Orange Motorsports wants to bring concerts to the performing arts center

Orange Motorsports and Entertainment wants to bring a variety of live events to the town-owned Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.

The Chester town board on Oct. 23 unanimously agreed to enter into an agreement with Orange Motorsports. According to its Facebook page, Orange Motorsports was established in 2018 "to bring new and exciting live events to The Hudson Valley’s Orange County area."

The entertainment company renovated the Orange County Fairgrounds and Speedway with plans that go beyond dirt track racing. Orange Motorsports is bringing events like concerts and festivals to the speedway, along with monster trucks and mixed martial arts matches.

Its agreement with Chester is for 15 fixed dates, with an option of adding 10 days at $3,000 per date over a one-year period. A one dollar fee for each ticket sold will go to the town.

Supervisor Robert Valentine said the deal could bring the town as much as $70,000 in revenue.

Town attorney Scott Bonacic said he drew up the documents needed for Orange Motorsports to secure its dates. The company will provide security, cleaners, and any other personnel needed for each event. Volunteers will serve as ushers.

"They will assume responsibility for everything in the theater while they are using it," said Valentine.

Orange Motorsports is in the process of getting signed contracts for the acts it wants to bring, said Walter Popailo, director of the performing arts center. Plans are for the Band, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, to perform at the center on Saturday, Nov. 30, he said. Singer-songwriter Don McLean, whose classic hits include "American Pie" and "Vincent," is booked for February. On Saturday, Dec. 14, a Broadway-themed holiday event is scheduled.