Welcoming new Entertainment

[bellbuoy8]

Sunday evening, 25 friends joined us at City Fire in Sumter Landing for dinner, and entertainment. We have done this many times, both in Sumter and Brownwood, but this was to be a different experience. We all came out to see for the first time, the Eddie Coffey Band from Newfoundland, Canada.

Eddie Coffey is a musician, a songwriter and a storyteller from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Eddie's songs tell of life in the Maritimes, and of events that have had an impact on him. His stories are all true. Eddie's presentation ranges from sensitive to joyful and humorous and he never fails to touch the hearts of his audience. Known as one of the hottest bands from Newfoundland, Eddie and Rhonda generate energy and excitement.

The music at City Fire-Sumter is always loud and it is difficult to talk, but we know that. We noticed Eddie lowered the volume, but the acoustics have never been great for conversation. A small group to the side of the staging area complained. After one hour of our enjoying Newfoundland tales, Irish jigs and waltzes on the accordion and guitar, the band was told by management to stop! In the middle of a song! �Stop, now, or I will pull the plug!� Rhonda announced they were done for the evening, as their music was too loud.

The music was to play until 10 pm. Canadians were upset, as they were expecting others to show up later in the evening to enjoy this new to The Villages entertainment. We were there finishing our meals, and expecting to continue enjoying the music and dance. The manager from City Fire showed up, while customers were confused, annoyed, and embarrassed. The entertainers were humiliated and hurt, and still acted professionally, apologizing to everyone. The manager asked them to set up again, and continue to play, insinuating that they would look bad if they did not. By this time, feelings were hurt, and emotions were high, and folks were leaving.

The next morning we questioned, �did we really experience that last night?� Eddie and Rhonda were hired to entertain for the evening at City Fire, Sumter. In their 40 plus years of entertaining, they have never been told to STOP�right now! Customers spent plenty of money for their meals, while enjoying great entertainment. This has been my first, and I hope only, experience of an establishment not fitting into The Friendliest Home Town atmosphere. I only hope other establishments or the town squares, will open the way for the Eddie Coffey Band to be welcome in The Villages with their unique musical entertainment�.and no, I am not a Canadian!

[graciegirl]

Sunday evening, 25 friends joined us at City Fire in Sumter Landing for dinner, and entertainment. We have done this many times, both in Sumter and Brownwood, but this was to be a different experience. We all came out to see for the first time, the Eddie Coffey Band from Newfoundland, Canada.

Eddie Coffey is a musician, a songwriter and a storyteller from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Eddie's songs tell of life in the Maritimes, and of events that have had an impact on him. His stories are all true. Eddie's presentation ranges from sensitive to joyful and humorous and he never fails to touch the hearts of his audience. Known as one of the hottest bands from Newfoundland, Eddie and Rhonda generate energy and excitement.

The music at City Fire-Sumter is always loud and it is difficult to talk, but we know that. We noticed Eddie lowered the volume, but the acoustics have never been great for conversation. A small group to the side of the staging area complained. After one hour of our enjoying Newfoundland tales, Irish jigs and waltzes on the accordion and guitar,
the band was told by management to stop
! In the middle of a song! “Stop, now, or I will pull the plug!” Rhonda announced they were done for the evening, as their music was too loud.

The music was to play until 10 pm. Canadians were upset, as they were expecting others to show up later in the evening to enjoy this new to The Villages entertainment. We were there finishing our meals, and expecting to continue enjoying the music and dance. The manager from City Fire showed up, while customers were confused, annoyed, and embarrassed. The entertainers were humiliated and hurt, and still acted professionally, apologizing to everyone. The manager asked them to set up again, and continue to play, insinuating that they would look bad if they did not. By this time, feelings were hurt, and emotions were high, and folks were leaving.

The next morning we questioned, “did we really experience that last night?” Eddie and Rhonda were hired to entertain for the evening at City Fire, Sumter. In their 40 plus years of entertaining, they have never been told to STOP…right now! Customers spent plenty of money for their meals, while enjoying great entertainment. This has been my first, and I hope only, experience of an establishment not fitting into The Friendliest Home Town atmosphere. I only hope other establishments or the town squares, will open the way for the Eddie Coffey Band to be welcome in The Villages with their unique musical entertainment….and no, I am not a Canadian!

oic

[Sandtrap328]

I go to Lake Sumter CityFire frequently and never have thought the music made conversation difficult. The manager is very professional and I find this post difficult to understand.

The only thing I could guess is that enough customers (not just a small group by the stage area) complained about the volume and the manager did what he should do - tell them to stop.

GarVino's is a venue that the group could try.

[maureenod]

It sounds like this band should perform at the squares, so everyone could enjoy them. Hope they come back. Would also like to hear German/ Polish music.

[dotti105]

I hope someone from your group talked to the management and voiced your support for the group.
It sounds like very unprofessional behavior by the management.

[graciegirl]

Sunday evening, 25 friends joined us at City Fire in Sumter Landing for dinner, and entertainment. We have done this many times, both in Sumter and Brownwood, but this was to be a different experience. We all came out to see for the first time, the Eddie Coffey Band from Newfoundland, Canada.

Eddie Coffey is a musician, a songwriter and a storyteller from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Eddie's songs tell of life in the Maritimes, and of events that have had an impact on him. His stories are all true. Eddie's presentation ranges from sensitive to joyful and humorous and he never fails to touch the hearts of his audience. Known as one of the hottest bands from Newfoundland, Eddie and Rhonda generate energy and excitement.

The music at City Fire-Sumter is always loud and it is difficult to talk, but we know that. We noticed Eddie lowered the volume, but the acoustics have never been great for conversation. A small group to the side of the staging area complained. After one hour of our enjoying Newfoundland tales, Irish jigs and waltzes on the accordion and guitar, the band was told by management to stop! In the middle of a song! “Stop, now, or I will pull the plug!” Rhonda announced they were done for the evening, as their music was too loud.

The music was to play until 10 pm. Canadians were upset, as they were expecting others to show up later in the evening to enjoy this new to The Villages entertainment. We were there finishing our meals, and expecting to continue enjoying the music and dance. The manager from City Fire showed up, while customers were confused, annoyed, and embarrassed. The entertainers were humiliated and hurt, and still acted professionally, apologizing to everyone. The manager asked them to set up again, and continue to play, insinuating that they would look bad if they did not. By this time, feelings were hurt, and emotions were high, and folks were leaving.

The next morning we questioned, “did we really experience that last night?” Eddie and Rhonda were hired to entertain for the evening at City Fire, Sumter. In their 40 plus years of entertaining, they have never been told to STOP…right now! Customers spent plenty of money for their meals, while enjoying great entertainment. This has been my first, and I hope only, experience of an establishment not fitting into The Friendliest Home Town atmosphere. I only hope other establishments or the town squares, will open the way for the Eddie Coffey Band to be welcome in The Villages with their unique musical entertainment….and no, I am not a Canadian!

The people who pay the entertainment have the only authority to make the decision to stop the entertainment. Anyone else would only have an opinion. One would need to own or run the restaurant that hires the musical entertainment. That is the bottom line. There must have been a reason for the people in charge stopping the entertainment. If this bands fans were unhappy, they will vote with their dining and drinking choices.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=eddie+coffey+newfoundland+singer&view=detail&mid=B97669EB480DFDB945D5B97669EB480DFDB945D5&FORM=VIRE

[Rosebud summer]

Good morning, we just return from a Winter in the Village. We enjoy the place and Villages. The Villages are always know to be the friendliest place to live. We told Eddie Coffey and Rhonda about the Villages and they decided to come and see what it was about and try to entertain while there. They played at two places before City Fire. Everyone enjoyed their time. Alot of the same people went to City Fire to hear and enjoy a meal that night.
I really can,t believe that Eddie and Rhonda we asked to stop playing because they were to loud. Treated very disrespful.I heard a lot of bands playing at the Villages all were loud.
I hope management will apologize for the way they were treated on Sunday night. We were business owners, believe me if this happened where we lived no one would buy from us. Everyone left after this happen Sunday night. Thank you for supporting Rhonda and Eddie. The hurt was so great at that time.
They are great entertainers. The people love their music. Hope who ever reads this will get to hear them play again in the Villages. There are a lot of great places there for them to sing, and people to enjoy themselves.
Rhonda and Eddie we all love your music... Great time.. Music and Friends.. Yes, I am a Canadian....

[graciegirl]

Good morning, we just return from a Winter in the Village. We enjoy the place and Villages. The Villages are always know to be the friendliest place to live. We told Eddie Coffey and Rhonda about the Villages and they decided to come and see what it was about and try to entertain while there. They played at two places before City Fire. Everyone enjoyed their time. Alot of the same people went to City Fire to hear and enjoy a meal that night.
I really can,t believe that Eddie and Rhonda we asked to stop playing because they were to loud. Treated very disrespful.I heard a lot of bands playing at the Villages all were loud.
I hope management will apologize for the way they were treated on Sunday night. We were business owners, believe me if this happened where we lived no one would buy from us. Everyone left after this happen Sunday night. Thank you for supporting Rhonda and Eddie. The hurt was so great at that time.
They are great entertainers. The people love their music. Hope who ever reads this will get to hear them play again in the Villages. There are a lot of great places there for them to sing, and people to enjoy themselves.
Rhonda and Eddie we all love your music... Great time.. Music and Friends.. Yes, I am a Canadian....


It seems to me that the music is very much geared to specific tastes according to the link I found. It appears that two stalwart fans are very hurt and discouraged and angered by the actions of the manager. I would guess that at least those two will not frequent that restaurant much now. If everyone liked the same thing, they would only sell vanilla ice cream.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=eddie+coffey+newfoundland+singer&view=detail&mid=B97669EB480DFDB945D5B97669EB480DFDB945D5&FORM=VIRE

[Bonny]

City Fire has entertainment almost every night of the week. Most of their entertainment has been playing/singing there for years with no issues.
There must have been a reason this couple was asked to stop playing.
Could be their style of entertainment is not the style for City Fire.
Most of the people that go to City Fire for the entertainment like to go there to dance, not sit and listen.
The style of this couple is not for everyone.

[Parker614]

I can't imagine a manager at City Fire Sumter reacting in the way described. Who was the manager who said "Stop now or I will pull the plug?" Did the manager actually ask the entertainers to turn down the volume several times and they didn't so that's why they were told to stop?? If a lot of regulars were there and didn't like the entertainment, maybe they complained to the manager and that's why the duo was told to stop. Are the people who were there on Sunday to hear this duo regulars or one-time clientele because they were supporting their friends in this duo and are now upset and bad talking City Fire?? So many unanswered questions. I guess only those who were involved would know but it would sure be interesting to hear the other side of this event.

[Marathon Man]

I can't imagine a manager at City Fire Sumter reacting in the way described. Who was the manager who said "Stop now or I will pull the plug?" Did the manager actually ask the entertainers to turn down the volume several times and they didn't so that's why they were told to stop?? If a lot of regulars were there and didn't like the entertainment, maybe they complained to the manager and that's why the duo was told to stop. Are the people who were there on Sunday to hear this duo regulars or one-time clientele because they were supporting their friends in this duo and are now upset and bad talking City Fire?? So many unanswered questions. I guess only those who were involved would know but it would sure be interesting to hear the other side of this event.

Agreed. An unusual act by an established business has a reason behind it, and we normally will never know the reason.

[CFrance]

"The band was told by management to stop! In the middle of a song! 'Stop, now, or I will pull the plug!' Rhonda announced they were done for the evening, as their music was too loud.

"The manager from City Fire showed up, while customers were confused, annoyed, and embarrassed.

"The manager asked them to set up again, and continue to play, insinuating that they would look bad if they did not."

These three statements are somewhat in contradiction. A better explanation of what happened when and the all parties involved would be helpful. As it reads now, I have trouble figuring out who did what to whom.

I agree with the poster who said a business like City Fire would not do something like this... at least without a good reason. And then to ask them to set back up and play or they'll look bad? Who will look bad, City Fire or the entertainers? There's something not right in this story's telling, IMO.

[HimandMe]

Sounds like someone over reacted, saw the crowds response then changed their mind but the damage was done. New and interesting groups add variety but perhaps for the size of the establishment, their show was louder than usual...just a guess. Like the previous poster said, one of the squares may have been a better place and hopefully they will get an invitation showing that we truly are the friendly villages.

[VApeople]

Canadians were upset

Maybe some non-Canadians were upset at their performance because their music seemed to only be directed to fellow Canadians. At least that is how their music seemed to me when I watched a few of their Youtube videos.

[HimandMe]

Maybe some non-Canadians were upset at their performance because their music seemed to only be directed to fellow Canadians. At least that is how their music seemed to me when I watched a few of their Youtube videos.

Speechless

[graciegirl]

Speechless

Why speechless? Perhaps not Canadian but perhaps not of broad appeal?

I don't like Jazz music. Many, many, many people do but I don't. I agree with CFrance, it seems like part of the information was missing from the original post.

[VApeople]

Here is a video of Eddie Coffey and Rhonda Stamp and I think their music is very, very good but they keep stressing that they are Canadian, which is OK up to a point but I can see how it could irritate some people if they keep it up too long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9XxlPrDmgw

I have seen many videos of American singers like Emmylou Harris, Bruce Springsteen, and the Eagles giving concerts overseas, and they don't go on talking about America all the time. Besides, a lot of people from other countries love American Music. For example, how about these young ladies from the Czech Republic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZvpHwoQfqk

[Rosebud summer]

Just finished reading the new comments .. To sum everything up. The point is this did happen the way it was told, a lot of Americans and Canadians were there. Enjoying a wonderful evening of music and food. The music was turn down when asked. Also announced after if it was still to loud from Rhonda and Eddy. Everyone was fine with it. I heard bands that I didn't care for also while we were there but I still danced and listen to them. An evening out. You make the best of. It was disrespectful to treat them in the matter that took place by management. The evening could have ended on a good note like other nights. But that is not the case now. So hopefully this will not happen to another band playing at City Fire.Just trying to clear a point here. The songs they play are for everyone to enjoy. Not like was posted. Also you can dance fast or slow. You don,t have to just sit and listen. Eddy and Rhonda were trying to bring new music to the Villages that was all they were trying to do. To finish this, it happened the way it was wrote. Accordian music is loved by a huge audience no matter where you go. Yes, the Squares would be a great place for them to play.... But they were just trying to be heard...Also enjoyed..

[Barefoot]

There must have been a reason this couple was asked to stop playing. Could be their style of entertainment is not the style for City Fire. There is something incomplete about this story. Wouldn't the "style of entertainment" be pre-approved by City Fire?
Wouldn't CF management holds auditions to approve entertainment groups prior to hiring them?
Were they telling "off-color" jokes?

[Polar Bear]

There is something incomplete about this story...

Agree.