First Bold Point concert in East Providence goes off without a hitch

EAST PROVIDENCE — Using music parlance, as debuts go the inaugural Waterfront Productions event at its new Bold Point Park live entertainment venue in city Wednesday night, Aug. 9, featuring legends The Beach Boys was a smash hit.

The weather was near perfect, the crowd was of more than manageable scale and the night went off without an incident for the East Providence public safety contingent.

Fire Department Chief Oscar Elmasian lauded the Waterfront Productions staff for its efforts.

“They did a great job. It’s a work in progress and we’ll probably have to adjust some things, but they did a great job,” Chief Elmasian said. “The weather was great. The music was great. It was a great atmosphere. Everything worked out really well. It was a great night for East Providence.”

Responding on behalf of the East Providence Police Department, Detective Lieutenant Ray Blinn said officers experienced no incidents with either the patrons or over parking, which was one of the last significant worries for law enforcement, producers and local residents leading up to the event.

“None at all,” Lt. Blinn said when asked about problems during the show or concerns with aspects of security. “We had no major issues with parking. Within 28 minutes of the concert ending, all roads had normal traffic.”

The next scheduled Waterfront Productions event at Bold Point Park is the company's well-known Reggae Fest, which runs from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

Said Waterfront Productions owner and president Michele Maker Palmieri of the night in general, "It was pretty incredible. Perfect event for opening night. There's always room for improvement — we needed a few more food trucks and have a few logistics to work out — but we'll be ready for Reggae Festival Saturday."