Summer Preview 2010

Ives Concert Park Improving Facilities, Diversifying Offerings

By John Voket

DANBURY — Under the watchful eye of its executive director, Newtown resident Phyllis Cortese, the Ives Concert Park situated in the unique setting of the westside campus of Western Connecticut State University is undergoing quite a renaissance.

So perhaps it is fitting that the event opening the Ives’ 2010 season is the popular Southern Connecticut Renaissance Festival, and the summer will continue with a spectacularly diverse lineup of events and artists that truly offers something for every taste and age.

The rebirth of the Ives Center is not only evident in its schedule, however, as a recent visit by The Newtown Bee found facility staff working with electrician students from Abbott Tech and a tree service. While the technical high school students worked rewiring and enhancing the outdoor lighting and electrical services for vendors at the venue, the tree service was removing a couple of huge Willows that had previously towered over the backstage area.

Ms Cortese said that once the utility and tree work was completed, the backstage area, dressing rooms and concert offices would be repainted, adding to the spruced up appearance. A few weeks earlier, just before Earth Day, volunteers began the process of beautifying the grounds with a project by landscape designer Camilla Worden, who used the environmentally-themed holiday to break ground on a new garden at the entrance of the popular outdoor venue.

This year, the new “Adopt-A-Garden” program provides the opportunity for area professionals to showcase their landscaping abilities to the tens of thousands of visitors who visit the venue during the summer concert and performing arts season.

Opportunities to adopt garden plots also exist, and more information on that program can be obtained by calling Ives Authority Board Member Ellen Cavallo Bucciti at 203-740-2452.

Plenty of visitors have already had an opportunity to see these developing improvements, as the aforementioned Renaissance Festival opened for the first of its three week run during the Memorial Day weekend.

That event plays out on six stages featuring everything from magicians to storytellers to knights in battle. Highlights will include a full-armored joust staged by Noble Cause Productions, an internationally recognized joust reenactment troupe, music, comedy, jugglers and much more. Also featured will be a variety of merchants offering Renaissance-related items such as clothing, art, jewelry, florals, figurines and more.

The next event scheduled for the Ives is the Connecticut Latin Music Festival on June 27, followed by a free July 4 performance of the US Air Force Band of Liberty. An Ecuadorian Festival is scheduled at the park on August 15; Jazz Under the Stars is set for August 20; the popular free Family Fair Festival will be held the weekend of September 18-19; and the venue’s 2010 season will close with the always popular Irish Festival, September 24-26.

Just-Announced Additions

Waterbury-based Premier Concerts and Keith Mahler is again working with the Ives to present the Union Savings Bank Summer Concert Series which will feature the Moody Blues on July 13; the alternative rock band Cake (“The Distance”) on July 15; jam band Widespread Panic on July 23; Willie Nelson & Family on July 31; and A Prairie Home Companion creator Garrison Keillor on August 18.

Just announced is a triple-bill rock and soul show with Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs and Steely Dan’s Donald Fagan on August 19, followed by classic rockers Randy Bachman and Fred Turner playing all their BTO hits on August 28.

Premier and Kirschner Concerts are also bringing in Slightly Stoopid, which is described as, “a fusion of acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk.” That show, supported by Cyprus Hill and Collie Buddz, is set for July 24.

This season will feature more reserve seats than ever, as well as the highly accommodating lawn area with its more affordable admission prices.

All concerts are rain or shine, and free parking is available on site; visitors are encouraged to carpool. No pets, no glass, and no alcohol or beverages of any kind are allowed to be carried into the park. Soft drinks, water, energy drinks, beer, wine, food and snacks are available for purchase, and vendors only accept cash for all food and beverage purchases. There is no ATM on site.

Also, the Ives management cordially requests visitors to leave the following items at home: all animals and pets, fireworks, video equipment, tape recorders, cooking equipment, cameras, weapons, illegal drugs, and bikes.

Guests are, however, welcome to bring blankets,  lawn chairs, binoculars, purses, coolers (carrying food only; again, no beverages of any kind are allowed into the park).

Tailgating is strictly prohibited, and picture ID is required for all alcoholic beverage purchases. Camping is prohibited. Special arrangements for wheelchair accessibility can be arranged by calling 203-837-9226.

Links to all venue information including advanced ticket sales can be found at www.IvesConcertPark.com.