Mountain Laurel ‘Tops’ off summer
M. Eldridge, Pocono Record
September 1, 2005
BUSHKILL — If busloads of ticketholders and very few open seats to be found are indicators of a successful show, Mountain Laurel Center should get a pat on the back.
Even under drizzly skies, general admission patrons for lawn seating filed in and prepared to hear Mark Farner — of Grand Funk Railroad fame — and ZZ Top to hit the stage.
The center, which has had a tumultuous history since its opening, has recently been drawing big ticket names and the crowds are apparently following suit.
Ticket prices, which maxed out at $60, didn’t seem to deter the hardcore fan — or anyone who wanted to remain dry Wednesday night.
“I don’t like (the prices) but I understand them. Everything is going up now: food, gas, everything. We have to pay more to just relax and have a good time, blow some steam off,” said East Stroudsburg native Scott Sommers.
Sommers came out Wednesday night to help support the center in hopes it can succeed, but he couldn’t resist seeing one of his favorite bands in his backyard.
“It’s ZZ Top five minutes from the house,” he exclaimed. “THAT’S why I’m here.”
Farner absolutely loved the grounds and could see that as a draw for more artists and concertgoers alike. “I would like to see these grounds turned into some sort of museum. When you walk through and know its roots and then come over and rock the house it just makes it into a whole experience,” he said.
Farner even got in a little fishing before the show. “I caught a three-pound bass in the lake,” he said with a grin.
Mountain Laurel’s biggest challenge according to attendees at the show: to bring in top names they would actually like to see perform. In the end, according to Farner, the dollar is what brings in the names, and tickets will have to reflect that.
“If you have the right amount, you can get anyone. But I really like the staff here. They all seem to work together like a family, no (power) trips, everyone helping each other.”
For complete story, please see Thurs, September 1, 2005 Pocono Record.
