Talk of a possible performance band shell on the remaining Schlumberger property has the idea of a covered stage in Ballard Park on hold, according to summer concert organizer Barbara Manners.
Announcing a fund-raising push to help support concerts for the coming season — the music in the park is scheduled to start May 26 with the rockabilly Sweetback Sisters — Ms. Manners addressed the band shell idea.
A member of the Board of Selectmen as well as the producer of the summer park concerts, Ms. Manners said that a number of groups in town have expressed interest in having a band shell in town for outdoor performances of theater, symphony, summer concerts, and the like. The thinking is that a covered stage or band shell would be especially useful in a place where nearby parking would not present a problem.
The remaining 30 acres of the Schlumberger property suggests itself. A committee to be appointed soon by the Board of Selectmen is expected to study a wide range of possible uses and futures for the 30 acres.
“It would be wasteful,” Ms. Manners said, “to raise money for a new stage in Ballard Park if sometime in the not-too-distant future we could have such an exciting venue close to the center of town.”
First Selectman Rudy Marconi said there had been talk of a band shell or covered outdoor stage, and agreed that it made sense to hold off until the Schlumberger site has been studied.
“It’s been mentioned as a possibility. If it’s a possibility, then why put money into something at Ballard Park when it could happen somewhere else?” Mr. Marconi said.
“Who knows what the outcome of that citizens committee might be. It could be open space. It could be a part of it could be a band shell in there. It could be a catering facility. Maybe they’re going to say, ‘Leave it corporate.’ Maybe they’re going to say police and fire in there.
“I’m not going to say anything to preclude one of those,” Mr. Marconi said. “It’s up to the committee to come back and recommend to the town.”
The concert series
The CHIRP (Concert Happenings in Ridgefield Parks) series relies on the public’s donations, and Ms. Manners recently sent out its fund-raising appeal for 2015. CHIRP will be starting its 14th season, the concerts having been begun in the aftermath of 9-11 to bring the community closer together. They’ve grown to become a major part of Ridgefield’s spring and summer, regularly drawing big crowds to the park — and the village commercial district.
What began with nine concerts its first season now presents more than 20 free concerts a season, depending on the amount of money raised from the annual appeal and from underwriting contributions from local businesses and generous individuals and family foundations.
Seeking a trailer
In the past, all money raised has gone to pay for artist fees and the cost of sound production, Ms. Manners said, but this season some of the money may have to go to purchase a camper to serve as a “green room” for musicians before and after they perform.
In past years, a used trailer was donated, most recently by the Dunn family, but this year a trailer may have to be purchased — unless another donor comes forward with a gently used camper or RV. The cost of a replacement green room trailer could limit the number of concerts CHIRP will be able to present, Ms. Manners said.
Shows go on
Still, the season is set to begin on Tuesday, May 26, with what Ms. Manners describes as “an established kick-ass country/rockabilly band, the Sweetback Sisters,” making their debut appearance at CHIRP.
She said her hope is that the series will be able to continue thereafter with its regular schedule of Tuesday night events through Labor Day and Thursday evenings in July and August. Some of the groups already confirmed to perform include C.J. Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band on June 30; Hot Club of Cowtown on Aug. 11; the Fairfield Counts, an 18-piece band that appeals to swing music lovers, on July 9; and Cherish the Ladies, the Celtic ensemble, on July 28.
Ms. Manners said she’s excited by other possibilities lined up for this summer. “Over half are new to CHIRP,” she said.
“Disappointingly for us, but certainly not for them, several old favorites have become so successful that they are no longer within CHIRP’s price range. The most recent example of this is St. Paul and the Broken Bones, who we presented in June of 2012, their first performance ever in the Northeast. Today they are packing concert halls nationwide and asking at least $20,000 a concert.”