Fleetwood Mac- No dancing allowed!

[BrianSullivan]

Last night was the Fleetwood Mac show by a group called Tusk. They were really good and the show rocked. Little did we know, we would get even more entertainment.

Borough residents may be familiar with several men in town who loiter and relax on the benches through out the day. Some people may call them drunks or bums. For purposes of civility, I will call them the happy fellas.

During the last half of the show, the happy fellas must have been real happy. About half dozen of them got up in front of the stage and started dancing. They were not very good at all and very uncoordinated. I think the blond singer who was singing Stevie Nick's part was a bit nervous.

Anyway, these fellas were really whooping it up and having a good time. It gets better. Rich Gatto from the FCP was there and did not looked pleased. He was staring quite intently and I am sure I saw steam coming out of his ears.

After a little while when most of the happy fellas took a break, Rich made his way over to the front of the stage and asked the remaining dancer to go over to the side and out of the way.

After a while the happy fellas made their way back to the stage and started dancing again. I had turned my back for a while, but was told by people in my group that the police removed the dancers from in front of the stage for good.

Now, other people were dancing in front of the stage through out the night. None of them were asked to refrain. Why the happy fellas? I did not hear one complaint form anybody in the audience. I actually heard people say let them dance.

At one point, there was a little girl behind us dancing. One of the happy fellas approached the girls mom and told her to be careful, dancing was bad.

Needless to say, the whole spectacle was pretty darn funny. Freeholds finest were showing off for our visitors.

[BrianSullivan]

As an aside to the show, this was our first one we attended this year in the new location. Lisa and Jeff both posted some background about this in another thread. It certainly is an idea worth trying out, but we felt it was better in the parking lot.

While the front of the Hall of records is more attractive, it simply is not big enough. The crowd was moderate in size, but it was still a cramped and packed feeling. I can see where a bigger crowd may be a problem.

These shows are also very family oriented. Many people bring their kids. The parking lot appears better for them too so the kids can play and run around while the parents talk with friends or just kick back and enjoy the show. I think the parking lot was nicer just so people could spread out and give each other room.

I also noticed that the parking in the lot was not very full, so I am not sure how much it is needed for that night anyway.

The change was a good idea worth trying and this is just my opinion.

[BrianSullivan]

This is Brian's wife.

Although moving the venue of the concert to the front of the Hall of Records may have been a good thing to try its time to admit defeat. The crowd was obviously not very large which the small venue made more obvious, but people were packed in like sardines. One woman, whose child needed a change, tried three different ways to get out of the crowd before she found one. Should there have been an emergency that required police or ambulance there was no clear way to get to anyone except for the people on the ends. God forbid should the area have needed to be evacuated, there was no clear means of entrance or egress for any but the outside areas. These issues alone should be on concern for a town that does not need another lawsuit. It wasn't until into the second half when people started to leave that things got somewhat better. Change the venue back to the parking lot, were people can spread out, its not only more comfortable, but safer and there would be plenty of room for all dancers including the more jubilant.

[BrianSullivan]

Jul 23, 2010 16:46:10 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

This is Brian's wife.

Although moving the venue of the concert to the front of the Hall of Records may have been a good thing to try its time to admit defeat. The crowd was obviously not very large which the small venue made more obvious, but people were packed in like sardines. One woman, whose child needed a change, tried three different ways to get out of the crowd before she found one. Should there have been an emergency that required police or ambulance there was no clear way to get to anyone except for the people on the ends. God forbid should the area have needed to be evacuated, there was no clear means of entrance or egress for any but the outside areas. These issues alone should be on concern for a town that does not need another lawsuit. It wasn't until into the second half when people started to leave that things got somewhat better. Change the venue back to the parking lot, were people can spread out, its not only more comfortable, but safer and there would be plenty of room for all dancers including the more jubilant.

That post was made by my wife who hijacked my account.

[lisas84]

Jul 23, 2010 16:48:17 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Jul 23, 2010 16:46:10 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

This is Brian's wife.

Although moving the venue of the concert to the front of the Hall of Records may have been a good thing to try its time to admit defeat. The crowd was obviously not very large which the small venue made more obvious, but people were packed in like sardines. One woman, whose child needed a change, tried three different ways to get out of the crowd before she found one. Should there have been an emergency that required police or ambulance there was no clear way to get to anyone except for the people on the ends. God forbid should the area have needed to be evacuated, there was no clear means of entrance or egress for any but the outside areas. These issues alone should be on concern for a town that does not need another lawsuit. It wasn't until into the second half when people started to leave that things got somewhat better. Change the venue back to the parking lot, were people can spread out, its not only more comfortable, but safer and there would be plenty of room for all dancers including the more jubilant.

That post was made by my wife who hijacked my account.

I have so much respect and fondess for your lovely wife! God Shout out to you, girlfriend!

Meanwhile, I really love Kathy Phillips, the "Stevie." I implored her before the show to please do a whole tribute to Ms. Nicks' music on her own... a retrospective. She liked the idea.

[jefffriedman]

I left at the break. I went through the Hall of Records lot and it was full with cars as was the front half of the Court Street lot, The Forman Park part of the Broad Street lot was full also.

As in past weeks kids were also playing on Court Street.

People were sitting on both sides of the street and I have heard that many people have commented that "you should have had these concerts in the past."

It may be a bit more "crowded", I do not think it was "crowded", the Nerds was crowded but never the less I think it is better to have to have it a bit "crowded" rather than empty looking as I thought it did in the parking lot. It is also so much nicer not to be in a Parking Lot, it creates a "scene" and a buzz the the parking lot location never did.

Not only do I think it should stay in front of the Hall of Records I contend that it has been a smashing success. I think it looked empty when it was in the parking lot and no one knew it was happening, from a marketing prospective it is 100% better.

I do think we need to tweak the stage, I personally think the stage should be on Court Street which I think would expand the seating alot. That is a logistical issue because as of now we can not wire the stage there because of the the outlet locations.

[nanciradzewick]

When the venue was moved to the Hall of Records location, I spoke to Rich Gatto regarding their choice at the first concert of this season, The Nerds, which is historically the largest crowd draw of all the groups each season. My concern was the venue was situated too close to a busy street, with small children in attendance and safety concerns as well as the ability to have ample room for dancing and playing. His response to me was that these concerts were NOT about children, but that the concerts are held for the adults. My response was NO, its about families, and that children are very important part of that equation. I feel as though the priorities of the "new" regime of staff of the FCP is more about marketing and less about what might be in the best interests of the residents of Freehold. I have been coming to the concerts for at least 7 or 8 years and truthfully, the crowds are there when the music is good, and they dwindle when the entertainment stinks.

Regarding the "no dancing allowed" concept, this is not the first time that the happy fellas and gals have been singled out. Last year there was an incident with one of the more colorful female dancers who was also enjoying the concert, Mission Dance I believe. She was dancing alongside some of the kids and actually danced with one of the little girls - NO HARM DONE, but she was asked to leave the area after the little girls mother made a fuss.

For the record, it was not the Boro police who singled out the dancer this year, but rather Rich Gatto. The officer who responded did not initiate the situation, did not participate in the initial contact, and I appeared to be a rather reluctant participant in asking the dancer to move along. I personally think that between having the FCP's image tarnished by this discrimination is far worse than allowing one of the local characters an opportunity to amuse himself and the crowd in attendance.

I also feel as though the two rows of "red chairs" reserved for sponsors, etc should be cut back in number or eliminated completely. There would be more room in the "crowded" area for people to spread out and less unused space featuring empty chairs.

Lastly, at the Nerds concert a woman was taken ill and it was quite a difficult time getting to her and removing her from the area as there was no space or clear walkway from the viewing area to the street where the ambulance was waiting. They want a large crowd but do not make accommodations for them, such as rest rooms, etc.

I really think that the Board of Directors of the FCP should take a look at message their employees are sending and recognize this is not an elitist society, but rather an area that is filled with a population that is multi-cultural, with assorted socio-economic means and they should learn to embrace that demographic rather than trying to put a wedge between the different people who come to enjoy the concerts and other events they sponsor.

[BrianSullivan]

Jul 23, 2010 20:44:54 GMT -5 jefffriedman said:

I left at the break. I went through the Hall of Records lot and it was full with cars as was the front half of the Court Street lot, The Forman Park part of the Broad Street lot was full also.

As in past weeks kids were also playing on Court Street.

People were sitting on both sides of the street and I have heard that many people have commented that "you should have had these concerts in the past."

It may be a bit more "crowded", I do not think it was "crowded", the Nerds was crowded but never the less I think it is better to have to have it a bit "crowded" rather than empty looking as I thought it did in the parking lot. It is also so much nicer not to be in a Parking Lot, it creates a "scene" and a buzz the the parking lot location never did.

Not only do I think it should stay in front of the Hall of Records I contend that it has been a smashing success. I think it looked empty when it was in the parking lot and no one knew it was happening, from a marketing prospective it is 100% better.

I do think we need to tweak the stage, I personally think the stage should be on Court Street which I think would expand the seating alot. That is a logistical issue because as of now we can not wire the stage there because of the the outlet locations.

Jeff, you said yourself it is a work in progress and that is the right attitude. The idea of putting the stage on Court Street is a good one if it can be worked out. Speaking of the stage, I like this new one. It is nicer looking than the box style that was rented from Marlboro and the MCPS before that.

I will bring up a counter point, more for the sake of putting it here than as an argument against you.

I agree that the Hall of records is generally more attractive than a parking lot. ( getting away from the crowded conditions for a moment). However, the concept of putting all downtown activity into one area is something to be considered. In a sense, it is worth considering spreading things out for the purpose of spreading out the downtown crowd so that people naturally wander throughout ALL of the down town. After all, there is more to downtown than just that handful of restaurants on East main.

This is a question that can be applied to many things. Take Kruise Night for example. The Main drag is packed. But, go down South Street and it is way too quiet. This question in context is, what can be done to get people to go down South street and visit other places? Spread the crowd out and grow a deeper appreciation for more of the town?

While we are on the topic of ideas, I will add one more that I have written about and still believe in. It is unrealistic right now because of genuine parking concerns, but I am still a firm believer that long term, the Hall of records parking should be converted into a, outdoor amphitheater/commons area with a park like setting. That would be great for the concerts and be a major enhancement for the downtown Main street area.

[BrianSullivan]

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

When the venue was moved to the Hall of Records location, I spoke to Rich Gatto regarding their choice at the first concert of this season, The Nerds, which is historically the largest crowd draw of all the groups each season. My concern was the venue was situated too close to a busy street, with small children in attendance and safety concerns as well as the ability to have ample room for dancing and playing. His response to me was that these concerts were NOT about children, but that the concerts are held for the adults. My response was NO, its about families, and that children are very important part of that equation. I feel as though the priorities of the "new" regime of staff of the FCP is more about marketing and less about what might be in the best interests of the residents of Freehold. I have been coming to the concerts for at least 7 or 8 years and truthfully, the crowds are there when the music is good, and they dwindle when the entertainment stinks. .

Nanci, I want to first welcome you to the site! I hope you continue to participate. Your emphasis on family friendly is very real and very good. These events must stay that way. If the kids are not welcome, we may not see the parents back. It is a fact that family friendly events and activities are the most popular anywhere.

You bring up a good and very real point about the new venue being too close to a very busy street. In my job I deal with very similar situations and parents are right to have this concern. The barricades that were erected are not adequate for child safety concerns.

Your other point is asking about the good of residents. This is such hard topic because the partnership is there for the success of businesses which is ALL of our interest. But, I agree and so do others that more can and should be done to take residents into consideration. The farmers Market is one example. I understand why they do it during the week, but, other towns hold theirs on week ends so that the town RESIDENTS, can attend easier. I will not make it to a single farmers market this year and as a resident it sucks that I cannot participate in such a nice thing in our town.

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

Regarding the "no dancing allowed" concept, this is not the first time that the happy fellas and gals have been singled out. Last year there was an incident with one of the more colorful female dancers who was also enjoying the concert, Mission Dance I believe. She was dancing alongside some of the kids and actually danced with one of the little girls - NO HARM DONE, but she was asked to leave the area after the little girls mother made a fuss. .

Sad, very sad. Only some people can dance? How do we go about making that determination?

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

For the record, it was not the Boro police who singled out the dancer this year, but rather Rich Gatto. The officer who responded did not initiate the situation, did not participate in the initial contact, and I appeared to be a rather reluctant participant in asking the dancer to move along. I personally think that between having the FCP's image tarnished by this discrimination is far worse than allowing one of the local characters an opportunity to amuse himself and the crowd in attendance. .

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

I also feel as though the two rows of "red chairs" reserved for sponsors, etc should be cut back in number or eliminated completely. There would be more room in the "crowded" area for people to spread out and less unused space featuring empty chairs. .

Really good point. I like the red chairs when they are being used as courtesy seating for anybody. That is actually very good hospitality. Reserved seating is elitist and empty reserved seating is an absolute waste of needed space. If everybody cannot use it, it should go.

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

Lastly, at the Nerds concert a woman was taken ill and it was quite a difficult time getting to her and removing her from the area as there was no space or clear walkway from the viewing area to the street where the ambulance was waiting. They want a large crowd but do not make accommodations for them, such as rest rooms, etc. .

Jul 24, 2010 0:11:43 GMT -5 nanciradzewick said:

I really think that the Board of Directors of the FCP should take a look at message their employees are sending and recognize this is not an elitist society, but rather an area that is filled with a population that is multi-cultural, with assorted socio-economic means and they should learn to embrace that demographic rather than trying to put a wedge between the different people who come to enjoy the concerts and other events they sponsor.

Love the above view. We are a fairly diverse town. I amazes me how many people will brag about our diversity but too few know how to handle it. The partnership is not alone.