By Mark Scott
Lewiston, NY – Artpark unveiled plans Wednesday for its 30th anniversary season.
Big band concerts, a summer residency by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the musicals "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and "A Chorus Line" highlight the 2004 summer season at Artpark.
The famed summer cultural attraction first opened in the summer of 1974. Artpark President George Osborne says they're hoping to recapture the magic of that opening night.
"The park officially opened on July, 25, 1974," Osborne said. "The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performed in concert that night. We're planning to recreate that on July 25th this year with a special concert conducted by JoAnn Falletta."
Back then, New York State fully subsidized Artpark. With what seemed like an unlimited source of money, Artpark was able to attract Miles Davis, Ethel Merman, Bonnie Raitt and a host of others that first summer.
Thirty years later, the budget is tighter. The state spigot has been turned off and operations have been turned over to a private entity known as Artpark and Company. Osborne says now revenues need to match expenses.
"We have to be certain that the programs we put on are going to attract sponsors and patrons," Osborne said. "That's a good thing. It's demanding that we program to the tastes of the audience."
Artpark will be featuring a number of big name acts for its Tuesday in the Park concerts, ranging from Grammy Award winning "Asleep at the Wheel" for the opener on June 15th to appearances by classic rockers Gino Vannelli, Dave Mason and Blood, Sweat and Tears later in the season.