March 28, 2024

EP Heritage Fest - 34th Year

An EP Tribute to Culture and the Arts Since 1981

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Pierce Stadium - A City Jewel:
This summer will be the 34th consecutive year for the popular East Providence celebration known as Heritage Days. But could it be the last? The event is held at beautiful Pierce Stadium in the center of the city off Mercer Street. The stadium has been known as one of the best sports complexes in New England since its' construction under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency of the Federal Government in the 1930's. On November 30, 1939 Pierce Memorial Stadium opened to the public in time for the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game between East Providence and La Salle Academy. The EPHS Townies football team defeated a very tough rival in LaSalle Academy and went on to a 10-0 record for the year. Some 8,500 fans were on hand for the official opening of this wonderful new sports complex which also boasted of a baseball stadium, tennis, basketball and other athletic venues. Additionally Ted Williams and Babe Ruth put on hitting exhibitions at Pierce and major boxing and professional soccer matches were once held there. The site is home to East Providence High School Football, baseball, soccer and other sports. Previously area colleges have also rented the stadium for sports contests.

Tradition Since 1981
When now retired, and first full time city recreation director, Joseph Crook began to organize a "Heritage Day Celebration", the obvious site was Pierce Stadium. Once a year since 1981 the site has hosted thousands of Rhode Islanders in a summer weekend full of music, food, ethnic and cultural displays. Exhibits of all kinds filled the football stadium as well as the adjacent baseball field. Tents were everywhere featuring something for everyone. When Pierce was getting a facelift one year, the event was moved to the grounds of East Providence High School. The concerts and bands were accommodated inside but there was no way to charge admission to festival goers outside.

"Not that we ever charged a lot of money in the first place," said Heritage Days Committee Chair, Clarence "Junior" Butler. At a committee meeting in mid May, Butler and the rest of the committee worried how long this tradition could continue. "For the first 28 or 29 years, Heritage Days was mostly funded by our city. Recreation did all the planning and there was an 'outside service line item' in the budget," said a concerned Butler. The full committee was in agreement that this year may be a pivotal year for one of the longest running summer festivals in the state. "Our budget for Heritage Days has gradually decreased to where it is today - zero (dollars)," said committee member and former Recreation Coordinator Alba Curti and a backbone of the festival since it began. The committee now operates as in independent body and has a 501c3 non-profit status. "Our non-profit status allows program donors to have a needed write-off and helps us to perpetuate funding," said member Diane Sullivan, current Recreation Coordinator for the city. "It is very difficult to be self-funded and maintain a professional level festival with top notch food and entertainment," Butler added.

Heritage Days has a mission statement and vibrant web site. "Proceeds from these activities are used to sustain the committee's work as well as to benefit other non-profits that help city residents. Throughout the years East Providence Heritage Days, Inc. has awarded sizable funding to Crossroads RI, Big Brothers of RI, The Women's Center, American Brain Tumor Association, Emergency Communities, Lauren Zarembka Memorial Scholarship Foundation, East Bay Community Action Program, Builders Helping Heroes, American Red Cross Haitian Japanese Relief efforts and most recently East Providence Recreation Department Youth & Summer Programs among others," exclaims the committee goals. Recently the city did away with its' neighborhood summer playground program. Now, there is one site at Pierce Stadium, which children from all parts of the city may participate in - for a fee.

The Place to be Seen & Heard:
For the first 25 years or so, East Providence Heritage Day's weekend was the place to be for many city residents and, indeed, for many others in Rhode Island. The festival is known for its' inexpensive admission fees and many popular nationally known bands. There are games for kids and bands for all music genres. Food vendors appeal to every known palate and the "something for everyone" cliché certainly applies to festival goers. "You can't go hungry," promises Alba Curti. "Italian food, seafood, traditional burgers and steak sandwiches, 'Portu-Galo' Portuguese food, Chinese, pizza and lots more," rattles off Curti. And if you are a candidate for public office, this is a chance to meet and mingle with many voters in the city. Even many statewide politicians make it a point to attend. "When I was on the school committee and the city council, I enjoyed walking the grounds of Heritage Days. Not really campaigning but just being visible and saying hi to people," said former EP Mayor Dr. Isadore Ramos. Whether it was low key strolling or more traditional hand-shaking and campaigning, Heritage Days gives access to city leaders for thousands of residents.

The Future of Heritage Days?
One has to wonder though if 2014 will be the last big year for East Providence's summertime extravaganza. Committee members were reluctant to comment negatively, but other sources for this story have hinted at a less than enthusiastic mindset for festival funding and operations by some elected officials. "We are very grateful to the city for the in-kind services we receive," said Chairman "Junior" Butler. "But I must add we do need actual dollars if we are to continue. We've always enjoyed support from officials and residents," Butler said. But it was obvious that Butler and his committee are very concerned with the future of Heritage Days. "Maybe we need to look at some different things and venues," offered member Onna Moniz. "I hope we can continue this tradition," said Diane Sullivan. "I think that we (East Providence) set the standard for a lot of other festivals in the area. East Providence was one of the first cities to organize a professional summertime festival," added Sullivan.

Committee members point out that "our event is a true celebration of our diverse heritage in East Providence. Our effort provides support and funding for many civic programs that are in dire need." The Heritage Days web site proclaims that, 'The organization plans and administers many culture-centric events whose goal is to raise public awareness of the arts and their importance and value to the quality of life in a community. The most notable of these events is the Heritage Festival which has become a yearly tradition for the past three decades.' The committee goes on to describe some of the ways in which it benefits the city: 'Proceeds from these activities are used to sustain the corporation's work as well as to benefit others. Throughout the years East Providence Heritage Days, Inc. has awarded sizable funding to Crossroads RI, Big Brothers of RI, The Women's Center, American Brain Tumor Association, Emergency Communities, Lauren Zarembka Memorial Scholarship Foundation, East Bay Community Action Program, Builders Helping Heroes, American Red Cross Haitian Japanese Relief efforts and most recently East Providence Recreation Department Youth & Summer Programs among others.' "I don't think everyone understands the great amount of philanthropic work these volunteers do, " added Butler. "No one gets paid, we are all volunteers. There is a misconception that we are just a carnival. Our volunteers do this for one reason - a love of our city," said a passionate Butler.

City Council Stops Funding, Festival Support Waning?
Rumors circulated that the prior support Heritage Days had enjoyed from city officials has evaporated or has at least become lukewarm. The members of the city council were all contacted for this story but most chose not to say anything. Mayor Jim Briden only offered a perfunctory statement which said, "we'll need to discuss this during the next budget process. Any support would need to be a line item in our budget. I do not believe (and I might be mistaken) that city money has been used in recent years." Only ward 4 council member Chrissy Rossi spoke in any detail about council - Heritage Days relations - and it wasn't very supportive. "The budget commission was the first problem for Heritage Days," said Rossi. "They stopped all funding of the event. But I do acknowledge that I have questions with how Heritage Days are being run. As a steward of the city's budget I am concerned when a non-profit group like the Heritage Days committee, donates money to groups outside of the city. I have other issues such as the types of bands they (heritage committee) bring in. Some of these bands are has-beens I've never heard of," Rossi continued. "They may need to change some of what they do." Rossi also alluded to rumors that some festival goers were given free drinks during a prior Heritage Days. The committee strongly denied this, stating that there was an issue once with a company who printed their drink vouchers, possibly getting extra tickets in the hands of some attendees. "Our volunteers took in $15,000 in beer receipts which we can prove. Did a couple of people get a free beer? Maybe, but we can't control every little thing," offered Butler.

Fireworks and Heritage?
"I support the continuation of Heritage Days," said Rossi but I think it should coincide with our July 4th fireworks. We have close to 10,000 people coming to see our fireworks at Pierce Stadium for free. They come from all over and spend no money," said Rossi. "Why not have Heritage Days sandwiched around our July 4th fireworks? That would bring in lots of money at $5 or $10 a head times 10,000 people," Rossi suggested. "In addition to the fireworks, we could have all of the festival activities." Rossi said that this idea had been rejected by the festival supporters 'because they would have to move some tents and booths away from the fireworks immediate area.' "I don't see a problem with relocating some tents," Rossi added.

"As Heritage Days chairman, I have never been asked to combine Heritage Days with the city's July 4th fireworks. Maybe someone in the city discussed it, but not with our committee," said Junior Butler. "What happens when the 4th (July) is during the middle of a week? Do we set up for one day on a work night? Vendors couldn't do that, our festival is over a weekend," said Butler. "I also don't think we get 8 to 10,000 people in Pierce Field at one time for fireworks. Many people watch from their cars or surrounding areas. Not all enter the field at one time. And there would be a higher cost for police security if all those people were there at one time" he added. "The schedule, staffing and overall logistics make it very difficult to combine July 4th with our annual Heritage Days weekend," said Butler.

Veteran Heritage Days planner Alba Curti listed a number of reasons why she believes 4th of July and the Heritage weekend can't combine. "We can't have fireworks with booths, tents, staging and amusement rides on the field. The fire code requires a 350' radius from the fireworks shooting area," she said. "In years past, before the medical office park was built behind Pierce Stadium, we did have fireworks as part of the festival because it met the fire code. However it got a bit dangerous as tents and exhibits were damaged and people experienced burning cinders from shell fallout," she added. Curti also thinks that the two big events - July 4th and Heritage Days - deserve their own separate recognition. "In my humble opinion each is a wonderful stand alone event. They are quite different in their missions. Even if it were physically and logistically possible to combine events, it would only diminish the importance of an Independence Day Celebration and the importance of promoting art and culture in our community. My opinion has always been that the more quality events that we can offer, the more we solidify the fact that East Providence is a great city to proudly call home," opined Curti.

Lots of Planning, Fundraising and Hard Work:
Indeed, the task of running a safe and professional heritage weekend once a year is truly a herculean task, run by all volunteers. It takes about $100,000 to cover all aspects of Heritage Days. That's not a lot when you consider the top level national acts brought in. In most cases the committee has to provide two-night hotel stays for entertainers as well as the signing fees. There is also the cost for security as many police details are needed. There are general production expenses of $27 to $30,000 which include one or two large stages with professional lighting and video screens on the football field. Sound and video systems must be apropos for the large crowds. "This type of large scale festival has always been an identity for host communities and we have always provided a quality, good time for EP families and many other visitors to our city," said long time Heritage Days organizer Alba Curti.

"For the most part we used to do okay financially," said Butler. "Our gate admissions, city funding, vendor table fees, etc., used to keep our funding perpetuating. However we can no longer count on this," said a worried Butler. "The shaky economy and lack of city funding has forced us to cut way back in event planning." The committee is hoping that some legislative state grants may help. Senator Dan DaPonte and Bill Conley along with Representative Gregg Amore are arranging to help somewhat. "In fact all of our representatives and senators are supportive and we appreciate that," Butler said. "I think we'll be okay for this year, although we have to cut back on stuff," said Butler.

City Manager Paul Lemont Pulled Back Check:
When told of reports that the interim City Manager, Paul Lemont had a city check for about $25,000 cut and ready to give to the Heritage Days committee, Rossi said without hesitation - "yes, I stopped that check. I told the City Manager how could we give a 501c3 (non-profit) group $25,000 when they donate monies to charities outside of our city," said Rossi. "And stopping the check had support of all council members, not just me," she added. "Look, I am not going to politicize this. I asked Mr. Lemont for help and he said he would. I asked Mr. Lemont lots of questions. I was very adamant that we didn't want to be a problem for him or the city, but he (Lemont) said he could help. We were about to receive the funding but it was cut off. We always received some budget funds through the years. It was first taken away by former city manager Richard Brown. The budget commission never asked us for information but had they told us we would get no funding, we would have accepted it and just moved on," Butler said.

Festival Tweaks for 2014:
Pierce Stadium Complex Manager Joe Medeiros has been involved with Heritage Days for a long time. "There will be some changes this year," said Medeiros. "We will have a different logistical look. All activities will be in the football stadium as opposed to all over the complex. The amusement rides will be in the big baseball field. We won't be able to have the big video screens on the stage though. But we will still have our popular food vendors back and plenty to do and see. Another positive change is our admission policy," said Medeiros. "Anyone entering the festival during the first two hours on Saturday or Sunday will be admitted free. Doors open at 3:00 pm on Saturday and at 1:00 pm on Sunday. Once inside, people can opt to stay until closing without paying anything, " added Medeiros. "Basically we are a food and music festival now," said Alba Curti. "The stadium is beautiful, bring a lounge or beach chair and bring your appetite! An appetite for good music and good food," said Curti.

One area avoiding a cutback is the talent level of the bands. Heritage Fest headliners for 2014 are big time national acts. Saturday, July 19th will feature world renown and acclaimed Grammy Award winning producer and rock n' roll legend extraordinaire Rick Derringer at 9:30 pm. Opening act for Derringer is Band of Brothers at 8:00 pm. Earlier in the day at 4:30 pm festival goers can enjoy the music of MarKamusic (South American/Concert plus Workshop) and at 6:45pm, Annalivia (American Roots & Branches String Band). Sunday, July 20th will feature the inimitable high energy, blues-rock of Pat Travers and his band fresh from their whirlwind tour of the UK and Europe with their sensational sound at 6:30 pm. Crushed Velvet will open the show at 5:00 pm. Earlier on Sunday at 2:30pm Veronica Robles Mariachi (Music & Culture of Mexico) will perform. At 3:45pm, the all female band, Zili Misik (World Music & African Diaspora) will be on stage. Once again something for everyone as Heritage Fest 2014 will take you across the globe from the African Diaspora with Zili Misik to echoes of Ireland and Scotland with Annalivia. We'll stop for some English rock with Custard Pie-Celebrating the Music of Led Zeppelin. You'll savor the splendor of Mexico with Veronica Robles and the Latin jazz of South America with MarKamusic. And for good measure two very talented local artists Band of Brothers and Crushed Velvet will be on hand to support the headline acts.

Food vendors pay the committee a flat rate fee to operate a food booth with vendors keeping their proceeds. Others can pay a fee to operate a table or booth. Individuals or groups can support Heritage Days by buying a 3'by 3' sign which is displayed during the weekend. "We feel that we have reached out as much as possible. We have taken ads, issued press releases, developed a web site. Early sometime in June we will be featured on the Rhode Show television program advertising our event. There isn't too much that we haven't tried to peak interest," lamented Butler.

Economy and Weather No Festival Friend:
Not all of Heritage Days' potential woes can be controlled. "There is a lot of competition out there," claims Butler. "Casinos are all around us now and many of them offer free concerts and shows. Weather can be devastating as we found out last year," Torrential rains canceled the entire Saturday program for 2013 and much of the festival. "We've never recovered from last year's weather disaster. Losing Saturday last year just killed us," Butler said. Some people on the committee talked about moving the music venues to indoor theatres like the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Providence. The idea of moving its' Heritage Fest outside of EP borders wasn't very pleasing however. The committee also agreed with the notion that local residents are being asked for donations from many groups. "Yes, school sports, church groups, scouting, scholarships, memorials - are all asking for donations in a time when city and state appropriations are low or eliminated," agreed Butler and all committee members.

Although not in agreement on the direction of EP's Heritage Days, both Rossi and Butler stress that they are motivated by a desire to serve a community they love and that they respect each other's efforts. "I want what is best for this city but think they (Heritage Committee) need to change some things," said Rossi. While carefully making sure to stay positive, Butler thanked city officials for their support. "I've given this lots of thought but at times I feel that this volunteer effort gets zilch for support," he sighed. "We all love our city and will do our best," he said. But a strong difference of opinion remains. "I don't think some of the committee listens to new ideas too well," said Rossi. "Is this a control issue?" asks Butler. "Mrs. Rossi has been to Heritage Days. She has helped us. Last year I asked her for city help, as we once had. Let's talk, please call me I said. I never got that call," said Butler. "I'm ready to help," claims Rossi. "But the committee must be willing to change," she said.

End of the Line?
Butler was asked if this could possibly be the last year for Heritage Days in East Providence. With committee members nodding in agreement, Butler said "we will meet after this years' festival is over and have that discussion. I don't know. What more do you want for $5.00?" he said. Admission is $5 on Friday and Sunday and $10 on Saturday. Children under 12 are free accompanied by an adult. All those who come within the first two hours on Saturday and Sunday will be admitted free.

"At the end of the day, as long as my name is associated with Heritage Days, there will be no politics in this. I would rather walk away, content with what we have done for 34 years, rather than do anything less," said Clarence "Junior" Butler. "I hope it's a success but they need to listen to change," said councilwoman Chrissy Rossi.


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Rick Derringer
Young guitar great, vocalist and entertainer Rick Derringer was just 17 when his band "The McCoys" recorded the No.1 hit "Hang On Sloopy" in the summer of 1965, knocking "Yesterday" by The Beatles out of the top spot.
"The McCoys" had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969 forming "Johnny Winter And" ("And" referring to "The McCoys"). Eventually the busy Derringer joined Edgar's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork". Derringer's solo album, "All American Boy" was released in '73 with the now already popular "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo", this time as a 'hit' single.
In 1976 Rick created the Derringer Band. He released four albums and in '83 returned to his solo career with the LP, "Good Dirty Fun".
It was also in the 90's that Rick was selected to be producer/writer/performer of the World Wrestling Federation LP's. Hulk Hogan's theme song, "I Am A Real American" was written and performed by Rick as a part of these projects.
Derringer was once again sought after by Edgar Winter and in 1990, performed for the LP, "Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer Live in Japan". Then in 1999 Rick and Edgar were back together again for their collaboration on his "Winter Blues" CD.

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