Would you be interested in hearing progressive musicians like Wilco, Ani DiFranco and Death Cab for Cutie perform on New Westminster’s waterfront? If so, you’re not alone.
Chris Lee, president of Beyond Marketing Group, is hoping to partner with Timbre Concerts, a Vancouver-based concert promoter, to bring a summer music series to Westminster Pier Park. They’re aiming to do a trial of two or three concerts in mid to late August 2016, but the plan is to eventually expand it and make it a signature event for the city.
“An exciting idea,” said Coun. Bill Harper. “The park certainly is built for that. When we planned it and designed it, the lawn you see down there is actually called the festival lawn because we expected it would probably seat about 2,000 people in an event.”
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy said he travels to places like Oregon to attend the type of concerts that are being considered for Pier Park.
“I know what they are, I know what kind of niche you are addressing. Black Eyed Peas, Ani DiFranco, if you brought those people to New West, I’d be very happy with that,” he said. “For those that don’t know, that’s good quality.”
McEvoy joked that if organizers could bring Wilco to New West, they’d likely get a couple of votes for the concept from council.
Council referred the matter to staff for a report.
The businesses started working with the city on the proposal almost a year ago and have dealt with issues raised by several departments and made a presentation to the parks and recreation committee.
Lee recently told city council that each concert could generate an economic impact of $200,000 for local restaurants, hotels and businesses. Along with generating economic opportunities in the city, Lee said it would help brand New Westminster as a progressive, vibrant, unique, family-friendly, young-at-heart and fun and exciting city.
The plan is for three to four-hour events, with concerts ending by about 10 p.m. because of noise restrictions.
Lee said it’s anticipated each event would require about a one-and-a-half day park closure for setup and tear-down.
“We do understand it is a public park,” he told council. “We also understand as far as the park itself, it was designated as a festival grounds so it was made for holding events.”
According to Lee, Beyond Marketing Group’s work has included putting on numerous concerts for corporate clients, while Timbre Concerts has been in the concert-promotion business for about 30 years.
Coun. Patrick Johnstone said he’s excited about the opportunity of activating that space on Westminster Pier Park.
Coun. Mary Trentadue said she likes the idea of having an organization doing some programming in Pier Park, but wondered if they’d be willing to consider doing some afternoon events that may be more family friendly.
“I believe in a vibrant city,” McEvoy said. “It’s my hope that people can go online every weekend in the summer and say what’s happening in New West because something’s always happening in New West. The economic and social benefits of that for our city are pretty strong.”
