'Wandering Minstrels of Arnold' planned in place of canceled park concert

The streets of Arnold will be alive with the sounds of music on the last Sunday of May.

Mayor Joseph Bia II said he came up with the idea for the “Wandering Minstrels of Arnold” after learning that the annual Rockin’ Roosevelt concert had been canceled this year because of the covid-19 pandemic.

The concert helps keep the city’s Roosevelt Park open during the summer, with proceeds paying for a monitor.

“The people that had put that on were kind of bummed out that we weren’t going to be able to have it this year,” he said. “I started thinking of different things and came up with this. I talked to a couple of local artists and they liked the idea.”

“Wandering Minstrels” will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. May 31, weather permitting. If there’s rain, it will be canceled, and there is no rain date, Bia said.

About 10 musicians — soloists and duets — have volunteered to participate, and there are 10 stops that Bia said cover the city pretty well. They’ll play a set at a location from the bed of a pickup before moving to another, Bia said.

As for the kind of music, Bia said there will be “a good mix of everything.”

Bia said residents will be welcome to come out of their houses to enjoy the music in their yards or on sidewalks, so long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

“Maybe we’ll bring some people some happiness,” he said. “I hope it goes well.”

Bia said the city is still looking for performers as well as pickups and drivers. Those interested in participating should call Bia at city hall, 724-335-1116, or contact him by email at joseph.bia@cityofarnoldpa.org.