For nearly 15 years, Baton Rouge’s Red Dragon Listening Room, a nonprofit venue, has stood as an example of how patrons can directly support the artists and musicians they love.
Located at 2401 Florida Blvd., Chris Maxwell, a salesman by trade, and his wife, Liz, founded the venue.
At Red Dragon, every cent of guest ticket prices goes directly to the artist. While shows are typically $20, the prices can range depending on the acts.
The term “ticket price” is a bit misleading, though — Maxwell prefers to call it a “seat donation” because he isn’t involved in the transaction at all. In fact, absolutely nothing is sold at the venue, so Maxwell encourages his patrons to bring their own food, ice chests and even well-behaved dogs.
“We really want to appeal to people that value the art that we’re presenting, and it all goes to the artist, so it’s not a question of price,” Maxwell said. “The people that come to our shows value the art and value the artists, and I’m proud to say sometimes we’ve paid people double or triple what they make at other places.”
From the outside, Red Dragon Listening Room isn’t much to look at, but inside, Maxwell has created a comfortable and eclectic setup of donated couches, individual chairs, church pews and 16 seats from a 1940s theater in Foley, Alabama.
“It’s an ugly old building, and from the outside, it looks like hell, but you walk in and it’s the most comfortable place in town,” Maxwell said.
All of the events at Red Dragon Listening Room have followed a similar format since the venue opened, featuring touring acts as headliners with Louisiana acts opening the show.
“If you’re playing original music, you might play to three people at a daiquiri shop,” the owner said. “So, by bringing in touring acts, we’re able to put the Louisiana artists in front of larger crowds and people realize the talent we have within this state.”
Maxwell also hosts events at the Manship Theatre called the Red Dragon Songwriters Series, which feature more prominent touring acts.
Over the years, Maxwell has recruited some of the biggest names in songwriting, including Joan Baez, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary.
“I’ve approached some people I have no right approaching, but they like our format and they like the fact that we’re a nonprofit, so they’ll come play with us,” Maxwell said. “It’s remarkable.”
Red Dragon typically hosts three shows per month at its primary location and one show per month at the Manship Theatre.
The venue also works to raise either cash or canned food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Maxwell encourages all of Red Dragon’s patrons to bring at least one item of canned food to each show, sometimes even hosting special shows focused specifically on raising money and food.
In 2014, the venue raised one ton of food, Maxwell said.
“I know we’re kind of small-time, but if every business did the same thing, the food bank would be overflowing, and right now they’re not,” he said.
There are currently two upcoming shows scheduled at Red Dragon Listening Room in April. On Wednesday, April 13, The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam show will be performing, and on Friday, April 15, they’ll host world-famous songwriter Iain Matthews.
The Red Dragon Songwriters Series will also be hosting singer-songwriter John Fullbright on Saturday, April 30 at the Manship Theatre.

Gallery • 1 Photos

Wingate Jones

The Red Dragon Listening Room is a non-profit music venue which donates its profits directly to the artist.