News from the City of Wilmington
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker and Tina Betz, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, said the City of Wilmington will stage free, outdoor concerts every Thursday in July and August from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. to enliven the City during the lunchtime hours. Held at Peter Spencer Plaza in the 800 block of French Street, the In the Plaza Summer Lunchtime Concert Series will feature a wide variety of musical styles. The series kicks-off this Thursday, July 2nd, with a performance by Ikibeat—a local band that incorporates many musical styles into a funky new sound.
According to Mayor Baker, the Summer Lunchtime Concert Series is just one of the ways the City is working to add excitement to the streets of Downtown. “One of the hallmarks of a world-class city is the presence of music in the streets. People want to be where the music is; now Wilmington is following in the tradition of other world-class cities renowned for music, such as New Orleans, New York, Memphis, and Nashville.”
“The purpose of our Lunchtime Concert Series is twofold,” said Tina Betz, Director of Cultural Affairs. “First, we want to encourage people to get away from their offices and enjoy some of the great public spaces Downtown. Secondly, we want to support our excellent local music scene by providing performance opportunities for musicians.”
Peter Spencer Plaza is a thoroughfare for walking traffic from the Government Plaza area to Market Street and offers ample seating and shade, key elements for a successful lunchtime concert. The music and outdoor environment provide a relaxing break from the work day,” said Program Coordinator Jeni Barton. “The concerts are a welcome respite from the workday—sort of a mini vacation for downtown workers.”
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