By Donald Wittkowski
City Council is expected to award a contract Thursday night for large video screens that will enhance the experience for concertgoers at Ocean City’s Music Pier.
The project will be paid for by a $151,000 donation from the fund-raising arm of the Ocean City Pops, the hometown orchestra. Jon Batastini, chairman of the Friends of the Ocean City Pops, announced the donation on June 8.
At its 7 p.m. meeting Thursday, Council is scheduled to award a $151,961 contract to Starlite Productions International Inc. of Moorestown to install video monitors and screens at the Music Pier. Starlite was the only bidder for the project.
As described by Batastini last month, the project calls for two, 120-inch video screens to be installed next to the Music Pier stage, allowing orchestra fans to enjoy the concerts in an entirely new way. The large-screen format will capture the action on stage much better, right up to the facial expressions of the performers, Batastini said.
In addition, two, 90-inch TV screens are planned at the back of the Music Pier to give concertgoers sitting in the “cheap seats” a better view of the orchestra, he said.
According to Batastini, the donation from the Friends of the Ocean City Pops will also allow the city to buy a fixed camera that will be installed in the Music Pier balcony to beam a live feed of the concerts. Moreover, there will be two new motorized cameras to follow the performers on stage, giving the audience another closeup view of the concerts.
The video technology complements the city’s efforts to elevate the Music Pier’s status in the entertainment industry. The city has made a push to bring high-profile acts to the Boardwalk concert hall to liven up the summer entertainment scene.
Among other big-name entertainers coming to town this summer, the legendary Beach Boys are scheduled to perform two shows on Aug. 21 and 22. Graham Nash, of Crosby, Stills and Nash fame, will be in concert July 24. Singer Vanessa Williams performed with the Ocean City Pops on June 25 to kick off the orchestra’s summer concert series.
In other business Thursday, Council will recognize the late Maryellen Farrell for her contributions to the community. Farrell, 68, died June 20 after a “courageous battle” with leukemia, according to a copy of the resolution Council will approve in her honor.
Farrell, who had a successful IT career in the private sector before retiring to Ocean City, was named 2016 Volunteer of the Year by the Humane Society of Ocean City. She was often seen walking the dogs at the animal shelter.
The resolution notes that Farrell, who had been an active member of St. Damien Parish, “was dedicated to the service of her family, friends, church and community.”
Also Thursday, Council will hold its annual reorganization by selecting the members who will serve as president and vice president of the governing body for the next 12 months.
