After a spirited evening while playing host to Party for the Parks, the Marcy Casino was alive for a second day in a row as Music is Art rolled into Delaware Park. The 12-hour event never dragged on for a second, and captured many of the dynamics that organizers had hoped to fulfill. As I mentioned in a previous post, the sprawling park setting allowed for an all-out festival feel that allowed guests to wander through the rose garden, the wooded areas, bridges, playgrounds, hills, fields, around Gala Waters and into the old boathouse (for VIPs).
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As much as I'm a fan of the previous setting at the Albright-Knox (the back steps are temporarily out of commission), Delaware Park as a substitute venue couldn't have worked any better. DJs played on the same stage that was set up for Party for the Parks (hovering over Gala Waters), as Shakespeare Hill came alive with three stages. There were places to slack-rope, Hula hoop, dance, paint, play and just relax. The balance of people, performances and parkland was perfect. Plus, you couldn't have asked for better weather - the place was hopping right up until the 10pm closing time.
I would also like to commend the caliber of 'dark' art featured throughout the festival. There were so many fun, top rate, handmade oddities such as devil masks, ghoul dolls and freaky paintings that they actually helped to contributed to an almost pagan feel. That same look and feel transcended throughout (loved the models built into the main stage) without being overbearing or scary for the families... and there were tons of families. The kids' tent was a big hit, especially since it was located right next to the playground (action packed all day). The dress creations were tight - festival-goers always appreciate it when designers work on their projects publicly. Same thing with the muralist painters.
Judging by the lines of cars parked along Lincoln Parkway and the swarms of people at the event, I'm sure that the organizers are happy with the turnout - moving an event can be tough logistically, and crowds can be unforgiving. This transition appeared to be seamless thanks to a lot of elbow grease, the park's natural and manmade surroundings and the genius of FL Olmsted.
Additional photos from Max Collins below:
Really liked the new location.
DJ stage at the rose garden sound-imposes on live performer stages.
Hope Party for the Parks considers moving to the weekend before Curtain Up- why should these two events (3 if you include Music is Art but that's really the next day) compete for people? I bet 500 people or more from Party might have gone to Curtain Up if it was not the same night. Party might get more, too. Might also give Party & Music is Art another 10 degrees of warmth to move a week earlier.