MVAA, POM ramping up summer concerts
Following the success of a trial run, the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts and Power of Music will continue to roll out virtual concerts for the near term.
The MVAA affiliate Power of Music will present its first show of the season Sunday. Taking the stage virtually will be The Allies, starting at 2 p.m. on MVAA’s Facebook page.
Launching the MVAA/POM online initiative was the 10-piece Wally Gingers Orchestra. The MVAA trial run, held last weekend, attracted nearly 7,500 views, watching from as far away as Japan, and a $100 donation. Among those watching were members of EQT Foundation, which funds MVAA”s summer concerts.
“We have now broken the ice and are moving forward with a model to develop,” said Mark A. Smith, MVAA president.
To drum up interest, an MVAA board member will host a Facebook watch party. The virtual shows include insightful interviews with band members.
Throughout the pandemic, MVAA has continued its programming to the best of its ability, including Twin Coaches Junior Stage Band rehearsals via cyber meeting room portals. With funding in place for the summer concert season, the board recently made the decision to move to online shows for June, following suit with many other event organizers.
“We’re cautiously optimistic we’ll be able to return to our outdoor venues in July. In the meantime, we will be offering quality entertainment that can be experienced from the comfort of homes,” Smith said.
MVAA’s concerts were scheduled for Monongahela’s Chess Park. POM had reserved the Cast Iron Amphitheater in downtown Brownsville for its 2020 summer season with funding from Chevron Community Fund and Fayette County Tourism Program.
In accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Smith is serving as the MVAA/POM pandemic coordinator. Although Washington County is in the green phase, the MVAA office is open by appointment only for private music instruction. For more information, call 724-565-1687 or e-mail info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
“Every decision by the MVAA board has been made out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of guests, volunteers and performers,” Smith said. “Difficult times require difficult decisions. When the time is right, we’ll be back with in-person summer concerts in both parks.”