ALMOST READY TO ROCK ’N ROLL

New amphitheater kicks off programming July 4 with Soul Asylum concert, fireworks

Approaching Mentor City Hall on a recent afternoon, one could hear high levels of bone-crunching rock splitting the air.

You might think it was the parking lot construction crew cranking their tunes beyond considerate boundaries.

But no, it was coming from behind the building, at 8500 Civic Center Blvd., where the state-of-the-art sound system in the city’s new amphitheater was being tested.

Axl Rose, eat your heart out.

“We’ve got some incredible sound equipment,” said Andy Rose (no relation), Mentor’s administrative services manager, who is managing the project. He noted that the contractor, Cleveland-based Eighth Day Sound, is world-renowned. The company has done work for tours including the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Jay Z, and Taylor Swift.

When complete, the 7,500-square-foot structure and lawn will accommodate an estimated 5,500 people sitting and nearly double that standing.

“We’re a smaller version of Nautica,” Rose said. “It’s a bigger stage, but about the same seating as Cain Park (in Cleveland Heights). Not knocking Cain Park, but our sound system is better.”

“This project has run very smoothly and we are excited to be offering such a great addition to the Recreation Department. The residents will be very proud of what we have been able to accomplish and will have this to enjoy for many, many years.”

— Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski

The amphitheater replaces a gazebo that used to house the city’s free summer concert series, now named Mentor Rocks. The building’s inaugural event is a Soul Asylum concert and fireworks on July 4.

The $2 million project includes two 7-by-14-foot retractable screens installed on either side of the stage and a high-tech lighting display system. In addition, there are men’s and women’s restrooms built into the side, and a multipurpose room at the back for summer camp programs on rainy days and other events.

Along with concerts, programming will include Shakespeare in the Park, movies and watch parties when Cleveland sports teams make the playoffs.

Zerbe Construction LLC of Mentor is performing the work, which is to be complete by June 2.

“This project has run very smoothly and we are excited to be offering such a great addition to the Recreation Department,” Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski said. “The residents will be very proud of what we have been able to accomplish and will have this to enjoy for many, many years.”

When asked whether noise complaints are a concern, Kaminski said no.

“It’s only going to be slightly higher volume than last year for concerts (in the gazebo),” he said. “Now we have the ability to control it.”

CARRIE GARLAND — THE NEWS-HERALD Mentor’s state-of-the-art amphitheater is nearing completion. It officially begins operation July 4.

CARRIE GARLAND — THE NEWS-HERALD Workers are putting the finishing touches on Mentor’s new amphitheater, which is being readied for its inaugural performance — a Soul Asylum concert — July 4.