After the raging success of February’s benefit concert for the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, library officials have invited back one of the most legendary groups of all time for a second concert scheduled for July 26 at the Tyrone High School Auditorium.
And they’ve accepted.
The Marcels, who’s hit single “Blue Moon,” sold more than two million copies after it was released in 1961, will be back in Northern Blair County, headlining a show that promises to be a fun-filled show for people of any age.
“We’re so excited The Marcels are coming back,” said Chuck Banas, public relations director with the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library. “After what they did here in February and seeing how the crowd responded, it would be silly not to ask them back. We did. They accepted. Now we’re ready to rock.”
Tickets for the concert, titled “Salute to the Jukebox Legends,” go on sale July 7. The concert is slated to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, Med-Center Pharmacy, Joybeans, Levine’s Shoefly, Kopp Drug, Healthy Alternatives, Bressler’s Food Market and Sports, the Altoona Library and at Eagle Video at Giant Eagle in Altoona.
Cost is $30 per person and all proceeds with benefit the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library’s New Building Fund.
“My advice to everyone out there is to get your tickets early,” said Banas, noting that just 1,100 seats are available in the high school’s auditorium. “If we receive the reaction from the people like we did last year, these seats won’t last long.”
Last year’s concert was threatened to be canceled because of a heavy snow storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on Northern Blair County, but more than 800 people still attended the show.
In addition to seeing arguably the most talented performers in rock music history, Banas said those attending the concert will become part of music history.
“Currently, it’s top secret,” said Banas, “but it is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for ticket holders. That’s why it’s so important to get your tickets early.”
On the undercard, The Marcels will bring along with them Vanessa Campagna, who some may recognize as the 10-year-old runner-up from this season of NBC’s Star Search television program. Also performing will be Mayra and I’Jasnem.
“They’ve put together a nice line-up that will really keep everyone’s feet moving and arms swaying,” said Banas.
According to Banas, the idea to name the concert “Salute to the Jukebox Legends” arose when he was approached by Bald Eagle resident Chet Geist, who informed library officials that he could supply a prop that would fit in perfectly with the concert.
Banas said on-stage will be a bubble jukebox that some residents of Blair County may remember. It was housed in a building at Reservoir Park many years ago, and was salvaged by Geist following the collapsing of the building following a 1974 snow storm. Geist was given permission to dismantle the jukebox from the rubble and refurbish it. Banas said from what he understands, the jukebox is in operational condition and said when they “fire it up, it should bubble.”
“This antique bubble jukebox has a special spot in many hearts of Tyrone and Snyder Township area residents,” said Banas. “You don’t want to miss this.”
Keep watching the pages of The Daily Herald to find out more about this major concert as Banas said more information concerning each band will be released leading up to the event.
He wouldn’t budge as to the “big secret,” stating only that “you’ll have to be there to believe it.”
Currently, the library’s board of directors continue to push for donations for the new building project, in hopes of avoiding a mortgage for the new building. To date, Banas said about $405,000 has been raised – just $245,000 short of the goal.
“We’re happy with the way the community has responded so far,” said Banas. “We still need to make a little more of push and we’ll have this thing.”
Library officials could apply for a loan to cover the expenses, but Banas said continuing without the burden of a mortgage would be ideal.
“It would be great to pay it off in its entirety,” said Banas. “That’s an important goal of ours.”
Anyone wishing to make a tax-free donation to the project can drop the donation off at either the library on Logan Avenue or at Healthy Alternatives in Bald Eagle.
Currently, construction plans move forward on the project as contractor Jeff Long and his crew prepare for phase three, which includes the pouring of the concrete floor and other inside additions.
The project is still on track for a late September or early October opening.
As construction plans begin to heat back up, so do the plan for interior workings. Banas said the building committee has already met with several manufacturers of shelving and furniture and expect to make a recommendation to the board for this important material by August.
In other business, the library board:
•accepted, with regret, the resignation of long-time bookkeeper Nancy Kilmartin;
•approved the hiring of Theresa Albright as new bookkeeper, effective immediately; and
•adopted and approved the proposed budget for the 2003-04 fiscal year. Banas said the budget was adopted based on the 50-percent funding cuts handed down in the new state budget.
