In the wake of Wilmington Downtown Inc. (WDI) not reviving their longtime free concert series, Downtown Sundown, local businesses have stepped up to keep the magic going.
The team at Eagle’s Dare announced earlier this year they would bring back the concert series to their property and continue to bring free music, promoting commerce downtown. Another local bar and venue has done something similar.
From hundreds of people at a Talking Heads tribute show, to local acts — Eagle’s Dare saw success with Free Concert Fridays. But will it be enough to keep the series going?
The series raised thousands of dollars for local and national charities. Owner Joe Apkarian said some of their biggest support came from local sponsors.
While the team at Eagle’s Dare is already setting things in motion for the 2024 concert lineup, they still face an uphill battle.
Issues ahead
“While the City of Wilmington wished us luck in the concert series and seemed to support us, we are now faced with fines for the concerts this summer,” he said.
During the course of the concerts (every Friday from May through July) the City of Wilmington levied a $400 fine against them for signs promoting the event. The zoning department has now told them they can only apply for temporary stage builds on their property twice per year. The event takes place in the bar’s parking lot with a temporary stage — similar to the Downtown Sundown series setup. Apkarian was told to build a permanent stage or face a $200 fine for each concert or event. The parking lot is key to his business on all the other days of the week.
Now Apkarian will petition the city council to ask permission for a temporary stage setup more than twice a year.
He was recently given an award for historic preservation for the property on Third Street. But now Apkarian faces fines for promoting his business and offering up free concerts to the public.
“We removed such a headache having the concerts on our private property. Now people don’t have to deal with street closures,” he said. “We are so proud when you drive into the city from MLK there is no more dilapidated gas station. Instead on Friday nights in the summer there is a stage, lively music, people and a beautiful venue.”
Growing city needs growing opportunities
While locals used to chose between the beach or downtown for nightlife, there are now more options. Between the Cargo District, South Front and multiple venues around downtown, it will take city support to keep downtown commerce thriving.
“Our town is growing and we have the resources to create something for everyone,” he said. “With a growing city we have to elevate our options.”
So will local business support organizations step in to help advocate for this business in dealings with the city? And will the city council help Eagle’s Dare achieve proper zoning for a temporary stage?
TO learn about the 2024 concert series or to be a sponsor, check out Eagle’s Dare.
