Should the city allow rock concerts at Libbey Bowl?
If promoters comply with the contract, including supplying additional professional security and end approved events at 10 p.m., is there a problem?
posted by OVN administrator at 4:15 PM
43 Comments:
I enjoy the music and richness and variety that it provides. I can hear the music from house (on Drown) and it makes me feel good. Let's have more.
Yes by all means yes
Of course..
Is the city manager an elected post
The Shakespeare festival folds, the storytelling festival struggles to survive, the music festival (aka "the dissonance festival") fills our streets with the most dangerous drivers in America.... but when someone actually succeeds in Libby Bowl, and actually attracts LOCALS, the city manager determines that the event attracts the "wrong kind of people to Ojai."
Baby, Ojai IS the wrong kind of people. That's why we're all here. In the land of curmudgeons, only a real SOB can be king...or manager.
Of course. These concerts have been enjoyable and consistently have security. I feel comfortable taking my daughter to hear some great tunes/bands that she would otherwise not be exposed to; or we'd have to travel much farther....not to mention my friends and I always end up eating in Ojai and usually getting gas there too; even though I live in Oxnard, I don't normally get out to Ojai, but for the concerts I'm there.
No problem with the concerts. What's wrong with listening to music and having fun?
YES!! Howard Freiberg is doing everyone in the region a great service by putting on these concerts - in a great setting! This stuff is unique. I live in Santa Barbara, where we have the Bowl (where I cannot afford to go...), but we do not have good ole Rock and Roll. Let's not "kill it before it grows".
Mike W
PS: Oh, yeah. I bought 4 meals and drinks in a local restaurant at the last concert plus buying stuff at the vendors booths.
My first experience of Ojai in many years was last week-ends Tribute Festival. I had a great time! Hit the Farmer's Market beforehand and that was wonderful. Then browsed the shops on nearby streets, checked out the vendors in the park. The event was definitely for family and enjoyed the bands being especially generous with the young fans. Security was tight for alcohol so there were no infractions that I saw and it was a lovely time. I look forward to coming again.
vera from SLO
The classic rock festival series concerts are very laid back and mellow. The shows attract an audience of all ages . It is nice to see young people and families enjoying good old rock&roll music.
No gangster rap, hip hop, gun toting , drive by shooting thug violence.
Just peace, love, and rock&roll , like the good old days. Don't take it away. Help keep the majic alive.
I think the concerts at the bowl are great, and i totally support the venue and the music.Concerts that last until midnight are perfectly ok. Remember when you were young?
PLEASE don't do away with Howard's concerts @ Libbey Bowl. It's such a winning combination to have the great line-up of fun bands that he provides, the beauty of being under the trees in beautiful Ojai while listening to the music, the comfort of knowing that security is ensuring that our time there will be hassle free, the ease that a small town like Ojai affords in securing a hotel, grocery stores, & restaurants all in close proximity of one another. And most importantly, the positive atmosphere that exists while reminiscing to music from my past and enjoying it with people of all ages that are there to just have a good time. And a good time is had by all, you can see it in their faces! We'll make the 2 hour drive to Ojai anytime for Howard's concerts!
Yes they should. I live in the Santa Clarita Valley and I drove there for a wonderful concert. I wanted to stay 2 nights in a local hotel but they were all completely booked becasue of the concert. I did stay in ventura and ate in your restaurants etc. I plan to go to more and bring more friends.
i have been to all of the ragejaxe foundation concerts. in addition, howard has extended an invite to the wharf rats, a service oriented group of clean and sober concert goers, to have a booth inside the bowl during the events. we are available for those who prefer to remain abstinent during shows.
i have worked three shows and howard has complied with the city requests regarding time and security issues.
howard promotes tribute bands with a broad fan base or eclectic music that exposes concert goers to the world jam band scene.
it would be disappointing to see ojai lose these type of festivals.
I just don't see how the City can make a decision not to based solely on the kind of music played.
Yes, keep the rock concerts coming. It’s obvious these concerts bring revenue to the local merchants. And why are Rock concerts being discriminated against?
Finally, an affordable concert, that's close to home that I feel comfortable enough to take my kids to! How can one be so judgemental as to say that people that attend rock shows are the wrong kind of people? I think we are what this town is made up of. I've lived in Ojai for 27 years and am raising 3 children here. I will be so sad if the city can only favor the events that it thinks "attract the right kind of people". What about the events that we want?
Maybe Jere Kersnar, the city manager should put on his tye dye shirt, take a deep breath to relax and come to a show and enjoy the music with us! We'll save you a seat Jere. :)
Dawn Trent
Wow- concerts that support music from a generation that we wont see the likes of again, not death rock, not rap, and definetely not britney spears. Concerts that have been steadily growing and improving. Concerts that bring people to little Ojai to spend huge amounts of money on hotels, restaurants, gas stations, boutiques and art galleries. Concerts that have no alchohol, no violence, strict and friendly security, little police presence because its not needed, little traffic or parking assistance because its not needed. Concerts that generate money for a wonderful cause, The RageJax Foundation. Concerts that breed peace, love and happiness.......this can't be a perfect fit for Ojai...why you ask...ohhhh because the city manager says so. Why that's a great reason...thousands of people sooooo wrong.....1 man sooooo right...makes perfect sense to me!
If it were'nt for the concert in May, I would never have traveled to the city of Ojai. My friends and I stayed at the Capri and ate at the downtown restaurants.
Charming little town. Cute little concerts.
Good luck with your small time politics.
The concerts are a great draw, rarely is there an event that can bring so many different types of people together. I brought my friends and parents up from Orange County to see some of the shows.
I can't understand how the City Mananger would not encourage people from far and wide to spend their money in his town! Not a very smart move on his part. Of the concerts I've been to, I have yet to see any incidents with the police or patrons.
Mr. Kersnar, I think you should consult the people that put you in that office. I'm sure you would hear a different story.
The City of Ojai is to be commended for their support of these concerts thusfar, but city manager Jere Kersnar is being myopic and discriminatory in his singlehanded attempt to ban a certain type of music, presumably because he does not enjoy classic rock music. His position is unjustifiable. Howard Freiberg's concerts have helped put Ojai on the map.
The shows are peaceful, respectful and are very much appreciated by locals and travelers. Local businesses benefit greatly. Why would Kersnar rob his own constituents of this opportunity?
As one of the performers who has played twice now at Libbey Bowl, and is scheduled for a 3rd appearance in Oct, I say Howard's concerts are extremely well-run, and create a fun, family atmosphere. Rock & roll from the 70's has now become family entertainment, as parents love to show their kids what they used to enjoy back in the day, and the kids & teens are loving it. I can't think of a better entertainment to offer the residents of Ojai, and to attract tourists to the area.
Banning rock concerts at Libbey Bowl would be both detrimental for Ojai merchants and a major social/cultural loss for the community. I have visited Ojai twice this year for concerts (for the first Classic Rock Festival and the Global Groove Festival), and I hope to visit Ojai many more times in the future for similar concerts. Both times I was joined by two families from Los Angeles. We had dinner on both occasions at the Mexican restaurant adjacent to Libbey Park. We also made various other purchases in Ojai, for things like ice cream, gas, and clothing from the vendors at the festivals. Losing these unique festivals would be tragic.
BAN THE MUSIC!! IN FACT, NO TALKING AFTER 7 PM....AND nnNNO EATING AFTER 3 PM. AND OF COURSE, NO WAKING UP BEFORE 10AM!!!
....This is all standard people. What 's the issue?
It comes down to the ole- supply and demand. Do people show up? Yes! Do people enjoy themselves? Yes! Just because a faction of the Ojai community wants to turn Ojai into an old farts home, doesn't mean that there aren't more of us that want to have fun!! What is the problem with these events? They are successful? Oh no!! They bring money into local businesses? Oh no!!
I for one spent money in several businesses that weekend and also brought several friends from out of town to spend their money as well!! In a county that is basically a black hole, I am proud that Howard is bringing tiop notch talent like Melvin Seals to Ojai. Not to mention the very talented bands that pay tribute to some of the most incredible music in our history! He also brings us the Jam bands that are packing houses and festivals all over the country this summer!
And as for MZ Ojai, do you think that 9 years makes you a local and gives you the credentials to make comments as to where Howard should go back to. How dare you? I am curious as to who you are, and who you must think you are for making such hurtful comments. What nerve! Maybe you need to go back to where you came from. I bet I can guess.
So, MZOjai, from one of the county's very hard working musicians and artists, lighten up!! Or, maybe just stay home with your smooth jazz, sipping a latte, doing watercolors. Some of us wanna Rock n' Roll!! Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to respond. (shaking my head and rolling my eyes)
Rachel Sedacca
ABSOLUTELY!!! I have been to many of the classic rock festivals in Ojai at the Libbey Bowl, and I have never been around a greater group of people. For me personally, I have a group of friends that go to the Classic Rock festivals with me, some of them travel from as far away as the Palm Springs area. We all greatly look forward to these. We have alot of fun, and have met some really nice people, and it's not only for friends to enjoy great music together, but families too! I have seen families with multiple generations attend these music festivals, how awesome it is to see grandparents, parents and their children spending time together. In my opinion we don't see enough of these.
Lemmee guess...Howard has stacked this blog with all his supporters, no? Because as we all know, this blog always gets this kind of traffic and one-sided support. Not!
Yes - I live in Simi Valley and I go to the shows at the Libby Bowl. It's a beautiful location and Ojai is wonderful. We always do a little shopping and eat out at one of the local resteraunts. Always a good time. I read somewhere that the city manager was concerned about the"type of people" they attract. You have got to be kidding - I am 51 years old and have lived in VC all my life. I rember when Ojai was an eclectic mix of ranchers, hippies and various eccentrics trying to escape the conformity of the neighboring cities.
keep the concerts going! I came up in April, and since I had the excuse of coming to the concert, I actually stayed for 3 days at the Emerald Iguana which was great. It was my first visit to Ojai and I've since told many of my friends it is a worthwhile trip. I'm not a local so I can't comment on the impact to the town, but I would think it's great for the buinesses. Also, the people I ran across didn't seem like the 'wrong' kind of people. They were great.
yes i agreee. i am supposed to come and attend the concert on my birthday sept 30th and i dont want it to be cancelled plse dont cancel :-(((((
I attended the first Classic Rock Festival and it was brillant. I was completely impressed with how kind and tame this event was...yet so much fun!!! It was over just shy of 10PM and there was ample security. It caters to the economy of the city, local businesses, growth and history of this town..one I would have never visited otherwise. I tell everyone about it. The thought of these concerts being banned is absurd on so many levels!!! I think the City Manager is abusing his authority it grand strides and missing all the beauty and positive effects these concerts bring to both locals, tourists & the city. It's an opportunity for music, raising ones spirit, culture, getting out of the house, seeing a unique and magical town...traveling, meeting some of the best people from all over...
DON'T BAN THESE CONCERTS!!! Everyone is losing if you do!!! It would be a terrible shame to take such a family event away from all of us.
Thanks
~Wiqued
I've lived in Ventura County for 37 years, and I never thought of Ojai as being conservative! Please, let's keep the rock concerts going at the Libbey Bowl! I've been to two of them, and had delightful experiences. I spend money, too. People were kind, well behaved, and smiling abundantly. These aren't the kind of people you want in Ojai? Sorry, I think I must have missed something. Don't let the "hippie" appearances fool you....as a long-time Deadhead, I can tell you that many of us are degreed professionals with discretionary income. Don't be so prejudiced against the music! The concerts are an asset to Ojai, not a detriment. Let Us Rock!
Honestly, I think that the concerts would be ok if there was not one every month. If you ask me its overkill and the bands arnt that great. The reggae event last year was good, but really who wants to hear a bunch of burnt out hippies pretending to be jerry, robert plant, AC/DC, or Areo Smith? I love a good tribute, but I was listening at the last concert and the bands were pretty lame!! Get some original bands with some new original music and you might have a hit. There wernt many people at the last concert I saw and I wonder why!!! The show was weak!! And one every month is over doing it. Ojai is great but get some real talent, and maybe if the promoter cared about talent and not just making a buck, it would work. I am a resident of ojai and I saw some great vendors and after talking to them, It seams non of them made any money and some of them left before the second day. Maybe it was a refelction of the music and promotion. Having a show everymonth in the extreme heat of summer is not smart business if you ask me, no one was there. Bottom line give it a rest and maybe you'll have better results, and get some new original music, PLEASE!!!!
Hey to the last blogger!! i would agree... The bands were kinda lame!! Would like to here some bands that are new and original!! And give us something to look forward too, right!! A show a month is too much. But music in the park is great, and its such a nice venue
I think that the shows would be ok if they were not so often as well. Im a store owner in ojai and I dont have a problem with the shows but every month is ridiculous. I was forwarded this email by a good friend who happens to be a vendor that did terrible at the event, due to lack of foot traffic. I walked around the fest and their were great vendors with amazing things, but there were no people there. If you give people something to look forward to then they might come out. The last show was sub-par if you ask me, and as a store owner and resident of ojai, we need a better show to draw the crowds. Coverbands arnt very exciting if you ask me!!!
Well I've heard of stuffing the ballot box, but this is ridiculous. How many people did Howard send this blog link to? How many responses are from the same person? How many are locals?
to whom it may concern, I don't know any buddha lady, matter of fact my friends are sayta and they left the first night because sales were so bad and it was a waste of their time. They have been long time successful vendors and good friends of mine, and they said they had never left a show until this one. From the buzz all the vendors did poorly even the food. And the juice cats were from Santa Monica not HB!!Of course they will do well it's juice!! I Love a good show in ojai and would love to see another one, but the last one was not great and the turn out proved it. It was all local kids mostly. As a local of ojai and a music lover, get some bands that will really draw a crowd, not cover bands, when people can just sit round at home and listen to the dead, or Led Zeplin!!
YES! i went to one of the classic rock festivals and it was an amazing experience. I have an emense amount of love and respect for classic rock music and unfortunately will never get to experience seeing some of those people live in person. the ojai classic rock festivals give the feeling that I am there, back in the 60's and 70's, which is where i have always felt i belong. it really is an awesome experience.
Howard, emense is not a word.
The concerts are great, however, for the people living in the downtown area they get blasted because the music is way too loud! I live 3 blocks away and I have to keep my doors and windows closed and listen to my pictures hanging on the wall rattle all day. It would be a lot more tolerable if the volume was down and the concerts were shorter. Having to listen to 2 full days of loud rock music every other week is a bit too much.
only if the bands actually get paid
Would love to see Howard's books to know for sure how much is going to charity. Hopefully we will all be impressed.
yes! everyone can enjoy themselves and have a good time without having to drive or leave the city. i can hear it at my house. and being in town keeps you out of trouble. most anyways
I'm all for the music, just maybe better music, and more variety.
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