SummerSounds organizers hope for late-summer return of concerts

Although Greensburg’s upcoming SummerSounds concert series has been canceled, organizers have some hope that music could return to St. Clair Park before the season ends.

At least two large sponsors have promised funds if shows can be organized at a later date, according to co-founder and chairman Gene James.

“SummerSounds has a lean and nimble production team and we can move quickly, as permitted, to do shows in September — even planning them as late as Aug. 1,” he said in a letter to sponsors, volunteers and other supporters. “We may call upon local acts or find some hungry touring acts (who) will join us … to produce shows as laws, money and prudence may permit later this summer.

“The season was all booked, but it was prudent and pretty much the only choice we could make,” James said of the cancellation. “The board was unanimous in the decision.

“We’ve put off a decision for months hoping for a brighter outlook, but it’s now clear that there is simply no path forward to a full season of SummerSounds in 2020,” he said. “Our funding will fall well below our needs. Many of our sponsors are going to face financial challenges and may not be able to support us this year. Audience donations are a significant source of revenue and our audience will be hurting too.”

James added that he has talked with agents for some of the originally scheduled bands, who have indicated that even if covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted fairly soon, band members might not want to travel this summer.

The popular free series celebrated its 20th season in 2019, offering Friday night concerts by both national and international acts in St. Clair Park from June to early September.

“If it becomes apparent that we can do some shows in September, we’ll do it,” James said. “We have a group of 50 volunteers and a very small board. We’re agile and flexible, and we can turn something around in a matter of weeks.

“People are going to need to get out and have something good at some point,” he said.

Details: summersounds.com