Quaker Valley junior raises money for Mr. Smalls Theater in Millvale

Editor’s note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve “15 minutes of fame.” If you would like to nominate someone as a Neighbor Spotlight, see sewickleyherald.com, select the “Post Story” button in the upper right corner, click the “New Article” button and complete the form to publish your nomination. Questions? Email Neighborhood News Network editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.

A Quaker Valley High School junior decided to channel her passion for music into an effort to give back to a venue that gave her many concert memories.

Ella Franks is holding a GoFundMe fundraiser for Mr. Smalls Theater in Millvale for her self-directed learning project for school.

She created “Rock On PGH,” an Instagram page encouraging local musicians to send a cover song to be featured on the page. As an avid concertgoer and guitar player, Franks said this project just felt natural to do.

“I saw people doing live streams for music and some not being able to do live streams, so I wanted to do something that would last,” Franks said.

Self-directed learning projects provide students the opportunity outside of school to learn more about themselves and how they can impact the real world, said Amy Keller, career education coordinator at Quaker Valley.

Keller thinks Franks has done well with staying on top of her project and implementing the various parts of her project into her learning experience.

“She has been diligent with it throughout it,” Keller said. “I appreciated the various levels to it.”

The page currently has 14 contributions from artists, including a cover song from Franks. Musicians do not have to donate to be able to participate. A GoFundMe for Mr. Smalls Theater is linked on the page for those interested in donating.

“This gave me a chance to really connect with so many local people,” Franks said.

The GoFundMe initiative has raised $430 so far. Franks aims to raise $1,000 as a starting point but said she will adjust as she monitors the momentum of the fundraiser.

Franks chose to raise money for Mr. Smalls theater because it was the first intimate concert venue she had been to, and she wanted to help out with the financial struggles the venue was facing.

“Literally the best memories I’ve made at concerts was at Mr. Smalls Show, so the least I can do is give back to the local music community,” Franks said.

The venue shuttered its doors last year in March because of the covid pandemic, said Liz Berlin, who co-owns the theater with Mike Speranzo.

“It has been really hard times with the covid pandemic,” she said.

When Franks reached out to Mr. Smalls Theater in April about her project, Berlin said she was touched.

“I am just grateful she is putting in the effort for this,” Berlin said.

With the money raised, Berlin said the funds will help benefit the theater’s “Keep the Lights On” fund, which helps pay for the theater’s everyday expenses, such as electricity and general insurance. Berlin appreciates Franks’ effort to help out and shine a light on local talent.

“I love how she’s included young musicians in her age group and encouraged them to do covers and giving them platforms,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

To donate to Rock On PGH, visit gofund.me/a6e48ccd. For those interested in contributing a cover song to the Rock On PGH Instagram, email rockonpgh@gmail.com.