Monessen prepares for ‘Music in the Park’ series

It will open with a concert by the Billy Price Band on June 27.

.com Monessen is gearing up for its second annual “Music in the Park” summer concert series, which will feature four different weekend performances.

Councilwoman Karen Cosner expressed excitement for this year’s concert series and invited residents from throughout the Mon Valley to enjoy some live music. All four concerts will take place at the City Park Amphitheater.

“It’s going to be inexpensive, and you don’t have to travel anywhere for it,” Cosner said. “You can just come to Monessen and park. They could bring their own lunch, for that matter, and just come with their friends; it’ll be a nice evening out. You always run into people that you haven’t seen in a long time, and I think that sense of community is what we need to get back.”

The dates and times for the concerts are:

• Billy Price and the Billy Price Band will perform June 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. Opening act will be Broom.

• Good Karma will perform July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Praise in the Park will be Aug. 22 from 4 p.m. to dusk.

• Sky Pilot will perform Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Each performance will take place on a Saturday and is free for everyone.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, food and any other essentials they may need to enjoy the performances. Cosner said that they’re working to have food and beverage vendors during the concert series.

Monongahela will be unable to host its annual concert series due to construction on the city’s aquatorium, so Cosner is hoping “Music in the Park” can serve as an alternative for those looking for summer entertainment.

“I think last year everyone was glad that we had something to do during the summer months, so we decided to forge ahead with a second season,” Cosner said. “And I had read that the Monongahela Aquatorium is closed this year because of renovations. So maybe some of the people who would have usually gone there will come here.”

Cosner said they need volunteers for the concerts and would welcome any additional help from businesses. They received a $500 grant from Par Mar Stores, a gas station convenience store company, and are working to get other donations.

Cosner encourages Monessen businesses to participate in the concert series and to make a donation toward the event if possible.

“I would think if a business is in this town, that means that they must think we have some value, and you have to support your community if you have a bigger business,” Cosner said. “In fact, if you have a business, you could come and set up a booth and tell people what you do with your business.

“I know there’s probably small businesses here we don’t even know exist, because we don’t frequent them. So come to the park, support us financially, but then come there and have a booth so people know who you are, and then I think that’ll attract more business.”

Cosner asked residents to share any ideas that they might have for the concert series or anything else.

“I always tell people, if you have an idea, let me know what it is, because I don’t know what goes on, and I want people to come, so therefore you have to offer what they want, but if nobody speaks up, then I don’t know,” she said.

Cosner added that she wishes more businesses and organizations would use the park for events and asked for anyone interested to reach out to City Hall or to her. She can be reached at kcosner@cityofmonessen. com.

They hope to add additional concert dates in the future.

“It would be nice if almost every weekend somebody could be there (City Park) for an event, it could be even how kids have their own little bands and stuff,” she said. “Maybe they would want to come and use the amphitheater. I would like to see that happen, maybe eventually have a battle with the bands and more diversity in the groups, maybe a group that would appeal to younger people.”

The city will host a fireworks event July 25 at Herman Mihalich River Launch Park. Cosner said a specific time is still being determined.