By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

The campaign to save the King Arts Complex Heritage Concert series this year conjures images of the old rent parties that allowed neighbors to help one another in tough economic times.

 Now there's a word for the effort," Soulonomics."

 The complex bills itself as "The Soul of the City" and Executive Director Barbara Nicholson said the staff coined the word to reflect the outpouring of community response after the announcement that the eight-week series was to be canceled if no financial support surfaced.

 "Through its support, the community is making a choice that's not just based on economcis, but the things that touch your soul and spirit," she said.

 A radiothon and other monetary commitments ensured that the series got off the ground on July 9 as originally scheduled.

 Although $25,000 has been raised so far, another $7,000 is needed for the rest of the series, Nicholson said.

 Volunteers and staff members have been passing the hat and encouraging the public to chip in a little each week.

 A few audience members said they were unaware of the fundraising effort, but those who did said they had no problem with kicking in a few bucks for the cause.

 Long-time concert patron Dennis McGee, who went public with his complaint about what he regarded as overpriced handicapped parking at last week's Jazz and Ribs Fest, said he was comfortable paying a small sum for the Heritage Series.

 "They should have done it a long time ago," he said at the July 30 performance by Jazz Patrol.