Band Shells Anyone?
Earlier today I received an email from Kevin Gaughan who forwarded me an email from his friend out in California. The email inquired whether Buffalo had any bandshells that were in need of a good fixing up. Here is the crux of the email:
"I have a good friend named Glen Williams who runs a charitable Foundation called the Mortimer Levitt Foundation in Los Angeles. This foundation was established by Mort Levitt, the founder of the Custom Shirt Shop store chain.
Mort grew up in New York City and throughout his life he was a patron of the arts. His love was music. Mort's foundation has a very specific mission. The foundation offers capital and other assistance to communities in the U.S. that want to build or rehabilitate out door band shells.
Turns out that lots of out door band shells were constructed in the 1920's and 30's throughout the U.S. It used to be a common way for communities to gather together and socialize. Many of the band shells are now in disrepair and no longer used. In some communities, the band shells have turned into unattractive places where criminal conduct is frequent, like drug dealing and prostitution.
Are there band shells in the major parks in the City of Buffalo?" - John
I thought about the question, but I could only recall the Calvert Vaux-designed Spire Head bandstand that used to be at the foot of Hoyt Lake. That was completely burned to the ground... but it does constitute a band shell of sorts - maybe we could get it back through the abovementioned foundation. Are there any others that were located around the city?
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PBL
Lasalle Park has a great band shell.
There used to be many great concerts down there about 10 years ago. At one time I believe the funds from one of the Junior League decorator show houses provided a summer series.Now I don't hear much about these events.
Maybe we can have a concert called, "Music for the Dogs"! My dogs actually love music.
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VonBeeble
Wow, I was going to post that Lasalle Park had one, but I haven't been there in a few years and wasn't sure if I was remembering wrong. I know they have one in Niawanda Park and in Lewiston as well.
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chris69
Lets not forget that the PAN AM had numerous band shells and platforms....and there are plenty of parks and other locations where reconstructed gateways, fountains, statues and band shells would be more than welcome additions to the community
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MRodgers
Only one caveat - The Olmsted Group might need to be in the mix as they have jurisdiction over the area. ie: Shakespeare in Delaware Park is not allowed to implement a permanent staging area and, therefore, have to re-install the stage each year, tear it down at the end of the season and remediate the sod - very costly operation (and wear and tear on the stage) where the funds (about $20K annually for the sod repair) could be redirected to a permanent structure that would enhance Shakespeare Hill year round.
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MJWorthington
Those old pictures of our park system never fail to amaze me.
So much more can be done than an asphalt parking lot, some playing fields and a plastic playground that they try to pass of as parks today.
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Chris
Aren't you confusing two different structures? The bandstand was near the west end of the lake near the casino. The Calvert Vaux-designed Spire Head structure (I've never heard it called a bandstand) was to the east. Music was once a regular feature in Delaware Park on summer evenings, however I think the road noisefrom the Scajaquada Expressway precludes any reestablishment of that tradition.
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Frankenberry
There is the Miller Bandshell at Niawanda Park in North Tonawanda. Right on the Niagara River. Used just about everyday during the summer with local bands and such playing free concerts for the public.
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chris69
chris....yes I want the Calvert Veax designed spire head structure rebuilt and there is a large tract of empty land between Hoyt Lake and the Delaware S curve (opposite Forest Lawn Cemetary) that would be a much better location for a PAN AM (Art Nuveau or Spanish Renaissance Style) Band Shell.
I like that location because it leaves the pristine section of Delaware Park undisturbed year after year
The S-Location of Delaware is under-used and would provide free advertising to those driving by
The S-Location od Delware is not as noisy as the Scajaquada and its an under-used area of Delaware Park so the band shell can stay all year long without providing much objection from the Olmsted Conservancy.
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