Savannah Center concerts

[rn1tv]

Is there anyone else who is extremely disappointed with the recent entertainment at the Savannah Center? It appears that Rocky and the Rollers are no longer bringing the great oldies groups to The Villages and I strongly believe the reason is the change in management for The Villages entertainment dept. If you would like to see these groups (i.e. Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, Jay and the Americans, The Diamonds, Lou Christie, etc.)again in The Villages,please email both the Entertainment Dept. and Rocky and the Rollers. I think, with enough support, we could get this much enjoyed entertainment back!

[billlaur]

No Im not disappointed.There is a great diversity of music available...:wave:

[perrjojo]

Is there anyone else who is extremely disappointed with the recent entertainment at the Savannah Center? It appears that Rocky and the Rollers are no longer bringing the great oldies groups to The Villages and I strongly believe the reason is the change in management for The Villages entertainment dept. If you would like to see these groups (i.e. Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, Jay and the Americans, The Diamonds, Lou Christie, etc.)again in The Villages,please email both the Entertainment Dept. and Rocky and the Rollers. I think, with enough support, we could get this much enjoyed entertainment back!


I have seen Rocky and the Rollers at least 8 times this summer. Sometimes at the square and also at Katie Belles. They have appeared many other times that we did not attend. I have also seen several great acts this summer at Savannah.

[Happydaz]

We are very pleased with the shows we have attended. We have enjoyed Herman's Hermits, a Broadway show, Viva Verdi, and several others. The Villages even has it's own symphony orchestra and we have signed up for all of those shows, plus we have a ballet scheduled as well. We really like the Villages in that they schedule all different types of shows. They can't all be Rock and Roll. We find it interesting and fun to try new things. When we used to attend shows and concerts in Boston it cost us more to park our car than it does now to purchase two Savannah tickets.

[ijusluvit]

Go see Phil Dirt & The Dozers. You'll be quick to join the standing ovation.

[sralph99]

Don't know how anyone can complain that Rocky & The Rollers doesn't bring us great entertainment. Whether it's at Katie Belle's or Savannah Center, we are constantly getting great entertainers. Between now and February we will have Gary Lewis & The Playboys, The Lady Legends of R-n-R, Sonny Turner (Platters), Charlie Thomas' Drifters. His November DooWop show will have the Passions & Dave Summerville and next March Kenny Vance & The Planotones will be performing again in The Villages.

[gatherer47]

As sralph99 said,Rocky is bringing his annual doo wop show to the Savannah Center in November.

[rn1tv]

Wow, please don't shoot the messenger! I, too, like diversity in entertainment and attend a variety of shows at the Savannah Center. I simply asked if you feel as I do, to send emails and if you are happy with the current entertainment, do nothing. And I did not imply that Rocky does not bring quality entertainment to us; I said he is not given the opportunity to bring more and , yes, I have tickets to the doo wop show in Nov. In the past, there has been more than one doo wop/oldies concert along with a Christmas concert. Rocky's is the only one I see listed for the rest of the year.
I thought this was a website where people could express there opinions without being chastised...obviously I am wrong! Sorry if anyone was offended by my post.

[jblum315]

I don't like Savannah Center and don't go there any more. The seats are uncomfortable, the steps going up to the balcony seats are unsafe, and the acoustics aren't great.

[justjim]

All is well in TV EXCEPT we do not have a first class Performing Arts Center that is on par with the other facilities we have in TV. Hopefully, remodel of The Church on The square will fulfill most if not all of the expectations of the Arts Community.

Although many of us disliked the closing of The Church on The Square----it was the Developer's decision (he owns it) and perhaps it will be an improvement to the Savannah Center.

TV has obviously outgrown the Savannah Center. Our population is close to four times as big now and it's past time to bring our Arts Facility up to par with the rest of this great community.

[Bogie Shooter]

All is well in TV EXCEPT we do not have a first class Performing Arts Center that is on par with the other facilities we have in TV. Hopefully, remodel of The Church on The square will fulfill most if not all of the expectations of the Arts Community.

Although many of us disliked the closing of The Church on The Square----it was the Developer's decision (he owns it) and perhaps it will be an improvement to the Savannah Center.

TV has obviously outgrown the Savannah Center. Our population is close to four times as big now and it's past time to bring our Arts Facility up to par with the rest of this great community.

Isn't there a group trying to do just that?

[buzzy]

I don't like Savannah Center and don't go there any more. The seats are uncomfortable, the steps going up to the balcony seats are unsafe, and the acoustics aren't great.

Pretty much true. But there is probably audience turnover from year to year. How many years had you gone to Savannah Center performances before you lost interest?

[graciegirl]

All is well in TV EXCEPT we do not have a first class Performing Arts Center that is on par with the other facilities we have in TV. Hopefully, remodel of The Church on The square will fulfill most if not all of the expectations of the Arts Community.

Although many of us disliked the closing of The Church on The Square----it was the Developer's decision (he owns it) and perhaps it will be an improvement to the Savannah Center.

TV has obviously outgrown the Savannah Center. Our population is close to four times as big now and it's past time to bring our Arts Facility up to par with the rest of this great community.


Usually you and I agree on everything, but not about this. Performing Arts Center usually stay alive because they are funded by huge corporations such as Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati or Amway in Orlando.

In order to get name groups, or good traveling shows, you have to pay more than a hundred bucks a ticket even with corporate backing. SOME will here, but most won't.

If you google performing art centers you will see them closed, all over the country, or struggling.

It isn't that I don't think it would be nice, even wonderful, but not sustainable.

Thank you Mark Morse for redoing the Church on the Square. AND I want to point out once again, it had one non denominational service per week at noon Sunday with rotating speakers. And no other religious meetings. It isn't set up for a church community like most are used to, no Sunday school rooms or anything else. Rotating speakers and different denominations to me does not speak what most are seeking in a church experience. ( I know who will respond to this and what they will say) It is just another torch for anti Morse people to carry.

I see this mentioned AGAIN in POA newsletter. It isn't as big an issue as they are trying to make it, that the Church on the Square was closed for renovation. From the beginning it was used for musical entertainment with a one year use by the Episcopal Community at the very beginning.

So even if some do not agree, I have to say this about a performing art center and about the Church on the Square being closed to renovate it for a bigger venue for beautiful music.

Do NOT miss getting season tickets for The Villages Philharmonic. AND get tickets for The Village Voices on Oct.19-20.


http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+the+village+voices&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=473289F4EE20A8B6B655473289F4EE20A8B6B655
This place is teeming with art and beautiful music. TEEMING.

[NJblue]

I don't like Savannah Center and don't go there any more. The seats are uncomfortable, the steps going up to the balcony seats are unsafe, and the acoustics aren't great.

I'm not sure when was the last time you were there, but the seats on the floor have been changed from what they used to be and I find them to be quite comfortable. The seats in the "balcony", however, are pure torture for me.

[maru8]

The entertainment has changed a bunch. Rocky is not bringing in the folks he used to get and now the center seems to be on Katie Belles. Of course the ownership of the two facilities has to do with this for sure!!!! The guy just can't seem to make enough money!!!!

[ldj1938]

I agree. Can't see. Seats are terrible. Haven't been in ten years. Too bad, would love to see the entertainment. Maybe someday we'll have an appropriate venue.

[justjim]

Isn't there a group trying to do just that?

Yes, it is PALMS (Performing Arts lake Marion & Sumter). This group has been working on this project for at least three years. Do you know someone who would donate 20M or so and put their name, or the name of their loved one, on such a facility? I think TV, and the surrounding area, can do better than the Current Savannah Center and would support an appropriate facility.

I have not heard any "street talk" about the remodel of The Church on The Square. It was a beautiful building with (some thought) potential to be a nice venue for a Performing Arts Center. Some thought parking might be a problem.

We certainly enjoyed several music events there in the past. We will see in the near future what the remodeled and enlarged facility on the square has to offer.

[Bizdoc]

Peter Noone/Herman's Hermits and The Association were here not long ago (April). Color me silly, but I'm happy with the mix at Savannah Center. Of course, I realize that lots of the "oldies" groups are in demand during the summer months and so tour more widely. And I like a diversity of music, tho I'd like to see more country and bluegrass.

[jblum315]

Pretty much true. But there is probably audience turnover from year to year. How many years had you gone to Savannah Center performances before you lost interest?

The first two years I was here (2010-2011). The other thing is that I just don't like (I'm sure there's a word for it but don't know) musical groups who imitate famous groups. They're either not very good or terrible.

[jhrc4]

Here is reality: Herman and the Hermits ? I remember them upteem years ago when they were first getting started in England. Big Deal they are doing odd little gigs like the Villages it gives them a few pounds $$$ in their pockets, but really Herman's Hermits and Peter Noon come on. As for Rocky and the Rollers ? They have there loyal followers but Rock and Roll. and there brand of loud, simple, same old stuff is OLD, is well beyond boring.

Change let's get up-beat throw some variety Disco, Four Freshmen. The Association, Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind & Fire..bring some life into the party. Rocky and the Rollers is old school, much the same as the Sugar Bear Band, Karen Hall, etc.

The Beatles ?? You can play every original song that they recorded in less than 10 hrs.,( they recorded a lot of already established hits), get real gang wake up and smell the coffee.

The Church on the Square re-hab is forward thinking and will be GREAT !! for this area.

Aside from that I am bewildered on the amount of religious places of worship in such relatively small area is mind boggling to me. Must be the money (Donations) what else?? So losing Church on the Square is ..So What ?? To me bring on decent Entertainment.

[rmcpklinefelter]

I must inject here, there are actually two fine orchestras here in TV land, the Philharmonic and The Villages Orchestra. Not to discount the Philharmonic in any way but if you haven't attended a concert by The Villages Orchestra you have missed an opportunity to hear beautiful varied music played and conducted by your friends and neighbors, all Villagers. Being a Villages Orchestra member, I'm proud to play with a performing group that benefits various local charity groups including Shoebox, Food Pantry etc, We are very excited that The Church On The Square is being improved and look forward to playing in that venue. Hope you all will consider attending our next two concerts, Nov 4th at New Covenant Methodist Church and Dec 20th at the Savanah Center.

[perrjojo]

I agree. Can't see. Seats are terrible. Haven't been in ten years. Too bad, would love to see the entertainment. Maybe someday we'll have an appropriate venue.

If you haven't been in 10 years you don't know that the seating has changed. No, it's not lounge chair seating but it is very comfortable now. Also, you get what you pay for. Just think what tickets on Broadway cost. I think the entertainment is value for the price. If you want "better" entertainment, be prepaid to pay higher prices.

[jhrc4]

I must inject here, there are actually two fine orchestras here in TV land, the Philharmonic and The Villages Orchestra. Not to discount the Philharmonic in any way but if you haven't attended a concert by The Villages Orchestra you have missed an opportunity to hear beautiful varied music played and conducted by your friends and neighbors, all Villagers. Being a Villages Orchestra member, I'm proud to play with a performing group that benefits various local charity groups including Shoebox, Food Pantry etc, We are very excited that The Church On The Square is being improved and look forward to playing in that venue. Hope you all will consider attending our next two concerts, Nov 4th at New Covenant Methodist Church and Dec 20th at the Savanah Center.

I totally agree with you. I did not mention The Villages Orchestra simply because I was thinking along the lines of the type of music that I mentioned.

The Villages Orchestra and the Villages Choir are really in a league of there own. Anyone who has not attended their concerts are really missing something special. All Residents !!

[Number 6]

Here is reality: Herman and the Hermits ? I remember them upteem years ago when they were first getting started in England. Big Deal they are doing odd little gigs like the Villages it gives them a few pounds $$$ in their pockets, but really Herman's Hermits and Peter Noon come on. As for Rocky and the Rollers ? They have there loyal followers but Rock and Roll. and there brand of loud, simple, same old stuff is OLD, is well beyond boring.

Change let's get up-beat throw some variety Disco, Four Freshmen. The Association, Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind & Fire..bring some life into the party. Rocky and the Rollers is old school, much the same as the Sugar Bear Band, Karen Hall, etc.

The Beatles ?? You can play every original song that they recorded in less than 10 hrs.,( they recorded a lot of already established hits), get real gang wake up and smell the coffee.

The Church on the Square re-hab is forward thinking and will be GREAT !! for this area.

Aside from that I am bewildered on the amount of religious places of worship in such relatively small area is mind boggling to me. Must be the money (Donations) what else?? So losing Church on the Square is ..So What ?? To me bring on decent Entertainment.

All right, you got my attention. Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone puts on one of the finest shows on the "oldies" circuit. Notice that he always sells out The Villages, and the reason is his talent. The Association has played here recently and they are simply horrible.

I am not sure that I am understanding the Beatles reference. they won't be playing here anytime soon. If you are referring to tribute bands, some of us like to experience the music live. Well, lots of us, if you check out the attendance. Look, I am not a fan of ABBA, but I won't put anyone down who likes to see an ABBA tribute band. The Duprees play here on occasion and, while there are no original members left, they put on a great show.

Bottom line, I like the Savannah Center and am grateful to Rocky for bringing the acts that he does. Would I like to see more? Sure. Oh, and Rocky, please bring Peter Noone back.

[Bizdoc]

What do you call a band which has none of the original members present? A tribute band!
Seriously, The Four Freshmen? They haven't had an original member in so long that they should be required to change the name (The Four Octogenarians?)

Many of the oldies group stopped playing because most or all of their members died. The few that are going strong (Like The Association, The Go-Gos, Joan Jett, and Air Supply) can command hefty fees. And they are in *big* demand during summer and fall.

Of course, EPCOT also has music during Flower and Garden (Spring) and Food & Wine (Fall) - for the cost of a park admission you also get concerts (last week we saw Air Supply, The Go-Gos, and Starship). Florida season annual passes aren't that expensive and if you go more often (like with grandkids or visiting friends), unrestricted passes aren't *that* expensive.

Building a large concert venue (and keeping it operating) costs a lot more than I have in my bank account. Savannah and Church on the Square work because ticket prices are moderate (remember the upset folks over the cost of Willie Nelson Tickets?) Even with 100,000 plus residents, it would take a lot of money to keep a 5,000 seat venue open.

[jhrc4]

I am not going to debate this subject simply because everyone has there own musical taste and I do stand by my comments regarding Herman's Hermits and similar groups like that.

Now as far as The Four Freshmen are concerned here is fact. Bob Flanigan the lead singer of the original Four Freshman managed and promoted the " New Four Freshman " up until his death, Bob freely admitted with pride that the New group is actually Better than the Original Group.

The Park in Silver Springs ( Ocala ) is the gateway for some (not) all of these yesteryear entertainers who honestly have seen better times. I can name a slew of them but why bother. Hey it puts a few $$'s in their pocket so that's good but hitting the musical notes ...whew it has to hurt.

As for Rocky and the Rollers, I have watched them preform and they are fairly good for a local group, so good for them, so ho hum and good night.

[justjim]

Building a large concert venue (and keeping it operating) costs a lot more than I have in my bank account. Savannah and Church on the Square work because ticket prices are moderate (remember the upset folks over the cost of Willie Nelson Tickets?) Even with 100,000 plus residents, it would take a lot of money to keep a 5,000 seat venue open.

I agree the type of venue you are talking about (5,000 seat) would cost a lot of money and would be difficult to keep operating. PALMS (Performing Arts Lake Marion Sumter) was not proposing a 5,000 seat concert hall. Anyway, without someone or Corporation donating a significant amount of $$$$$, it is doubtful any Center will be built.

Perhaps the remodel and expansion of the Spanish Springs former Church on the Square will be a better venue. The Developer is capable.

[rubicon]

I am a Performing Arts dud. but I am interested in what is going to occur once the church on the square's renovation is completed. I wonder if it will affect all the local acting groups that reside in TV since the Savannah Center will return to be a regional Rec Center

[Bizdoc]

The Park in Silver Springs ( Ocala ) is the gateway for some (not) all of these yesteryear entertainers who honestly have seen better times. I can name a slew of them but why bother. Hey it puts a few $$'s in their pocket so that's good but hitting the musical notes ...whew it has to hurt.

.

With the buyout of the operators of Silver Springs and management taken over by the State Park, concerts seem to be up in the air. Hopefully, they will continue spring/summer concerts (we went to most this past year)

There's actually an extensive circuit for the "performers you thought were dead" - lots of small towns and counties in rural areas (like WV) book them for things like 4th of July. Most of those groups spend the spring/summer/fall north of here.

EPCOT books a lot of the same era of groups for FlowerPower (in the Spring - mostly late 60s, early 70s) and Eat to the Beat (October/November - a wide range). We use our annual passes and go to hear groups that we want to hear and have lunch or dinner. I've also see some folks booked into various Orlando venues.

[gatherer47]

To jhrc4-ho hum back to you-I saw the "Four Freshmen" at the PBS taping-just like you have your opinion on Rocky and Peter Noone,I have an opinion on the new "Four Freshmen" - lousy

[swrinfla]

I've read (and re-read) this thread this evening. I find myself wondering a few things:

1] Who are these folks who dislike our quality venue offering top-of-the-line entertainment for pennies on the dollar you'd pay on Broadway?

2] Since when does a $25 ticket to a quality show in a modest venue turn into a never-again experience because it doesn't meet Big Apple "standards" priced at $150 for nose-bleed seats?

3] Do you know of any other 55-plus community that offers the amount of and quality of entertainment that is available here?

4] Where else can you be regularly entertained by up-and-coming performers who have become stars in their own right, appearing on internationally sponsored television programs without paying premium prices to do so?

5] The Villages is, quite frankly, Paradise. Don't knock it!

SWR
:beer3:

[graciegirl]

I've read (and re-read) this thread this evening. I find myself wondering a few things:

1] Who are these folks who dislike our quality venue offering top-of-the-line entertainment for pennies on the dollar you'd pay on Broadway?

2] Since when does a $25 ticket to a quality show in a modest venue turn into a never-again experience because it doesn't meet Big Apple "standards" priced at $150 for nose-bleed seats?

3] Do you know of any other 55-plus community that offers the amount of and quality of entertainment that is available here?

4] Where else can you be regularly entertained by up-and-coming performers who have become stars in their own right, appearing on internationally sponsored television programs without paying premium prices to do so?

5] The Villages is, quite frankly, Paradise. Don't knock it!

SWR
:beer3:


Yeah, what he says, and he is a LOT taller than most people, and nicer too.

[jhrc4]

Top of the line entertainment " Herman's Hermits ", Rocky and The Rollers, you hopefully are not including them. They along with some others are OK for Katie Bells, but certainly not the Savannah Center.

[gatherer47]

The yearly sell outs of Peter Noone and the Rocky shows indicate that they do "certainly" fit at the Savannah Center.The facts don't support your opinions of what you consider "top of the line " entertainment.Your entitled to your opinions of course but others have that same right.I'll just end this once and for all by saying "let's agree to disagree."

[Number 6]

Top of the line entertainment " Herman's Hermits ", Rocky and The Rollers, you hopefully are not including them. They along with some others are OK for Katie Bells, but certainly not the Savannah Center.

Herman's Hermits
18 Top 40 US Singles
11 Top 10 US Singles
2 Number 1 US Singles

If you go to his website you will see that he plays a lot bigger venues than the Savannah Center. And right, the proof of the pudding is that he sells out the Savannah Center any time he plays here.