I’ve been interested to read all the comments. I think that amplification is here to stay; it’s just the level of it that I object to.
Opera singers don’t use microphones; their voices are trained to carry easily over the (often large) orchestra. “Popular” (many genres) singers do use mikes, and it’s a very different method/style of singing. Many instruments (electric guitars, synthesizers, etc.) rely on electronics to produce their range of sounds. And some instruments that aren’t normally amplified (e.g. fiddles) do plug in if the band is playing for an event such as a dance where people are chatting and milling around, not just sitting and quietly listening as at a concert. Outdoor venues are more challenging, acoustically, than indoor spaces. I’m uncertain about jazz – do those cornets and trombones really need to be amplified?? I had not heard of silent concerts (except for flash mobs). To me this seems weird – one of the pleasures of attending a concert or musical event is sharing your experience of the music with others, and it’s hard to imagine doing this in a silent room, where you’re just imagining that everyone is hearing the same music, at the same time, as you are. So let’s allow amplification when appropriate for the music, but at a reasonable level (we don’t all wear hearing aids, and we all need to protect our hearing). “Louder” is NOT “better!” June Matthews From: Lincoln <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Lynne Smith Sent: Friday, June 6, 2025 8:43 AM To: Diana Smith <[email protected]> Cc: Lincoln Talk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Looking for support for Decordova and Pierce House noise management I remember hearing Chick Correa there in the 1970s. His jazzy xylophone in that magical setting is still a fond memory. I was living in Cambridge at the time and was part of the joyous crowd. Those were the days! Lynne Smith 5 Tabor Hill Road Lincoln, MA 01773 781-258-1175 Sent from my iPhone On 6 Jun 2025, at 8:37 AM, Diana Smith <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: The amphitheater was closed because it was attracting 1000- 1500 people for concerts and Lincolnites complained about the traffic jams and overflow parking problems. I don't think noise was the problem. Diana On Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 7:26 AM Garrick Niemiec <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: The amphitheatre was classic Lincoln On Thu, Jun 5, 2025, 11:02 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: No! The music in the amphitheater was stopped decades before the transfer. TOTR have held musical events at their other venues-Crane Estate, Fruitlands, and now deCordova-I have enjoyed that all 3. I miss the amazing music (and food and wine) at the old deCordova, but have enjoyed Klezmer on the lawn since. Perhaps the Friday rock is the issue? Once a month and how many months out of the year? On Jun 5, 2025, at 9:03 PM, Jennifer Saffran <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: said by whom? Was this about the time that the Trustees of the Reservation bought DeCordova? As you may know, the Trustees bought the museum without enough capital to upgrade the HVAC to museum industry standards for conserving the artwork. I was told that they need to fundraise for that specific project. Until then, the “indoor” museum will not open. Perhaps the outdoor bandshell was bulldozed for a similar reason—a lack of operating capital? On Jun 5, 2025, at 8:04 PM, Sara Mattes <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: That venue was a treasure! On Jun 5, 2025, at 6:57 PM, Donald seckler via Lincoln <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: For many years the DeCordova had an “ al fresco” music series featuring remarkable jazz groups, and drawing a modest, calm, musically literate, and diverse group for beautiful summer afternoons. The Museum actually invested substantial money in upgrading the music “shell” and amphitheater seating. Then, with no notice or explanation, the series was terminated. No one seemed to know what happened. The site was bulldozed. The invested capital and good will was abandoned. Eventually it was said that the series was stopped “at the request of the neighbors.” There must be some clear path to holding venues responsible for acceptable sound levels without pulling the plug on treasured resources. Thanks Don Seckler Sent via cell On Jun 5, 2025, at 5:58 PM, Dr. Steven Kanner <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: The town, especially with Dan Pereira assisted by the Board of Health, worked extensively on noise mitigation for all residents affected by de Cordova and Pierce House last year and the prior year. Sound measurements were taken at the venues and at the affected houses, and results considered. Multiple procedural changes were proposed and agreed to by Pierce House and DeCordova, as David G below just noted, to keep projected sound at acceptable levels. Note the sound curtains described and the curfew time. This was not a neglected issue. I unfortunately don’t see the attached letter referred to. But if the solution is failing, and sound levels are higher than previously agreed or out of hours, it would certainly help to have sound intensity and timing documented and sent to Dan for review. Regards, SRK Steven R. Kanner, MD Member, Board of Health Lincoln, MA From: Lincoln <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of David G Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2025 5:36 PM To: Jenn Lachey <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Cc: Lincoln Talk <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Looking for support for Decordova and Pierce House noise management Dear Jenn and fellow residents of Lincoln My daughter was married at the Pierce House this May We were given careful instructions about how to ensure that the music was not too loud and speakers stayed strictly behind a sound blocking wall The bar closed at 930 pm and the party ended at 10 as the Town regulations dictate. The Pierce House is a gem - a special venue that distinguishes the Town and adds to life here. The Director makes sure that the noise regulations are enforced, A similar gem is the Decordova which needs events to help it thrive. The first Friday evening events there bring people together in a wonderful family friendly atmosphere Thankfully we don’t live in a place with loud bars. I think this letter is an over reach and an attempt to introduce needless regulation that will discourage people from using these wonderful venues I urge people not to sign this letter David Giber On Thu, Jun 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM Jenn Lachey <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi fellow Lincolnites, I hope this message finds you well! am reaching out to let you know about a letter to be sent to the Select Board concerning the level of noise coming from Decordova and Pierce House. A copy of the letter is attached to this email. As you can see, it highlights the issues and proposes some solutions (additional communication from, oversight by, and accountability of the venues) The letter will come from neighbors and others who are routinely negatively impacted as the events at the venues move outdoors (which happens to coincide with when we like to spend time outdoors and with our windows open). We are all very clear that our goal is not to be party poopers; however, despite past actions taken by the venues to control their sound levels, coordinated by Dan Pereira, assistant town administrator (thank you, Dan!), the levels continue to be excessive, and we are a captive audience. We are looking for a constructive solution that works for both sides. If the sounds from the venues trouble you, we need your help. You can provide that by agreeing to have your signature appear on the letter. By obtaining as many signatures as possible, we hope to persuade the Select Board to act to change the situation. If you are amenable to signing the letter, please send me an email at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> and I will add you to the list. I greatly appreciate your consideration! Jenn -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- Diana Smith PO Box 6294 Lincoln MA 01773 Cell: 617 803 8022 -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
