The nonprofit arts group Belfast Summer Nights has been putting on free outdoor concerts for three decades. For years, performers have played on temporary, increasingly rickety, plywood platforms. Now, the group is raising funds to buy a professional-grade mobile stage.
The group plans to give the stage to the city of Belfast, said Annadeene Konseni Fowler, the organization’s vice president. It’s fundraising to cover most of the cost, but also wants the city to chip in.
“In such a creative and vibrant musical and theater community, I think this will just be outstanding for everyone,” Fowler said.
The group will present its plan for the stage to the City Council at its meeting on Tuesday. It has worked with Belfast’s city manager, parks and recreation department, and City Councilor Chris Bitely on the proposal.
If the council approves the plan, Belfast Summer Nights will purchase the stage and then give it to the city as a gift. The city would be responsible for storage, insurance, maintenance and setup. Belfast Summer Nights would retain the right to use the stage for its concerts. Outside of those times, the city could rent the stage to other groups or use it for its own events.
The cost of the stage is $68,200. So far, Belfast Summer Nights has raised more than half of that amount in grants and donations. It is asking the city to contribute $8,200 to cover the costs of shipping and staff training. Belfast City Nights will launch a fundraising campaign next week to raise the rest of the funds.
The new stage is elevated, has a roof, and can hold lights and speakers. Two people can put it up in less than an hour, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Over the years, the plywood stages used for the group’s weekly summer concerts in Steamboat Landing Park have become unstable and increasingly unsafe, Fowler said. They are also low to the ground, which can make it hard for audience members to see, especially if they are picnicking.
From its early days as a small street party, Belfast Summer Nights has grown into a mainstay that draws up to 800 people to its Thursday night concerts in the park.
“You’re just in this idyllic field with all the people you love, the boats are rowing past, and the moon is rising,” Fowler said. “It’s pretty special.”
