Facing Bad Reviews, Theater Shuts Curtain On Outdoor 4th of July Concert

After several businesses owners stepped forward to voice opposition to a plan to close Main Street to motorists on the 4th of July for an evening, outdoor concert, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center pulled the plug.

On Thursday, the center officially withdrew its application to the Village of Westhampton Beach for the closure of Main Street so an outdoor stage could be set up for the concert.

The center did not wish to comment on its decision. 

The concert was created in an effort to celebrate the theater's 15th anniversary and all those that have support the theater over the years, Frank Russell, the theater's director of production, and Joanna Ferraro-Levy, the theater's associate director, said at a recent Westhampton Beach Village meeting.

Selected to perform was West Point's Jazz Nights, who have played with Benny Goodman at Lincoln Center, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and at the Hatch Shell for Boston's Independence Day celebration.

Business owners, including Erin Finley, owner of Sydney's "Taylor" Made Cuisine; Suzanna Marchisello, owner of O'Suzanna; and Paul DeVerna, owner of the Hamptons Wine Shoppe, all feared that their customers would not be able to get to their shops on the busiest day of the year, if Main Street was closed off.

DeVerna wrote, "Stores that rely on customers preparing for a big 4th of July holiday will be negatively impacted. Parking will be atrocious."

And Marchissello said, "The idea of a free concert for the village is wonderful, but not at the expense of the merchants who have all had a very challenging winter."

Other merchants, such as Elyse Richman, owner of three businesses on Main Street, Shock, Babyshock, and Shock Ice Cream, felt that a concert on the 4th had the potential to boost business, but said that no one will know for sure until after the event.

She said, "I love the idea of closing Main Street, turning it into a promenade, but on the slow nights. Bring in bands and the stores can stay open late."

Related Reading:

• Performing Arts Center Planning Outdoor Concert for the 4th of July
• Business Owner: Main Street Closure on 4th of July Not In Best Interests of Merchants