We’re “Down” with 311′s Unity Tour at Bethel Woods
If you lived your teenage years in the 90′s, you know theres no better music than what we listened to growing up. Most of the 90′s bands that tour only play the larger venues closer to New York City. But last March, Bethel Woods answered by announcing that the 311 Unity Tour was coming in July. Sublime (with Rome) & 311 – two of my favorite bands from my youth playing 10 minutes from home? I’m there!!
The show was last Monday and the rain was coming down all day. It looked like it was never going to end. The large crowd that was waiting patiently in the rain was relieved to see the sun come out just minutes before Sublime with Rome took the stage. Sublime was very popular in the 90′s with hits like “Santeria”, “What I Got”, and “Wrong Way”. But in 1996 Sublime’s Bradley Nowell passed and with him the band Sublime. But in 2009 Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh brought back Sublime with new lead singer Rome Ramirez aka Rome. Shortly after the band was renamed Sublime with Rome.
Sublime came out performing new songs, lesser known songs, and the hits made famous by the original Sublime. The audience was in it from the start singing along to songs that still get airtime on radio stations – almost 20 years later. Every song played brought me back to listening to Sublime back in High School. I even heard “Lovin’, is what I got, I said remember that” from my kids 11 and 14 as they sang along.
Sublime with Rome played a relatively short set only lasting about an hour. This gave us time to hit the concessions at Bethel Woods before 311 took the stage. The concessions at Bethel Woods ran really smoothly and there seemed to be more than enough places to buy beer, etc… The only snag we had was waiting about 15 minutes for a bag a popcorn, but Jesus C. who was working the stand we were at was very apologetic and had a smile the entire time.
After a short intermission it was on to the main act, 311. 311 has actually been in existence since 1988, working out of lead singer/rhythm guitar Nick Hexum’s basement in Nebraska. Today the band has sold over 8 million records worldwide, and if you haven’t heard any of their hits over the last 20 years you’ve been living under a rock. “Down”, “Amber”, “Love Song”, “Come Original”, “Tansistor”, “All Mixed Up”, and “Beautiful Disaster” are just a few of their hits.
The lights came down on the pavilion and the show was on. 311 got the crowd right into it by kicking the show off with the hit song “Beautiful Disaster”. 311 played almost straight to 11pm with just a short intermission. Every song was perfect, 311 is definitely a band that needs to be seen live. The crowd was dancing and singing in unison to every song that was played. As 311 played their newest song “Sunset in July” I took a minute to look around and take in the grounds of this great venue while in use. Everything was perfect, Bethel Woods is not too big and not too small. It’s a jewel of a venue that was obviously very thought out.
The sound at Bethel Woods was perfect, it was nice and clear inside the pavilion and in the lawn seats. The band sounded exactly as they do in their recordings. 311′s stage crew also added to the show with lighting that drew you into every song played.
We have to give Bethel Woods a perfect 10 on this show. Even with the miserable weather that greeted guest, the staff was friendly and courteous. Everything was orderly and you never felt unsafe. Even leaving the parking area was fast and flawless. The only thing we have to suggest is – get more 90′s bands!
Enjoy the photo’s from the show:
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(Photos by Nick Piatek)
Feature: Liberty Mall Grand Opening – Rich in History, But what’s next?
On Wednesday, July 6th there was an evening of events held at the new Liberty Mall. Kicking the night off was the official ribbon cutting for the first business to reside in the Mall, Prudential Peters Realty. Attended by approximately forty people, everyone stood in front of the new store front while the ribbon was cut.
The crowd then moved inside to the atrium of the Mall to listen to the discussions. First up was Dorothy Shapiro who’s husband Irving Shapiro was the founder of Sullivans, the legendary business that once resided in the space now renovated into the Liberty Mall. Dorothy provided a wonderful mix of nostalgia, including great graphic sales flyers from holiday events that Sullivans had. She paused occasionally as her voice would falter recalling the history, the heydays and the demise of Sullivans. Her emotions showed her deep love for both her husband and the business that he built.
Following Mrs. Shapiro, County Legislator Jodi Goodman spoke on what it was like to be an employee at Sullivans. Ms. Goodman was hired as a merchandise buyer for Sullivans by Mr. Shapiro in 1974 straight out of college. She worked for twenty years there and recalled long work weeks but fond memories. She especially praised the vision of Irving Shapiro. She closed by stating that she hoped that the new Liberty Mall would become what Sullivans was, the hub of Sullivan County.
Having heard about the past of the historic building, the program shifted to a panel discussion about the current state of the Liberty Mall. Included on the panel were Terri Ward, CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Pam Winters, Town of Liberty Code Enforcement Officer, and Sam Backer of the Backer Group, developer of the Liberty Mall.
Emceed by Jeremy Gorelick, Chairman of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the discussion started with brief statements by each of the panel participants.
Terri Ward spoke of the location in Sullivan County, Liberty being the geographical center, and how it is prime for shopping. She spoke on how the Liberty and Monticello areas are great for shopping with their easy access to the major highway. She also spoke on how that would support the Roscoe and Callicoon areas which she referred to as the River Corridor, which she feels is the prime location to stimulate tourism in the county with their natural beauty.
Pam Winters then spoke on the readiness of the Mall for store openings. As of right now, in the first phase of opening, the first floor and been approved by the architect for certificates of occupancy. There is nothing significant to keep stores from opening. Currently the second floor and surrounding areas are pending further documentation.
Then Sam Backer, of the Backer Group, discussed who they were and why they chose the Liberty Mall location. The Backer Group is a family owned and operated company based in Brooklyn. This is their first venture out of the five boroughs. But as Mr. Backer grew up coming to a house in Parksville and used to come shopping Sullivans as a child it is a place close to his heart. Combine that special connection with an opportunity for growth, and the Liberty Mall project began.
After the general discussion Jeremy Gorelick read questions from those in attendance. Most were specific to the rental prices and the like. Only one question was pointed, posed by Joan Stoddard. She asked quite specifically about the substantial amount of back taxes owned on the property and when the Town of Liberty could expect payment. Mr. Backer declined to comment.
Finally, Prudential Peters Broker Fran Kurpil talked about the property and the store rentals. She is the listing agent and stressed that they are listing them at below market value on new construction. Common area maintenance is included in the cost of rent and they are willing to negotiate and work with potential tenants. Interested persons can inquire and learn more at MyLibertyMall.com.
As is the case with most Liberty area residents, the talk soon turned to potential businesses. Fran Kurpil encourages people to suggest the type of stores that they feel would be a good fit for our area. As of last week Hallmark had been to the location looking at renting two spaces directly on the other side of the atrium as Prudential Peters Realty. They have also been in talks with a shoe store and a daycare center. Work still remains on trying to get an anchor store as well as a theater. A theater is supported by Mr. Backer who is looking to split the cost with someone would like to be a part of such a venture.
Guests were then invited to walk around the space and were given tours. After hearing about the past, where the project is now and where it hopes to go those in attendance were left to wonder what’s next.
