ASHTABULA — Tough economic times have taken their toll on a popular, beachside entertainment.
City officials canceled the “Bands on the Beach” summer concert series at Walnut Beach because of a lack of funding, according to a press release sent Monday from the city manager’s office.
“We regret that it is necessary to take this action,” the press release stated. “We are sorry for any scheduling inconvenience this may cause.”
Ward 4 Councilwoman Julie Lattimer said, “It’s disappointing, very disappointing.”
Elaine Swanson, wife of City Manager Anthony Cantagallo, and local concert pianist Timothy Kalil, came up with the Bands on the Beach idea in 2006.
On Monday, Kalil said he really enjoyed the experience.
“I made a lot of people happy on that beach,” he said.
Every concert drew about 500 people who enjoyed hot dogs, cool drinks from the concession stand, while dancing or tapping their toes to music from the World War II era.
When the free, monthly concert series began, Cantagallo said it was part of his vision of bringing the community together to discover one of the city’s natural resources, Walnut Beach.
City Auditor Michael Zullo said the concerts cost about $5,000 a season. The money came out of the Walnut Beach fund.
Ward 2 Councilman Bernie Roskovics said he knows a lot of people are going to be disappointed. After all, the Ashtabula Brass Band headlined the first concert of the 2009 season last month and it drew a large crowd, he said.
“It was beautiful,” Roskovics said. “It was one of the best things we offered.”
Ward 3 Councilwoman Ericka Severino said, “We can’t lay people off and then pay for bands on the beach.”
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