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Come on, feel the noise, Coney!
The concert promotion firm that backs heavy metal super-groups Iron Maiden and Metallica now wants to produce shows at Borough President Markowitz’s proposed $64-million amphitheater in Asser Levy Seaside Park.
Metropolitan Talent — one of the premiere entertainment conglomerates in the country — confirmed this week that it is one of the bidders to operate the mega-theater on Surf Avenue between Ocean Parkway and West Fifth Street.
And this company wants a real presence in Coney Island, a senior producer said, mentioning that the hard rock promoters want to bring in at least 20 “big name shows” every year.
“We’re always looking for new and interesting venues in desirable locations and this seems to fit the bill,” said the executive, Ian Noble.
The rock insider also had choice words for residents who object to the new amphitheater on the grounds that it is too big and too disruptive: You’re not in Kansas anymore.
“I was a little shocked by people opposing it,” he said. “A venue [like this] should be welcomed with open arms — it’s Coney Island, not exactly Iowa farmland.”
Two other high-profile promoters who toured the venue on the same day as Metropolitan Talent — the prominent companies Live Nation and Marquee Concerts — may also have bid for the site, though neither returned our calls.
For now, Parks Department officials are remaining mum, too.
Amphitheater opponents insist that Asser Levy Seaside Park is really part of West Brighton Beach and should not be lumped in with Coney Island’s amusement district. For them, efforts to transform the local green space is all about money.
“It’s been clear since day one that [city officials] want to convert the majority of this park into a massive commercial enterprise,” said Geoffrey Croft, president of New York City Park Advocates.
Nobel admitted that he was not aware that city rules restrict amplified performances near synagogues — and there are two within earshot.
“I don’t want to come in there as this capitalist bad guy,” he said. “I would let the democratic process take place. A concession would only go ahead if it honored all the inherited bylaws of the city.”
©2010 Community Newspaper Group
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