Article from the CT Post today:
BRIDGEPORT ? Gathered around a map propped on the hood of a 1996 Volvo in Seaside Park Wednesday, the Board of Park Commissioners finalized plans for a four-day concert that will split the waterfront park in half.
Gathering of the Vibes, set for Aug. 9-12, will take over the entire east side of the park. A crowd of up to 13,000 concertgoers and campers is expected.
For the duration of the event, the west side of the park and beach will be restricted to city residents with beach stickers.
Fencing for the concert and parking areas will start to be erected next week.
On the west side, there will be 858 paved parking spots for city residents. No day passes for non-residents will be issued for the duration of the Vibes.
Concert-goers will get windshield passes and be allowed to park in both designated field areas on the east side, plus in nearby lots.
City Parks Director Charles Carroll called the job of keeping the west beach open to the public a "huge" undertaking.
Kenneth Hays, president of Terrapin Presents, the Danbury firm organizing the concert, told commissioners and city officials during the muggy, on-site meeting he has a comprehensive plan.
"There\'s a buzz, no doubt about it," Hays said. "Ticket sales are going well. We\'re selling about 125 tickets a day right now. The last 10 days coming up to the event, typically, is when 50 percent of our tickets are sold."
The concert has already drawn 6,000 people who want to camp in the park over the four days.
The concert space has a capacity for up to 20,000. Hays expects 13,500 or more, depending on the weather. He anticipates concert coverage from The New York Times, CNN and Rolling Stone magazine. Sirius Satellite Radio is a sponsor.
"Everyone\'s watching us. We know that and we\'re up to the challenge," Hays said.
The lineup includes about two-dozen bands, including Bob Weir & Ratdog, George Clinton & P-Funk and Los Lobos.
This is the third time a Vibes concert has been held in the park, but the first time since 2000.
The annual event had to find another location while Seaside Park underwent renovations a few years back. Hays said he\'s happy to return to Bridgeport.
In addition to allowing campers to park and set up tents on the grass for the concert, parking space has been arranged at lots on the nearby Remington and Sikorsky properties. Hays also hopes to be able to offer parking at the garage adjacent to Housatonic Community College.
Concert officials are also using facilities at the University of Bridgeport to house and feed staff during the event.
Deputy Police Chief James Honis said police would staff all major intersections near the park. In addition, State Police will be stationed near Interstate 95 entrances. Terrapin will also hire private security guards to patrol the campground.
Honis expects some traffic congestion at the start of the event, with 65 percent to 70 percent of campers expected to arrive starting at 7 a.m. Aug. 9.
Some commissioners raised concerns that the three miles of fencing will interfere with the Nutmeg State Games, which plans some events at the park the week before the concert.
Hays said there is some flexibility over what part of the fencing is installed first, but said the job takes nine days and must be finished by Aug. 2. The venue needs to be secure before equipment and lighting for the production can be set up.
George Estrada, the city\'s public facilities director, said the camping and parking shouldn\'t hurt the grass as long as it doesn\'t rain for several consecutive days before the event. He asked for assurances, however, that ball field infields not be touched.
"They\'ve been a good organization to work with. They\'ve cleaned up after themselves. We\'ll have a meeting on fields that morning," he said.
For Gathering of the Vibes ticket information, call 226-8729.
do not miss this Sunday afternoon set. good things happen. that is all.
buzz on the streets is this will be matt ostrichers first full show with the breakfast.
jeff,my friend,can you confirm/unconfirm this rumor?
so does anyone have any information about where this free stage is and will i need a bridgeport resident to get to it?
buzz on the streets is this will be matt ostrichers first full show with the breakfast.
jeff,my friend,can you confirm/unconfirm this rumor?
I could.
:lol: Wah asking someone else to confirm a rumor. CLASSIC!
i do beleive i too have heard that rumur
well,im looking forward to the new breakfast members first official show.
i,for one,think its kinda a big deal.
is it confirmed? i am very excited as well if this is true..
There is truth in every rumor.
Is GOTV the last show?
absolutely not.
Well it all depends on one\'s perspective now huh?
Ok so its the last show sans keys? That ups my happiness level 27%.