[Englecturers] Re: Music by the Tower

[englecturers at lists.ucr.edu]

Denise:

      I am trying to understand the university's decision to end the 
belltower concerts after their many years of success in bringing the 
community to our campus.  Our children, now all flown, attended with us 
every year -- from the time our youngest was a toddler.  I remember large 
groups of retirees listening to big bands, then a gradual transition to a 
crowd made up mostly of families with children.  We regularly met 
non-university friends from various parts of the city.  University faculty, 
students, and staff also enjoyed the music and the company.  The transition 
from the belltower quad to the lawn of the arts building seemed to be a 
success; there was more shade and better access to the stage.

      The concerts were a good way for the campus to welcome the 
community.  I remember the joy of the event.  I don't remember a single 
altercation that required the intervention of police.  Is it possible that 
sponsorship funding is no longer to be found, even though we now have an 
active development office?
Have other funding avenues been explored?  Is the cancellation of the 
concerts related to construction of the new Commons?  If so, is there no 
alternative to compete cancellation?  The people I have spoken with -- 
those who have attended the event over the years -- are puzzled over the 
explanation that there is not longer community support.

     Thanks for all your contributions to the concerts over the years.  You 
have served UCR's distinctive history of reaching out to Riverside.  At a 
time when the surrounding neighborhoods are becoming restive about 
university expansion -- especially the unregulated growth of a student 
population that rents houses in the local neighborhoods -- it is 
unfortunate that the university seems to be closing this bridge to better 
communication.

John Briggs
Department of English