Thursday at the Square redux?
In terms of newspaper headlines, the just-concluded 2008 Thursday at the Square concert series in downtown Buffalo is likely better known for incidents of rowdiness and public urination than what bands headlined the shows.
But Buffalo Place, which organizers the 22-year-old music events, is betting its bottom line next summer's shows will remain fan favorites. The non-profit agency Wednesday approved a 2009 budget which counts of $1.4 million in revenues from concert food and beverage sales, the same amount budgeted for '08.
Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand called the season a success, despite some security and sanitation hiccups. He cited increased police and security staff, and lots more port-a-potties, as the 12-week series progressed.
Schmand said most of the tens of thousands of attendees "went home happy."
Did you go home happy, or did this summer's problems cause you to take Thursday at the Square off your calendar? Do you think the veteran summer entertainment series can start with a fresh slate in '09?
-- Sharon Linstedt
