By Kathy Rowe
Despite a minor hiccup, the July concert series was a great hit this summer! The concert that kicked off the series was the Latin band “Bing Serraro and the Ramblers”. A first-time appearance at our Port Union concert series, and they were very well received. Children’s entertainer, “James Funnyhat” performed for a third year in a row and closed our series this year. His music and storytelling was enjoyed by all who came.
What was the minor hiccup, you ask? On July 14, the day that Port United performed, the Weather Network was showing a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain for 8 p.m. Despite the possibility that the forecast could change, I decided to trust it and at 4:30 p.m, I made the call for an indoor concert that night. This is never an easy decision, and fortunately I haven’t had to make it very often in the many years I have helped coordinate these concerts. This popular band can easily draw upwards of 250 people, but the hall at the Port Union C.C. can only accommodate 150.
I knew this was not going to be easy to manage. Thank goodness the band members were gracious about having to perform indoors and I thank them for being so understanding. By 6 p.m., audience members were arriving and asking why we couldn’t be outdoors. My explanations regarding weather were repeated many, many times as the sun began to break through the clouds. It figures! But it was too late to break down and set up outside at that point.
By 6:30 p.m., I needed full-on security to control the numbers of people wanting a seat in the hall. Thanks to helpful building staff and an amazing concerts committee, all entrance and exit doors were covered.
In the meantime, I was in the parking lot apologizing to the arriving family-filled cars letting them know that the hall was full. I added, “but you are welcome to set up your chairs just outside the hall windows on the strip of grass by the parking lot.” Facial expressions changed from disappointment to contentment. The strip of grass soon filled with many patient and understanding music lovers. Doors were cocked open as the music spilled out toward the parking lot. Listeners pressed their noses to the windows to watch the band while others danced nearby. Quick thinking sound technician, Daniel Menezes, arranged fortwo extra speakers to be set up outside for the listeners.
I was so impressed by how flexible and agreeable everyone was. It turned out to be a terrific evening! By the way, it never rained a drop on our parade!
