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By Jill Brown

The 5th Annual ‘Raise Your Voice’ Music and Arts Festival at Monessen City Park on April 30, 2016, from noon – 7:00 p.m., was a success! Although the crowd was sparse at first, people began to attend by mid-afternoon, and the beautiful weather cooperated. Attendees enjoyed the many concerts and various vendors. It was just a lovely day to be in the park. Emcee was Lisa Lujetic.

Lisa Lujetic, emcee for event, and Matthew Shorraw, amphitheater president, pose together.

The festival was held in memory of Taylor Egidi, a 2008 Monessen High School graduate who passed away last year. She was very passionate about music and art in general and enjoyed being active in community matters. In Taylor’s name, the festival raised money for the Westmoreland Humane Society.

Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis and State Senator Pat Stefano were seen at the event. They said they were there to enjoy the sunshine and music in the park. Senator Stefano added that they’re always solving problems, and cited that he is aware of the city’s many problems.

The festival was sponsored by Monessen Communities That Care and Rhythm House Studios. Teresa Seh, Project Director of Monessen Communities That Care, said, “Matthew Shorraw, now the fundraising vice president on the board [and also president of the Amphitheater Committee] asked me to sponsor this, and I stand with him in support. This is about a positive youth environment.”

Bob Arthurs, of Rhythm House Studios, also said that in talking with Shorraw it sounded like a good idea to promote the youth—that there’s a path for young talent. Arthurs owns and operates a recording studio: rhythmhousestudios.com.

Vendors featured included: Jamberry nails; R & P Barbeque Food; Pampered Chef; and Premiere Designs Jewelry. Monessen Amphitheater served drinks for $1. Concerts performing included: Jessica Kovach (Acoustic—Monessen) and Michael Chilzer (Rock, Alterative, Top Hits—Monongahela).

Friends Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis and State Senator Pat Stefano enjoy the festival.

After Shorraw thanked the sponsors, volunteers and everyone else who made a difference, he said, “I knew Taylor from high school, and I know she is here in spirit.”

There is exciting news that the Monessen Amphitheater 2016 Summer Schedule of events occurs every first and third Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. from June - August. The season kicks off with the “Cruisin’ into Summer” Car Cruise on June 5. The amphitheater can be found on Facebook!

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