When we posted the 2009 Summer Schedule of events in Forest Park, this event was one we were looking forward to.  Plus, it was Opening Night -- the first evening event of 2009 at the bandshell.  So, it was gonna be cool.  But, then the rain fell . . . and fell . . . and continued to fall.  Wednesday morning (and early afternoon) it was coming down pretty steady -- and the forecast for the evening wasn't very favorable.  But as it neared showtime, it was just a light drizzle -- so we decided to take a chance. 

We packed what we always pack when heading out into wet weather -- what my Father always called Woodhaven Camping Gear -- namely, a bunch of plastic garbage bags.  You can put one down on a bench if it's wet -- or use one as cover (like a mini-tent) if it rains hard.  Anyway, we arrived safely -- but there was one minor problem -- I messed up on the time and we arrived thinking that the show began at 6 PM -- instead, it began at 7:30. 

So, we hung out and made a few friends with the folks setting up for the show.  We also met Barbara Amarantinis, Special Events Manager for Forest Park.  Below, at left, is the tent they put up to protect some of the equipment.  At right you can see the stage -- all of the instruments and equipment needed to be set up under the little overhang, as close to the back wall as possible.

Slowly, the stage started to fill up with equipment, and though it was still an hour before the show was to begin, people started wandering in and taking seats.  With the weather so chancy everyone was speculating how many people would actually show up.  But as you can see below, by around 6:30 the sun started to put up a fight, and that probably helped a lot of people make up their minds.  

Now we were getting closer to showtime.  We heard the band had been delayed -- they'd had a minor fender-bender on the way to the show.  But we were still pretty much on schedule for a 7:30 start.  They were playing some oldies music, and after a long humid day there was actually quite a nice, cool breeze.  It was a nice relaxing atmosphere -- the crowd was friendly and talkative.  If you haven't been up there for a show, you should check it out -- once again, here's the summer schedule. 

There was a little bit of drama when they turned on the lights.  Some birds had build nests in a few of the lights and there was a lot of smoke when they were turned on.  But the workers quickly sprang into action and managed to turn off those individual lights.  At right, Joe Curcio, Marketing Director for Ridgewood Savings Bank (who sponsored the event) addresses the crowd and introduces the band. 

And then the show began.  First up was Neil Diamond, belting out his famous tune "America."  Mr. Diamond sang a few of his greatest hits as the crowd was still filing in.   

Or Click Here To GoTo Part 3 - The Beatles and The Beach Boys    

If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com.  

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