By James F. Hale

Before concerts were held in the Grove City Town Center, Beulah Park was the destination for outdoor musical entertainment in Central Ohio. Two different venues, Musicpark and Capital Music Center, showcased national entertainers in the 1970s and the 1990s.

One of the first groups was Eric Clapton and Friends which drew 7,000 fans and nearly 1,000 noise complaints from nearby residents. Other acts included the Temptations, Four Tops, Michael Bolton. Huey Lewis & the News, Roger Miller, Kenny G, the Doobie Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Wayne Newton, Guns and Roses and Barbara Mandrell.

When an Independence Day four-day weekend concert by the Grateful Dead was announced, residents spoke in opposition. More than 60,000 people were expected to attend but that event was canceled after the city filed for an injunction claiming a threat to the health, safety and welfare of residents.

Grove City Police Chief E. L. Evans said his 21 officers would need at least 50 additional officers from the Franklin County Sheriff and the Ohio Highway Patrol to handle the anticipated crowd.