Forest Hills Stadium Welcomes The New York Pops

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Colin Donnell, Musical director Michael Rafter, Megan McGinnis, Sutton Foster, NY Pops director & conductor Steven Reineke

Sutton Foster with The New York Pops, Aug 6, Photo by Michael Perlman

It was history in the making at Forest Hills Stadium, as The New York Pops graced the stage with Sutton Foster on August 6, followed by their collaboration with Pink Martini on August 7. While the scene transformed from sunny skies to starlit evenings, multi-generational concertgoers were already anticipating The New York Pops’ return to Forest Hills in 2016.

Music director and conductor Steven Reineke said, “The New York Pops has performed in New York City parks quite a bit, but we’ve never had a permanent summer home. We are so excited to establish something lasting in Queens, in such a legendary music venue.”

The New York Pops, which was founded in 1983, is recognized as America’s largest independent pops orchestra and the sole professional symphonic orchestra in New York City which specializes in popular music. The New York Pops’ “Kids in the Balcony” program offered over 1,000 complimentary tickets to underprivileged children, and to further make live music accessible, family packages began at ten dollars. “Our PopsEd programs are designed to engage kids, and make them excited about working together and learning many life skills through singing, playing, and listening to music,” said Reineke.

Michael Perlman with Sutton Foster

Tony Award-winning artist Sutton Foster has performed in 11 Broadway shows including “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Special guests were television actor and Broadway artist Colin Donnell who appeared in “Violet” and “Jersey Boys” and Megan McGinnis who played Eponine in Les Misérables. In an interview, Donnell explained, “Making my debut with The New York Pops in such an awesome venue is a dream come true!”

Michael Perlman with Colin Donnell

Michael Perlman with Megan McGinnis 

Nearly 20 performance numbers consisted of “Begin the Beguine,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Neverland,” and “On the Streets of Dublin.” Both acts opened with Overtures from “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “The History of the TV Overture” was a medley of classic American television theme songs including “I Love Lucy” and “The Addams Family.”

Pink Martini delivered another evening of brilliance, with bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale, co-lead vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large, and special guest Meow Meow. Considered the “little orchestra,” Pink Martini has a huge following with their international tours. Over 20 multi-lingual hits included “Amado Mio,” “Sympathique,” ¿Dónde estás, Yolanda?” “Ne me quitte pas,” “Quizás Quizás Quizás,” and “Let’s Never Stop Falling in Love.”

The audience was actively engaged in both concerts. Rego Park resident Edward Aronowitz said, “Sutton Foster is a show-stopper type of performer, who is warm to her audience and has great control of her vocal chords.”

 Lisa Gwasda, a music teacher, who takes pride in her past experience in singing as part of a chorus with The New York Pops said, “The best thing to do as a New Yorker is to enjoy a concert under the stars, and The New York Pops and Sutton Foster can’t be beat.”

Native Forest Hills residents Ricky Salem and his mother Mary Salem also made plans to enjoy the first night. Glancing at the diverse audience, he said, “This is a great addition to the ambiance of our neighborhood and city, and the turnout shows that the stadium is not just for rock concerts.”

The NY Pops & Pink Martini concert - Pianist & Bandleader Thomas Lauderdale, Vocalists Meow Meow, China Forbes, Storm Large

When the Pink Martini concert featured an open call to dance in front of the stage, Marlene and Jacques Winter of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, who have attended many New York Pops at Carnegie Hall concerts, began swinging.  “We feel like star swing dancers in Forest Hills, and next year we hope to dance on the stadium stage,” said Marlene.

Swing dancing couple Marlene & Jacques Winter at Pink Martini concert

Meow Meow with Tim Brown, left at Pink Martini concert

Tim Brown of Midtown Manhattan, who attended the Pink Martini concert, is a retired FDNY survivor of 9/11. “Music is a healing art, which helps me deal with the murder of so many of my friends on 9/11,” Brown said. He would often sing along, and “Brazil” was one of his favorite numbers. He said, “The entire ensemble was on stage and it got everyone up out of their seats.” That was when audience members formed a Conga line around the aisles.  

Brown also had a moment under the spotlight. He explained, “When Meow Meow pointed to me and said ‘You!,’ my face turned red. When she told me to get on my knees, well, what can you do? After all, how often does a hot cabaret star demand you wrap your arms around her, as she gyrated to the beat?”

The concerts also elicited fond memories. For Magda Katz, a theatrical entertainment correspondent, it marked her return to Forest Hills Stadium, after seeing Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in the 1960s. In reference to Pink Martini’s “Amado Mio,” she said, “I love its Latin flavor, which reminds me of songs I grew up with.”

The New York Pops with Pink Martini

Michael Perlman with Meow Meow & Storm Large

Ed Sheeran & The Who Opens 2015 Concert Season at Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Building on the tradition of the hallowed ground at Forest Hills Stadium, where every act from The Beatles to Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan was witnessed mostly in the 1960s and 1970s, the summer 2015 concert season opened with Grammy-nominated singer Ed Sheeran on May 28 and May 29 and The Who on May 30.

Reflecting on definitive moments, concert promoter Mike Luba pointed out, “Ed Sheeran said the Forest Hills Stadium was one of the coolest places he ever played at. The Who returning for the first time since 1971 was absolutely crushing it. They loved it too.” Luba described the community’s response to the opening weekend’s concerts as positive. “Combined with the amazing time both Ed Sheeran and The Who had at their shows, makes me really encouraged about what the future holds for this adventure.”

On May 29, Sheeran opened the evening with “I’m A Mess,” surprised fans with the new track “Sweet Mary Jane,” performed mash-ups, covered classics such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Feeling Good,” and led up to a grand finale of “Sing,” where 14 screens featured fans, clips of Sheeran, and music videos. With only a guitar in hand, a soulful voice, and a hip hop hook, he is a one-man dynamo. Roaring screams from a packed audience, dominated by teenage girls led to shout-outs such as “You have the voice of an angel” and “How could you be so cute and so talented at the same time?”

“The stadium is large but is also intimate,” said Sheeran fan and musician Kevin Revis of East Brunswick, New Jersey. “I want to be famous and play here,” he continued. Another fan, Niky King, said “We’ve come all this way from England, and it was brilliant!”

On May 30, punk/hard rocker Joan Jett and the Blackhearts commanded their audience with much energy, and was the ideal opener for the legendary rock band, The Who. Jett still delivered her classics with much energy, and that included “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “I Love Rock N’ Roll.” “The Who Hits 50!” tour, which featured two of the original members, Roger Daltrey and Pete Towshend, proved how to rock a packed stadium half a century later. They performed their mid-1960s to 1970s classics, which included “I Can’t Explain,” “I Can See For Miles,”  “Pinball Wizard,” and “See Me, Feel Me.” This concert attracted mostly a middle-aged energetic crowd.

Michael Mastrobuoni of Wantagh, NY had a front row seat and shared some memorable moments. “Roger Daltrey shhhhh'd me since I yelled out to Pete Townshend about how good they still sounded. Also, Pete threw a guitar pick, which I actually caught and was patted on the back by those around me.”

“Some of my favorite bands played here, and being able to see two of those bands at such an iconic site was amazing,” said Forest Hills filmmaker and musician Andrew Akler. He then explained, “Joan Jett’s set really fit the theme of ‘through the years,’ which The Who continued when they came on. Their performance of ‘Love, Reign O'er Me’ was absolutely incredible.”

Forest Hills resident Pat Lannan said, “Rock N’ Roll pioneers Joan Jett and The Who provided concertgoers with the true spirit of what playing live is all about. No computers were needed.” Lannan also addressed a most memorable moment. “Roger Daltrey turned to Pete Townshend and asked for a big round of applause for ‘the man who wrote all of this fantastic music.’ Then I thought, all this brilliant music from one person is a true gift.”

Since the stadium’s restoration and renovation in 2013, season 1 and season 2 have proven to be a great success. Luba said, “We aim for world class artists. We’ve made a bunch of progress with the stadium, and this weekend we saw the magic happen.” Looking ahead, he welcomes a diverse concert program for this third season including The New York Pops. “New York deserves a world class summer venue for orchestral music, with most tickets starting at only $10 and kids are free.”  

Drake vs. Lil' Wayne: A Success Despite Concert Concerns

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Drake, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

Lil Wayne, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

The iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium has hosted “Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne” on August 19, which marked its third concert for the summer 2014 season. It proved to be a success, despite hearing a buzz in prior weeks over a scheduled rap concert, increased noise levels, and rowdy crowds in a residential area.    

    

Sometime between the August 9^th Modest Mouse & Brand New concert and the Drake and Lil’ Wayne concert, a vague email from a small local group addressed from “concerned citizens” was circulated to some stadium neighbors in a vicinity that includes the Forest Hills Gardens and 69^th Avenue.

An excerpt read: “After the last two concerts, we heard complaints about the noise levels inside peoples’ homes. One person on 69^th Ave. told us she was forced to leave her house on the night of the last concert because it was so loud. Others have described their homes shaking from the bass levels. We have conveyed these concerns directly to the promoters, our elected officials, and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, which is responsible for enforcing the city’s noise code.”

The letter then read: “After the last concert (Modest Mouse), we also received complaints about the sound check that went on from 6 PM to 8:30 PM the day before the performance. We spoke to the promoters about that issue during a meeting this past week. They told us that for Drake and Lil’ Wayne, they will test the p.a. system on Monday, but promised us that it will not be an extended rehearsal like last time.”

In an interview with concert promoters Jon McMillan and Mike Luba, they issued a joint statement after the concert: “Drake and Lil' Wayne are world-class performers at the top of their respective games, and they put on an unforgettable performance. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. We continue to work closely with city agencies, local officials, community groups, and individual neighbors to improve the overall concert experience for our patrons and residents in the areas surrounding the Stadium. We're looking forward to hosting the legendary Replacements on September 19, and Phil Lesh and Friends on September 21.”

Local residents inclusive of concertgoers also praised the concert experience. “The 10 PM concert curfew is more than reasonable, and we're talking only about six shows a year spread out of over the summer months,” said Pat Lannan. “I walked around our neighborhood not long before the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concert, and the restaurants and pubs were packed. Our police department has done a wonderful job to make sure these concerts are orderly, so by allowing them to happen, we’re showing support for our businesses and the neighborhood.”

BarbaraAnn Balzaretti Flannery agreed. “There are no safety issues, and the concertgoers and the cops have been great. The concerts not only bring revenue to the neighborhood, but inspire budding young artists to follow their dream.” She added, “Music is food for the soul, so let’s embrace it!”

“I’m sorry that some people are complaining about noise, but the concert ended at 10 PM sharp,” said Matthew Mandell, who has attended the Zac Brown Band and Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concerts with his family. He explained, “The concert had a young and high energy crowd. The stadium has a historic feel, it's a good size, and it’s awesome to be able to walk to concerts in our neighborhood. There's nothing like an outdoor concert in the summer, and I am looking forward to next year.”

On the contrary to the predictions by a small group of locals, the performers applied their creative vision to an organized and interactive concert experience. On August 9, Drake’s Twitter feed read, “Everybody coming to the show, download the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne app free and put the power in your own hands! You decide who STARTS the show, who WINS the show, and of course what side you are on! Just choose your city, and from there it’s on YOU.”

Opening the concert in unison, Drake and Lil’ Wayne were ready to energize their fans. “Blunt Blowin” was first performed by Lil’ Wayne, and then a comeback was delivered by Drake with “We Made It” and “Draft Day.” Independent numbers followed, along with a face to face rap battle. A climactic moment was witnessing Drake being hoisted 20 feet above Forest Hills. According to the app, the fans pronounced Drake as the winner, but then the artists proved that the fans made a mid-summer’s night in Forest Hills one to remember.

Zac Brown Band Opens Summer 2014 at Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Forest Hills knew how to celebrate the first day of summer. On June 21^st, the three-time Grammy winner, two-time CMT winner, and Multi-Platinum Zac Brown Band took the Forest Hills Stadium stage, and launched the summer 2014 concert series. The southern country-rock band, known for their albums “Uncaged,” “You Get What You Give,” and “The Foundation,” has sold an excess of six million copies. It was a sunny and mild summer night, and at 5 PM, crowds began filling the venue which accommodates an estimated 16,000 concertgoers.        

America’s first concrete tennis stadium, dating to 1923, has undergone additional restoration work and upgrades which include numbered metal benches on the upper levels, seats with backings on the lower level, improved ADA accommodations, widened aisles, handrails, and easier access to food and beverages. A new stage was transported from a Toronto tennis center, and erected in Forest Hills Stadium in May. To address last summer’s public safety concerns, where concertgoers speculated that the stadium was overbooked, a reserved seating system was implemented and fewer tickets were sold.

  

In August 2013, the stadium reopened with Mumford & Sons, which became the first major musical act at the stadium since the 1980s. It struck a chord for patrons who recalled the annual Forest Hills Music Festivals of the 1960s through the early 1980s. Memorable summers featured music greats including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Peter, Paul, & Mary, Donna Summer, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and the Rolling Stones.

Zac Brown Band specials were offered by local restaurants, and some erected concession stands near the stadium. Among the restaurants which experienced an increase in patronage were Banter, Bareburger, Forest Hills Station House, and Austin Public. Earlier this month, some local organizations played a role in concert promotions, such as the 112^th Precinct which raffled front row tickets to their Twitter followers.

Air personality Jesse Addy of Nash FM 94.7 opened the concert and asked, “Has anyone come for a tennis match? Who is here to see the Zac Brown Band?” With much enthusiasm, that was followed by “Country is back in New York City!” A Zac Brown Band documentary was screened around 6:30 PM, and as it approached 7 PM, some patrons chanted “We want Zac!”

The band began performing at 7:30 PM, and then announced, “Everyone who bought a ticket made a donation to help kids with Autism and ADD.” Fans enjoyed a wide range of numbers for two and a half hours. That included “Jump Right In,” “Chicken Fried,” and “As She’s Walking Away.” In between songs, “USA” chants were heard. As the sun set over Forest Hills Stadium on the longest day of the year, fans continued dancing, while laser beams contributed to a dance club feel. The band highly interacted with fans by throwing tennis balls into the audience and stepping off the stage to shake hands.

Concertgoers, some of whom wore country western clothes, mostly commuted from the tri-state area. “I kept thinking, it's really incredible to know some of the big names that performed at the stadium, and how close you feel to the performers,” said Manny Morelli of Jersey City. “I've seen the band before, and they always look like they are having a blast, which the audience feeds off of.”

Amie Valois of Rockland County agreed, and referred to the band as energetic and interactive. She said, “In addition to their own songs, they covered an eclectic range of classics from Billy Joel to Metallica, which I loved. Also, the sound in the stadium was great, as well as the stadium’s history, charm, and size.”

However, she complained about the beer line setup. She said, “It may be the number of taps or the staff, but for $8 a beer, they should be able to offer more and better of both.” Referring to the porta potties, she said, “I am not sure why there are no restrooms.”

“My concert experience was excellent,” said Jeannine Barr of Center Moriches, NY. “Once our train arrived, I was quite taken by the charm of Forest Hills. I could appreciate that this was no modern structure, and I felt safe with the layout. The staff was excellent in showing us our way, and I felt good knowing where the exits were.”

Barr is a huge Zac Brown Band fan, and saw them perform at MetLife Stadium and Mohegan Sun. She explained, “The Forest Hills venue was much smaller and more intimate. One of the highlights was when they covered Billy Joel's “Piano Man” …some way to woo a Long Island crowd!”

Stay tuned for more summer 2014 concerts. Recently announced bookings are Modest Mouse and Brand New on August 9^th, Drake vs. Lil Wayne on August 19^th, and The Replacements on September 19^th. Visit www.foresthillsstadium.com for more information. 

Frank Scafuri: Every Waiting Room Is A Stage

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Frank Scafuri

Are you bored sitting in a doctor’s waiting room? You may no longer be, if you are fortunate enough to encounter Frank Scafuri. At 63, this voice and piano teacher from Rockville Centre defines uniqueness. Back in May, he stepped foot into the waiting room of Trylon Vet Care in Forest Hills, but not with pets awaiting treatment. Rather, he offered his singing, acting, and dancing skills, and transformed a visit into a production called “Frank’s Waiting! WFTD Radio.” When was the last time you spotted a 1920s crooner pitching his radio spot live in a Queens vet’s office? 

Frank Scafuri Who's Got Rhythm

Scafuri is perhaps the sole musical comedy producer of doctor’s office videos. “I want to bring some joy and music into the lives of people today,” he said. This summer, he will become a member of IMDb, which is credited as the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV, and celebrity content. 

His typical medical visit plays out with “laughter as life’s best medicine.” Upon entering, hunched over a walker and wearing a tux and a bowtie, he takes his time sitting. Then he strikes up a conversation with a patient. He explained, “I would ask, ‘How are you doing?’ A woman replied, ‘I am feeling okay. How are you?’ I replied, ‘Not so good, since I found another gray hair this morning.’” After commenting that he looked great, he would respond, “I get through my day. Do you know how?” He then jumps out of his seat, throws off his overcoat, places his walker aside, and bursts into a song such as “I Got Rhythm.”

Thirty years ago, he began to limp and doctors were clueless. That all changed in August 2013, after being referred to a neurologist and experiencing an epiphany in the waiting area. He referred to his motivation as “the patients awaiting an MRI, who were either in total silence or looking at their phones.” It wasn’t long until he began formulating video production proposals to practices for non-serious illnesses.

Scafuri cherishes his musical origins, which he attributes to being raised in a typical Italian household in Lynbrook. He explained, “On Sundays, we would go to church. Then my parents would spin records of Italian and popular singers such as Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Jimmy Roselli, and at 3 PM, we would have our meatball and sausage feast.” Jerry Lewis’ telethons were another inspiration. “I would think, someday I want to be a background singer on one of these TV shows. Then I thought, ‘Why don’t I become the singer?’”

During his high school years, he met his first vocal teacher, Jane Robbin Longo and also drew inspiration from his chorus music director, George Breakwell. He pumped gas until passing the audition for Juilliard at age 17, where he pursued a voice major and a piano minor and graduated in 1973. Scafuri said, “NYC was my campus. I got my first job as a tenor soloist in a Presbyterian church near Hotel Ansonia. I would earn $20 and was proud.” At St Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Howard Beach, he worked as a music director, organist, and choir director, and then landed positions in Lynbrook and Glen Cove churches.

A pivotal moment transpired in 1980. Scafuri sang at a country club and was discovered by pianist Gary Lawrence, who praised his voice for its ideal qualities of a 1930s crooner. Lawrence developed a new style of Big Band and applied a twist on modern favorites such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “Feelings” to resemble the 1930s. “I was proud to become the singer and co-leader of the band, Gary Lawrence and the Sizzling Syncopators. We performed at Manhattan’s Red Blazer Too,” said Scafuri. Their album was produced by Columbia Masterworks Records.

Scafuri reflected upon his career and family life and attributed much gratitude to his supportive wife Mary Ann, his son Billy, and daughter Kristin, who join him in looking into the future.  

“I am extending an open invitation to doctors who wish to contact me, so I can produce a 3 minute video in a light patient waiting room,” said Scafuri. “It is entertainment to patients and won’t disturb the mannerisms of the office. In exchange, doctors will receive free advertising.” His first ten online videos are slated for completion in September, which he will call his first season. “Like” Frank Scafuri’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Frankswaitingroom  and discover him on YouTube.

Doug Leblang: A Local Artist Who Rises Beyond The Canvas

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Art Spiegelman, Evelyn Enola Rockwell, Joseph Cornell….and now Doug Leblang! Those are a few of the names of notable artists who came from Queens.

Meet four-year Forest Hills resident Doug Leblang, a commercial designer, illustrator, and art director who was raised in Middle Village, which was where his family first called home in 1912. Leblang is accredited with over 200 paintings which incorporate various forms of media, inclusive of pastels, colored pencil, collages, and the computer. Diverse audiences can take inspiration by exploring his online portfolio and acquiring a thematic painting which may range from nostalgia to nature and Judaica to portraits. All works are printed on fine paper, signed, and matted. 

Audiences can appreciate the craftsmanship of historic synagogues such as the restored “Eldridge Street Synagogue,” which first welcomed a new wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 19^th century, or venture internationally to the “Great Synagogue in Plzen,” which is considered the third largest synagogue worldwide. One can become a nature enthusiast by discovering his “Central Park Rainbow” or by experiencing his “Cape Cod Vision.” Longtime or newly transformed fans will want to acquire his vision of “Theodore Bikel,” who played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, or encounter “Bob Dylan” who performed at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. 

Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, 2005 painting by artist Doug Leblang

At the Queens Library in 2005, he coordinated the “Middle Village of Old” exhibit, which reflected his neighborhood’s simplistic charm he always embraced. He memorialized sites such as the famous trolley stop, Neiderstein’s, the Arion Theatre, and his father’s business, Leblang’s Pharmacy, which opened in 1924 and not only offered first aid, but ice cream sodas. Just beyond Middle Village, he painted other unofficial landmarks such as Eddie’s Sweet Shop and the NYS Pavilion.

    

Local volunteers joined Transportation Alternatives for a Winter Wander march along Queens Boulevard on December 14, calling for a safer and aesthetically-pleasing revitalization of a banal thoroughfare. That inspired Leblang, who will soon release a proposal. He explained, “Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world, and with at least 138 languages, there are more languages spoken here than in any other area in the United States.” He envisions placing signs on Queens Boulevard’s central median between Woodhaven Boulevard and Hillside Avenue, which would read “Welcome To Queens” in the most commonly spoken languages. He would then direct sculptors from those countries, who would carry out his vision, and an ethnic sculpture would stand alongside each sign.

 Leblang’s artistic skills made him a humanitarian, a lecturer, and a teacher, and he is applying his touch citywide. Some of his diverse accomplishments include teaching a painting class at FEGS in the Bronx, working with psychiatric patients in Queens, and directing a sixty-foot group painting depicting seasons at the Bronx’s Morningside House. Two of Doug’s works were selected by the City Health and Hospital Art Collection for the "JAZZ and the Visual Arts" exhibit at the Queens Hospital Center.

Leblang’s passion for art originated as a child. He said, “I didn’t want toys, but had an infatuation with paper and shirt cardboards. I wanted a pencil, so whenever my mom’s friends came over, I would draw their portraits.” He continued, “In day camp, I won a brotherhood contest where I showed different colored hands shaking each other’s in a square.”

   

He pursued his studies as an art history major at Boston University, and received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts. He expressed much gratitude to its president, Milton Glaser, a famous artist who he studied with. He recalled his teachings, and said, “In order to become an artist, you have to be really passionate about your work and take criticism.” After college, he became a professional musician for 5 years, but could not help himself from sketching portraits of his band. In 1974, he realized art was his calling. 

Art is therapeutic. “On Facebook, someone commented on my work, and said they see a light at the end of the tunnel. A good painting people will be drawn into, and escape their environment to be in the environment of the painting.” He believes everyone is an artist, and the artist within should be embraced. He explained, “An artist creates things that weren’t there before. Everyone decides what to wear each day, and if someone lives in a humble place, how they style it is their creation.”

In response to today’s graduates facing a harsh economy, he stated, “Keep your day job, and do your art after you come home. If you feel it, do it, but don’t expect to make a living as an artist right away.”

Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium’s Comeback With Mumford & Sons

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Mumford & Sons under starlit skies

Forest Hills, synonymous with tennis and music history, regained a bit of its glorified musical past on August 28th, as the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, dormant and neglected since its last major concerts in the 1980s, reopened after undergoing eight weeks of repairs totaling an approximate $1.5 million. An estimated 16,500 fans began standing on long lines on Burns Street as early as 5 AM, eager to enter the historic stadium archways to see the U.K. folk rock band, Mumford & Sons, as well as opening bands, Bear’s Den and The Vaccines. They took center field on a newly constructed stage and the fans cheered, reminiscent of the days of Forest Hills Music Festivals. They picked up from where The Beatles landed in a helicopter and performed 49 years ago to the day, or when other musical greats such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, The Doors, and Donna Summer made summers memorable. 

Dating to 1923, the stadium is recognized as the first concrete tennis stadium countrywide and the first home of the U.S. Open. It is also noted for National Championships, and where tennis players such as Bill Tilden, Don Budge, and Billie Jean King made headlines, and Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson broke racial color barriers when tennis was a segregated sport.

After the U.S. Open moved to Flushing Meadows Park in 1978, major music festivals gradually declined at the stadium. Neighbors then complained how music lingered all night and their properties were parked on and trashed. The stadium fell into disrepair with patchy concrete, and the wrecking ball narrowly missed what was deemed as “hallowed ground.”

Just three years ago, West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) members rejected a bid by Cord Meyer Development to purchase and demolish the stadium for a condo, which followed Rego-Forest Preservation Council’s grassroots preservation and creative reuse campaign, led by Chair Michael Perlman. WSTC President Roland Meier played an instrumental role in bringing the private club away from its wallflower status by looking outside the club for ideas for the stadium’s future. Notable 100th anniversary events recently transpired, including a flag raising ceremony and a tennis carnival. This played homage to the club’s past and influenced club members and the greater community to support the stadium’s rebirth.

Last winter, concert producers and partners Mike Luba and Jon McMillan began a dialogue with the club, and founded WSTC Events. Their shared vision was to hold 18 concerts over the next 3 summers and 1 this summer as a trial. “We want to justify the faith of the community. We had to earn the trust of everyone involved,” stated McMillan. Key stakeholders included members of City Council, Community Board 6, the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, the 112th Precinct, the Mayor’s Office, and members of the West Side Tennis Club. The Department of Buildings approved a 17,000 seating capacity, and the producers worked with the 112th Precinct to approve an approximate 150 safety officers and street closures near the stadium.

To place a damper on neighbors’ concerns over noise and overcrowded residential blocks, WSTC Events set a 10 PM concert curfew and created a new stadium entrance on Burns Street. Tickets were $74 with no additional fees, and patrons were advised to take mass transit, in order to ease congestion and the stadium’s lack of parking.

Engineering assessments proved the stadium was sound. It withstood hurricanes, an earthquake, and a macroburst. “Based on historic drawings, surveys, and meetings with the DOB, we’re doing everything we can to make the stadium safe,” said McMillan. Luba’s first observation of the stadium was “a crumbling mess, which could turn into a priceless jewel.”

From June 20th through August 17th, Construction Manager Carl Dogali had the feat of completing structural work on a site he newly encountered. He explained, “We removed the weathered wooden benches from the grandstands. Then I power-washed the stadium’s topside and patched the concrete. Phase two addressed falling concrete on the bottom side and the archways. Phase three was the new entranceway.” The producers also financed new flagpoles above the eagles overlooking the stadium, replicated portal signs, and removed the windscreen from the stadium’s base to reveal roundels and pilasters. During the restoration, a 1923 Coke bottle and a safe was uncovered.

“We have a history of coordinating shows in small communities, and part of our vision is to drive local economies,” said McMillan. Increased business was witnessed before and after the Mumford & Sons concert along Austin Street. That held true for the newer businesses such as Forest Hills Station House, Banter, The Flying Pig, and Martha’s Country Bakery, as well as old-time favorites such as The Irish Cottage. Some increased their hours and offered live music and specials. Forest Hills Station House served English pub fare and played Mumford & Sons’ music.

Mumford & Sons energized their fans who sang along and danced to multi-platinum numbers such as “I Will Wait,” “Little Lion Man,” and “The Cave,” while colorful lasers and dangling lights enhanced the mood. Marcus Mumford stated, “This has been a unique day for us. We are really proud that we got to revitalize this venue with you all.” Ben Lovett on the keyboard said, “Yes, Forest Hills, Queens, New York. We just can't believe you all came. This is amazing. Are you sure you can invite 17,000 people to a tennis court? It hasn't happened in a long time!” Mumford & Sons commemorated the stadium by throwing tennis balls into the audience, and alternating between a racket, a banjo, and a guitar.

Patrons explained their experience. Patrick Lannan of Forest Hills stated, “The stadium is the jewel in the crown of Forest Hills, and to tear it down would rip the identity so closely associated with tennis and this historic neighborhood. Mumford & Sons fully understood the connection, which they referenced throughout the show. Mumford and Lovett are from Wimbledon, where tennis is also prevalent.”

All the way from Connecticut was concertgoer Cheyenne Kerekes, who explained, “You could feel the history in the stadium. It was even more powerful because the bands have such respect for the greats that came before them. Someday people will be talking about Mumford, Vaccines, and Bear's Den, the same way they did for Dylan, Hendrix, and The Beatles.” She continued, “When all the bands came on stage for ‘Awake My Soul,’ that was one reason I adore Mumford & Sons so much. Everything they do music wise becomes a community experience, and we're all there to jam along with them.”