Ives Concert Park Earns Awards for Venue and Leadership

Autumn has brought two achievements to Ives Concert Park, the outdoor entertainment venue on the Western Connecticut State University Westside campus in Danbury. The September issue of Connecticut Magazine has proclaimed the location "Best Outdoor Venue" and the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut will honor Charles Ives Authority Board Chairman Steve Greenberg with the 2013 Arts in the Community Award at its annual Business Supports the Arts Awards Breakfast on Thursday, October 17.

In a letter notifying the Ives Board of Directors of the "Best Of" award, Connecticut Magazine General Manager Marisa Dragone wrote, "You have been selected by the editors of Connecticut Magazine as one of the Best in Connecticut for 2013! Your award will be announced in the September issue featuring the Best of Connecticut categories ranging from Best Beer to Best Miniature Golf Course. We've chosen you as 'Best' in the following category: Best Outdoor Venue.

"You should be proud of this award," Dragone continued. "The competition was fierce and we debated at length over our choice. ... It's businesses such as yours — and your hard work — that contribute so much to our high quality of life and make living here such a pleasure. We hope this honor brings you much success!"

Ives Concert Park is a joint endeavor of the city of Danbury and the university. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said, "It comes as no surprise that Connecticut Magazine has awarded Ives Concert Park as the 'Best Outdoor Venue.' The backdrop of the beautiful and aesthetic surroundings of Ives Concert Park at Western Connecticut State University is truly a wonder. The entire staff and volunteers at the Ives go above and beyond each day and are very deserving of this recognition."

Boughton, who appointed Greenberg to chair the Ives Authority Board in 2007, added, "I'd like to congratulate Steve on receiving this year's Arts in the Community Award. His unwavering commitment toward making Ives Concert Park the premier venue in Connecticut should never go unrecognized."

Charles Ives Authority Executive Director Phyllis Cortese added, "All of us at the Ives are very proud of our chairman's tremendous contributions to the community. As an arts advocate who serves the Ives Authority in a volunteer capacity, Steve's tireless investment of time, commitment and dedication contribute to our enhanced quality of life and economic vitality in the region. This is certainly a well-deserved honor."

Greenberg will receive his award on Oct. 17 at the Crowne Plaza in Danbury.

For more information, visit www.ivesconcertpark.com.

Photo Credit - Peggy Stewart