The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Dexter Music series hits the high notes
By Tina M. Ponder, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: August 7, 2008
Dexter's Summer Entertainment Series has been sweet music to the ears of Dexter residents, business owners and visitors from nearby communities.
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Hosted by the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, the series brings local musicians to downtown Dexter on Friday nights, providing first-rate entertainment and a chance to sit back and enjoy the small-town atmosphere of Dexter.
Visitors on Friday night can be seen shopping in local stores, sampling food provided by area businesses, relaxing in the park and, of course, listening to the music.
"I think it has helped out business in more of a social sense, and I'm all for supporting it and think it's a wonderful thing," said Barbara Gergely, owner of Dexter Flower Shop and director of the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gergely does believe it's helped the local restaurants and that's good news for everyone.
"We've really lucked out with the weather," she said. "Last (month) our block had a block party where we gave out free hotdogs, potato chips and cookies from the Cookie MOMster. It was fun and we gave away 125 hotdogs and we thought that was pretty good.
"(In June) the other block where the Dexter Pub is had their open house, too. The merchants have done well on those particular evenings. I don't know statistically how they've done on the other nights. People shop until the music starts."
Gergely admits that Dexter's music scene hasn't hit the high notes of Chelsea's Sounds and Sights, but she does see the series growing and improving in the future.
"We're hoping to grow into (what Chelsea has on Thursday nights) once the bridge and library are done," she said. "We're still pretty green here, but every Friday night we've had a good turnout. There certainly are a lot more people in town on Friday nights."
Tina LaFleur, owner of the Polka Dot Puppy, agreed that there was more activity downtown. "Compared to other nights I've definitely seen a bigger crowd on Fridays," she said.
Cathy Swan, owner of The Home Store, echoed the sentiment that the music series is in tune with creating more interest in the downtown stores. "On the weekends there are a lot more people who show up to look around," Swan said. "It's nice to see."
In addition to showcasing the local businesses, the series also helps to encourage members of the community to support their downtown.
"The goal of the Summer Entertainment Series is for people to know that we are here," Gergely said. "We want people to think local."
Featuring two stages with live entertainment located near the clock and the gazebo at Monument Park, the series gives everyone an opportunity to have a good time.
"I usually get a chance to go out and listen to the music for a little while and it's very nice," LaFleur said.
Tom Diab, owner of the Gourmet Chocolate CafÈ in Chelsea, is the one to thank for all the good music.
"I've been in the music business for 20 years and I know the right people to call," said Diab, who is in charge of booking the music for the series. "The critical thing is the price range. You have to do it for the right price or you can easily bankrupt yourself. You have to have the right balance between the right price and the right act. I know how to do that."
Diab said because of construction in Dexter they were limited to the gazebo and clock areas.
"Hopefully next year we can expand to the police station as well," he said. "We wish to get all of the businesses involved. This year 44 businesses got involved and this event survives by business sponsorship. What the chamber likes to offer businesses is an opportunity to do more sales. It's also an effective form of face-to-face advertising and another reason to bring people downtown to try and translate it into business. It's a win-win situation for everybody."
Diab, a member of the popular Toppermost Beatles Tribute band, says bringing music to downtown areas is growing all over the state.
"Sights and Sounds in Chelsea is wildly successful and I do double business on those days," he says. "It seems like every community now is doing this. I play music throughout Southeast Michigan in Farmington, Grosse Ile and Plymouth. It's growing not just because of Chelsea, but because people in general want a party atmosphere in their town, and they want a pretty downtown. These small communities such as Dexter, Chelsea and Plymouth are making more use of their beauty."
The Summer Entertainment Series is free and runs Friday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 22.
Sean Dalton and Terry Jacoby contributed to this story.
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