MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The stage is set, or in this case, the floating stage is set, for the return of live music in the village of Mayville.

What You Need To Know

  • Chautauqua Lake Pops concert series a go starting Saturday night after getting a NYS permit Friday
  • A small group in opposition to the series has filed a lawsuit, claiming, in part, the music is too loud
  • The events are believed to help boost the local economy

"We're all excited,” said Dan Dalpra, Chautauqua Lake Pops president and CEO. “This means a lot to the area. And that's why we do it.”

Dalpra, founder of the Floating Stage in Mayville, received a temporary permit Friday, allowing the 2021 Chautauqua Lake Pops concert series to begin after last weekend's opening season performance had to be canceled.

"We have an opportunity to flip this thing forward and I hope everybody tells all their friends,” said Dalpra. “We get back on track again.”

Dalpra says for the first time in the Pops 24-year history, first in Bemus Point and then in Mayville, he was forced to get a permit after a small group of citizens recently filed a lawsuit in Chautauqua County State Supreme Court, calling on the judge to issue an injunction because Dalpra didn't have one.

"Everybody wants to gather a little bit and have some fun,” said Dalpra. “And for some strange reason, there's a few people who just don't want it. They don't want to see this happen.”

Those who filed the suit, Thomas and Marina Arko and William Kinney, from Dewitville, Sharon Smead of Mayville and New York Lake House, LLC, of Ohio, claim the concert series is too noisy, rattles their windows and is a public nuisance that damages their personal health and safety.

They also say the stage doesn't belong on the lake, is an environmental hazard and is not in the best interest of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. 

"I think it goes deeper than the noise,” said Dalpra. “I think some people just want to stop this. And it's unfortunate.”

Dalpra also says crews have measured the noise during previous seasons, and that the music is at appropriate levels.

He also received help applying for the permit from state Assemblyman Andy Goodell and state Senator George Borrello, complete with community letters of support, and the backing of most village leaders.

"The floating stage is unique,” said Goodell (R) Assembly-Jamestown. “There are a few people who have preferred to sit on their back porch and listen to grass grow and that's just the nature of life. Having a concert series in such a beautiful setting, a couple hours on Saturday night, is not an unusual or overbearing impact on anyone else.”

"I realize that there are some folks that feel that they're inconvenienced by the stage, but it has been, overall, an incredibly popular venue and incredibly great economic impact and tourism draw,” said Borrello, (R) Senate-Sunset Bay. “And the village of Mayville certainly can use that.”

The Pops has already canceled two water ski shows, a talent competition and free movies this season, while the Saturday night shows remain intact. 

Dalpra says he hopes the area can recoup the lost revenue, and bring back regional visitors who may have already made other travel plans. 

"So that's sad,” said Dalpra. “I mean those small little handful of six people don't realize the damage they've caused. And I say that from my heart because it's just foolish. We can't afford that here. They're missing out on a lot of fun. There's no room for hate and misunderstanding. There's just none.”

Goodell says the court will likely not issue a temporary injunction now that the Pops has its permit, while the rest of the lawsuit moves forward.

Spectrum News 1 reached out to those filed the suit, but it appears no one wanted to be on camera. The attorney handling the case also did not immediately return a request for comment.