GARDINER -- A proposal for a traveling symphony orchestra to play on the Kennebec River waterfront from their floating concert shell this summer goes to the Gardiner City Council tonight.

The American Wind Symphony, led by orchestra conductor and boat skipper Robert Boudreau, is planning a trip to several Maine ports this summer.

Tonight, Gardiner Main Street Executive Director Linda Edgerton plans to present a proposal to city councilors for the symphony to play on the city's waterfront, an event expected to draw people from across the region.

Edgerton said the project will need the city's blessing to move forward, as it would require the city-owned waterfront area to host the concert barge. Some city staff time would be needed to make sure the waterfront is ready for the event, which could draw thousands of spectators.

"I really, truly, think this is one of those pivotal moments that, if it happens in Gardiner, if it happens in central Maine, people are going to be talking about for years and years," Edgerton said.

The symphony plays on a self-contained floating concert shell built from a barge dubbed the Point Counterpoint II.

The event, tentatively to be held in mid-July, would be organized as a regional effort. The orchestra would be in the area for three or four days, and perform, on land, in area communities other than Gardiner, including Augusta. The 45 musicians in the symphony would stay in area homes, ideally with families who have a young musician in the family playing the same instrument as the musician they would host.

The cost of bringing the symphony would be $30,000. Private fundraising is underway.

The proposal goes to councilors for discussion at their meeting tonight. The meeting begins with an executive session at 6 p.m. for labor negotiations. The meeting is scheduled to return to open session at 7 p.m.

Councilors are also scheduled to:

n Discuss the proposed Interstate Interstate 295 reconstruction project. The state Department of Transportation has proposed reconstructing the southbound lanes this summer, possibly closing those lanes to traffic between Topsham and Gardiner.

n Discuss a combined sewer overflow master plan.

n Consider an agreement for the city to provide sewer services to the planned Maine Turnpike Authority travel plaza just over the city line in West Gardiner.

n Discuss a fiscal year 2009 goal statement.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com