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Since opening The Loft, our mission has been to create a truly unforgettable listening room experience—where world-class music, handcrafted wine, and chef-driven cuisine come together in one intimate, welcoming space.
We’re now looking to upgrade our existing virtual broadcast system to better capture and share that experience beyond our walls—and we need your help to make it happen.
This next-level upgrade will allow us to deliver studio-quality livestreams, expanding access not only to our performances but also to the stories behind the music, the winemaking, and the food. Our goal is to make The Loft not just a venue, but a hub for education, discovery, and connection—for music lovers, artists, and curious minds near and far.
Importantly, these high-quality recordings will also be made available to the musicians who perform here, enhancing their careers and visibility long after their time on our stage—just as we already do with our professional photography.
With your support, we can build the region’s most immersive and enriching virtual stage—for artists, audiences, and learners everywhere.
In the future, we hope to offer ticketed livestream access to help cover the cost of its operation, but everyone who donates to this campaign will receive free access for life.
Why This Matters
From the very beginning, we’ve dreamed of sharing the rich music and culture of our community with a broader audience. Whether you’re a loyal patron, a performer, or a music lover from afar, we want you to be able to experience the exceptional performances at The Loft—even if you can't be here in person.
High-quality livestreaming isn’t just about plugging in a few cameras—it's about capturing the soul of a live performance. That requires the right tools, and that’s where you come in.
The Plan
Studio-Quality Sound
We’ll route a direct USB connection from our digital mixer to a new Mac Mini and use Logic Pro X to build a custom livestream mix. This allows full control of audio quality—far beyond what platforms like StreamYard can deliver—and ensures a near studio-level sound for your at-home listening. By switching to OBS, we will save as much as $70.00 a month in broadcast fees.
Professional Video
Two PTZOptics 20x optical zoom cameras—controlled directly from our livestream computer—will give us crisp, dynamic visuals. While we’ve dreamed of a third camera and joystick controller, we’ve prioritized what truly matters: two cameras are more than enough to capture the experience beautifully.
Compelling Promo Video
To introduce our new livestream experience, we’ll film a day-in-the-life at The Loft—featuring artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage in the kitchen with Chef Kaylon Sweet, and real guest testimonials. This video will help us tell our story to the world.
Breakdown of Costs
Item Cost
2x PTZOptics Move Cameras $2,198
Mac Mini M4 $549
Logic Pro X (Audio Software) $200
USB to Cat5 Extender $60
Ultrawide Monitor $200
PTZ Joystick Controller (Optional) $648
Filming & Editing (Promo Video) $850
Total Goal $4,705
Setup and tech support will be provided by a volunteer—saving us hundreds in labor costs!
How You Can Help
Your contribution—big or small—will help bring the joy of live performance to so many who can’t be with us in person. Whether you’re tuning in from across town or across the country, this is your chance to help build something meaningful for artists, audiences, and our entire creative community.
Let’s make The Loft at Hermit Woods more accessible, more connected, and more unforgettable—together.
Thank you for your continued support.
With gratitude,
Bob Manley & The Hermit Woods Team
Organizer
