VENTNOR – The city opened the summer concert season in a big way this year with a ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the newly built band shell in the beachfront park on Newport Avenue.
The Voice of Ventnor Ricky Stevens was the first musician to Christen the stage. He was the opening act for The Usual Suspects in the first Summer Concert Beach Jam, which was attended by hundreds of music lovers and city supporters.
The bandshell, which was more than two years in the making, was built in the footprint of an aging gazebo that had seen better days. The new stage is bigger, has a canopy to protect musicians and lighting, reflects a boardwalk theme and will be a favorite of the musicians who play there.
After initial bids came in as high as $750,0000, the city asked architect William McLees of Somers Point to modify the scope of work and amenities to make it more affordable for taxpayers, Mayor Tim Kreibel said.
Following two redesigns, the city awarded a $233,000 contract Jan. 9 for Massett Building Company of Egg Harbor Township to build the stage, but the project was made even more affordable with a $100,000 donation from the Ventnor Beautification Committee, garnered from the many fundraisers it conducts throughout the year, most notably Chef’s Night Out.
Kriebel thanked Chairwoman Shelly D’Orazio and the committee members for their advocacy toward beautifying the city. Over the last 12 years, the committee has provided the city with new trash receptacles, beach trash enclosures, banners, American flags, welcome signs and lifeboat flowers. Along with presenting one of those “big checks,” D’Orazio handed Kriebel the real thing, which was unexpected, he said.
“The real star of today’s show is this stage,” he said addressing the large crowd gathered on the beach and lining the boardwalk railing. “This really could not have been done without the Beautification Committee. This is going to be a place you will make memories and share the community spirit that Ventnor is really bringing around.”
Commissioner Maria Mento read a statement from Commissioner of Public Works Lance Landgraf who was away celebrating his and his wife Kathy’s wedding anniversary.
“This isn’t just a platform for performances, it’s a stage for our dreams, our talent and our love of music,” he wrote. “Ventnor values the arts and brings people together. From our stunning boardwalk to our close knit neighborhoods, we understand that community spirit is what makes this place truly special.”
Kriebel said committee members are the type of people who see a need and step up to fill that need.
Members include Shelly and Pete D’Orazio, Marsha Galespie, Rose Hamilton, Peter Mokover and Barbara Cassel.
Without their fundraising efforts, it would have been a “bigger lift” for the city, Kriebel said.
“We’re a tiny committee, but we get stuff done,” D’Orazio said, thanking local restaurants, ice cream parlors, wait staff, musicians, artists city workers, volunteers, and those who come out each year to purchase tickets, making Chef’s Night Out such a huge success.
“Your investment in the arts is an investment in our community’s future,” Landgraf said, thanking the Beautification Committee.
Enjoy some photos from the event...
Ventnor cut the ribbon on a new band shell at Newport Avenue Saturday, June 28, 2025
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