Dear Mayor Paul Young,

As we stand today, the Mud Island Amphitheater, once a vibrant hub of entertainment and community activity, lies dormant and in disrepair. The once-thriving venue, which hosted iconic acts like Bob Dylan, Journey, and Eric Clapton, has been closed for an extended period, leaving a void in the city's cultural landscape. It's time for us to come together and revive this beloved institution.

When the Mud Island Amphitheater was first built in 1982, it was envisioned as a premier outdoor entertainment venue, capable of hosting a wide range of events from concerts to theater productions. The initial promises made to the city were of a facility that would not only provide a unique setting for performances but also contribute to the local economy and foster a sense of community pride.

Today, as we look to the future, it's essential that we not only restore the amphitheater to its former glory but also modernize it to meet the demands of contemporary productions. This can be achieved through a comprehensive renovation that incorporates state-of-the-art technology, improved accessibility, and enhanced amenities for both performers and attendees.

Jerred Price, a dedicated advocate for the amphitheater's revival, has been instrumental in pushing for its reopening. His tireless efforts have garnered significant attention and support from the community. We urge you, Mayor Young, to work closely with Jerred and other stakeholders to bring this vision to life.

To demonstrate our commitment to this project, we are launching a petition for the community to sign, expressing their support for the reopening and renovation of the Mud Island Amphitheater. We believe that this iconic venue has the potential to once again become a beloved gathering place for Memphians and visitors alike.

We urge you, Mayor Young, to prioritize the revitalization of the Mud Island Amphitheater in your administration's capital-improvement budget. The proposed $17.6 million in debt over four years is a crucial step in the right direction. We also request that you work with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to secure additional funding and resources necessary for the project's success.

The Mud Island Amphitheater is more than just a venue – it's a symbol of our city's rich cultural heritage and its ability to adapt and thrive. We believe that with your leadership and the community's support, we can restore this iconic landmark to its former glory and make it a vibrant hub of entertainment and community activity once again.

Please join us in signing this petition and expressing your support for the reopening and renovation of the Mud Island Amphitheater. Together, we can bring music back to the island and create a brighter future for our city.

Sincerely,

JR Robinson

These amphitheaters not only provide a unique setting for events but also contribute significantly to the local economy and cultural scene. They offer a range of programming, from classical music to rock concerts, and are known for their excellent sound quality, scenic settings, and community-oriented programming.

1. The Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, California
   • Impact: The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheater that hosts a wide range of events, from classical music to rock concerts. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, contributing significantly to the local economy and cultural scene.
2. Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, Colorado
   • Impact: Red Rocks is a natural amphitheater carved out of red sandstone, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its exceptional acoustics. The venue's unique setting and excellent sound quality make it a popular destination for music lovers.
3. Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, California
   • Impact: The Greek Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater that has been in operation since 1922. It hosts a diverse range of events, from classical music to rock concerts, and is known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics. The venue's historic significance and cultural importance make it a beloved landmark in Los Angeles.
4. Gorge Amphitheater - George, Washington
   • Impact: The Gorge Amphitheater is an outdoor venue located near the Cascade Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its excellent sound quality and scenic setting. The venue's unique location and natural beauty make it a popular destination for music lovers.
5. Riverfest Amphitheatre - Little Rock, Arkansas
   • Impact: The Riverfest Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue located along the Arkansas River, offering a scenic setting for events. It hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The venue's location and programming contribute to the local economy and cultural scene.
6. Seaside Amphitheater - Seaside, Florida
   • Impact: The Seaside Amphitheater is an outdoor venue located in the heart of Seaside, a popular beach town. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theatrical productions, and community gatherings. The venue's scenic setting and community-oriented programming make it a beloved landmark in Seaside.
7. Peachtree Corners Town Green - Peachtree Corners, Georgia
   • Impact: The Peachtree Corners Town Green is an outdoor venue located in the heart of the city, offering a flexible space for events. It hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The venue's location and programming contribute to the local economy and cultural scene.
8. Powder Springs Town Green - Powder Springs, Georgia
   • Impact: The Powder Springs Town Green is an outdoor venue located in the heart of the city, offering a scenic setting for events. It hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its community-oriented programming. The venue's location and programming contribute to the local economy and cultural scene.
9. Huntsville Amphitheater - Huntsville, Alabama
   • Impact: The Huntsville Amphitheater is an outdoor venue located in the heart of the city, offering a unique setting for events. It hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and festivals, and is known for its excellent sound quality and scenic setting. The venue's location and programming contribute to the local economy and cultural scene.