Management of the Leflore County Civic Center has cut in half its normal rental charge for an upcoming charitable concert.
But concert organizer Ruben Hughes said charging any money for the concert is "the craziest thing I've ever heard."
The blues concert planned for Nov. 12 is being organized to benefit hurricane victims.
Larry Griggs, chairman of the Civic Center's board, said if the Civic Center offers a free concert for one person, it opens the door for everyone.
"If you continue to let people having it for free, you can't maintain the upkeep of it," Griggs said.
The Civic Center normally charges $1,000 or 10 percent of proceeds, whichever is greater. Instead, the board will charge half, or $500.
That money could be paid out of proceeds. It doesn't have to be upfront, Griggs said.
Hughes called Griggs' reasoning a "cop-out."
On Monday, the matter was brought before the Board of Supervisors. Board President Robert Moore, District 2 supervisor, said he would find someone to underwrite the charge.
"We're going to do it one way or the other. It's going to happen," Moore said Tuesday.
Griggs said it is the board's duty to serve as a watchdog and take proper care of the facility. That includes generating funds to meet its bills, he said. "It has to be somebody's concern," he said.
Hughes is working with Operation Save Us out of Chicago to organize the event. Together, they have arranged to bring water, food and clothing to Greenwood.
From Greenwood, the materials will be sent to Hattiesburg to be distributed in hurricane devastated areas.
To raise more money, a blues concert featuring Otis Clay, Bobby Rush, the Chi-Lites and other artists will be held Nov. 12. Hughes plans to charge $12 admission at the door.
The show will go on, regardless of location. If the Civic Center doesn't work out, Hughes plans to move it to the Bolivar County center in Cleveland. "If I had $500 I would just send it straight to the Red Cross," said Hughes.
