Pier Six Pavilion and the concert freeloaders
Every summer, when Pier Six Pavilion opens for the season, another annual tradition resurfaces: live music freeloading.
Folks come from all around with camping chairs, blankets and even portable grills and set up shop on pier five and the western side of President Street to soak in the live music from the downtown amphitheater without having to buy a ticket.
Some people go as far as to drift out into the harbor on floating rafts (gack!) or anchor their boats near the pavilion's waterside edge ...
While there's little the city or the venue can do about the boaters, officials generally frown on large groups of people loitering on the sidewalks, according to police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
The police don't mind people sitting on the benches, but they draw the line at folding chairs, blankets and especially grills.
"For public safety reasons, you don’t want to have people sprawled out on lawn chairs with blankets and grills," Guglielmi said. "It can impede traffic on both sides – pedestrian and vehicular."
If someone accidentally falls in the water, all of the freeloaders would make it hard for the police and rescue crews to get through, Guglielmi said. Typically, an officer will approach someone with a grill or chair and ask them to move. If the person doesn’t move, the officer will write them a ticket. But they’re not going to write tickets first and ask questions later.
"We're not out there to ruin anyone's day," Guglielmi said. "We’re just trying to keep everybody safe."
Got that, gang?
(Baltimore Sun archive photo)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
The brick path next to the Marriott is heavily used by cyclists to get from Pratt St to Aliceanna St. When crowded with freeloaders, there's barely enough room to walk, much less bike!
Posted by: a biker | June 30, 2010 1:00 PM
When I was younger my parents took me and my 2 sisters and did this all the time, only it was not as nice as it is now. It was cheaper than paying for a ticket and a babysitter We heard some great music. A highlight at the time was Jackson Browne.
Posted by: Freeloader | June 30, 2010 1:17 PM
I've always wanted to go to Pier Six for a concert, but my schedule has never allowed for it. I am hoping that I can go for something this year before the weather. I think police should try to keep the peace but also allow some of the people to enjoy the live music.
Posted by: Wanting a Ticket | June 30, 2010 1:28 PM
Taking the boat out for the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson shows in a few weeks. Always a pretty good time.
Posted by: Sturmy | June 30, 2010 2:10 PM
Got that, gang?
No ... at least I don't. What was the point of this? Are police cracking down somehow on the crowds?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 30, 2010 2:18 PM
Lucky me, I get to hear the concerts when I'm *inside* my house! For free! Though, we went on the roof for Hall & Oates!
Posted by: no more Heart, please! | June 30, 2010 2:34 PM
What's the big deal, sounds to me like you're hating on boat guys because you can't afford one.
Posted by: drunk richard | June 30, 2010 3:27 PM
@Drunk richard -- I'm not hating on anybody (though I would never swim out in the harbor like some of these folks do). I'm just saying people do it. I worked at marinas for years growing up, and they taught me one thing about sea life: There's always a bigger boat. Oh, and boats are really expensive. Can I borrow yours?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | June 30, 2010 3:33 PM
If you got so much "boat money" why not buy a ticket to the show?
Posted by: Dave | June 30, 2010 9:08 PM
When I was a bit younger (pre-kids) my buddies and I used to put canoes in where Living Classrooms is now and paddle over to catch some free music...saw some great shows floating in the harbor...we called it "Pier 6 1/2"
Posted by: Bird | July 1, 2010 12:16 AM
So the cops don't want to ruin anybody's day? Good. Just don't videotape them or you'll find out how understanding said cops are.
Posted by: Rich B | July 1, 2010 11:21 AM
Several years ago Huey Lewis called out all the boaters while on stage. I forgot exactly what he said, but something along the lines that they can afford a boat but not a ticket to his show. haha
Good stuff. I'll squat there as long I can.
Posted by: jtn | July 1, 2010 2:24 PM
hey biker- no bikes on the promenade after 10 am. So while it's annoying a bike can't fit past the freeloaders, it's irrelevant.
Posted by: flippityjane | July 1, 2010 4:50 PM
Probably another proposed city tax coming!!!
Can't wait to see how the police handle this same situation with the fireworks at the Inner Harbor.
Posted by: Ravenhuck | July 2, 2010 1:24 PM
Even though it felt like it was about 110 degrees under the tent Saturday, the Beach Boys rocked the house. Mike Love is almost 70 years old now. John Stamos was awesome on drums and guitar. Had a great time and yes I did pay for my tickets.
Posted by: redsheriff | July 26, 2010 1:55 PM
Which Sunday-night show had a higher % of concergoers in a drug-induced haze?
Sublime or Willie Nelson
Posted by: Anonymous | July 26, 2010 3:36 PM
What is the harm of this wonderful tradition. You only have a few seats to sell on the inside of the pavillion and it makes for an exciting show for the artist. I am saddened that they have blocked off the area that Baltimoreans had used for years to hear music. Trust me, this hurts no one...the artist love it; the pavillion is always packed and the locals have a great time...
Posted by: baltimoregrace | July 29, 2010 2:53 PM