City's use of $45,000 in EDIT funds for Don McLean not a hit with everyone

MUNCIE, Ind. — Singer/songwriter Don McClean will be the first act to take the new stage at the Brown Family Amphitheater on the campus of Ball State University.

The Sept. 2 concert, featuring the folk-rock artist who recorded the hit "American Pie" more than 50 years ago, will be free to the public and the event is becoming somewhat of an issue in the campaign for Mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Dan Ridenour said he spent $45,000 in city Economic Development Income Tax to bring McLean to Muncie.

Ridenour, a Republican seeking re-election this fall, has been criticized for spending EDIT dollars to stage the free concert. The event will be a little more than a month ahead of early voting for the general election.

"In the larger scheme of things, $45,000 isn't that much," said Jeff Robinson, president of city council and Democrat candidate for mayor. "But I think in a city where many are homeless and going to bed hungry, we need to get our priorities straight on where we are spending our money."

He said concerts can be fun but perhaps not the best way to spend public money right now.

Ridenour responded to The Star Press in writing, saying he viewed the event as "a great investment in the citizens of Muncie."

"A functioning city needs to invest in quality of life and pride in our city," he wrote. "We invest in Christmas lights, downtown development, concert series, Muncie fireworks, Prairie Creek fireworks, a homecoming festival later this month and other festivals so that our citizens can enjoy free amenities that make life better. Other cities are offering the same concert starting at $70 a ticket — we wanted Muncie to be able to enjoy an iconic performer for free and I stand by that."

He went on to say the price tag includes hiring local companies for sound, lighting, and other production values and the concert contributes to economic development from tourism.

"A headliner like Don McLean will draw visitors from other counties, who will eat, shop, and even stay overnight in Muncie," the mayor contends. "A 'Hall of Famer' performing here helps our residents and tourists recognize that Muncie is 'on the map.'"

Finally, Ridenour said hosting the event at the new Brown Amphitheater will solidify Muncie's relationship with Ball State, and continues to build "the Town and Gown connection that other Indiana communities struggle with."

The single "American Pie" was recorded in 1971 and was number one for four weeks in 1972. The song, an eight-and-a-half-minute recording, dealt with the loss of innocence in the early rock-and-roll era. In addition, McClean had hits with "Vincent," "Dreidel," and also had a hit with his rendition of Roy Orbison's "Crying."

McLean also wrote the song "And I Love You So," which was a hit for Perry Como and also Elvis Presley. It was also recorded by Glen Campbell and Helen Reddy.

In 2004, McLean was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. BMI certified that "American Pie" and "Vincent" had reached five million and three million airplays respectively.

Ridenour said local people got in touch with McLean's tour and the extra date in Muncie fit well into his schedule since the artist was going to be in Flint, Mich. on Aug. 31 and in the Chicago area on Sept 1.

The venue has been under construction. The Brown Family Amphitheater is being built with a $2.8 million gift from Charles W. Brown, an alumnus and benefactor of BSU. Brown was also the lead donor for the Charles W. Brown Planetarium — the largest planetarium in Indiana — which opened on campus in 2014.

Amphitheater will have plenty of amenities

According to the late 2020 announcement that the facility was being built, the amphitheater will feature dressing rooms, a green room, storage space, a control room, and a loading dock. More specifically, the facility will feature a booth/mix station with a lightboard, soundboard, and more with a line of sight to the stage. There will also be elevated spotlights, distributed power throughout the venue, motors and truss lighting over the stage.

The stage is being built near Park and Pruis Halls and between Noyer and Woodworth Complexes, where a parking garage stood for many years.

Ridenour said BSU President Geoffrey Mearns has promised the amphitheater will be "100% done" in time for the performance.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: 'American Pie' artist Don McLean will open new Ball State venue