Mon Valley-based music academy hosts online Sunday concerts

The Allies band will take the virtual stage at 2 p.m. Sunday for a concert sponsored by the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts and its Power of Music affiliate.

The music can be heard on MVAA’s Facebook page. An MVAA board member also will host a Facebook watch party, featuring interviews with band members.

MVAA’s summer concerts originally were scheduled for Monongahela’s Chess Park but, due to pandemic-related concerns, board members decided to host virtual concerts during June.

“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,” says MVAA president Mark A. Smith.

The online initiative launched last weekend with music from the 10-piece Wally Gingers Orchestra. The trial run attracted nearly 7,500 views, with people watching from as far away as Japan.

POM also 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.

“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 says. “Difficult times require difficult decisions. When the time is right, we’ll be back with in-person summer concerts in both parks.”

The MVAA office is open by appointment for private music instruction. For information about lessons, donations or membership, call 724-565-1687 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.