“Ian Anderson Presents: Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour” at Forest Hills Stadium

By Michael Perlman

Jethro Tull takes the Forest Hills Stadium stage, Photo by Michael Perlman

Forest Hills was on the map for the Jethro Tull tour, where the largely filled stadium was the quintessential venue for a 50th anniversary concert on the mild late summer’s night of September 14. Ian Anderson, who was born in 1947 in Fife, Scotland, is the sole original member of the British rock band “Jethro Tull,” as well as the lead vocalist and a flautist, credited for introducing the flute to rock music. Additionally, he is a multi-instrumentalist, who can also be found playing the guitar, harmonica, bass, and keyboard. 

Ian Anderson's flute & signature one-leg stance, Photo by Michael Perlman

The band debuted at the famed Marquee Club in London, and their success continued with 30 albums that sold over 60 million copies. In 50 years, Jethro Tull performed in 40 countries, performing over 3,000 concerts. Today, Anderson lives on a farm in England, site of his rehearsal and recording studio. 

Ian Anderson plays flute in front of his cultural background video monitor, Photo by Michael Perlman

Anderson’s quality lyrics engaged the audience and his showmanship were distinguished by his eloquence and witty nature. The stage became his dance studio, where he freely moves, and his signature single-legged flute stance was evident from early in his career. Two sets consisted of 18 numbers including “Dharma for One,” “Thick as a Brick,” “A New Day Yesterday,” “Warm Sporran,” and some of the most famous, “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath.” Traditional and cultural themes were apparent such as in “Bourée in E minor,” a flute-based spin on Bach’s classical piece, “Pastime with Good Company,” a King Henry VIII cover, as well as in “Heavy Horses” which mourns the loss of labor for England’s horses by favored machinery.

Anderson narrated select numbers. Before performing “Warm Sporran,” which has only been played publicly in the last few weeks, he said, “This is a piece that has sentimental value during the years that I spent in agriculture in the highlands of Scotland back in the 80s and 90s. I can often be found back then wandering through the glorious glens of the mountainsides, along the steep river banks, wearing nothing but a warm sporran.”

“This is the oldest theme of all,” Anderson said before performing “Pastime With Good Company.” “It wasn’t written by me, since I was still in short trousers back then in the 16th century when it was recorded as King Henry VIII’s madrigal in merry old England.” 

Jethro Tull, Photo by Michael Perlman

Fans ranged from diehards to first-timers. Eric Schreiber has been tuning in to Jethro Tull since the 1970s. He observed how over 50 years, the band journeyed through folk, progressive, and hard rock phases. He said, “Their trademark sound, which distinguishes Ian Anderson from other frontmen, is his prominent featuring of the flute. For a lead singer to alternate vocals with playing a wind instrument with his level of mastery is impressive. With some bands, the lead guitarist creates the band’s signature sound, but with Jethro Tull, it’s definitely Anderson’s flute and vocals.” He continued, “It was interesting how he chronicled the evolution of the band over the years with all of its members. His current band does a fine job of supporting him and did the music justice.” His favorite numbers were “A New Day Yesterday,” “My God,” “Aqualung,” and “Locomotive Breath,” and in response to the latter, he said, “It was kind of cool that you could see the LIRR from the stadium as that song was playing.” 

Jethro Tull with one of many outstanding backdrops, Photo by Michael Perlman

“When Ian came on stage, the sun was setting, it became dark just like in the theatre, and when he started performing, it was magical,” said Linda Glaser. “When I think of Jethro Tull, I think of Ian playing the flute with his toes touching his opposite knee. It was like time hasn’t moved since the 70s.” As for the band’s rapport with the audience, she said, “It was something I have never seen! Every song had a backup story, and past musicians were presented on video to narrate the songs.” She also fell in love with the venue’s ambiance. “The people we met in our row felt like long-lost friends,” she said. 

Ian Anderson belting a note, Photo by Michael Perlman

Peter Arato considered the high points the instrumentals, such as in “Bourée.” Additionally, he admired how Anderson entertained the crowd with retrospective stories of each tune between songs. He said, “An elaborate backdrop alternated between historic footage of Tull, a psychedelic light show, tributes by other musicians to the band’s 50th anniversary, and folks doing duets with Ian Anderson. The visuals really added to the experience.” His evening was also boosted by the stadium’s character. “There is probably no better or more intimate venue to see an outdoor show than Forest Hills Stadium, with a sense of history from the basic structure to the portraits of legends, both athletic and musical.” 

Longtime fan Steven Rosen sports his Jethro Tull t-shirt

“My memories came flooding back reliving my journey with them over 50 years,” said Steven Rosen, who found enjoyment in what he considers lesser known numbers, “Heavy Horses” and “Farm by the Freeway,” in addition to top hits “Aqualong” and “Locomotive Breath.” He praised Anderson’s rapport and professionalism. “Ian referred to seeing old friends again, which was nice to hear, and also let the applause die down before continuing the concert, which most bands in a hurry to finish do not.” 

Ian Anderson & his band take a bow, Photo by Michael Perlman

For Jane Firkser-Brody, it was a nostalgic night, which was reminiscent of the 1970 Jethro Tull concert at the Fillmore East. “Bourée” was her personal favorite, which largely made the crowd interact. She said, “I absolutely love the sound of a flute, and Ian Anderson plays as good as ever. Even though he is the only original member, his band sounds as if they have been playing together for years. Jethro Tull is made up of excellent musicians!” 

A portion of Kevin Wadalavage's Jethro Tull ticket stub collection

It was Kevin Wadalavage’s 14th Jethro Tull engagement, and he proudly retained his ticket stubs since 1972 at Madison Square Garden. He explained, “The musicians of early Tull, some of which were featured on the screen in the show, including Barriemore Barlow, Jeffrey Hammond, and Clive Bunker, were amazingly entertaining and skilled, and I would invite anyone to watch some of their early concert footage.” He continued, “Ian makes all the classic moves he has made for decades, and that is all we visually focus on with the band while they dutifully execute the notes.” He reminisced, “I first came to Forest Hills Stadium to see The Who in 1971, and having always lived in Queens, it has been a real treat to see the Stadium come back to life. I can see world-class talent and still be home in ten minutes.”

A similar version appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: 

http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27666401/article-Jethro-Tull-50th-Anniversary-Tour-comes-to-Forest-Hills

Back To The 1980s At Forest Hills Stadium

By Michael Perlman

On a warm summer night at Forest Hills Stadium, it was the closest that concertgoers may have come to the 1980s. The over four-hour engagement on July 28 evoked nostalgia and a new sensational experience of some of the era’s most memorable headliners. It opened with Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey followed by The B-52s, and Boy George and Culture Club, calling for one large celebration, where attendees were dancing the night away, occasionally into the aisles, and large smiley balloons with handwritten messages bounced around, offering a beat of their own. Although decades have passed, most concertgoers felt that the artists, with resonant vocals, rhythms, and wit, have not lost their spark.

Emoticon balloons add to the character, Photo by Michael Perlman

Boy George & Culture Club, Photo by Michael Perlman

Culture Club’s Boy George, the pop band’s lead British singer and songwriter remains distinguished by his blue-eyed soul and androgynous fashion. He is an international icon, and is the 2015 recipient of the Ivor Novello lifetime achievement award. Founded in 1981, the band’s sales have exceeded 50 million records. Their set, with a full band included classics such as “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie cover), “It’s A Miracle,” “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Time (Clock of the Heart)” and “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” Another highlight was new music that he proudly introduced such as “The Truth Is A Runaway Train.” It continued with a 3-song encore including favorites “Addicted To Love” (Robert Palmer cover) and the ultimate classic sea shanty “Karma Chameleon,” which fans continued to sing after the concert.

Boy George & Culture Club, Photo by Michael Perlman

“Everything is about attitude and intention, so as long as the intention is there, and there’s a whole lot of attitude, we’re off to a good start, people,” said Boy George, whose rapport largely struck a chord throughout. When he performed a song with “a hint of magic realism,” he asked the audience if they wanted to be loved, and in turn, they exclaimed “Yeah!” He then said, “You have to open yourself up to the possibility of that happening. You have to ‘Let Somebody Love You.’” There was a mix of old and new tunes. He said, “We hit you with something unfamiliar and then we reward you with something familiar. It’s kind of like a form of musical mind control, honed over years and years of practice.” Before performing “Time (Clock of the Heart),” he was grateful to their artistic influences, and said, “This particular song was the beginning of us really going, ‘Uh okay, I think we got a sound.’ All those of years of listening to Gladys Knight & the Pips and Marvin Gaye finally paid off.”

The B-52s, Photo by Michael Perlman

New Wave and dance-rock band The B-52s originated in Athens, Georgia in 1976, and with over twenty million album sales, they are regarded as “the world’s greatest party band,” as proven at the stadium. Their set featured “Mesopotamia,” “Private Idaho,” “Roam,” “Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster.” Once known for bouffant hairdos, The B-52s consisted of Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, and Cindy Wilson.

Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, Photo by Michael Perlman

Tom Bailey performed some of the most memorable hits of the Thompson Twins, the British pop, new wave, and synth-pop band originating in 1977. The program consisted of classics including “Lies” “Lay Your Hands on Me,” “Doctor! Doctor!” and “Hold Me Now,” with Tom Bailey on vocals and guitar, and his exclusively female band, comprised of Charlotte Raven and Amanda Kramer on vocals and keyboards, and Paulina Szczepaniak on electronic drums.

“Music has the power to bring you back in time, and you think about friends that a particular song reminds you of,” said Forest Hills resident Steven Grimando who attended with his girlfriend Lisa. He recalled a great summer when “Hold Me Now” was released, and another highlight was The B-52s’ “Roam.” “Gotta dance to that one awesome song!” He praised their voices and stage presence and said, “Taking into account that none of us are youngsters anymore, they still have it.”

A fan sporting a bouffant hairdo poses with Bari Cohen, Courtesy of Bari Cohen

“What better way to relive teenage years than the great outdoors at Forest Hills Stadium in my backyard,” said Bari Cohen. She continued, “From ‘Roam’ and ‘Love Shack’ until the end with ‘Karma Chameleon,’ it was a sing-along the whole night, and the artists unified the stadium, where strangers became friends, and the audience was full of love and good energy.”

Sarah Lyons commuted from Long Island with her husband. She said, “My most memorable moment was looking around at the crowd enjoying a beautiful Saturday night at the stadium, a perfect summer venue.” Her main draw was Culture Club, who she praised for their iconic songs such as “Time,” her personal favorite. “I have always loved that song and loved hearing it in person. I also loved how Boy George and company engaged the crowd. He seemed to be having as much fun as the audience.”

Rockland County resident Josie Paz, who turns 60 on July 31, knew how to celebrate! “It was fun, danceable, and relevant as it was in the eighties. The best parts were dancing like I did in my twenties, as I leave my fifties behind, and seeing my peers and younger folks loving the 80s.” She continued, “Although I am a huge B-52s fan, I was joyfully surprised at how wonderful Boy George was; not only engaging and charismatic, but his voice was amazing, and having Tom Bailey sing all my favorites from the Thompson Twins was the icing on my birthday cake.”

Rego Park fan Lara Frater attended with her sister-in-law and a friend. “I really enjoyed how The B-52s threw in ‘Low Rider’ in the middle of ‘Love Shack.’” It made her reminisce her circle of friends in the 90s, when ‘Love Shack’ was their theme song. She found their act to be quirky, as evident by Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s dresses. Furthermore, she said, “Culture Club and Thompson Twins took me back to Friday night videos on ABC, and when The B-52s performed ‘Party Out of Bounds,’ it reminded me of WLIR, the 80s alternative radio station.” Frater was proud of Culture Club’s opening tribute to David Bowie with ‘Let’s Dance’ and she admired Boy George’s witty banter, such as when he told the audience to “just get off social media for a few minutes and listen.” As for the encore’s “You Give Me Life,” she said, “It was a sweet ballad, and I liked how everyone used cell phone flashlights instead of lighters.”

One of many fans wearing band t-shirts, Photo by Michael Perlman

An alternate version of this feature has been published in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27587567/article-80s-live-again-at-Forest-Hills-Stadium

Robert Plant & Roger Daltrey Rock Forest Hills Stadium

By Michael Perlman

Robert Plant on left with members of the Sensational Space Shifters, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

For the sixth year, the iconic Forest Hills Stadium has attracted a diverse mix of legendary artists and a full house. Classics never die, as proven by two of the season’s earliest concerts. Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters performed with special guest singer, humanitarian, and nine-time Grammy recipient Sheryl Crow and folk singer, songwriter, instrumentalist Seth Lakeman on June 13, followed by Roger Daltrey performing The Who’s “Tommy” with The New York Pops on June 17. 

Full house at Forest Hills Stadium's Roger Daltrey & NY Pops concert, Photo by Michael Perlman

Seth Lakeman, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sheryl Crow, Photo by Michael Perlman

For over 50 years, Robert Plant, the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin, has never lost his wide and powerful vocal range, and is known as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. His charismatic performance features gestures include dancing, jumping, and clapping, making the audience feel energized. His dynamic band, the Sensational Space Shifters, as of 2012, is as sensational as the title implies. His “Carry Fire” tour featured classics such as “The Lemon Song,” “Going To California,” and “Whole Lotta Love,” making the audience go wild, and included newer numbers such as the “The May Queen.” 

Robert Plant, Photo by Michael Perlman

Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, Photo by  Michael Perlman

Forest Hills native Glenn Lurie called it a thrill to attend big name concerts in his hometown. “We must all do what we can to keep the terrific music of the sixties and early seventies alive,” he said. For him, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” was a showstopper. He explained, “When Robert Plant performs Led Zeppelin tunes, it brings me back to reliving my high school days, when Zep's music was just part of the growing up experience of music, playing such a major role in my life. His voice sounds as clear and moving as it did in 1969.”

Sofia Monge, co-owner of Continental Photo, felt it was one of the best concerts ever. She said, “When I heard Robert Plant was performing, I was excited and curious. His voice is powerful as ever, just like in the old Led Zeppelin days, and the man is almost 70 years old. I’ve become an instant fan! It’s nice that he seeks out music from all over the world and has been influenced by it, and he has garnished the amazing Sensational Space Shifters band to create some incredible music.”

Kew Gardens resident Eric Schreiber, a child of the 1970s, considers Led Zeppelin a favorite band of all-time. He said, “Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were one of the most prolific songwriting tandems in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, comparable in magnitude to John Lennon and Paul McCartney. As a solo artist, Plant has really done the delta bluesmen proud.”

Schreiber felt “The Lemon Song” was a great opener, setting the show’s tone. He continued, “’Going To California’ and ‘Gallows Pole’ were tracks from albums I wore out the grooves on while coming of age. ‘In The Mood’ from The Principle of Moments, was a prime selection from his early solo career, which didn't push his vocal cords beyond their comfort zone and sounded good. ‘Bring It On Home’ and ‘Whole Lotta Love’ were the perfect note to close on. I left wanting more, and as we filed towards the exit, the last encore was still playing in my head.”

As for opener Sheryl Crow, Schreiber said, “It was interesting that she had spoken with tennis legend John McEnroe who told her he first played at Forest Hills Stadium when he was nine, but meanwhile, Robert Plant mentioned he had to ask his friends if he had ever played here, since he couldn't remember.” He compared her to Linda Ronstadt and praised her set and band. “She still has the pipes that established her as a multi-platinum act 25 years ago.” 

Roger Daltrey & The Who band members, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

Spanning over 50 years, singer, musician, and actor Roger Daltrey continues to be a shining rock star, highly regarded for his charisma, powerful vocals, and energetic stage presence. His signature move is swinging a mic by its cord, as evident in the opening. In the mid-1960s, he founded the rock band, The Who, and became the lead singer. The Who took the stadium stage for two nights in 1971, and in 2015 for “The Who Hits 50!” tour. Considered the largest independent pops orchestra countrywide and the sole professional symphonic orchestra specializing in popular music, The New York Pops played Forest Hills for the past 4 years. Daltrey and some regulars of The Who band and The New York Pops united for a Father’s Day engagement of The Who’s “Tommy,” the rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy and his life experiences. 

The New York Pops, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey & The Who band members, Photo by Michael Perlman

His set opened with “Overture” and brought everyone to their feet with classics such as “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me, Feel Me,” and “Tommy Can You Hear Me?” His encore consisted of “Who Are You” and The Who’s signature number, “Baba O’Riley,” which featured a violin solo by virtuoso Katie Jacoby, and a suitable conclusion, “Always Heading Home.” One of Daltrey’s most memorable statements was “’Tommy’ is all of us, and all the characters in ‘Tommy’ are different people in all of us.’ We all have the potential to come out if we are careful. It’s all in there somewhere in the human mix.”

Commuting from Manhattan, Stuart Haber felt the collaboration between Roger Daltrey and The New York Pops initiated an additional depth to the score. He said, “You didn’t need videos above the stage. I saw Roger do the Tommy tour at Nassau Coliseum about six years ago and I saw The Who do it last year at Royal Albert Hall, but the orchestra made so much of the difference, and it felt closer to a Broadway musical than a rock concert.” While the score was outstanding, he considered “Go to The Mirror Boy,” “I’m Free,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as best. “For all the times I heard ‘Baba O’Riley’ live, this was the only time the violin was used, and it was transcendent!” he continued.

Jane Schulyer Carucci of Forest Hills has seen The Who for over 30 years including their 2015 stadium appearance. “The New York Pops added to their music a classical component, which is timeless for the ages. All generations can enjoy this, as I've seen youngins really enjoying the show.”

Robert Schnell wearing The Who coat commutes in style

Forest Hills Gardens concertgoer Robert Schnell proved just that. “The highlight was bringing my 5-year-old daughter Ishanika Gabriele Schnell to her first concert and watching her dance to daddy’s music.” Reminiscing his own childhood, he added, “My brother Rich turned me on to Tommy when I was 10 through the Woodstock album, and finally The Who’s first ‘rock opera’ is performed by an orchestra with the band, which is 49 years in the making!” 

Ivy Hammer and her husband Steve made New York Pops concerts their summer tradition. She extended additional praise to Daltrey. “He’s now 74 and terrific. He moved around the stage easily and sounded the same as in his younger days with his clear and strong voice.” 

Arriving early to the Roger Daltrey & NY Pops concert, ready to rock the night away, Photo by Michael Perlman

Concert Fundraiser Starring Harmonica Virtuoso Jiayi He - Help Restore The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

You are cordially invited to a unique concert starring notable harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. 

 When? Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 PM 

Where? At the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, south side of Queens Blvd and 54th Ave.

The concert is also a fundraiser that will address a much-needed restoration of the church, which was recently designated State & National Register of Historic Places status. The public will pay a $10 admission fee.

Fundraiser contributions can also be mailed to:

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, 
54-05 Seabury Street 
Elmhurst, NY 11373

An early 20th century photo, Courtesy of the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

 The church was founded in 1652, and the present Gothic sanctuary was built in 1895, and features distinctive attributes such as stained glass by Tiffany artists and a 1788 bell. In the 1920s, the church was transported to accommodate the widening of Queens Blvd. A diverse history which ties into Queens' Colonial past is as follows: http://www.fpcn.org/history

Historic & recent church photos, Courtesy of Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council: http://bit.ly/1dVPoWA

About the concert - "Harmonica Music from Classical to Modern"

“Jiayi He plays one harmonica for many pieces & many harmonicas just for one piece!” Jiayi He has won prestigious awards in America, Europe, and the Far East. Performing concerts around the world, he plays an extensive range of harmonicas, which includes Chromatic, Diatonic, Tremolo, Bass, Wheel, multiple harmonicas... as well as the largest harmonica and the smallest harmonica in the world. He will also play "Sheng," which is a forefather of the harmonica and the earliest Chinese reed instrument with blow and draw playing. It was invented nearly 3,000 years ago. The harmonica was invented in Germany in 1821.

Jiayi He will perform with a Woodwinds Quintet and a Harmonica mixed with Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, among a new and unique combination of music. Jiayi He's daughter, Jenny He, will accompany her father on the piano.

The concert will world premiere "Cantabile for Solo Harmonica and Woodwind Quintet" by renowned composer Michael Isaacson. It is a new work special written for Jiayi He.

The concert program will include: Blue Danube Waltz, Skaters Waltz, Turkish March, Flight of the Bumblebee, Little Swan Dance, music by Gershwin, Blues... and Wind Quintet Selections from Cosi Fan Tutte by W. A. Mozart.

BIOS

Harmonica: Jiayi He
Flute: Abbe Krieger
Oboe: Suzette Jacobs
Clarinet: Aaron Abramovitz
Horn: David Moldenhauer
Bassoon: Kukiko Otani
Piano: Jenny He

Jiayi He is a world-class harmonica virtuoso. He won silver medals at the World Harmonica Championships in Germany in 1989, in Japan in 1995, and the bronze medal at the International Competition in the U.S. in 1991. He taught master classes and judged competitions in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Singapore. He has soloed with the China National Symphony Orchestra, China National Ballet Symphony Orchestra, Nassau Symphony Pops, Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, California Pops Orchestra, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Carson City Symphony, Calcutta Chamber Orchestra and numerous others. Mel Bay Publications, Inc published his book Recital Pieces for Chromatic Harmonica. Jiayi regularly performs in recitals throughout Europe and Asia. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, News 12 Long Island, Queens Public Television, Sino Television, and recorded for movies and CDs. He has performed at the General Assembly Hall of United Nations and at a pre-game show at Shea Stadium for the New York Mets. New York City Mayor Bloomberg attended his seminar, and learned how to play harmonica at Harmonica Mass Appeal MMNY in 2012. Jiayi also performed at International Peace Day in China 2012. He has received award the honorary title of "Messenger of Peace" by Friends of the U.N. and the Organizing committee. Jiayi is a faculty member at the Turtle Bay Music School in New York City.

PentaWinds was founded on the principle of five breaths or energies working together in the form of a quintet. Dedicated to serving audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Penta plays traditional quintet repertoire and is devoted to exploring new musical media with the awareness of the effortlessness of breath. To that end, PentaWinds has recently embarked on an operatic/musical journey that will include an adaptation of Cosi Fan Tutte and the world premiere of Musical Soup. Comprised of esteemed musicians flutist Abbe Krieger, oboist Suzette Jacobs, clarinetist Aaron Abramovitz, hornist David Moldenhauer and bassoonist Kukiko Otani, recent engagements have included the Roerich Museum, the New York City Bar Association, the Art on the Corner series, and the Mahwah Public Library.

Jenny He began her studies in music and piano at the age of four. She has performed in various venues including TV shows at News 12 Long Island TV and Queens Public Television. She performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as in many other live concerts. Jenny is also a mechanical engineer working at a consulting firm in NYC.

For questions, please contact Michael Perlman, Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council at unlockthevault@hotmail.com

 Preserve this icon & enjoy a quality concert!
 

Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Makes A Comeback with Mumford & Sons

For Immediate Release

Contact: Chairman Michael Perlman

Rego-Forest Preservation Council

unlockthevault@hotmail.com 
http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com

Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Makes A Comeback with Mumford & Sons

QUEENS, NY (August 28, 2013) -   The iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium at 1 Tennis Place in Forest Hills is reopening as a concert venue on August 28 at 6 PM (doors open at 5 PM). British folk rock group, Mumford & Sons, along with two opening acts, will be the first major concert at the stadium since the 1980s. Over 16,000 tickets were sold within an hour. A reported nearly $1.5 million has been spent to restore and upgrade the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium since June 2013, and future restoration plans and upgrades are envisioned by the West Side Tennis Club and concert producers.

Chairman Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council launched a grassroots campaign in July 2010, calling for the preservation and creative reuse of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Meetings with local elected officials and civic associations were held, as well as a petition drive and public relations campaign. That was followed by meetings with the West Side Tennis Club.

In October 2010, a bid by Cord Meyer Development to purchase the stadium parcel, and demolish the majority of the stadium for condos was rejected by the majority of West Side Tennis Club members. Perlman explained, "Disney-esque condos would have torn the heart out of Forest Hills. Mixed-use creative revitalization will likely yield a greater long-term economic return. The stadium has potential for tennis matches, concerts, ice hockey, weddings, exhibits, school trips, charity events, and art festivals.”

Rego-Forest Preservation Council feels the stadium has the potential to be a 21^st century family destination, which would bring our communities closer together, boost tourism, convey historic pride, educate our children, assist local businesses through tough economic times, and be an incentive for newer businesses, such as along the Austin Street corridor.
 

The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium embodies firsts in tennis, music, and architectural history. Designed by famed architect Kenneth Murchison and built by The Foundation Company, it was the first concrete tennis stadium countrywide (1923). It also accommodated National Tennis Championships, the Davis Cup and Wightman Cup, and was the first home of the U.S. Open. It hosted tennis players such as Bill Tilden, Helen Jacobs, Ted Schroeder, Rod Laver, Helen Wills Moody, Billie Jean King, Roger Federer, Don Budge, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson who broke racial color barriers during a segregated time in tennis history. The stadium also played cinematic roles, and was featured in key scenes of Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train.

The annual Forest Hills Music Festival and concerts took ground in the late 1950s and continued through the 1980s, featuring the likes of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, The Monkees, The Who, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, Simon & Garfunkel, Trini Lopez, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Peter, Paul, & Mary.

Rego-Forest Preservation Council will continue advocating for preservation, restoration, and historically-sensitive upgrades for the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, for the benefit of the stadium, the West Side Tennis Club, and the Forest Hills community and beyond.  

PHOTOS

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium photos and memorabilia courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157607136282297

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