Today former Plaza Live GM Kirk Colvin released the following statement to Amplify.

I am a very private person but after the shooting of Christina last night and the 100s of calls, texts, and emails I felt releasing a statement is required for the clarity.  As of June 1st I was no longer the GM of the Plaza Live Orlando.  As the Plaza LIVE GM since 2010 I have personally managed 700+ events with 1,200+ artists and I’m proud of the personal touch I provided taking time to know each artist’s music, history, and in many cases them.

It was not publicly known that the entire management team was replaced by the Orlando Philharmonic board on June 1st so they “could go in a different direction” and the replacements were completely inexperienced in venue operations.  It appears this was done to cut costs and increase revenues.  Very sadly this tragedy occurred during the very first concert managed by the new staff.

My heart goes out to the family of Christina who was a wonderful, talented up and coming artist murdered at The Plaza Live in this senseless tragedy. I’m also thankful all the Plaza staff was quickly accounted for and safe.

I’ve emailed all the board members and called for those board members responsible making a decision to change management to resign before they can do more damage to a venue we all love and not attempt to place blame on anyone else for their poor judgment.