Can Mesker Amphitheatre Be Saved? My Facebook Friends Respond (UPDATE)
Yesterday, I posted a blog about the current state of Mesker Music Theatre. My position, and what I've been told by political insiders in town (I mean, I've been on the radio here going on 37 years. I've met a few folks) is that there is very little interest among city-county government into dropping 7-8 million to renovate and get that venue up to code. Do you see that happening? Here's a few posts in response to my blog by some of my 5000 Facebook friends.
Michael Joseph Armanno I have a vision for Mesker Park Amphitheater. Instead of trying to rehabilitate it to house Lady Gaga, why don't we tear the stage down, plant grass, and open the venue up to large LOCAL Festivals like the Mesker Park Music Festival which is a benefit to start the conversation and raise money to begin the project!
Thanks Michael W Sanders for the discouraging message. I hope you can attend and support our community endeavor to Save Mesker Music Amphitheater.
P.S. I am merely a concerned citizen who would like to see this place operational again. I don't have any say or sway to make anything happen. But a group of local artists and musicians are hosting a festival in support of this. It is important to the community so lets be proud enough to let our leaders know.
Phillip Schulz sometimes demolition costs more than just renovating it.
Michael W Sanders Michael, I certainly wasn't trying to be discouraging. I just wrote about some of the things that I know are fact and the other conjecture. I would be more than happy to promote your festival on our website and Facebook.
Michael Joseph Armanno I appreciate that. You are a public figure, you coming forward saying you don't think it can be saved, especially as one of the largest supporters of the cause, is a bit discouraging. I think the community needs to come together and show the city that this is something we care about.
Michael W Sanders Michael I agree with most of what you said. I'm only pessimistic because I have a little bit of the inside scoop on things. Am I right about something I want to be truthful. And especially when it's a blog I feel obligated to offer my opinion. I think if the money could be raised the city might pay more attention. When you have your event like I said I will help you promote it. My experience with Mesker music theatre, is vast. I've played there, I have organized and promoted shows there, so I don't know if there's anyone more than me I would like to see it renovated and put back in action. I was just merely speaking of some of the reality that I know of
Robin Fuller Bates Please keep us posted, Michael Joseph Armanno. I grew up here in Evansville with that amphitheater. There is definitely a nostalgia around it that I just know could be tapped into! It is a part of every 50ish native Evansvillian's coming of age story, and I believe there's a strong draw there that has not yet been acknowledged or even tapped into. I'm sharing your post.
I think Michael has some good ideas. But, at the same time we need a major investor and some tax breaks to get this done.
Like this page. It only helps the voices to grow.
Just in. The Mayor talks about Mesker in his Sate OF The City Address. Video courtesy Courier and Press
Video courtesy of the Evansville Courier & Press. We love hearing this news and as the mayor mentioned "gather stakeholders and figure out a plan to reopen the historic facility and provide memories for future generations"
Posted by Save Mesker Music Amphitheatre on Tuesday, March 8, 2016
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