This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Warsaw Park Superintendent Larry Plummer told the park board earlier this week about the struggles of finding nationally acclaimed entertainers that are in the city’s price range for its two big annual free concerts.
Money from sponsors and the city covers those costs and Plummer raised the idea of increasing the city’s contribution.
Earlier this summer, Great White was the main act for the “Rockin’ for Riley” classic rock concert in Central Park, and last week, a trio of well-established country singers performing under the name, The Frontmen, was the headliner for the country concert.
Plummer talked about the difficulties they’re facing after Tuesday’s board meeting.
“Over the years, we’ve got Kansas, we’ve got big bands … and then COVID hit, and it just seemed like the prices of artists just jumped — I mean it jumped twofold,” Plummer said.
The current funding level, he said, limits the choices of entertainers who are available within their price range.
“It’s hard. This year, we only had about two bands to choose from,” Plummer said. “We were lucky to get what we got.”
The free country and rock concerts have been a tradition for more than three decades since Central Park first opened.
The park board is seeking to increase that funding for next year, but city council has the final decision.
“We’re hoping that by jumping from … like say $30,000 up to $40,000, that we can get a few more on that list and have some availability,” Plummer said.
City Council will begin reviewing department budget plans on Aug. 3.
