Life

City shrinks seating area for last R&B concert

By Bill Moss, Published: August 12, 2013

Organizers of the popular Rhythm & Brews Concert series have asked patrons to leave their folding chairs at home for the final concert this week.

Crowds have grown for each of the three concerts so far and last month many bluegrass fans arrived early for Balsam Range and set up camp chairs, occupying a large part of the available space. Some concert-goers said they thought the large number of sitters detracted from the sociability of the event and made it almost impossible to move around.
"We have some limitations in terms of space for chairs and in an effort to promote an environment that provides for everyone's enjoyment and safety, we are asking that only those fans who require a seat for the show bring their folding chairs," Downtown Director Lew Holloway said.
The city will rope off a limited seating area for this Thursday's concert. Volunteers will be available to help attendees locate these areas. Once the reserved area for seating fills up, concert goers will be asked to leave their folding chairs outside the venue. The seating areas will open at 5 p.m.
"We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to work to improve this very well received event," the city said in a news release.
The concert starting at 6 p.m. Thursday opens with the Eric Congdon Band followed by the headliner, R&B and funk legend George Porter Jr. and the Runnin' Pardners.
The Rhythm & Brews atmosphere has been "one that mimics a festival type environment," said Babs Newton, one of the series organizers. "This means travel ways between the stage and vendors and elsewhere need to be maintained for everyone's enjoyment of the show."
The first city-sponsored entertainment event downtown that sanctioned the sale of beer and wine drew a bigger than expected crowd from the start and has grown each month. Organizers have made several changes already, moving the beer ticket tables and beer tents and other concession stands, in an effort to accommodate the crowds.
"We've been working hard after each show to improve the experience for everyone," Newton said. "This is a continuation of those efforts and I am sure we will learn even more from this experience."
August features the final Pardee Main Street Mile race at 5:15 p.m. Onsite registration is available.
Patrons can also donate to the Backpack program at Bruce Drysdale Elementary School that helps needy children by providing extra nourishment for the weekend. Non-perishable items needed include Beanie Weenies, Spaghetti O's and Ravioli in small cans with pop tops, Ramen Noodles, Mac and Cheese, Pop Tarts, oatmeal packets, small cereals, nutri-grain bars, cheese crackers, chips, cookies, pretzels, puddings, individual fruit cups and applesauce. No nuts or peanut butter.