Organizers of Music in the Park in Grand Forks are hoping to make performances in Gyro Park easier to see.
John McNamara, who is on the board of directors, said they have received feedback from audience members over the years about the set-up, which places the bands inside a building that is otherwise used to store and display large historical artifacts.
“There’s an old metal caging system that doesn’t make for a nice wide open stage,” he said. “So we want to open that up more so that there’s better viewing for the audience. It also makes it more of a proper stage environment for the bands to play on and to set up.”
McNamara added that the cage doesn’t operate smoothly because of a sagging beam and the poor condition of the track cages. He said drummers are prone to being hidden from view, plus there is an uneven sidewalk in front. The current wood stage within the cage isn’t big enough for bands, so they end up using the sidewalk in front of the stage area and also set up their sound equipment there.
A local iron worker has looked at the building and provided some options to create a wider area with possibly an elevated rear stage. A new steel frame beam and post system could provide better support and allow the removal of two centre posts to open the stage area, McNamara said. The stage could have a widened opening and a centre section that slides out to extend over the sidewalk during the performances and then retracted afterward.
Because it’s a city-owned park, the changes will require council’s permission. The request went to council last month but no decision was made. Council wanted to discuss the proposal with the group first.
Music in the Park isn’t seeking any money from the city and proposes to raise funds for the project on its own. McNamara said depending on how soon they can get permission and come up with the money, they hope it might be ready in time for next summer.
The group is open to feedback from their audience and local musicians about the stage and any other ideas to improve the event. Attendance has averaged about 180 people per show with peak attendance of about 300. Music in the Park has collaborated with Gallery 2 the past couple of years, and this summer the event coincided with the Night Market.
