Sound at Sawgrass

[TheVillagesYoungster]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.

[VApeople]

The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there.

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.

[Michael 61]

The sound is something that comes with being close to a music venue - I can sometimes hear the music from Brownwood from the lanai of my new home in the northern part of Richmond - I actually like to hear the music - a nice perk from living so close (walking distance) from a square.

[Altavia]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.

Disagree, sound was terrible are first. They've done a great job getting it balanced. Much better now.

Sawgrass is packed every night and it's now our favorite venue.

[Garywt]

Can’t remember when they announced there would be music there but it was long before it was built. The music is over by 9:00 in time for the sidewalks to be rolled up and the 9:00 Villages bedtime. If they played until 11, which would be great, then I can see a noise complaint.

[LAFwUs]

The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there.
You literally couldn't be more wrong.
Multiple villages where not only up & built, but fully or near fully occupied before sawgrass was even remotely close to opening.
For a very long time it was little more than a parking lot with construction barriers. Many of us knew nothing about an outdoor music venue coming.
Fewer still were told when they bought, that there would be a stream of outdoor live bands 4-5 nights a week, 3-4 hrs non stop ea of those evenings, blasting out music at volume 11+, some 200 ft from some peoples homes.

Our south end home was near Sawgrass, yet blocks away. Far enough away you'd think it would not have been an issue...
The sound was horribly loud when it first kicked off. Loud enough one could hear it inside the closed up house. Using the lanai or being outside for an nice evening conversation was unpleasant & disruptive.

There may be a few exceptions, and while we didn't officially complain, every single neighbor we talked to about it, felt the same. So apparently enough of the residence that actually live near it (unlike yourself it seems), thought it was also too loud, even the ones that knew & welcomed its arrival & opening.

[Woodbear]

When we were looking to buy in the neighboring Village (March/April 2021), we were made aware of what was going on at Sawgrass.

[retiredguy123]

My favorite sound is silence.

[Joeint]

You literally couldn't be more wrong.
Multiple villages where not only up & built, but fully or near fully occupied before sawgrass was even remotely close to opening.
For a very long time it was little more than a parking lot with construction barriers. Many of us knew nothing about an outdoor music venue coming.
Fewer still were told when they bought, that there would be a stream of outdoor live bands 4-5 nights a week, 3-4 hrs non stop ea of those evenings, blasting out music at volume 11+, some 200 ft from some peoples homes.

Our south end home was near Sawgrass, yet blocks away. Far enough away you'd think it would not have been an issue...
The sound was horribly loud when it first kicked off. Loud enough one could hear it inside the closed up house. Using the lanai or being outside for an nice evening conversation was unpleasant & disruptive.

There may be a few exceptions, and while we didn't officially complain, every single neighbor we talked to about it, felt the same. So apparently enough of the residence that actually live near it (unlike yourself it seems), thought it was also too loud, even the ones that knew & welcomed its arrival & opening.

You couldn't be more wrong! From the first time Sawgrass was announced there was a railcar to be used as a stage for nightly entertainment.

[Papa_lecki]

Was at Sawgrass 3 times this week, we love it - much more than Brownwood or LSL.

It is a different concept than the squares, so comparing them isn’t valid. Yes, they all have music and food, but they’re different. It’s different than Edna’s. I think it’s great there are different concepts, instead of the same model.

The same people who complained about the noise would also have complained that the evil developer hasn’t put any entertainment on “the south end”.

[VApeople]

When we were looking to buy in the neighboring Village (March/April 2021), we were made aware of what was going on at Sawgrass.

Maybe the new residents thought the music would be like Edna's, where the music is kept at a reasonable volume and stops before dark.

They never expected it to some far-out psychedelic headbanger 100 Db music.

No wonder the resident black bear doesn't come around anymore.

[Rainger99]

The February, 2021, Continuing the Dream newsletter stated that there would be outdoor entertainment and a Box Car Stage in Sawgrass Grove.

Continuing The Dream: Volume 4 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol4/index.php#/p/1)

[Marathon Man]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.

How does anyone know that "one of the band members" actually knew the reason?

[JMintzer]

How does anyone know that "one of the band members" actually knew the reason?

Because he told them what they were told to do and why they were told to do it?

[photo1902]

How does anyone know that "one of the band members" actually knew the reason?

Same quality source of info as a barber talking about a Costco coming :)

[Altavia]

How does anyone know that "one of the band members" actually knew the reason?

Maybe it was the band that played the "... far-out psychedelic headbanger 100 Db music."

[JMintzer]

Maybe it was the band that played the "... far-out psychedelic headbanger 100 Db music."

Damn! That's my favorite genre...

[Bogie Shooter]

Same quality source of info as a barber talking about a Costco coming :)

A Costco is coming? OMG so many will be happy.

[Calisport]

I live a few blocks away and I never hear the music at all. Sometimes I wonder if it is even open. The residents that live near there shouldn't have control over the entertainment music levels.

[VApeople]

I live a few blocks away and I never hear the music at all. Sometimes I wonder if it is even open. The residents that live near there shouldn't have control over the entertainment music levels.

The only person who truly has "control over the entertainment music levels" is the Developer, and we all have the right to complain to him about issues that concern us.

[banjobob]

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.
There was a time when the amenities were built before the houses

[BlackHarley]

Used to be when the wind was blowing the right direction I could hear waves of live band music coming from Sawgrass, and I'm down in Chitty.

[VApeople]

There was a time when the amenities were built before the houses

In Your Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ZALaEfRP0

[Joecool]

Why do you think they never use all those little speakers on the posts around the audience? It seems like all the sound comes from the stage.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I live next to Sawgrass and never hear the noise at night time. Im in my house is usually closed up with the AC on, but I don’t hear a thing.
It also reminds me of people buying a house next to the turnpike, and then complaining about the turnpike.

[Miekies]

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.

Those that bought there knew Sawgrass was being built there. There was no surprise and it's quite sad that they are now complaining about it.

[NotGolfer]

Sound carries....I remember years ago that a resident across from Mallory CC complained about their live music. Got to be an every night caller to the CC. Eventually he sold the house and moved. We live off from Odell by the family pool and Odell Rec Center. Every so often we can hear the music (ever so faintly though) from LSL, or so I think. Have to have the windows open though. I always wonder about those who complain.....is it just one or two or the whole neighborhood??!! I'm not familiar with Sawgrass' issue however.....

[Beyond The Wall]

Location,location,location

[Papa_lecki]

When I am in my Lanai, I can hear the pickle balls, who do i call to close the pickleball courts?

KIDDING, but you know that’s coming.

[Tomas]

I have put together many sound systems. The system at Sawgrass works great. But does not belong at that venue, it belongs at Edna's. You need a system of speakers that the sound drops off after a distance. The speakers at Sawgrass should be surrounding the Venue where people are sitting.

Example you can put 8 Bose columns surrounding the sitting area at a 45 degree angle hanging in a horizontal instead of vertical plane with about 4 subwoofers spaced at ground level also surrounding the area. Lower the volume on the entire system and just surround the space with sound instead of blasting from the stage to fill the sitting area with sound from one direction the front of the stage, the result is what they have - the sound going past the venues property. The sound system they installed does not work for this venue and they used speakers that are not designed for that area. The hardest part is getting the sound people to only use the sound needed to fill the area. Not red-line the sound so it is unbearable like at concerts. The sound should be as close to wearing a pair of earphones in the area where people sit and drop off at or as close to property edge. Not a system that blasts into the neighborhoods. Sounds difficult - maybe for the people that put these systems together but a sound engineer could make that place sound great and not have all the neighbor complaints. I think that system belongs at Edna's it is way to small for Sawgrass. The design did not work. So don't blame anyone I am sure they did their best. But this needs a complete redo and a complete training of anyone that touches that system so the neighbors don't complain as much. Remember there will always be people that complain, but fewer complaints are needed.

[Singerlady]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.
I wish they had turned down the volume when we were dining indoors at McGrady’s. Yes, it was nice weather and they had the front doors and bar door open so it was like we were sitting in the front row at the venue. Way too loud. Poor planning for the venue.

[bark4me]

The sound is something that comes with being close to a music venue - I can sometimes hear the music from Brownwood from the lanai of my new home in the northern part of Richmond - I actually like to hear the music - a nice perk from living so close (walking distance) from a square.
I totally agree. Free ambient music. Can't beat that.

[bark4me]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.
I totally agree. It's like these idiots that buy a house by the town squares, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard etc. They knew it was gonna get noisy so deal with it. They can always sell their home and buy another one far far away from anything. Some people just aren't happy unless they're complaining.

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Costco!!!!

[retiredguy123]

I just don't like any live music. If I want to listen to music, I will turn on my stereo system or use headphones. I do think the developer should ensure that the residents near Sawgrass are not subjected to loud music that the developer can control.

[DAVES]

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.

Imagine running this place. No matter what it is someone will object. Human nature? Many years ago, through my business, I met a guy that married a German Duchess compete with a castle and a HUGE property. He and a neighbor were fighting about a tree on the property line.

[DakotaKid]

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.

That’s not true. All of us who bought in the Saint Catherine / Citrus Grove area were told that Sawgrass was coming. Sawgrass was a major selling feature for buying in this area. It’s one of the main reasons we bought in this area and has turned into a huge disappointment. The people (which I’ve heard are only 3 or 4 homes) that complained should have bought elsewhere.

I agree with the OP, the sound at Sawgrass is horrible. You can’t understand what is being sung or said, the instruments sound muddy and muffled, you can’t hear the kick drum which is the heart beat of the band. Even though we live very close we don’t go to Sawgrass hardly ever because the music there sounds like crap.

This is a case of the tail wagging the dog. A few whiners have recked the sound for the rest of us. Anyone from our area that I’ve talked to say how terrible the sound is. It’s a shame.

P.S. Sometimes when we are sitting on our lanai we can hear the music at Sawgrass and that is just fine with us. We knew it was part of the deal if we bought close to a music venue.

[DAVES]

I totally agree. It's like these idiots that buy a house by the town squares, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard etc. They knew it was gonna get noisy so deal with it. They can always sell their home and buy another one far far away from anything. Some people just aren't happy unless they're complaining.

This place IS congested with it's plusses and it's minuses. I have a friend who with his brother bought 180 acres in the backwoods of north Carolina. Before buying in the villages I became aware of an, "Opportunity," to buy an island. It was like 15 acres, i think it changed with the tides, a nice home and a small herd or wild horses. My own KINGDOME, it was vetoed by the QUEEN.

[rsmurano]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.

I’m an audio guy and went the 1st night sawgrass opened and the sound was so bad, I have never been back. And if you think the sound is worse now, when I think the sound was terrible in the beginning, I won’t be back anytime soon.
Why don’t they get a decent audio engineer to tailor the sound to the venue? It’s not hard to do. Brownwood sq or any of the other squares would also sound terrible if the audio engineer didn’t do their job correctly

[GATORBILL66]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.
Sawgrass is useless if you can't turn up the music. BUILD MORE SQUARES!

[rsmurano]

You literally couldn't be more wrong.
Multiple villages where not only up & built, but fully or near fully occupied before sawgrass was even remotely close to opening.
For a very long time it was little more than a parking lot with construction barriers. Many of us knew nothing about an outdoor music venue coming.
Fewer still were told when they bought, that there would be a stream of outdoor live bands 4-5 nights a week, 3-4 hrs non stop ea of those evenings, blasting out music at volume 11+, some 200 ft from some peoples homes.

Our south end home was near Sawgrass, yet blocks away. Far enough away you'd think it would not have been an issue...
The sound was horribly loud when it first kicked off. Loud enough one could hear it inside the closed up house. Using the lanai or being outside for an nice evening conversation was unpleasant & disruptive.

There may be a few exceptions, and while we didn't officially complain, every single neighbor we talked to about it, felt the same. So apparently enough of the residence that actually live near it (unlike yourself it seems), thought it was also too loud, even the ones that knew & welcomed its arrival & opening.

Sorry but you are wrong. We knew about the music at sawgrass at least a year before sawgrass was completed, way before st Catherine was built out.

[WingedFoot78]

Exactly where is the new Costco and when is the opening day?

[MandoMan]

I have put together many sound systems. The system at Sawgrass works great. But does not belong at that venue, it belongs at Edna's. You need a system of speakers that the sound drops off after a distance. The speakers at Sawgrass should be surrounding the Venue where people are sitting.

Example you can put 8 Bose columns surrounding the sitting area at a 45 degree angle hanging in a horizontal instead of vertical plane with about 4 subwoofers spaced at ground level also surrounding the area. Lower the volume on the entire system and just surround the space with sound instead of blasting from the stage to fill the sitting area with sound from one direction the front of the stage, the result is what they have - the sound going past the venues property. The sound system they installed does not work for this venue and they used speakers that are not designed for that area. The hardest part is getting the sound people to only use the sound needed to fill the area. Not red-line the sound so it is unbearable like at concerts. The sound should be as close to wearing a pair of earphones in the area where people sit and drop off at or as close to property edge. Not a system that blasts into the neighborhoods. Sounds difficult - maybe for the people that put these systems together but a sound engineer could make that place sound great and not have all the neighbor complaints. I think that system belongs at Edna's it is way to small for Sawgrass. The design did not work. So don't blame anyone I am sure they did their best. But this needs a complete redo and a complete training of anyone that touches that system so the neighbors don't complain as much. Remember there will always be people that complain, but fewer complaints are needed.

Good post. Some people believe in the pleasure of hearing music, loud enough to dance to it near the stage and quiet enough to have a conversation farther back. Others prefer to feel the music inside them so it can make them get up and dance without thinking. I prefer the former for lots of music. I prefer the latter for The Rolling Stones, etc. I perform bluegrass and country music. I want it loud enough so it can be heard and enjoyed, but I don’t want people to feel it. If the whole band is playing over 95 decibels, it’s problematic.

[Mermaid3400]

Being “one of those neighbors” we were told it was going to be like another Edna’s, three or four nights a week.

It’s not a square, the squares do not have houses wrapped around them. We love music and was excited to think another Edna’s would be here BUT the music is invasive into our homes. Forget about trying to enjoy our yard or lanai.

The sound people are trying to find a happy medium but as long as they are booking full bands such as Bobby Blackmon (who we love) just not inside our homes.

Now our home is invaded seven nights a week. Cannot help but feel misled and disappointed with the current situation.

[jimjamuser]

I have been going to Sawgrass frequently to listen to the music at night. When it was first open the sound was fantastic. Lately it has been terrible. It is turned down so low all you hear is everyone talking. I spoke with one of the band members on break and he said that they had to turn down the volume because the neighbors were complaining. The people who purchased in that area should have known that the entertainment center was there. I probably won't be going back. The sound at Brownwood is much better.
Yes, they probably should have sold the homes near the squares to ONLY those residents with poor hearing or hearing aids. But, unfortunately, no one consulted with me. Since about 50% of all residents have poor hearing, I am surprised that no one has thought of that solution. The ones with poor hearing would have a shorter commute or walk time to the squares to enjoy the ambiance of the fine people there. It would have been a win / win.

[Fastskiguy]

I have put together many sound systems. The system at Sawgrass works great. But does not belong at that venue, it belongs at Edna's. You need a system of speakers that the sound drops off after a distance. The speakers at Sawgrass should be surrounding the Venue where people are sitting.

Example you can put 8 Bose columns surrounding the sitting area at a 45 degree angle hanging in a horizontal instead of vertical plane with about 4 subwoofers spaced at ground level also surrounding the area. Lower the volume on the entire system and just surround the space with sound instead of blasting from the stage to fill the sitting area with sound from one direction the front of the stage, the result is what they have - the sound going past the venues property. The sound system they installed does not work for this venue and they used speakers that are not designed for that area. The hardest part is getting the sound people to only use the sound needed to fill the area. Not red-line the sound so it is unbearable like at concerts. The sound should be as close to wearing a pair of earphones in the area where people sit and drop off at or as close to property edge. Not a system that blasts into the neighborhoods. Sounds difficult - maybe for the people that put these systems together but a sound engineer could make that place sound great and not have all the neighbor complaints. I think that system belongs at Edna's it is way to small for Sawgrass. The design did not work. So don't blame anyone I am sure they did their best. But this needs a complete redo and a complete training of anyone that touches that system so the neighbors don't complain as much. Remember there will always be people that complain, but fewer complaints are needed.

Thanks for this

[DakotaKid]

How does anyone know that "one of the band members" actually knew the reason?

Easy, the sound people were told to turn it down because of complaints. Musicians and sound people talk to each other.

[CynthiaAnn]

The entertainment center was not there when people purchased the homes.

Only the Developer knew what they had planned and I doubt they told the new homeowners.

We knew what was coming to Sawgrass. Sawgrass, the Market and the entertainment were selling points! If people didn't, they certainly didn't do their homework. We bought in that area BECAUSE of Sawgrass! I agree the sound is bad, and there is WAY TOO MUCH TALKING. The sound from the microphone on the right side (as you face the stage) is always the worst. They need to fix the sound system. It's pretty bad.

[NavyVet]

Darn, and I was hoping for some Black Sabbath, Disturbed, or Korn. LOL

[Fastskiguy]

Darn, and I was hoping for some Black Sabbath, Disturbed, or Korn. LOL

Maybe in a few years we will

Joe