The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

The Broadcast Pioneers Newsletter was “On the Scene” for the biggest event to come to Wildwood, New Jersey in decades!

A history making live concert by country music superstar Kenny Chesney, billed as “American Express Unstaged,” was performed on the beach in the Wildwoods on Saturday, June 20th, before an audience of 35,000 fans! In addition, it was estimated an additional (goal) of 20 million fans would view the concert live on You Tube.

Chesney’s performance was showcased on a massive light smothered stage, in the center of the beach, placed between two of the famous Morey’s Piers facing the enormous screaming crowd and the world famous two-mile Wildwood boardwalk, packed with thousands more, viewing the concert on strategically placed wide screen TV’s.

The staging, production and direction was directed by Academy Award winning director Jonathan Demme, who was charged with bringing the vibrant concert to the fans on the beach and the viewers throughout the world.

“On the Scene” had “behind the scenes” media credentials and participated in a personalized media tour by American Express and Chesney production executives viewing the enormous stage, over 30 mega trailers that delivered equipment to the beach, and meeting some of the more than 375 people responsible for the production.

A massive undertaking, the concert venue came together from “nothing” in less than four weeks, to a first class staged production that has never been experienced in the Wildwoods or perhaps on any beach on the east coast ever before!

Over the many hours, we were “On the Scene,” we spoke to many folks responsible for the tremendous effort we experienced that evening, far too many to quote everyone here, however, what follows are a few written “sound bites" from our interviews and those who helped to bring it all together and our interviews.

Jonathan Demme, surrounded by representatives of the media, spoke with the group and responded to questions, he said:

Thousands will see and hear this concert tonight, plus millions around the globe. Kenny really wanted to be at the beach, and when we did the preliminary tour a few weeks ago, it was an immediate yes! He loved Wildwood and all it had to offer. We’re very excited about this venue and the tremendous beach we have to work with. Kenny is so committed to his audience. Tonight will be somewhat tricky, thousands on the beach and millions on You Tube. We’ll not only capture the concert and its uniqueness, but also Wildwood and its great attractions in the background via the dozen cameras we have in place, many of which are manned. My favorite film making experience in the world is shooting and filming live music in the moment.”

Andrew Kelly, event producer working with American Express, provided an overview of the event. He told the press:

The stage has been customized not only to be spectacular for the live audience but especially for those online. We want people to have the beach experience and the effect of something special, as you see the environment change as the stage comes to life. The audience is a combination of American Express card members and Kenny Chesney fan club members. This type of experience draws tremendous brand awareness for the performer, particularly when a new album has been launched this week.

Walter Frye, entertainment marketing executive with American Express added:

we’re so thrilled that tonight’s event is live and huge. We’re tremendously excited about it, we know Wildwood is excited. This has been one of the best organizational experiences we’ve had. The city was behind us every step of the way making things happen and being totally accommodating.

Ben Rose, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, The Wildwoods Convention Center in an EXCLUSIVE interview with the Broadcast Pioneers said:

This means a lot to the Wildwoods. It shows to major producers across the country that this is the place to be for summer beach concerts and to pull off a production of this magnitude is amazing. The minute Kenny Chesney and his production company saw the location, he said, this was it! They’re going for 20 million viewers of this concert tonight in an attempt to surpass a concert by Cole Play that recently drew 19 million viewers. This is just the start of many, many more shows to be featured from the Wildwoods. This is seeing the Wildwoods at its best, the way it should be, every day in the Wildwoods.

Watch a part of the concert!

EDITOR'S NOTE: At recent Broadcast Pioneers luncheons, we received very favorable feedback from members about our occasional stories about Wildwood, New Jersey. Several folks have told us the stories brought back fond memories of their younger years, when Wildwood was the mecca of the stars for the likes of Liberace, The Four Aces, Chubby Checker, The Drifters, Connie Frances, Bobby Darin, The Golden Boys (Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Frankie Avalon) and so many more. Headliner careers were made on the “club corners” of Pacific Avenue which was compared to performing in Las Vegas during the 1950’s and 60’s. We appreciate the input of those who remember those exciting times and will occasionally share more of these timeless memories with you.

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com