Green Bay committee votes to continue century-long City Band concert series at Saint James Park

The Green Bay Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee voted July 9 to continue funding the City Band’s 10-week summer concert series at Saint James Park.

The committee’s decision follows a staff presentation and public comment in which residents, the band manager and neighborhood volunteers described the series as a long-standing Green Bay tradition that draws families and older residents and is accessible to people who live nearby. Director James told the committee the city budgets $27,555 for the 10-week series and described the current practice of either canceling and rescheduling for the next night or making a same-day call if weather is questionable.

Supporters said the band typically draws large crowds on good nights — Eric Drzywicki, a resident and longtime volunteer, said the series often draws 800 to 1,000 people on well-attended evenings — and that the facilities and community infrastructure at Saint James Park (concession volunteers, a band shell and nearby parking) make it uniquely suited to the series.

Steve Villers, who identified himself as the band manager, described the band’s expenses and payroll (he said the band’s payroll last year was about $23,400 and individual payments were modest). Villers also said contracted acts booked for a single rainy Wednesday would still be owed payment “rain or shine,” which affects comparisons to outside bookings.

Committee members acknowledged ongoing concerns raised by one resident about lower-attendance, weather-impacted nights and cost per concert on those dates, but after public testimony and discussion the committee moved to continue the series as currently structured. Several committee members also urged staff to continue exploring an indoor rain location option and to clarify decision timing for rain calls.

The committee’s approval is a recommendation to the Common Council; the council will consider any final action at its next meeting.