MVAA mural will honor local music figures

The images will be posted on the side of the Brownsville building, with an unveiling ceremony set for Nov. 2.

Anyone who drove past the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center in Brownsville over the weekend might have noticed something different.

The side of the building that faces the main street is getting a bit of a makeover in the form of a large mural that will pay tribute to the region’s rich musical history.

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts said the large mural will feature the likenesses of local music legends Sam Bill, Vinnie Colaiuta, Scott Elias, John Gresh, Cheryl Hardwick, Jeff Lashway, Danny Leoni, Jerry Leoni, Mark Smith and Van Ross Redding. It will be painted on the side of MVAA South, located at 119 Brownsville Ave.

The project is part of Rivers of Steel’s Creative Leadership Program and will be completed using funding support from The Benedum Foundation, Pennsylvania Council for the Arts’ Creative Communities Project and an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant.

Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel aims to strengthen the economic and cultural fabric of Western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.

The Creative Leadership Program is a three-year intensive community development incubator for communities through the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

The MVAA wanted the mural to celebrate influential figures whose contributions have shaped the region’s music scene. MVAA President Annette Buffer said the entire organization is thrilled to see it come together.

“We are excited to work with Rivers of Steel to honor these Brownsville legends,” Buffer said. “This mural will preserve their legacy and inspire future generations of musicians. I encourage everyone in the community to join us for this special unveiling and celebrate the talent from our town.

“The MVAA is grateful to Rivers of Steel for their dedication to the arts and for making this project possible. Their support reflects a commitment to promoting and preserving the Mon Valley’s cultural heritage.”

An unveiling ceremony will be held Nov. 2.

The family-friendly free event will feature live performances from MVAA’s student performance groups, including members from VoiceZ on Fire and the Regimental Fife & Drum Unit.

“Guests can enjoy light refreshments, live music and an opportunity to celebrate the cultural legacy of our region’s extraordinary musicians,” Buffer said. “The mural is a tribute to their lasting impact on the community and the music world.”