Mon Valley Academy for the Arts sets summer concerts

By Eric Seiverling

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

After the COVID-19 pandemic forced its 2020 concerts to be performed online, this is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts.

President Mark Smith said his phone is ringing off the hook, and the academy’s EQT summer concert schedule features both local and nationally known talent.

“This year the enthusiasm is over the edge,” Smith said. “It’s ramped up because of last year. I talk to all of the bands and they’re very excited. They brought new gear, new songs and new energy.”

The academy hosts free summer concerts in two locations: Chess Park in Monongahela and the Cast Iron Amphitheater in Brownsville as part of the Brownsville Power of Music. All concerts are from 2 to 4 p.m.

Bands scheduled to perform at Chess Park are:

• The Wally Gingers Orchestra, a 10-piece big band, Aug. 1.

• Sue and Company, classic trio featuring Chuck Suba, Aug. 8.

• Billy Price Band, nationally known blues artist, Sept. 5.

Bands scheduled to perform at Cast Iron Amphitheater are:

• Mon Valley Push, July 25.

• The Classics, Aug. 7

• Black Dog Hollow, Sept. 12.

The academy’s concert season culminates with its showcase finale, the MVAA Academy Revue with the Twin Coaches Junior Stage Band Nov. 6 at the Stockdale Fire Hall.

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