Lakeside Entertainment Revived: Local Businesses Boost Music Events
Music has returned to take over the lakeside promenade. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, performances take place in Piazza Catullo, while on Monday and Friday, shows occur in Piazzetta Rivetta or on the port dock.
Other small concerts are scheduled at the Lido and along the lakeside area after the municipality. It’s been years since bars and restaurants systematically offered musical entertainment for their guests.
Now you might find a saxophonist one evening, a keyboardist the next: easy listening, some popular tunes. The initiative comes from the local business operators, who have decided to contribute to revitalizing the lakeside, self-taxing themselves.
The municipal administration has viewed the initiative with approval. “When the lakeside business owners proposed this to us,” explains Tourism Councillor Antonio Pasotti, “we immediately made ourselves available within the municipality’s responsibilities.
I want to emphasize that this was a spontaneous decision by the operators, and this is very positive, as it indicates a genuine willingness to help rejuvenate and revitalize our area’s entertainment offering.”
The perspective of operators and the association
The decision of the lakeside business operators is also viewed very positively by the hotel association. “It’s a great initiative,” comments Alessandro Borelli, president of the Garda hoteliers, “that energizes the town.
When I arrived in Garda in 1986, this was truly the lake’s capital. Today, we are behind compared to other locations. I’m not in favor of copying other towns; each should have its own character.
Some will choose discos, while others will focus on major concerts. In Garda, I would like us to stand out for having a lakeside transformed into a true salon, where one can enjoy a romantic evening.
A lakeside like Garda’s has no comparison with any other riverside town: music can truly turn it into a special place, full of charm. Pizza and ice cream are everywhere; what makes a difference is the hospitality and atmosphere.
But considering how things are developing, I am confident that there is a genuine shift in the trend compared to previous years.”
Reactions and thoughts on the music
Sure, some people find the music a bit bothersome. Not all residents of the lakeside area appreciate this wave of widespread musical activity, and perhaps they would prefer a bit more quiet.
“I understand that some might find it a bit annoying to have music right outside their home,” says Councillor Pasotti, “but on the other hand, entertaining guests is a fundamental need in a tourism-driven town.”
“I believe what’s important is that we started,” says Borelli, “and then improvements can follow.
When it comes to music, it might involve a violin or a piano that doesn’t require amplification. Alternatively, small speakers could be placed under the trees along the lakeside, to broadcast music without high amplification.
But, again, what matters is that something has begun.”
