The oldies group American Pie had a busy year planned in 2020 with more than 40 gigs scheduled, up from the usual 30 to 35.
“We were headed for a pretty good year,” said Richard Gainor, 63, of Arnold, the four-member band’s bass guitar player for 30 years.
The covid pandemic changed all that. They played only eight times, all outdoors.
“We all understood what was going on. We were happy to play where we could,” Gainor said.
One of the canceled shows was in Tarentum’s Riverview Memorial Park, where the band had been scheduled to cap off the borough’s summer concert series.
Tarentum managed to hold two concerts last year before covid-related restrictions on gatherings took effect.
“Once that happened, our hands were tied,” said Councilwoman Carrie Fox, president of the recreation board.
The concert series is back on for 2021, with seven bands scheduled to play between June 10 and Aug. 26.
“This year, we are moving ahead with the hopes to entertain the families and friends from Tarentum and surrounding communities,” Fox said. “I have so many fantastic bands that want to perform, I cannot fit them all on the schedule.”
American Pie is not only the debut act this year but will be performing an extra show ahead of time to “shake the rust off,” she said.
American Pie will play a three-hour set with 30 songs beginning at 4 p.m. May 1. That’s twice as long as the set they’ll play when they kick off the series at 7 p.m. June 10, Gainor said.
The band has not played together since September.
“We didn’t really get together and practice in the winter,” Gainor said. “We wanted to get out and play.”
All of the concerts are free to attend.
Those coming can bring a chair, a blanket or sit on the available benches.
The Snack Shack in the park opens an hour before all performances. Food offered includes hot dogs, hot sausage, cabbage and noodles, french fries, nachos, soft pretzels, drinks and other snacks.
The July 15 performance by Risen to Save with Curt Marino, a contemporary Christian band, coincides with that month’s Tarentum Night Market. The night markets are being held on the third Thursday of each month through October or November.
The concerts will be held in the park’s newly renovated amphitheater, named for former councilman and Mayor Carl Magnetta Jr., Fox’s father, who died in 2018.
Gainor said the amphitheater looks great. Fox called it a needed upgrade for the community.
“My father poured his heart and soul into Tarentum Borough for 40 years and would be so honored to see it named after him. It is a real tribute,” she said. “My family is so proud.”
Although some things are slowly returning to normal as more people get vaccinated, the schedule for American Pie this year is still light, with eight or nine gigs now booked, all outdoors, Gainor said.
“If places start opening, that will lead to more,” he said.
