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Mayor: amphitheater tribute bands drawing crowds; Taylor Swift tribute may sell out, fireworks to launch from Broad Street Bridge
Summary
Mayor Craig Ford said recent tribute concerts at the Gadsden amphitheater drew large crowds, the city is charging $10 for some tribute-band shows to offset costs, and fireworks for the July 4 celebration will be launched from Broad Street Bridge.
Mayor Craig Ford said tribute-band concerts at Gadsden’s amphitheater have been well attended and that the city is charging $10 for certain tribute-band shows to help pay for the performers, while some variety concerts remain free.
Ford cited recent shows — an Eagles tribute and a Prince tribute — and said the tribute bands sounded like the originals and attracted large crowds; he said the Eagles show was about 90% full and the Prince show about 80% full. The mayor said a Taylor Swift tribute is scheduled and that he expects it to sell out: “We really think Taylor Swift will sell out… So when you call and and and you're upset about it, I'm gonna say we told you,” he said.
Ford explained the $10 ticket price for some tribute acts by saying the city charges to recoup part of the bands’ costs; he compared the local $10 price to a $60 ticket for the same act in Birmingham on a later date. He said other concerts in the amphitheater remain free to the public.
On holiday events, Ford said the city plans to shoot fireworks from the Broad Street Bridge this year so more people can view the display, and the event will include a concert at the amphitheater and activities near the former ice rink site. He did not provide a date for the fireworks beyond referring to the July Fourth holiday season, nor did he provide budget figures for the concerts or fireworks.
