Kent Holton is taking his first summer vacation in 46 years.
Holton, longtime sound technician at Music in the Park, will be honored Friday night when the pavilion at marina park will be named in his honor.
He has had a permanent spot most Friday evenings each summer since the inception of Music in the Park and officially “retired” after last summer.
“I know Sue O’Connor and (Holton) got together and started this in the mid 1980s,” said Lisa Drummond, of the Northport Performing Arts Center. “It was long before there was a pavilion.”
The Northport Lions came in their trailer to sell hot dogs and it’s been going strong since.
“Kent retired last year after I believe 37 years of presenting the most popular event on the peninsula,” Drummond said. “I don’t think Kent has ever missed a concert and up to this year did all the booking.”
Music in the Park has been a mainstay for residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses such as supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, bars and retail shops.
“Pure entertainment value is impossible to calculate,” Drummond said.
The dedication is Friday night at 7. A plaque with Holton’s picture and words “Kent Holton Pavilion” to be displayed at the site of such wonderful music.
Now, the NPAC board has taken over scheduling duties for Holton and Jonah Powell (K Jones & the Benzie Playboys/Hot Biscuits and much else) will be taking over the sound equipment.
“It’ll be interesting,” Holton said when asked what he’ll be doing Friday nights in the summer. “I’ll be doing whatever real people do.’
