Re “Mandell Asks, Which Group of Fans Do You Want to Eliminate?”
Gary Mandell must feel like the ugly girl at the bar at 2 a.m. when last call is done.
I have watched the Mandell Era from Day One at the Summer Music Festival. Gary has done an incredible job of bringing out the people to enjoy what is annually a very eclectic variety of music.
As Chair of the West L.A. Neighborhood Council, I have hired two producers in the past three years, to bring concerts to the West L.A. Bandshell.
My first choice was Gary. But we could not afford him even though his fees are really inexpensive for all he does, and given his proven track record.
So we hired someone the first year who catered to the West L.A. elders. The second and third year, we hired a promoter who kicked it up a lot, and brought a standing and dancing crowd to our area.
But, we lost the locals, especially the West L.A. elders. Now at our council, the complaints are about trying to bring back “The kind of music we used to enjoy”…
We, too, have tied into the jazz station. It helped with publicity as well as exposure for the bands. But it did not do what our basic charge was:
To bring OUR locals out to enjoy a night of music in our Civic Center.
I caution Culver City’s elected officials to be careful what you wish for. While you may gain the tie-in to the radio station, you may lose that “Culver City feel” that all of the locals enjoy and cherish…
When you look at the capacity crowd at the City Hall concerts, many of whom (including former elected officials) bring their picnic baskets and wine, remember that Mr. Mandell built up a standing room only crowd.
Either take the noose off of his neck or kick the milk crate out from under him. Stop dangling him like a piñata.
It's just not fair to a man who has always outperformed expectations.
Mr. Handal may be contacted at sgrest@aol.com
