Brownsville enjoys the Power of Music
Realizing the potential that arts have to link a locality, organizers want to get the word out about the Power of Music taking place in Brownsville throughout the summer.
“We want to put unity back in community,” said Annette Buffer about this new music program.
The Power of Music, which started in the spring and continues through Aug. 24, features concerts in a variety of genres, including rock and roll, country, pop, soul, jazz, bluegrass, polka and oldies. They are being held in a variety of locations including Nemacolin Castle, Hiller Volunteer Fire Department, Sons of Italy and West Brownsville American Legion.
Buffer co-organizes the Power of Music with Lenora Byrd, explaining they were approached in January to take over a program that was formerly known as Music on the Mon. Both women are musicians and wanted to make the concerts more frequent and include more genres.
“It’s an opportunity to socialize and meet new friends,” said Buffer, who noted the concerts include craft and food vendors as well.
Besides the venues, the Power of Music is working closely with Brownsville Area Schools Alumni Association as well as other community organizations, including the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce and Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp.
While making music, the organizers also hope the concerts will help people will make friends.
“We’re trying to encourage people to come out and talk to each other again. It’s a great opportunity for Brownsville,” said Buffer.
So far, people are responding.
“The community is coming alive,” said Buffer. “People are getting out there and dancing. It’s nice. Each week, we’re getting a little more.”
But organizers would like to see attendance grow.
“We would like to have as many people participate as possible so we can continue the Power of Music,” Buffer said. “We want to bring people together and bring back live bands. It’s an opportunity for local bands to get up there and do what they do. We want to support the arts through live music.”
Upcoming schedule for Power of Music includes:
Sunday: The Classics playing rock and roll at West Brownsville American Legion from 1 to 4 p.m.
July 20: Shannon and The Merger perform pop/rock at Nemacolin Castle from 1 to 4 p.m.
Aug. 2: Hiller Volunteer Fire Dept. is the site where 2 Peas in a Pod will play acoustic/rock/country from 2 to 5 p.m. and The Bootleggers will perform country from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hiller hog roast.
Aug. 3: Weedrags are playing blue grass at West Brownsville American Legion from 1 to 4 p.m.
Aug. 10, Disc jockeys Ted Knisely and Rick Anderson will play oldies and disco at the Sons of Italy from 4 to 7 p.m.
Aug. 24: The Jades will perform classic rock at the West Brownsville American Legion from 1 to 4 p.m.
Those attending should bring their own chairs and blankets.