Plug & Play On Central Square

[Elmo-Ytown]

Did anyone see the Plug and Play on the ninth? How did it go?

[Defend Youngstown]

It's a new concept which, I believe, supplies a great demand for the downtown daytime. In addition to music, we're working on securing 2 dozen of the recycled picnic benches that are outside BW3's to place stragically so more folks can not only enjoy the music but can also simply congregate, eat lunch, read a book, check email, etc. right around central square on all four quads. Set up is simple and requires little to no traffic obstruction. You plug in - you play (no national flags other than the American flag on the flag poles, please...please). Youngstown Local Music is coordinating a great deal of the music. Here is our committment list at present:

May 2 - The Zou (Indie/Rock/Zouk)
May 9 - Jimmy D. & Gee from 5 Elements (Rock/Reggae/Hip Hop)
May 16 - Scott Finamore (acuoustic/jam)
May 23 - The Zou
May 30 - Dave Bucher from The Devotees (folk/indie/bluegrass)

June 6 - Jimmy D. from Jones For Revival (Jam Band/Experimental/Fusion)
June 13 - The Zou
June 20 - Gee from 5 Elements
June 27 - Jimmy D. & Fredo Burazer (Saxophone)

The Series will run until mid Sept. The hope is to grow the event into the evenings as well. So, if you have the opportunity, come to downtown Youngstown each Friday from 11:30am-1pm for some great Youngstown local music and enjoy yourself. If we've never met, introduce yourself. I'll be the bald guy running around like a mad man in the white dress shirt with the phone most likely being yelled at.

[Elmo-Ytown]

Hadn't heard of this before, does a band just set up on the island and play? Sounds like fun, how often will this be happening? Also, how does this affect traffic on the square? I see on the photo below that southbound traffic can't go straight or turn right onto West Federal, is this right of am I interpreting the picture wrong?

[jay]

The flag can be seen in the photo at the beginning of this topic.  I didn't notice the flag while I was enjoying the music. 

When will the next Plug & Play take place?   What is the name of the band?  What type of music will they play?

[Defend Youngstown]

P.S. If you are interested playing, please send me an email at pkidd@cityofyoungstownoh.com for more information. Thanks.

[Defend Youngstown]

The first "Plug and Play" went well despite a weather delay. We will have to iron out the loading/unloading procedure, however, the sound was good and set up was not much of a problem. We did have one major issue, however, as the band had displayed a Palestinian flag (which they do at all their shows) as a representation of their heritage. Several vetrans from downtown businesses became quite upset and called City Hall. One member of the Frangos group confronted the band at the conclusion of their performace. The band meant absolutely no ill-will nor were they attempting to make a political statement of any kind (they are more or less a pop-rock band). It was simply a dumb move and one that will never happen again. I believe it would be a good idea for myself and the band to display a new American flag together at next week's performace as a sign of good will.

Phil

[jay]

It is my understanding that area bands are invited to perform on Central Square.  The electrical hookup is provided by the city.

Perhaps the Downtown Events Coordinator can provide your band with additional information and a phone number to call to schedule your band's public downtown performance.

[jay]

Friday, May 2, 2008
The band for Plug and Play on Central Square was
The Zou
www.myspace.com/thezou