Tarentum launching summer concert series this week
The concerts will go on in Tarentum.
With covid-19 restrictions easing, the borough’s recreation board and council made the “very hard decision” to go forward with Tarentum’s popular summer concert series, starting this Thursday, Councilwoman Carrie Fox said.
“We want to keep as much normalcy as we possibly can,” she said.
“It’s a good way for people to get out and socialize,” she said. “It’s an outdoor facility. There’s plenty of room for them to spread out and keep their social distancing.”
The six free performances are held in the Carl J. Magnetta Jr. Memorial Amphitheater in Riverview Memorial Park, along First Avenue. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and last between an hour and 90 minutes, Fox said. The Snack Shack opens at 6 p.m.
The only change to the original schedule was the replacement of The Wanna Beatles, a Beatles tribute band, for the opening show this week with Butch and the Roadrunners, which plays 1960s and ’70s music, Fox said. That was due to the death in April of Pat Segriff, a member of The Wanna Beatles.
In case of rain, concerts will be canceled and not rescheduled.
Because of covid-19, Fox said those attending will be asked to maintain social distancing by spreading out and wear masks if they can. With every other bench being closed, Fox said attendees are asked to consider bringing their own chairs.
While food will be available, no fried food will be made. Fox said that is to keep the heat down in the Snack Shack, where volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves.
“We have to be careful how hot it gets in there for our safety,” she said. “I don’t know how we could bear the heat in there with gloves and masks on.”
If there are any changes to requirements or restrictions due to covid-19, Fox said the borough will adjust it schedule and plans as necessary and abide by any state orders.
“I’m just happy we can accommodate our community in having these. It’s always such a pleasure,” she said. “People enjoy these so much. People look forward to these.”
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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