Triple Star Sound Stage Brings Soulful, Affordable Music to Washington

R&B songstress Vivian Green and legendary performer Chico DeBarge will share a stage Saturday, Sept. 25 for a concert put on by Triple Star Sound Stage in Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium.

Green, known for her breakout hit “Emotional Rollercoaster,” which discusses the difficulty of loving a man who doesn’t treat her well, will headline the event while DeBarge, member of the legendary DeBarge clan, will begin the show with 40 minutes of his smooth, sensual sounds.

Normal tickets for the artists, which can easily sell for more than $50 on separate bills, are double what the show will cost at Cramton. The Triple Star Sound Stage tickets for the event range between $24 and $27.

Created With Affordability in Mind

Part of the mission in starting Triple Star Sound Stage was to allow the people of the District of Columbia to enjoy music at a low cost.

“There was a void,” says founder Aaron J. Holmes. “I don’t think that void exists right here in D.C. I think it’s a void that exists throughout entertainment as a whole. There are a lot of profiteers that exist in the business of entertainment.”

As the antithesis to those profiteers, Holmes used his company to provide music to music lovers at a cost much lower than they’d normally pay, and music to casual fans at a cost that would convince them to see the artist they’ve listened to on the radio. Triple Star Sound Stage’s less-expensive shows are still profitable and Holmes is able to cover his expenses.

Holmes began the company in 2008. The “triple star” title comes from the three stars on the District flag. Out of 30 names scribbled in his notebook including “District Sound Stage” and “Metro Stage,” the name “Triple Star Sound Stage” was finalized when Holmes’ mother announced it was the one she liked best. From there it began, with concerts featuring artists such as Natalie Stewart of neo-soul group Floetry and rising R&B crooner Teedra Moses.

 “I like to look at my shows as demographically inclusive,” says Holmes, who added that people who appreciate music, rather than those in a specific demographic group, can “certainly appreciate going to see good, quality acts at an affordable price.”

Holmes used this demographic inclusiveness to book artists like DeBarge and Green, who released their first albums 16 years apart but are still popular and respected names among audiences.

Holmes says his feat to have more than one popular artist on less-expensive bills is no easy task.

“As a promoter or a buyer, I understand that people have bills, and people have other things to do with their money,” Holmes said. “It’s extremely important that I fight with artists, venues, whatever, for every single dollar.”

From Saturday to the Future

As Triple Star Sound Stage starts its second year of concert promotion and planning, the young founder who has not yet reached 30 has a few hopes for his company and Saturday’s concert.

Holmes expressed his interest in doing more events geared towards college students, saying he might do an affordable comedy show as early as November. He’s also interested in booking Amel Larrieux as the next artist in his set of Triple Star Sound Stage concerts.

As for Saturday, Holmes wants to hear DeBarge perform his brothers’ hit “I Like” and “No Guarantee.” After hearing Green sing “Emotional Rollercoaster” live, Holmes hopes she will grant his birthday wish and sing “Happy Birthday” to him on stage. Holmes celebrated his birthday on Sept. 18.

With or without the birthday dedication, Holmes will continue to use Triple Star Sound Stage to hit home with his constituency by attempting to remove the financial decision that comes along with most forms of entertainment and providing music to the residents of Washington.