thanksgiving weekend.

Under the agreement adopted by the council, the city and Owen will split the net profits of “Eddie Owen Presents” at the Red Clay Theatre 60/40 with EOP receiving 60 percent. EOP would keep 100 percent of the net profit from concession sales.

EOP will take over paying the Red Clay Theatre’s utility bills starting April 1, 2012, and immediately begin paying for telecommunications, cleaning labor and supplies, and paper products. This will relieve the city of the $45,000 annual cost of keeping the theatre operating.

The city, which owns the theatre, agreed to pay an estimated $16,000 to $20,000 in county, city and school property taxes that likely would be assessed since the theatre will become a for-profit operation. The taxes will be paid from the city's share of revenue generated by EOP.

Councilman Billy Jones made the motion to approve the lease agreement. Councilman Jim Dugan seconded it. The vote was unanimous at 4-1. Councilman Doug Mundrick was not present at the special meeting. Owen also was not in attendance.