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Music

Baby, what a big anniversary

A year after an outdoor venue's birth, two vintage bands from its opening float their sweet summer sounds above a noisy controversy.

By SEAN DALY
Published August 11, 2005

[Times photo: Chris Zuppa]

The Ford Amphitheatre a year ago seemed a natural Florida venue, but its long-term success depends upon reconciling its operation with legal concerns.

	[Publicity photo
	Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago breeze in to perform again, this time at a venue that has endured winds of controversy since its July 2004 opening.

TAMPA - When the Ford Amphitheatre - performance shed to the stars, noisemaker to beleaguered neighbors - held its official first concert on July 27, 2004, the two bands kicking off the hullabaloo were Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. Sure, the once-mighty Windy City-born bands were no longer stocked with tireless young rockers who could go all night, but it was hard not to get pumped up. Not only are EWF's funky September and Chicago's classic-rocking Old Days rousing summertime tunes, but much more important, we finally had a large outdoor destination to attract such nature-loving tours as the Ozzfest and the Dave Matthews Band.

What could possibly go wrong? Have you heard the kickin' sound system?

Sigh: A year later, the made-for-summer stage is shrouded in accusations of architectural misdeeds and resultant noise complaints. Making matters stickier, officials from the Environmental Protection Commission reported concert decibel levels that exceeded Hillsborough County law. A lawsuit filed by the residents was dropped, but two more between the commission and Clear Channel are in a state of suspended animation. Both sides have agreed to talk about curbing noise levels, which may lead to acoustic enhancements to the venue. Or may just lead to more unpleasantness.

Whatever the case, David Harb, director of marketing for Ford Amphitheatre and Cellar Door Concerts (the promotional company owned by Clear Channel), said he feels proud of the venue and the team of people behind the scenes. He acknowledges that the past year has been "interesting" - and maybe not for all the sunniest reasons - but adds, "It has been a fantastic adventure, and that's the truth."

Saturday's show isn't the anniversary of the very first concert at Ford: On July 23, 2004, Christian popster Michael W. Smith performed during a "soft" opening; on July 23, 2005, the Backstreet Boys bopped into town. But Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago returning this sweaty season sure feels symbolic to me. "Old days, good times I remember . . ."

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago perform Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheatre, Interstate 4 at U.S. 301 N, Tampa. $18-$75. (813) 740-2446 or (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100.

[Last modified August 10, 2005, 13:50:09]