By Neale Gulley<br><a href="mailto:gulleyn@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Neale</a>
The Tonawanda News
May 02, 2008 12:44 am
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Promoters of this summer’s Gateway Harbor Park concert series seem poised to make their mark on the popular summer venue.
“We got a few big fishes. It’s a pretty fresh lineup, with some artists that have never been here,” Coordinator Larry Denef said.
The parties responsible for booking the talent are now requesting an extension, meaning a full schedule is expected on or before May 9.
The confirmation date was moved up by three weeks when compared to previous years. A change in promoters culminated in late February and left the parties involved about two months to solidify all eight dates included in the contract. The initial deadline was May 1.
“We wanted to make sure all the kinks were worked out before we got started — so we’re a little behind,” Mayor Larry Soos said.
Concerts Plus, of Williamsville, and Metropolitan Talent Inc., claim to have booked six separate acts — one confirmed pending a contract signature and the other awaiting confirmation.
“They’re going for a top quality band for this concert and if they don’t get it, I think they have two others in the back,” Soos said.
The mayor, who is privy to the schedule, said only one band has played the series in years prior. The others are names people should recall, although he had to defer judgment based on a lack of familiarity with the music, an issue having to do with his age and generational affiliation, he said.
“I know the names but I don’t really know any of the music,” he said.
The mayor made clear that other, slightly younger individuals are excited by the confirmed shows.
A memo sent to City Hall recently from Concerts Plus requests consideration by the council for a ninth date, to fall somewhere within the original eight Saturdays, in order to host Catholic musical performances. That arrangement would likely include musicians like Matt Maher, Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth, among others.
The idea came about after promoters from “The Station of the Cross,” Catholic Radio 101.7 fm — located in Williamsville along with Concerts Plus — contacted organizers here. Concerts Plus is specifically recommending the performance take place from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24.
“This could be a pleasant change to the Gateway music venue and allow another segment of the community to enjoy the harbor area,” the memo states.
Soos said the additional date would likely go for council consideration at next Tuesdays workshop before being considered formally at the next regular meeting, May 13.
The series is scheduled to take place every Saturday from June 21 to Aug. 30 at the Gateway Harbor Park, along Sweeney Street.
Contact reporter Neale Gulleyat 693-1000, ext. 114.
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