‘Council Night At Bandshell' Features Simon Estes, Public Power Anniversary, And New Lights In Ames

Press release from the City of Ames:

June 24, 2021

City Council Night at the Bandshell returns this year on Thursday, July 8, at Bandshell Park, 125 E. Fifth St. This traditional summer event includes the opportunity to meet Ames City Councilmembers as they hand out free ice cream and City of Ames water beginning at 7:30 p.m. A brief recognition of the 125th anniversary of public power in Ames will be held at 7:55 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by the Ames Municipal Band concert featuring internationally acclaimed bass baritone Simon Estes as the guest soloist. In addition, the new Durham Bandshell lighting project will be recognized at 8:30 p.m.

In 1896, the citizens of Ames voted to approve a bond issue of $12,000 for the erection of a municipal power plant at the regular City election. The vote, which was the first local election to include women, was 298 citizens in favor and 40 opposed. After the vote, the site of the current Ames Power Plant was purchased from E. Lougaran for $250. E.F. Clinton was appointed superintendent of the new utility, and the City purchased a 150-horsepower engine, a 150-kilowatt generator and two 100 horsepower boilers for the original plant. The project required $5,000 borrowed from general and water funds to complete. Ames Electric Services plans small celebrations throughout the rest of 2021 including a partnership with the Ames History Museum to showcase some public power artifacts.

The Bandshell, originally constructed in 1935, was recently upgraded to include state-of-the-art linear LED lights that have color-changing capabilities. The lighting and electrical upgrades add a new dimension to concerts and performances, and they also address safety and code issues. The Durham Bandshell has served as an important entertainment venue in the community for decades, so updating infrastructure was crucial to ensure the facility provides a quality, safe experience for users.

The Ames Municipal Band, conducted by Michael Golemo, performs at 8 p.m. every Thursday through July at Bandshell Park, barring severe weather. The concerts are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Attendees should arrive early for the best seating and are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to concerts at the Bandshell. In the event of severe weather, Council Night at the Bandshell will be rescheduled.

For more information about City of Ames events, go to www.CityOfAmes.org

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.