[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]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

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]

Originally Posted by buzzy

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

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]

Originally Posted by jhrc4

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