Musicians Wanted for Hacienda Restoration Benefit

Could musicians help raise money toward rejuvenating the Hacienda Hotel? 

That's a question Ed Isolani wants to answer.

He's planning a musical event at Mezzaluna Pizzeria in downtown New Port Richey where people can donate money toward efforts to restore the city-owned Hacienda.

And, he’s looking for performers who want to play for free.

He is planning an event for June 20, and is considering continuing it on the third Thursday of subsequent months. 

During the event, planners will collect donations to help move the now-vacant Hacienda’s revitalization forward. Isolani said that the money could go toward an engineering study for the building.

The Hacienda opened for business as a hotel in 1927 and was once used as an assisted living facility. The city bought the property in the early years of last decade, and the building has been vacant since 2006. The Hacienda is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city closed the door on a potential developer of the Hacienda last year. Locals came to the city council months ago with a bundle of ideas on how the property can be used, but no one was in a rush to sell it off.

The city is right now nearing the end of a campaign to raise funds online for an engineering study and to improve the condition of the building. The project has only raised $5,486 in pledges. It has only 17 days left to meet its target of $37,800. 

Isolani's project is a separate effort.

Isolani is a familiar face in the New Port Richey area. He’s lived around here for 13 years. He plays in a three-person band called the Olde Folkers with wife, Mary, and friend Jerry Mungeon.

Isolani is the former executive director of the Marine Institute alternative school, now called the AMI School. He’s also the creator of Cosmic Cajun seasoning and is actively involved in local charitable causes. 

Isolani said he would like to see the Hacienda used at least in part as a welcome center and a place for the performing arts. It has a ballroom where entertainers can perform and rooms where instruction in the performing arts can be provided.

He said the Hacienda could be "the focal point” for downtown rejuvenation.

Isolani said he has talked to local artists Julie Black and Dave Eichenberger about participating in the event. Because of the size of the Mezzaluna venue, Isolani is looking for smaller bands that play what he calls “organic” music, avoiding overuse of electrical equipment.

Artists interested in the event can call Isolani at 727-375-7842 or 727-389-0383. The event is planned for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 20 at Mezzaluna, 5749 Main St.

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