Fridays at Sunset concert series calls it quits after 18 years
For nearly 20 years, the Fridays at Sunset concert series brought in international acts to Kanawha Plaza. That is no more. Organizers announced today that Fridays at Sunset will no longer host acts, effectively ending the long-lasting concert series
On the day that the successful Friday Cheers concert series announced their 2012 schedule, another Friday staple announced that it is dissolving. After eighteen years, Fridays at Sunset will no longer operate.
In a statement posted on their website that struck a proud tone, organizers thanked the city “for the many years you supported us and the talented musicians that graced our stage.” The statement touched upon its goals to aid in the “revitalization and growth” of the Richmond Metro Region. “We are pleased to have contributed to the economic vitality of downtown Richmond by employing over 100 seasonal and part-time workers annually and nearly 300 interns from local colleges and universities.” The statement also said that over 100 scholarships were awarded to students during the event’s existence.
Fridays at Sunset was organized by Johnson, Inc., a local marketing and communications firm that wanted to provide the region with “top quality contemporary jazz music in a friendly atmosphere for after-work networking professionals.” In 1994, Fridays at Sunset held their first concert at the Shockoe Pavilion. It later moved to Kanawha Plaza, where it remained for the next sixteen years, hosting performers such as Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, and Yolanda Adams.
While stating that “more dynamic entertainment” is in the works, no detailed plans were cited, and no known plans exist.
A collection of photos are available on the Fridays at Sunset website, and concert goers are encouraged to post their favorite memories on the defunct concert series’ Facebook page.
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Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Good riddance! Last year the city provided $50k in tax dollars for this series. Another handout. If they can’t afford to make a go of it without city money, they should go.
this suck….richmond is the worst…this was all we had in the summer time…now what
I took my mom to see her all time favorite Stephanie Mills. I remember the look on her face and how for such a small fee I gave her something she enjoyed and will never forget, I loss my mom last year. now we are losing FAS also. Thank you for great memories!
No reason given for it ending.
Hey Scott..what about the handout to Occupy Richmond for cleaning up all their junk and police monitoring?! What about the handouts to public parks?! Always thought this was a good event that brought people.
Just to clarify, I am not the same Scott, though I share at least some of his sentiments.
If we want to consider government handouts to private entertainment entities, we should include Center Stage and Hippodrone, among others.
Richmond Folk Festival gets a pass for being at least nominally free for attendees.
What’s the charge for Richmond Cheers now?
Todd,
I disagreed with the Occupy handout too…and just Occupy in general.
I think Burger and I share the same view of public $$ for private entities. We have many other needs in the city where the money could be better spend.
I also agree on Folk Festival…that is huge and brings a heck of a lot more people to the area than FAS.
Cheers is $5 and $10 depending on who is playing and I’m not sure but don’t think that is subsidized with public money.