About two years ago, I tried to start a drum circle in Forest Park. I talked to the Parks & Recreation rep. in that beautiful building that they occupy in this park and I was told that use of the bandshell would cost me around $3000 a pop. This is a pity because I have a few friends who would enjoy banging a drum once in a while. Drum circles are quite a popular activity and I am sure this would be a nice passtime for some of the Woodhaven, Glendale and other nearby neighborhoods.
I also happen to be a musician and would love to bring my PA, my guitar and amp. to perform on this lovely stage. There would of course be no charge and I have a few musician friends who would love to join me. I know that we would find an audience in the neighborhood. Free events are known to be popular and beneficial in a lot of various ways.
The Parks & Recreation Department claims that they are providing something along those lines, but most of the time, I pass by the Bandshell and there is nothing going on.
Here's an example of what they are offering:
1. Various Google searches for Forest Park and/or The George Seufert Bandshell eventually led me to this item on the www.queenstribune.com site:Forest Park Concert Series
George Seuffert Bandshell
Woodhaven
July 9-Aug. 13
Where else could you find tributes to Hillary Duff, the Eagles and put John Travolta to shame on Disco night, other than attending the 2006 Forest Park concert series.
Throughout the summer, beginning with Queens Kids Night June 9 at 6:30 p.m., residents will get to enjoy a full-lineup of star-studded performances and entertainment. The events are held on various nights, geared to almost any age group and are free of charge.
Most of the events will take place in the historic George Seuffert Bandshell. So, check the schedule, take the trip to the borough’s third largest park, grab a seat or get on your feet and start dancing, because this summer promises to be nothing short of years past.
2. So then, I searched for "Forest Park Concert Series" and I found this item on www.nycgovparks.org :Forest Park Concert Series
Thursday, Jul 26, 2007
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Queens
Kirsten Thien features a ciove that's been described as in the press as sultry, soulful, emothion-drenched and just plain beautiful. Opening act Bill McGarvey has been hailed as a superb and first class songwriter. Located at the George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, Woodhaven, Queens.
Sponsored by Council Member Gallagher
It is great to see that Kirsten features an
"emothion-drenched ciove," and without trying to imply anything, I would just love to know if Kirsten is sheling out anything - Or perhaps goodman COUNCIL MEMBER GALLAGHER is - (why? - cause he's the sponsor - that's why!) - Or, even better, if you get in good with COUNCIL MEMBERS maybe you get on stage for free - Or, here's an even more pretentious thought perhaps the COUNCIL is actually paying these people to perform!!!??!!!
I guess my drum circle is out! BTW - I myself have sometimes
"been hailed as a superb and first class songwriter." If you'd like to hear some samples go to
http://www.songweavers.com/ and look for Mr. Llime. I have a bunch of songs that I wrote or collaborated on.
If you pay attention to the dates you will notice that the first item is from 2006 and the second one from 2007. I am just trying to point out how difficult it is to find information about Forest Park. Prospect Park on the other hand has its own site with a good calendar of events and a series of FREE summer concerts headlined by mega stars like Ziggy Marley & The Neville Brothers - we get someone who can imitate Hillary Duff - Where did our borough of Queens go wrong? - Forest Park is only slightly smaller in area than Prospect park, but our Bandshell is of about the same size and is faced with some very lovely benches that could seat a nice little audience. So, maybe if enough people read this blurb, one of them might be the one who could make this happen, or the one who could tell me how I can get in with the COUNCIL. If only I could talk to them, I could tell them that I have a REAL LOT of musician friends on
http://www.songweavers.com/ and that some of them will always be available or a free concert - Does anyone think that might do the trick?
