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Council grants noise variances for Arts & Culture Alliance events; organizers seek sponsors after tight budget year
Summary
Fairport Harbor approved noise variances for four Arts & Culture Alliance events and heard the nonprofit's five-year progress and budget summary; organizers asked for sponsorships and outlined event dates and times.
Council approved noise variances and heard a presentation from the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance on its expanded summer concert series and finances.
Justin Levine, representing the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance, told council the alliance is a "501(c)(3) nonprofit organization" formed in 2020 to revive and grow live music events at the Lighthouse Amphitheatre and throughout the village. Levine described two signature festivals (Reggae in the Harbor and Jam by the Sand) and a Gazebo music series. "This has helped bolster local tourism, support small businesses, and spark new energy along our waterfront," he said.
Michael Shaffer, who presented the alliance's financial summary, said the group's 2024 events cost more than $66,000 to produce; sponsorships covered about 10% of that total, day-of show sales provided roughly 65% of revenue, and two events operated at a deficit. The alliance ended 2024 with a modest profit of under $1,000, which it rolled forward for deposits this season. Organizers said they cut roughly $7,100 in costs over the past months but are managing a $3,600 increase in day-of-show expenses for the coming year and are actively pursuing sponsors.
Council approved noise variances for four dates and locations: May 31 (park, 2 p.m.–7 p.m.; agreed setup/start 8 a.m.–10 p.m. by motion), July 12 (Lighthouse Hill, 1 p.m.–10 p.m.), Aug. 9 (Lighthouse Hill, 1 p.m.–10 p.m.; council approved broader cleanup hours and allowed up to midnight for the Amphitheatre date), and Aug. 31 (park, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.). The council motion set noise-variance allowances broadly as 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for park events and 8 a.m. to midnight for the hill event; council members voted aye on the motion.
Organizers said they will host a Volunteer Appreciation Cookout on May 18 and continue fundraising outreach to attract sponsors and income partners. Council members praised the group's work and said they would assist where feasible in outreach to potential sponsors.
