Concert series starts Sunday

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts’ EQT/MVAA 2020 Summer Concert Series kicks off this weekend with local favorites The Wally Gingers Orchestra, and the concert will be a “first” for the academy.

Scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, the performance will be streamed live on the academy’s Facebook page instead of being performed at Chess Park due to health restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The orchestra will play live at a private residence without an audience, and MVAA cameras will stream the performance to Facebook. 

While MVAA president Mark Smith admits the streamed performance won’t be the same as a live concert, he said fans of swing music are eagerly anticipating the event.

“You can’t substitute that for an in-person concert experience,” Smith said. “I know some people will have a dance party in their driveway with the streamed concert. They’re happy we’re creating an event. I’ve had many people call and say they’re excited to get out and do something.”

Smith is also quick to point out that Chess Park will still be the site of future concerts once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

“We’re not letting that go,” he said. “That’s a great venue.”

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