Carson City concert promoter trying different approach

A music series may return to Mills Park this summer, but the Carson City promoter plans to trade last year's mellow country and easy-listening music for something with a bit more spunk.

Punk bands will kick off the summer during a Memorial Day weekend Rock 'N' Sport event at the Pony Express Pavilion at the end of May. The event will feature two to four headline bands and up to six regional groups, freestyle motor sport demonstrations, skating and local vendors, said promoter John Procaccini.

The move is targeted to attract a specific crowd to boost the lagging attendance seen last year. Procaccini, who introduced the Capital City Music Series to the park last summer, said too many shows in the area were targeted to adult contemporary listeners.

"There was a saturation in the market for adult contemporary music appeal," Procaccini said. "We're trying to round it out this year."

Procaccini's company, Chili Bop Entertainment Group, is negotiating with punk bands NOFX, Strung Out, Rancid, Lit Adema and Pennywise, but no contracts have been signed.

The weekend event scheduled for May 29-31 has been confirmed with the city and organizers are getting permits, Procaccini said.

The Capital City Music Series event may return, but it will feature fewer weekends, possibly only three or four, and more days per show. The series will be altered to attract a mix of audiences, including country-western, motor sports enthusiasts or adult contemporary, Procaccini said.

Last year's event started off during the Carson City Rendezvous and ran for six weekends, featuring country star Chris LeDoux, the Neville Brothers and several jazzy or adult contemporary groups.

This year, the series may start after the Memorial Day event, June 7 with the Rendezvous, Labor Day weekend or in late September in conjunction with Street Vibrations, Procaccini said.

City economic development and redevelopment manager Joe McCarthy said the series likely won't be as large this year.

"We did OK (last year) with the turnout for both of the big concerts, but in between, the numbers were only modest," McCarthy said. "Others are working on trying to look at a series or a combination of things to do in downtown."

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.