Six summer concerts in VBT will be at four different locations

Since the stage in Van Buren Park is crumbling and about to be torn down, the VBT Parks and Recreation Department is planning this summer’s concerts in four different locations – on a portable stage.
The portable stage is being leased from the Belleville Area Council for the Arts at $400 per event for a total of $2,400 for the six concerts.
The summer concert series is expected to be approved at the June 2 meeting of the VBT Board of Trustees.
At the May 18 work/study board meeting, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Jennifer Zaenglein outlined the schedule. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m.:
• Saturday, June 27 – Beck Ball Field before the fireworks, Rich Eddy’s Rockin’ Oldies Band ($800);
• Wednesday, July 1 – Walgreen’s parking lot, Belleville Community Band ($500);
• Wednesday, July 8 – Van Buren Park, Howlin’ Mercy ($500);
• Wednesday, July 15 – Van Buren Park, Toppermost ($900);
• Wednesday, July 22 – Quirk Park, The Dan Rafferty Band ($2,250); and
• Wednesday, July 29 – Quirk Park, The Music Lady ($500).
Zaenglein said the total cost for the concerts is $5,450 and she is gathering sponsorships from local businesses and had $900 as of April 30, plus the annual $3,000 from Waste Management. She said with all the sponsorships she got last year, they came out $1,200 ahead.
Zaenglein said a generator comes with the stage so the township will be able to provide power for the performing artists.
“I don’t think using new locations is going to be good,” said Trustee Jeff Jahr, urging Zaenglein to keep track of attendance to measure the success rate in the change of venue.
Zaenglein said last year there were 120 to 150 in attendance per night – 1,000 for the entire series. She said she uses a counter to click for each guest.
She said the audience pays entrance fees at Van Buren Park, but there will be no fees at the other places.
Clerk Leon Wright said the township board wants to place more emphasis on Van Buren Park, which was discussed at the township board’s retreat.
Also at the June 2 regular meeting, the board is expected to approve the 2015 fireworks show contract with Zambelli Fireworks Company for $10,000. The show is scheduled at Beck Ball Field on Saturday, June 27. Rain date is Sunday, June 28.
There were three fireworks bids: Zambelli at $4,892, Melrose at $3,103, and Greatlakes at $825. Zambelli was recommended by the Recreation Commission at its April 14 meeting.
Supervisor Combs will be seeking donations from corporate businesses for any overtime wages that occur with police and fire personnel for the event.