the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ. Nestled in Veteran’s Field, the Kasschau Memorial Shell stands as a beloved local landmark and cultural hub in Ridgewood. Since its dedication in 1958, this open-air venue has hosted free summer concerts and community performances, continuing a rich musical tradition that honors the legacy of two influential Ridgewood residents—Frank and Howard Kasschau.
🎶 A Tribute to Ridgewood’s Musical Pioneers
The Kasschau Shell was established as a memorial to Frank and Howard Kasschau, a father-and-son duo who profoundly shaped Ridgewood’s music scene. Frank Kasschau led the Orpheus Club, Ridgewood’s oldest musical organization, founded in 1909 by a group of local businessmen and former choral members. Known for his musical leadership and vision, Frank was succeeded by his son Howard in 1943. Frank passed away just one year later, in 1944.
🎤 From Vision to Reality: How the Kasschau Shell Was Built
In 1946, the Frank Kasschau Memorial Committee of the Ridgewood Choral was formed with the goal of creating a lasting tribute. Originally proposing a memorial auditorium, the committee later pivoted to fundraising for a memorial shell—a more accessible venue for community performances.
Concerts featuring renowned artists—including Metropolitan Opera soprano Helen Jepson—raised funds for the project. By 1949, the first Pop Concert drew over 2,500 attendees and marked the beginning of an annual tradition that further fueled fundraising efforts.
Designed by Ridgewood architect Wallace Dunlop, the concrete, steel, and stucco structure features a 50-foot-wide proscenium arch and a deep, curved apron, making it one of the most expansive and acoustically favorable stages in Northern New Jersey.
🎼 A Legacy That Lives On Through Performance
Dedicated on June 17, 1958, the shell’s inaugural performance featured both the Ridgewood Choral and the Orpheus Club. Over the decades, the venue has expanded its repertoire to include:
-
Ballet performances
-
Bluegrass and banjo bands
-
Gilbert and Sullivan productions
-
Cultural music ensembles
The Kasschau Memorial Shell Summer Concert Series has become a cherished tradition, offering free public events and showcasing a wide array of musical and artistic talent.
🛠 Community Support and Ongoing Care
Managed by a committee appointed by Ridgewood’s mayor, the shell’s programming and maintenance are supported by local services, including the Traffic & Signal Division, often referred to as the village’s handymen. They prepare the shell’s electrical and sound systems for each season, ensuring high-quality productions year after year.
🎵 Honoring the Kasschau Legacy
Though Howard Kasschau passed away in 1994 and Frank in 1944, their enduring influence can still be felt. With every concert and community gathering, the Kasschau Shell continues to celebrate the joy of music, unity, and the deep cultural roots of Ridgewood.
The Kasschau family legacy lives on, bringing generations of residents together through the power of performance. Please consider an donation; https://www.kasschaumemorialshell.com/
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
love an outdoor music venue
bring on the NERDS
The next thing the VC will want to mess up. They’ll say due to its age it can no longer be repaired and will cost a few million to replace.
Yup.
We “need” a modern “Arts Center”
and the ass ki$$ers in town will promote it and vote for it