Use it to justify it …
March 12th, 2008, 3:56 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Linda Weller
For the past few years, I’ve heard criticism that the city should not build the amphitheater at Riverfront Park because it is not needed; it won’t be used enough to justify the $5 million cost; the money would be better spent elsewhere; and once finished, it will be hard to get to with limited parking in the immediate area.
Supporters of the project say an amphitheater has been in the Riverfront Master Plan for nearly two decades and it will be crown jewel of the park’s renovation. The money comes from gambling revenues, among other sources, and put in a “resticted” use fund. They believe with the right entertainment booking company, the venue will draw crowds to the city, which in turn will spend money Downtown.
I really don’t have an opinion one way or the other as to whether Alton needed an amphitheater, understanding both arguments.
The fact remains, though, that this huge structure is taking shape near the city’s best-known attraction - the Mississippi River. From the north, the evolving amphitheater resembles a partial “Cahokia Mounds.” Drive down to the park for a closer look, and you’ll see walls mirroring Alton’s old limestone, and mazes of metal that will form the partial roof support. It’s easier to picture how it will look from close up.
The fact remains, there’s no turning back now. The proof of its worth, though, will play out in how the amphitheater is used, and how frequently.
Of course some people ridiculed the idea that a top-notch performer would come to Alton, which is probably true, since the amphitheater only will seat 4,000 people. So realistically, the venue would attract lesser-eschalon entertainers, which isn’t a bad thing. It would be a good site for the Alton Municipal Band to alternate with which to alternate with their other long-time venues.The stage also would work for comedians or local entertainment competitions.
To increase use of the amphitheater, St. Louis-based or regionally based bands, including those who play at local taverns, should be welcome to perform there. Some of us like to go to their concerts, but when they begin playing at 10 p.m. or later, or in a crowded bar where you have to stand up the whole time, it’s not appealing to those of us of a certain age. A savvy band might choose to play at the amphitheater in the late afternoon or early evening, then bring the second half of the performance to a restaurant or tavern in Alton for a late, encore show.
So far, I’ve only heard there are hopes to offer a patriotic concert in conjunction with the annual July 3 fireworks show on the riverfront.
Those who plan the functions of the future amphitheater need only to look down the road to Edwardsville for inspiration and ideas on “doing it right.” That city has a small bandshell, the Cleaon Etzkorn stage in City Park. It accommodates the Edwardsville Municipal Band, the annual Arts in the Park series on Friday nights and some festivals.
The Arts in the Park concerts, most by St. Louis-area musical groups of varying genres, draw good-sized crowds of people of all ages. Children enjoy running about or laying on blankets and looking up at the stars while the music plays. Regulars bring their lawn chairs and coolers. The atmosphere is “small town,” and you see people you haven’t seen in years. Children and older people who feel the urge will get up and dance in front of the stage - a separate show in itself. Local organizations sell beverages, popcorn and cookies as fund-raisers. The best part is the concerts are free.
I’ve gone to several of the concerts and I hope they continue the series this summer. It would be great to also be able to experience this type of family-friendly concerts in Alton, too.
For ideas, groups I’ve heard play in Edwardsville’s series are Soulard Blues Band, Cumberland Gap, Farshid Etniko, George Portz and His Friends of Bluegrass and Raven Moon. I would request them to add Fiddleback and Nienhaus, Liston and Crawford to the lineup, for starters. I appreciate their Parks and Recreation Department for providing this entertainment for the public, even those of us who don’t live there and pay taxes to support the concerts.
Those planning the future for Alton’s amphitheater also should consider that sometimes the stage is only secondary to what is going on around it, as in Edwardsville’s Route 66 celebrations or its international fairs in City Park. While people snack and shop the vendors’ tents, performers sing or dance on the stage.
With some people in Alton taking the initiative, thinking creatively and keeping usage rates reasonable, that riverfront amphitheater could be a busy place. Let’s hope!
