LIVING HERE – Lisa Otto, feature reporter
Lake Geneva City Council votes to charge a non-profit organization that applied for a complimentary one-time use of the Riviera Ballroom.
Allen Dennis, with MYAC on behalf of Midwest Young Artists, filed the request for an event, as he has done in many different municipalities generally having great results, Lake Geneva elected officials did not make it a smooth process. The event is to take place on August 18th during Venetian Fest and is titled A Venetian Classical Music Concert featuring Lang Lang Scholars.
The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory’s mission statement is “Building a home with the power of music to enrich the lives of students and their communities.” For over thirty years this organization has inspired over one thousand artists every year with world-class orchestral. Jazz, choral, and chamber music ensembles. MYAC is a Chicagoland organization but reaches well beyond that area and is interested in reaching more students right here in Lake Geneva. The event’s goal is to entertain and inspire.
Students of MYAC receive professional music training weekly through rehearsals, music theory classes, numerous performance opportunities, and so much more. The support from the communities is a vital part of the experience in providing a nurturing environment for the students to excel. A Venetian Classical Concert will be free to all who want to come and listen. The event is expected to bring at least two hundred people to Lake Geneva for the day and possibly overnight for many. Many of the parents and families of the performers will stay in town and enjoy the shopping, eateries, and more. MYAC was excited to come to Lake Geneva and hoped to bring more musical culture to the area with programs based here or nearby.
With the way the city council meeting went and the hesitation some council members displayed this nonprofit organization may not feel comfortable coming back. The council members’ decision-makers voted to charge $500 for the use of the Riviera instead of allowing the organization to use it for free. The council members are also in the middle of amending an ordinance to disallow perks like the use of the Riviera for a day (for free) to non-profit organizations. City officials believe they are giving too much money away needlessly.
Is it needless if it creates a good feeling about the city, brings people to town, offers local youth wonderful opportunities, well, is it? This is not the typical response Dennis receives from other municipalities when he applies for a space to perform. It is hoped this wonderful outfit will return, even given that they must pay the minimum fee to use the Riviera complex.
Place of the Week
The Flower Market at 252 Center Street offers fresh flowers and home décor. They even deliver!
