Commission approves Summer on Strong entertainment license after organizers agree to noise mitigations

The Northampton License Commission on May 20 approved an entertainment license for Summer on Strong, the seasonal live‑music series centered on Strong Avenue, after organizers described changes they have made to respond to resident concerns about music volume and frequency.

Commission staff read a written comment from resident Karim May of Strong Avenue thanking organizers and noting appreciation for adjustments, including returning the series to four nights, prioritizing smaller acts on some nights, and arranging for a sound‑check person. The commission then heard from Isaac, who said the Summer on Strong committee had met with residents and with Shiva Shakti and had hired a new music booker, Ryan Hollander, to program smaller acts on weekdays and reserve larger acts for Saturdays. Isaac also said the committee had planted arbor trees in front of Shiva Shakti’s building as a possible sound buffer and shortened Sunday hours to reduce overlap with local classes.

Commissioners asked whether the responsible party for the license was available; staff noted Jeremy typically appears as the listed responsible party but was not present. Commissioners said they were satisfied to proceed after hearing from Isaac and moved to approve the entertainment license submitted by Rias Bachez LLC, d/b/a Homestead at 7 Strong Ave. The motion passed unanimously.

The approval comes after months of outreach the committee said it conducted with neighbors and community organizations; organizers told the commission they will continue monitoring and adjusting the program if neighbors report problems.