The Fraze has been in operation since 1991.
On occasion, Salgado takes a stroll through the Commons during a performance, and he rates the appearance of Ray Charles at the Fraze as a milestone in the concert venue’s history.
Annually from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Karen Durham, Fraze general manager, estimates the Fraze plays host to between 55-60 concerts, festivals and free events, adding that it has become a linchpin for economic development and community involvement.
“We’ve really been able to carve out a niche and this has helped put the city of Kettering on the map by exposing us to a larger audience,” Durham said. “The additional dollars spent by people from outside the area adds economic value and the Lincoln Park area itself has become a social gathering place. It has helped to give people a real sense of community. In addition, the artists really enjoy playing here.”
Some of those who have graced the stage since it was christened by Marvin Hamlisch 18 years ago include the aforementioned Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Joe Cocker, Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson.
Michelle Kossler knew what she was getting into when she moved into the Residenz apartment complex some three years ago. Aside from some minor congestion on the roadways and in the parking lot, she’s enjoyed her summers on the Commons.
“It’s nice to have here, it’s not an annoyance at all,” she said of concerts at the Fraze. “At times the traffic can get a little rough, but it’s manageable.”
Respiratory therapist Barbara McCormick lives virtually a stone’s throw from the pavilion and often receives text messages from friends asking if they can come over during a concert. She invariably obliges them and enjoys listening to the sounds emanating from the stage while basking in the privacy of her balcony at the Residenz.
But even during those times when she’s not in the mood for a concert, it hasn’t been a problem for her.
“At first I thought the noise coming from there would bother me, but if I stay inside with the doors shut I really can’t hear it that much,” she said.
Despite some of the drawbacks that may be associated with living alongside an outdoor concert facility, a member of the One Lincoln Park chooses to treat it more as an amenity than a hindrance.
“I don’t know of any other retirement community that can boast of having the quality of entertainment that we do,” one of the women pointed out.
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