TCAN Upgrades Audio Technology With Grant from Foundation for MetroWest

The Center for Arts in Natick has completed a major upgrade to its audio system, thanks to a generous grant from the Foundation for MetroWest. TCAN has planned a multi-phase upgrade, which will take the 10+ year old audio system and replace it with a state-of-the-art system that can be enjoyed by all audiences. 

With this grant, TCAN was able to finish Phase I of the planned audio upgrade: the installation of two Meyer 500-HP subwoofers with 1,800 watts of power each in the main performance hall. These amplifiers isolate and deliver bass frequencies more efficiently, delivering a clearer sound and improving the experience for the TCAN audience.

Since the installation in July, the upgrades have not gone unnoticed by the artists or the patrons. Returning TCAN musicians, like the English Beat, Howie Day, and Tom Rush, experienced the new sound quality produced in the main performance hall. The difference was obvious to both the artists and the audiences, who noted the enhanced clarity of sound and cleaner articulation of the bass frequencies.

"TCAN is unique in New England as a relatively small venue that provides a very large concert experience for patrons," says David Lavalley, TCAN's Executive Director. "Through this generous grant from the Foundation for MetroWest, our audio technology moves further towards the state-of-the-art and TCAN becomes even more appealing to our regional audience and the national touring artists we seek to attract."

“The Foundation for MetroWest has always been a strong supporter of the arts and TCAN,” said Judy Salerno, executive director of Foundation for MetroWest. “With this grant, TCAN can continue improving community access to the arts and boosting economic growth for the MetroWest region.”

As members of the TCAN Founders Society, the Foundation for MetroWest supported the first renovation of the historic firehouse in 2003. In 2010, a grant from the Foundation for MetroWest allowed for the installation of high-quality projection equipment in TCAN’s main performance hall, enabling film screenings and multimedia capabilities for performers and education. Through this longtime support, Foundation for MetroWest has continued to partner with TCAN on its mission to sustain affordable arts access for the local community.

The next planned phase of TCAN’s audio upgrade will include replacing the main speakers and amplifiers.

About Foundation for MetroWest

Foundation for MetroWest connects philanthropic opportunity with demonstrated need in MetroWest. The Foundation promotes philanthropy in the region, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofit organizations, and enhances the quality of life for all of our citizens. For more information, visit www.FoundationforMetroWest.org.

About The Center for Arts in Natick

Founded in 1997 with a mission to build community through the arts, TCAN is the Metrowest region’s premier performing arts venue with over 20,000 ticketed patrons each year. TCAN’s concert series has featured performances by Peter Wolf, Judy Collins, Joan Osborne, Don McLean, Dave Mason, Lori McKenna, Paula Cole and hundreds of other national and local touring artists. TCAN strives to increase community participation in the arts through theatre productions by the TCAN Players; an all-ages teen music program called Rock Off Main Street; visual art exhibits and weekly Open Mic events. TCAN also works to make the arts accessible to the broadest possible audience through arts education programs for children, including afterschool theatre and arts education programs.

TCAN is an authorized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.