Allies Band up next in virtual concert series

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts will continue its virtual concert season Sunday.

The MVAA is a nonprofit organization that provides arts and cultural programs throughout the area.

Its prime-time summer event, a well-attended summer concert series, kicked off last weekend with a virtual performance by The Wally Gingers Orchestra.

Concerts had been scheduled for Monongahela’s Chess Park and Donora’s Palmer Park.

Power of Music had reserved the Cast Iron Amphitheater in Brownsville for its 2020 summer season with funding from Chevron Community Fund and Fayette County Tourism Program.

Following the trial run last week, the MVAA and POM will continue to roll out virtually this weekend in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A performance featuring The Allies Band will premiere at 2 p.m. Sunday on MVAA’s Facebook page. 

The Allies Band, a classic rock band based in Uniontown, is made up of Jerry Onesi on bass, guitar and vocals; Jim Metz on guitar, sax and vocals; Bob Mascia on drums, guitar and vocals; and James Hayden on keys, guitar, drums and vocals.

MVAA President Mark Smith said while the concerts are different than in person, they seem to be just as popular. The trial run last weekend attracted nearly 7,500 views — reaching as far as Japan — and generated $100 for the organization to fund the summer concerts.  

“We have now broken the ice and are moving forward with a model to develop,” Smith said. 

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