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Cal Rock organizers outline free concert series and request city support for 2025 season
Summary
David and Mary Henningsen briefed the Arts Commission on their concert series at Cal Rock (also referenced as Kell Rock in the presentation), reviewing past collaborations, proposed 2025 dates, programming goals and a draft 2025 budget; commissioners expressed support and asked for budget detail on artist payments.
David and Mary Henningsen presented plans to continue their Cal Rock concert series and asked the Poughkeepsie Arts Commission for support as they prepare a fifth season.
David Henningsen said the series brings free music to the community, creates paid opportunities for area bands and showcases local talent. The organizers described past collaborations with the city, the Discovery Museum, the Jazz Valley Pub Crawl and holiday events such as Juneteenth and Fourth of July presentations.
Presenters showed photos from previous concerts and said they aim to reactivate the pavilion and waterfront, attract local vendors and draw more visitors to downtown Poughkeepsie. They proposed holding concerts on Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20, with additional pavilion dates under discussion.
The organizers reviewed budget categories for a 2025 season — insurance, audio equipment, generators, labor, printing and promotion — and said artist payments are a priority. When Commissioner Tim McQueen asked what portion of the budget went to artist support, the presenters said artist payments were a significant share and estimated roughly two-thirds of certain line items, subject to a final budget calculation.
Commissioner Abigail Sarah and Chair Tim McQueen praised the series as a good use of the waterfront and said they would follow up. McQueen asked the presenters to send a detailed budget by email so the commission could consider formal support or process changes that might streamline city assistance.
No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; presenters were encouraged to submit the requested budget and partnership proposal for follow-up review.
