That means the 600-capacity venue is about to become a lot more Internet savvy. According to Riffage.com, the purchase plays a key role in the strategy behind its Riffage Live division, which is dedicated to producing cross-media live performance and programming opportunities for major and independent artists.

“We hope down the line to be able to offer broadband webcasting to all of the artists who perform here,” music hall GM Tony Caparelli told POLLSTAR. “And if they choose to take us up on that offer, then they’ll find themselves being able to promote themselves over the Internet … and being able to capture audiences around the country as they tour.”

Great American Music Hall principal owner Claire Brouwer took the venue off the market last November because she couldn’t find the kind of buyer she wanted – one that would continue the legacy of the hall.

However, Riffage came through with a promise to maintain the heritage of the legendary venue while bringing it into the new millennium.

“Riffage.com will continue to operate the hall as a traditional concert venue, in addition to providing artists the opportunity to webcast and archive their performances on Riffage Live’s Internet programming site at http://live.riffage.com,” a statement said.

The company also intends to keep the hall’s current staff and management team in place.

“Everyone from the talent buyer and the bookkeeper to the private events manager to the bartenders are all staying on,” Caparelli said. “It’s a great organization full of very competent people and Riffage respects that.”

The hall will operate under the direction of Riffage Live VP/GM Jason Rubinstein with Caparelli providing day-to-day management. Brouwer will also stick around for awhile in a consulting role.