Marion A&P to consider monthly concert series

Marion A&P to consider monthly concert series

New MPAC could serve as showcase facility

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion could soon be hosting a free monthly concert series. Rosalind O’Neal approached the Advertising and Promotions Committee about sponsoring a series of small concerts in the city.

“We are working to produce monthly free concerts — one concert, once a month here in Marion,” O’Neal said. “These would be free to the public.”

O’Neal said she is working with Jim Cosgrove, a local musician, to contact artists and musical groups who would be interested in playing in Marion as part of the series.

“This could be a venue for emerging artists or artists who are looking for an opportunity to play,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal said there are a lot of choir groups, for example, who tour in the spring, which would be perfect for this type of event.

She envisions a host venue that can seat about 50 to 100 people or more for the shows, and praised the city’s newly opened Performing Arts Center.

“I want to congratulate our city on the performing arts center,” said O’Neal. “Our center is absolutely gorgeous. It is a phenomenal facility.”

MPAC recently held a sold out welcome home concert featuring Barrett Baber of “The Voice.”

A& P agreed to appropriate $500 for three concerts in the fall — one each in September, October and November, and three in the winter months of January, February and March.

O’Neal said the idea is still in the early staged and she does not have the proposed location booked yet.

“We haven’t spoken to the governing body,” O’Neal said. “But I don’t think it will be a problem.”

There would also be wine served at the intermission.

By Mark Randall