Most users don't receive timely push notifications when an email is received. Especially in the case of Gmail, which is the most popular email provider with Android users, since they employ an algorithm to automatically categorize emails in categories such as "promotions" and "updates" - which causes those emails to not trigger a notification.
Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were notifying them of shows in advance, but I see now it's meant to be a "the show is about to start now" notification. I see why mail wouldn't work for that.
Emails could be used to send users of up-coming shows ahead of time. I turn off notifications for everything (except SMS and alarms) as I frequently am not in a position to drop everything and do something just because I receive a notification. I just catch up on my messages every now and then and from my emails I can schedule any important alarms for times I need to do something or add things to my calendar so I know what's happening. Instant notification are a huge disruption to my workflow and rarely benefit me.
Well yeah, all users can see the schedule at any time by visiting the website. They still want a notification to serve as a reminder, because many people are forgetful, especially new users who haven't gotten used to the schedule yet.
