A reader from Massachusetts sent in the following open letter to the city after attending the Squirrel Nut Zippers concert on the Green the Saturday before last:
City of New Haven,
On July 19th my girlfriend and I traveled from Western Mass to New Haven to enjoy the Squirrel Nut Zippers concert on the Green. We were initially very excited about the opportunity to see this great band, and, the free status of the show was an extra bonus.
Our excitement was quickly reduced to simply being happy to see a great band, as we discovered the level of hospitality the city was actually offering. We found the venue was set up with a very large portion of the seating area unavailable to ordinary citizens such as ourselves. This was the “VIP Area” The area directly in front of the stage was in fact empty although it was open to people in this VIP area. In fact this VIP area was moderately populated throughout, although there were plenty of people on the Green that would have loved a place in this area.
As fans of the band, it was not only depressing to see that actual fans were not able to get within fifty feet of the stage (although that area was quite available – just not to us), but the people that were in this area showed very lackluster enthusiasm for the band, and apparently had no idea that there are times when it is appropriate to clap.
Prior to the concert starting, the Mayor’s office sure did do a great job of welcoming people to the city, and encouraged all of us to visit the city’s restaurants and other cultural offerings. The Mayor’s office did a fine job of patting itself on the back for putting together such a fine collection of summertime shows. As we realized that this seemed like an open invitation to come and receive a second rate experience after the city’s VIPs lounge about in an area far larger than they require, the “hospitality bell” didn’t ring true.
I understand the idea of a VIP area. I realize the sponsors paid a bunch of their vast profits to put these events on, and although they are giving it to the city, they actually want something in return in addition to the PR. However, the size of this VIP area was disproportionate. What I learned about the City of New Haven is that all are welcome to this great city, as long as you sit in the second class seats, regardless of how many first class seats are empty.
In addition, I feel this showed a tremendous lack of respect to the band. The band should not have had to play to a big plot of empty grass leading up to a bunch of non-fans who had nothing better to do Saturday, but do enjoy free wine. Sadly, the band did not make any comments about the situation prior to their song “Fat Cats Keep Getting Fatter”, but after all, they are not a rich band and they did need the check to clear.
I will not be returning to the City of New Haven any time soon now that I understand the type of hospitality the city has to offer. I feel sad for the average residents of the city knowing that they must have to sit behind the Fat Cats every day.
Sincerely,
Troy Gray
Easthampton, Mass