Jersey Mike

The most frustrating thing about the Thompson Administration is that the constituency of Harrisburg WANTS to succeed and the right people to get the various jobs done efficiently and honestly ARE available…but for reasons unbeknown to any of us…she simply doesn’t want to accept the help that is right in front of her face.

Case in point: this past Friday, August 20, the City Parks and Recreation department had a concert at the Levitt Pavilion. It was part of the “Levitt Live” summer series. The band was called “Trey Eley Experience”. A reliable source told me that the band’s payment was $1,000.00. The sound company gets paid around $500.00. Plus, there are additional costs involved like park staff, electricity and, of course, the band’s “rider”.

So the stage is set – a beautiful night this past Friday, giant open pavilion and a lawn that can seat thousands.

My source tells me there were fifteen people in attendance.

Fifteen.

But wait! It gets better. Around ten of the fifteen in attendance were Mayor Linda Thompson and her entourage (including her personal security detail).

SIDEBAR- In case you haven’t noticed, much space here hasn’t been given to the general disarray of the City of Harrisburg lately, rather, I’ve tried to focus on the areas that I’m 100% certain about. In this case, how to promote a concert.

And looking at the Levitt Live! website, I wasn’t surprised to see a number of cancellations. And the 2010 Summer Concert series still says “To Be Announced” (Today is August 23…when, exactly, will the Summer Concert Series be announced?)

It doesn’t take a Wall Street consultant or analyst to advise the city on how best to spend it’s entertainment and marketing budget. All it takes is a phone call.

Linda: stop wasting our money and start hiring the people who know what they’re doing.

Oh, and by the way- when is the Kipona Music schedule going to be announced?