Daytona Beach Bandshell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Daytona Beach Bandshell
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Daytona Beach Bandshell
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 Location in Volusia County
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| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
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| Built | 1936-37 |
| Architect | Alan J. MacDonough |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Daytona Beach Multiple Property Submission |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000159 |
| Added to NRHP | March 5, 1999 |
The Daytona Beach Bandshell is a cool outdoor stage in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. It's like a big open-air theater where people can watch shows. You can find it near the ocean, north of Main Street.
This special place was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1999. This means it's an important historical site! Also, on April 18, 2012, a group called the AIA's Florida Chapter put the Bandshell on their list of "Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places." This shows how important its design is.
The Bandshell is also part of a bigger group of historic buildings in Daytona Beach. This group is called the Daytona Beach Multiple Property Submission.
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History of the Bandshell
In the 1920s, people in Daytona Beach thought the area around the ocean needed some improvements. They wanted to make it a nicer place for everyone to enjoy.
Building the Bandshell
In 1936, workers from the WPA started building the Bandshell. The WPA was a government program that helped people find jobs during a tough economic time. This project cost a lot of money, with the federal government paying a big part. It was finished in 1938.
The area was first called "Broadwalk," but over time, people started calling it the boardwalk.
First Shows and Design
The very first part built was the Bandshell itself. It's made from natural coquina rock and is about 48 feet wide and 114 feet long. It can hold about 4,500 people! Construction started in September 1936. The first show happened on July 4, 1937, which was a big celebration.
Even today, the Bandshell is used for outdoor concerts and other fun events. The ocean makes a beautiful backdrop for all the performances. Other buildings in the boardwalk area include a clock tower, a small shop, and restrooms.
Music and Events at the Bandshell
A local city orchestra started performing at the Bandshell in 1947. They gave concerts there in the summer. Later, a Junior Orchestra was also formed for younger musicians.
The Bandshell has hosted many important events. On October 5, 1992, a campaign event for presidential candidate Bill Clinton and his running mate Al Gore took place there. They were on a bus tour through Florida. The Bandshell can hold up to 5,000 people for events like this.
The Bandshell has also been a popular spot for music. MTV Spring Break held concerts there in Daytona. In 1987, bands like Crowded House, The Fixx, and Blink-182 played at the venue as part of these events.
