Volunteer meeting for Pastorius Park Sunday
An organizational meeting will be held this weekend for anyone wishing to lend a hand at next year's Pastorius Park concert series. The meeting will take place Sunday Dec. 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the home of CHCA social division vice president Tia Burke in Chestnut Hill.
"The 2004 Pastorius Park Concert series was the best in its 56-year history by any objective measure and certainly [judging] by the enthusiasm of the 6,000 people who attended," Burke wrote in an e-mail recently sent to supporters.
"Many thanks to so many of you who helped in so many ways, from passing fishbowls, to creating beautiful posters, to helping put together a stage --- the first in park concert history-- to raising money, to attending and bringing your friends and family. The success of 2004 would not have been possible without you," she said.
"2005 promises to be even better in every way," she continued. "But once again, we need your help."
According to Burke, volunteers are needed in several categories. Assistance with promotion and publicity efforts leading up each performance is a priority. Technical coordinator Kristin Woods needs help with running the concert's sound system -- a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with electronics or for budding audiophiles who wish to learn more about such equipment. Help is also needed with grant writing and sponsorship, volunteer coordinating and concessions, the annual kid' s concert, and the annual July 4 police and fire picnic.
"I want to get much more efficient so that we can do even better [than last year]. There is phenomenal potential," Burke told the CHCA executive committee at last month's meeting.
Burke has recently received praise from her fellow board members for her efforts to bring new vitality to the summer concert series, the oldest in Philadelphia. As a next step, she hopes to extend the momentum -- and volunteer recruitment -- beyond a core group of CHCA supporters.
"I've been tapping some people to get people from outside the immediate board," she told the committee.
A total of 5,855 people attended the 10 concerts held in the Pastorius Park amphitheater last summer. The best-attended show featured the Irish folk ensemble Solas.
Burke chalks up last year's success to improved concert programming and marketing.
"There was a different type of music, so each week there was a new reason for people to come out," she told the CHCA board in September.
To RSVP to the meeting, or for those wishing to volunteer who cannot attend, contact Burke at 215-247-1960 or by e-mail at tia.burke@verizon.net..
-- James Sturdivant
