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 theater in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. It's right by the ocean! You can find it on Ocean Avenue, near Main Street and Atlantic Avenue. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the U.S. on March 5, 1999. That means it's an important historical building! The American Institute of Architects also listed it as one of Florida's top 100 architectural places.
This property is part of the Daytona Beach Multiple Property Submission to the National Register.
Contents
History of the Bandshell
Back in the 1920s, people in Daytona Beach thought this area needed some improvements. They wanted to make it a nicer place for everyone to enjoy.
Building the Bandshell
In 1936, a government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA) started building the Bandshell. The WPA helped create jobs during a tough time. The project cost about $84,000 from Daytona Beach and $184,000 from the federal government. It was finished in 1938.
The area was first called "Broadwalk." But over time, people started calling it the boardwalk.
The first part built was the Bandshell itself. It's made of natural coquina rock and is 48 feet by 114 feet. It can seat about 4,500 people! Construction began in September 1936. The first show happened on July 4, 1937. Today, you can still enjoy outdoor concerts and other events there.
Other buildings in the boardwalk area include a clock tower, a kiosk, places to buy snacks, and restrooms.
Fun Events at the Bandshell
The Bandshell has hosted many exciting events over the years.
Famous Visitors
On October 5, 1992, presidential candidate Bill Clinton and his running mate Al Gore visited the Bandshell. They held a campaign rally there with their wives. This was part of their bus tour through Florida before the 1992 election. The Bandshell can hold up to 5,000 people for events like this.
Music and Concerts
A local city orchestra started performing at the Bandshell in 1947. They gave summer concerts there. In the winter, they played at the city recreation hall.
MTV Spring Break used to hold concerts at the Bandshell in Daytona. In 1987, famous bands like Crowded House, The Fixx, and Blink-182 played there as part of the Spring Break events.
Images for kids
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The Daytona Beach Clocktower
