I strongly believe that exposure to live music is important to the health of our communities. Live music available free to family audiences in a comfortable outdoor setting is a tonic against the stresses of modern city life. With the escalating prices of commercial concert presentations, live music is increasingly becoming inaccessible to any but a certain monied elite. Live outdoor concerts help to level the playing field, to allow families at every income level to enjoy the artistry of professional musicians.

For three years, in 1996 and 1997 and again in 2001, with support from several sectors of the Kingston community including local media and the City government, we presented thirteen live music concerts throughout each summer at historic Newlands Pavilion free for the public to enjoy. The first two years, the concerts were one hour long. In 2001, we expanded the format to two hours, each featuring two performances -- 26 hours of free live music throughout the summer.

Over all, the concerts were well received by the public and the audiences, while not always large, were enthusiastic. In 2001, we managed to present many of Kingston's most talented artists as well as several top artists from elsewhere.

I'm sorry to say that, for reasons beyond my control, there will be no Newlands Pavilion Concerts in the summer of 2002.

I thank all those who have helped me to put on these concerts in the past and I do hope that others will accept the challenge of bringing free live music to Kingston's City Park area and especially to Newlands Pavilion for the summers of 2003 and onward.