I agree with you Kevin, there is nothing better than the ambiance of the Archgrounds. However, logistically, it is more than a nightmare. (Further proof why the Danforth Foundation’s plan for changes on the Archground should move forward as proposed!)

It should go without saying, we expect Slay & Co. to continue to provide hot hot acts as they have with SoulChild, India.Aire, Joss Stone and Anthony Hamilton–so the crowds will only continue to grow. We should also consider we will be hosting the MLB’s All-Star Games next July. Because there will be additional people in town, it would make sense to showcase our best backdrop, the Arch. But then again, that means additional people and more of those horrible crowds on the Levee trying to make it through the mess of the Levee.

Personally, I really liked the layout and flow of Soldier’s Memorial Plaza. Parking was much more plentiful and accessible and there was greater access also to Metrolink. Finally, there was just more room! I do wish though, that Slay & Co. would make access to Market easier, particularly at the end of the concert and as the fireworks begin. Create another access other than the one at 14th St.

Tough decisions!

Well, I personal detested the Soldiers memorial location.
Primarily because of the VIP section that made the show much less intimate unless you had the luck of getting one of those passes. We would show up right when the gates open, buying food and drink earlier than others, spending money earlier, SO THAT WE COULD STAND 50 FEET FROM THE STAGE?!?!?!?! BEHIND A FENCE?!?!?!?!?! Even the entertainment commented on how lame it was. If there has to be a VIP section, put it off to the side.

As well, the layout with the tree’s, and soundboard location etc prevented you from getting a good view when the crowds were large.
The Levee has an amphitheater affect that gives the crowd good sight lines and the ambiance was intense. I also rememeber the VIP section being to the left of the stage.

GO BACK TO THE LEVEE for gosh sakes!!!! GET RID OF THE VIP SECTION……VIP SECTION IS A TRAVESTY.

It needs to be on the levee/Arch grounds. The immediate downtown and Landing restaurants benefit from the extra business. And there is nothing like seeing fireworks under the Arch. St. Louis is in the top 10 when it comes to 4th of July fireworks. If it’s moved permanently to Soldier’s Memorial, I don’t think STL will remain on that list. It’s also safer in the sense that larger, better fireworks can be run on the Arch grounds. I tried to watch them from my apartment downtown the 2nd weekend and the AT&T bldg. totally blocked my view. And on the 4th of July, I actually felt a little badly for Joss Stone-about 15 minutes into her performance there was a MASS exodus from Soliers Memorial to the Arch grounds. Market and the neighboring streets were packed with people making the 10 block trek back to the Arch. More proof the party needs to stay on the Arch grounds!

I agree. The VIP section sucks. Even Grace Potter made a comment about the crowd being so far away from the stage. I know you have to appease your money contributors, but surely there is a better way? Anyway, my vote goes to the Archgrounds…and it’s such a great setting for this event! Just wish the parking wasn’t such a nightmare. C’mon St. Louis, let’s get behind Danforth’s changes to the Archground. It will be an awesome investment for this city. St. Louis has finally figured out that bringing music to the city is a really positive thing…so keep the ball rolling and lets keep the town rockin and rollin. Kudos to the organizers for bringing FREE music and such great bands to town. Black Crowes/Grace Potter was excellent!!

the fair should be full blast like in years past to coincide with what should be st. louis’ olympics, the all star game. all of the arch grounds should be used to showcase the city to the country and the world. i really dont know why slay isn’t puting a committee together to mobilize the city and downtown for the all star game.

soldiers memorial is nice but for next summer lets go back to the arch in full force.

I have not attended any Fair St. Louis events in the last five years due to the hassle of getting to and from the Arch grounds. We attended the Black Crowes and Rusted Root shows this year and found the Soldier’s Memorial setting to be almost perfect. We parked at City Hall and walked one block to the site, did not have to wait in line for a port-a-potty or a beer, and walked over to Washington afterward for a late bite. What a great experience. The only criticism I can offer is to echo the other comments about the VIP section. To completely cut off access to the stage is simply elitist and offensive. Other festivals place risers to the side for VIPs and allow true fans access to the stage - what’s wrong with that?

Thank you, Fair St. Louis and Celebrate St. Louis for this year’s shows. I will return next year, regardless of the location of Live on/off the Levee. You’ve shown me that you can put together an outstanding concert series.

Why is parking a problem? Is parking a problem for Cardinals games? I never thought so.
Heaven forbid you need to walk 2 to 4 blocks for a FREE concert. Is that really going to hurt anyone?
We’ve gotten really lazy if that’s what people choose to complain about.
Compare this with a NY Central Park concert (which is not free). Fans need to walk that distance inside the park, regardless of parking (which does not exist).
C’mon people, get your legs moving a tiny bit to enjoy FREE music under the Arch which is a perfect ampitheater setting.

I loved it when they had it at the arch. When they moved it to soldiers memorial I only went to one concert (OAR) and refused to go back. I had several complaints with the memorial location. First we showed up right before OAR went on. We went to go buy a couple of beers and it took us 45 minutes to get through the line. I missed three quarters of the concert. Also when we finally got the beer we went up to watch the concert and could barely see. The nice thing about the arch is that the steps provide and unblocked view to the stage. This is a no doubter. Go back to the arch!!

I vote for the Arch Grounds as well. I had to walk just as far after finding a parking space (each time) anyway. For Anthony Hamilton I couldn’t see a danggone thang since I was in the zone between the soundbooth and the big screen. I didn’t go back for the others based on that. Live ON the LEVEE please.

I love it at the levee! Please bring it back to the archgrounds (& reduce/revise the VIP seating so that everyone has a chance to have a good seat).

P.S. — I also enjoyed the “water” movie screen that they had on the levee a few summers ago. You certainly don’t have that as an option if the show is down at S.M.

Back to the Arch. I can’t believe they would even contemplate keeping it at Veterans Memorial. I had several complaints that have already been mentioned in prior comments. But also the fact that the fireworks were off a building across the street. Then you couldn’t walk out the gate because of the fireworks. If you wanted to leave, you had to go completely out of your way. That was ridiculous. It was like I was forced to watch the fireworks. When it’s under the Arch, not only is it better sightlines, but you can move about as you please. You’re not forced to stay and watch. I would have gone to more of the shows, but was very disappointed with the setup.

I like the arch grounds location much better than Soldier’s Memorial. That said, I stopped going when they dropped the air shows. If I happen to already be downtown for a Cardinals game, I’ll stick around, but other than that, it’s not worth dealing with the crowds any more.

I enjoyed the three shows I saw at Soldier’s Memorial, I had VIP for two of the shows (Black Crowes & Rusted Root). The VIP section is much better at Soldier’s Memorial than the Arch grounds, where they stick you to the left side of the stage. But if I had to choose between the two sites, I would pick the Arch grounds. Much better atmosphere under the Arch on the banks of the Mississippi River. I think it’s one of the best venues in the country to see a concert. And from what I’ve heard, musicians get a huge thrill performing under the Arch. I also miss the helicopter rides they offer at Live On the Levee. That was a trip last summer at the Bruce Hornsby show taking a helicopter ride over the crowds under the Arch & downtown St. Louis.

From my source who works for A-B:

For all those ppl who are complaining about the 30 to 45 minute wait in line for a beer at the O.A.R. show, maybe it was because the event set an all-time record that night for beer sales with 680 cases of beer sold.

My source also informed me that if A-B/InBev doesn’t contribute to Live On the Levee next year, the event will be scaled back to three weekends only.

I hope A-B/InBev supports this outstanding event next year.

I think it needs to move back to the arch front. Also, the concerts really need to be publisized more. I knew “of the concerts”, but it seems that it wasn’t really out there for more people to find out about. St. Louis needs to stop being so affraid of crowds. It draws business for our downtown which continues to grow!!! Everyone should definately embrace the city more.

Last year my family and friends attended several shows at the arch grounds. We had no problems with parking, lines, finding a seat. The whole atmosphere was wonderful. This year I took my family to O.A.R. What a terrible experience we had at the downtown facilities! We brought chairs, but had to sit so far away from the stage that we couldn’t even see the band. And who did they hire for their sound engineers? Horrible acoustics. The lines for food and beer was so long that I didn’t even attempt after the first time. Needless to say that I never went back to another concert and will not if they hold the event downtown.

If InBev is as stingy as they’re rumored to be, then Live on the Levee is likely to be a mere shadow of its former self - fewer concerts and lesser name groups, resulting in lower attendance. What difference will it make where the concerts are held under those circumstances?

But look at the bright side - Warren Buffett gets to stay atop the world’s richest man list. Isn’t that just swell.

They have to be INSANE to even consider moving it away from the Arch grounds. The monument steps are perfect for providing the best view of the show no matter how far back you are. I went this summer and couldn’t hardly make out the stage a few times. The gorgeous backdrop with the Arch and bridges vs. bums at the Soldier’s Memorial?? This would be a testament to how aimless city promotion organizers are to screw up one of the only things they’ve gotten right the past several years.

Although I have no complaints regarding this year’s concerts, I would still like to see the city showcase the riverfront. More importantly, if this city doesn’t have other corporations willing to sponsor this great event, than how do they think they will ever bring back the rebirth of the city! We shouldn’t be so dependent on A/B. As far as I am concerned, I’m switching my choice of beers to non A/B products. They have chosen to turn their back on this great place they have called home for so many years, well I can turn my back on them as well! C’mon St. Louis corporations, step up and support this great town.

If ABIB doesn’t buck up next year, they should approach Schlafly for sponsorship! They would sell alot of beer to make up for their sponsorship investment. Besides, Schlafly makes better beers, anyway. Support local bands and brews

I like the riverfront for fireworks with the reflection off the Gateway Arch, but Soldier’s Memorial Plaza TV screens gave a better view of the artist performing.

move it back to the arch please! much easier to actually watch the shows from the arch steps. things were much more spread out on the riverfront as well. all the beer was in one place at the memorial and like many others said, it took FOREVER to get one. (the record sales were probably to the already drunk high school kids that for some reason flooded the O.A.R. show and were SOOO annoying.) it’s hard to complain much about a free show with such quality acts but if our opinion matters i’d much rather see it at the arch/riverfront.

I would like to see it come back to the arch. I don’t live in St. Louis, but I attend the weekend Cards’ home games. We usually stay at a hotel within walking distance to the stadium, so the walk to Soldiers Memorial appeared to be too far. I wasn’t really sure how to get there, so we didn’t try. We did go to the arch grounds and watch the fireworks though. Last summer I went to several of the concerts because they were within easy walking distance, and I knew I wouldn’t get lost walking around your big city.

By far the best place in St. Louis to have free concerts is the riverfront. Under the Arch with the river in the background is the best. The Arch steps make a great place to sit with a fantastic view and great sound. Fireworks reflecting off the skin of the Arch. Why would you want to have it anywhere else if you didn’t have too.

It was way better at Soldiers Memorial. I stopped going to Live On The Levee because the traffic was brutal trying to get home after the show. It’s the same reason that I stopped going to the Riverport venue. Too much traffic and too few people directing it.

On the riverfront. The river and the Arch are part of this city’s heritage. As it is, the city doesn’t take enough advantage of that area in order to attact more year round visitors.

As for issues related to cars and parking: why on earth are you folks not taking the Metro?

Well I was supposed to be sitting in VIP during one of the concerts this summer but my party left me LOL. JOKE! I felt trapped at Soldiers Memorial. To many fences, felt like one way in and one way out! Parking on the other hand seemed much better for folks who dont live downtown. More elbow room at Soldiers Memorial………………more STUMBLIN and BUMBLIN under the Arch. Dispite the STUMBLIN and BUMBLIN I say move it back to the Arch nicer atmospher

I would like to see this on the river front in St Charles on the Missouri River

I have to agree w/Brian on the air shows. Now that there’s no air show in Chesterfield, it’s time to bring it back as part of the Levee. AND afternoon concerts. It kept people on the Arch grounds all day during the fair, not just a few hours.

To the people complaining about parking, grow some legs and walk a little. I’m sure you walk all over the lot at Verizon Ampitheatre or at least 3 blocks for Cardinal games. Does anyone else remember when Verizon was “Riverport”? It wasn’t even paved, you walked forever on GRAVEL for an outdoor show that you PAID A LOT for. AND you paid to park. Imagine how far those people walk in DC for their 4th of July? Those parks surrounding the monuments are HUGE.

One last comment about the traffic. Don’t forget that the Hwy 40/64 project will move into the 2nd phase during next year’s event, closer to the immediate city. It won’t be so smooth to get in and out next year if you’re taking 40.

I think the ambiance and views of stage are better when they perform on the levee. I think either location has parking issues. I feel on the riverfront is better though.

Overwhelmingly for at the Arch. Just as easy to take the metro, I have a free seat, a free view of the band, and my friends actually know where the Arch is, vs Soldiers Memorial. I have gone to every single concert the previous two summers, and I only went to 2 this summer because I couldn’t see the band, and the food you had to leave the area near the stage. Also the VIP section was nearly empty when I went to see Grace Potter, and those people were up and out of their seats in clear view of the performer. Disgraceful. The people who loved her had to stand, wedged against the fencing to show their support. If we keep it at Soldiers Memorial, artists will not be as pumped to perform because the visuals are lacking.

Having seen it both ways, I have to say the arch grounds are the better place. Being under the arch right on the river is distinctly St. Louis - having it @ Soldier’s made it feel like every other weekend festival, nothing different.

I will say that the parking at the arch needs a whopping overhaul. This year I took the family down to the arch for the fireworks on the 4th as we’ve done for years. We expected some wait to get out of the garage, maybe 15 or 20 minutes. But we sat in that hot garage for 90 MINUTES before we got out. People were yelling, cussing, honking, cutting each other off, and going berserk toward the end. I thought a riot was going to break out, seriously. There was no explanation from the security guys, just a periodic PLEASE STAY INSIDE YOUR CARS. We never did find out what the problem was.

I don’t know the details of the Danforth plan, but does it include better parking? What about building another garage on the south edge of the grounds? Maybe a garage with 4 or 6 exits instead of that stupid bottle-neck they have now. At least they could have organized off-site parking with shuttles. Metrolink is part of the solution, but you can’t clear 100,000 people at the end of the night with just Metrolink.

Great points from everyone. Here are the things that some of you are not considering or don’t realize.

Capacity: The stairs hold approximately 5000 people, Leonor K. Sullivan will hold another 2000. The soldiers memorial area is only limited by surrounding buildings. The crowds at the Black Crowes and OAR were estimated in the 20,000- 50,000 range. The increase in attendance is great for the event and all of the downtown businesses. Most people who were leaving the Arch Grounds, were heading straight out of down town.

Revenue: With all of the extra patrons in and around the downtown area, the festival vendors and local bars and restaurants have an increased economic opportunity. More money in downtown = more tax revenue = more downtown development. The groups who sell the beer, soda, and water at the events are not for profit organizations. The greater opportunity for them to sell will create increased philanthropic activities. If they can keep their beer sales numbers high, An-Bev is much more likely to continue sponsorships.

National Parks Service: The “Fair” could return to the previous location with its renewed attendance levels. However the National Parks Service is not easy to work with and the costs of operating greatly increase at that location. Regulations with how you move vehicles, number of paid security staff, security check points, Park fees, etc. all increase with the Arch Grounds. These don’t apply on the stairs or on street. The event will be too costly for a move back to the Arch Grounds.

The Future: The city is making a move to make soldiers memorial the new event space for many downtown. A lot of the major events will be making the move there. The ones that haven’t already will be in the near future. If everyone wants to see a different look/feel for the event space, make those suggestions here.

So I’m sure with the overwhelming opinion to move the VIP seating area, it will happen. It will create a more intimate environment. When some of the trees are cut down and additional infrastructure is put into place, the area will be a great event space. The event organizers will have additional vending booths to accommodate the demand for beverages, the sound system will grow in size, and they will take your recommendations and implement the ones that work.

The concerts need to go back to the Arch. Not even close. The setting is what makes the concerts so much more special and so uniquely St. Louis. No other site can come close.

I went to a lot of the free concerts on the arch and they had VIP seating to, if you can remember. There was a set of seats blocked off right in the middle of the steps. The best seats. And you also had to walk all the way around and it was hard to get down the steps. Kinda dangerous. At the Levee concerts I felt like I was about to die, there was no room to breath or walk. I felt the memorial field had more space. And they had the big screen during the 4th of July concert. Not sure if they did on the other nights. Now some of the VIP seating is for the people who donate money and they can give tickets to their family and friends. Also for radio and tv personalities. I’m glad they do have the free concerts, not complaining but if they do have again at soilders field, they do need more food vendors.

Go back to the arch.

i agree with les. you can see free concerts on the streets of other cities, but there’s only one place you can go to have the arch, and that’s st. louis, baby!

while it was easier to get in and out of the soldier’s memorial, the vibe just wasn’t the same. we could barely see the fireworks after the concert because of all of the buildings, and we surely couldn’t hear them. what’s the point of fireworks that you can’t see or hear?!

I forgot to mention my biggest complaint of the concerts, ON or OFF The LEVEE. The freaking horrible music played during the fireworks display must go! I am as patriotic as the next guy, but please cut the canned tape and just let the fireworks do the entertaining. That pre-recorded music if horrible. If you must have it played, bring in the symphony, LIVE.

Holding this summer’s music events at Soldiers’ Memorial has caused a tremendous parking shortage around the court buldings and City Hall on weekdays,much to the incovenience to people who have business in those buildings because the fences remain up all week, not just during the events. They should be removed when no events are being held.

I hated at the memorial. If it is there again, I won’t attend. The Arch grounds were fantastic. There was a great view and there is nothing like the fireworks at the Arch. So, you have to walk a little. it won’t kill you. Get rid of the VIP section and thank them in another way.

The Arch. Period.

It is a shame that they would think about leaving the archgrounds. I think the city should do even more to make the arch grounds more alive in the warm months. It is a national park that is not being used to its fullest potential.

On the Levee or Off the Levee, this concert series is the coolest thing that St. Louis has going for it. Thanks to the sponsors who make it possible and the orgaziners who pull it together.

The Arch grounds are the best place by far. However, I’m not sure how the Danforth Foundation’s plan for a migration museum just off of Memorial Drive help the logistical challenges of having concerts on the riverfront stage?

I do not understand everyone saying we need to rethink the Arch grounds. They are not the problem. Many people, including Danforth, want to turn this area into another version of forest park. They say the park is underutilized. I say that the areas immediately south of the arch is the disgrace that should be rebuilt. Same goes for north of the landing. The riverfront is much longer than the area directly in front of the Arch. We need to also remember that the this city does not own this park, it is the property of every citizen of this country. It is also a memorial. Does anyone else think that it is ironic that the city wants control of this land and at the same time they are trying to get the NPS to take responsibility for the Soldiers Memorial that they have neglected for decades?
As far as the parking ‘problems’ that people think need to be addressed, there are literally dozens of lots and garages in the downtown area. So you need to walk 4-6 blocks, is everyone going down there that lazy? Its not the county, we don’t need hundreds of acres of parking surrounding every venue so people can park right next to them. Many urban areas lack parking for everyone. Try going to New York or Chicago and park right next to were you want to go. If its possible you will be amazed at what you pay for it.

It should be at the Arch. It’s ashame the VP Fair that I grew up with has dwindled down to nothing. At least keep the concerts on the archgrounds, or why bother.

I can’t believe there is even a question in the minds of the developers. Go back to the Arch! It only makes sense to have this event to showcase our city revolve around the #1 symbol of St. Louis.

The Arch and riverfront are the coolest place in downtown - we should be showcasing that, not bringing people to a generic park downtown. I felt the fair this year was a huge letdown and would probably quit travelling to the fair if it were taken off the riverfront. This is an attraction that draws people from all over - taking it away from our only landmark and perfect atmosphere on the river would be a HUGE mistake. Besides, it’s not THAT hard to get to the fairgrounds - people have been doing it for decades and it’s only easier now with metrolink.

Make the Arch work… It’s all about ambiance and atmosphere.
Kerri

Don’t call it Fair St. Louis, for it isn’t; and, you can have it anywhere you want.

Tom,

One of the many things that the Danforth Plan will do, specifically to this issue, is create wider and safer walkways across Highway 70. Actually, Highway 70 would be completely covered. That should allow for more crowds to move across that BLVD–faster and safer.

Thanks for all the great discussions and points made regarding this topic. People seem to feel especially passionate about this one, and weren’t afraid to make that known.

And for the record…I’m casting my vote for Fair St. Louis/Live on the Levee to return to the Arch grounds. Nothing’s better!
KCJ