Trumbull Cancels Bolton Concert

First Selectman Herbst’s Statement on Michael Bolton Concert Cancellation 

"September 14, 2012 - For the last eight years, the Town of Trumbull has produced an annual summer concert series. Like with any other Town sponsored event, some years have been more successful than others. Up until 2010, the Town of Trumbull did not have to bear responsibility for any financial losses associated with the annual summer concert. The previous concerts were funded through alternate sources of a questionable nature. In 2010, upon the advice of counsel, I ended this practice.

When the Town assumed all responsibility and liability for the Town Concert, finally we did appreciate and realize the costs and risks associated with producing an event of this magnitude. This year, as the Board of Finance and Town Council approved funding for the 2012 concert, they were provided with an itemized list of all costs associated with this annual event.

Last year, our annual summer concert was canceled in light of Hurricane Irene. We were fortunate that this concert was canceled due to the weather. The Finance Director has calculated that we would have lost $207,780 if the concert proceeded last year. This year, the Town would have lost $190,000 if the concert proceeded. As First Selectman of the Town of Trumbull, I cannot in good conscience allow the Town to be exposed to this type of financial risk.

This year and last year the Town and our concert promoters worked very hard to produce a successful concert. This was an event that we know many in the community enjoyed. It is unfortunate that we had to make the difficult but necessary decision to cancel this concert. We had hoped that ticket sales would have been better. But in light of other factors, not to mention a national economy that remains stagnant with less discretionary income for families, coupled with concerns over potential weather impact, this decision mitigated the Town's financial exposure, which if left unabated would have been significant. All Town sponsored events should be self –sustaining where people can come and have a good time without and adverse burden to the Trumbull taxpayers or the Town's budget.

In light of these events, the Town will review all of our options in providing Town sponsored events in the future and we will work collaboratively to make this happen. I have already had preliminary conversations with the President of the Trumbull Rotary Club and other civic organizations to enlist their help and support in orchestrating a comeback.

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Tickets purchased online will be automatically refunded including service charges and credit card fees.

Tickets purchased from the Town of Trumbull can be refunded by phoning (203) 452-5003 or bringing your ticket with you in person to:

Town of Trumbull Recreation Center – Tellalian Building

5892 Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611"