SummerSounds, a cherished outdoor concert series, will return Friday to St. Clair Park in Greensburg.
“There’s no question we’re the best outdoor venue in Western Pennsylvania,” said Gene James, co-founder and board chairman of the nonprofit that manages the festival.
The first headliner of the season is psychedelic indie funk band PEAK. James said highlights this year include the return of the River City Brass Band on July 10; Elton Rohn, offering his fourth SummerSounds performance July 17; and the English Channel, a “British invasion” band that play for the last time in Greensburg at the July 31 show as they wrap up their touring years.
Event’s legacy
SummerSounds was voted the No. 9 best outdoor concert series in the country this year by USA Today, though it has previously been ranked as high as No. 2.
“That’s amazing for a tiny town in Western Pennsylvania,” James said.
This year marks SummerSounds’ 25th year of holding concerts at St. Clair Park and 26th year of operations.
Event’s future
Audience and volunteer involvement are just two aspects necessary for the survival of the concert series. James, who has been in charge of SummerSounds since 2000, is searching for a successor.
“There’s the possibility of it dying because I have to retire,” he said. “We’re doing our best to make it to survive.”
Greensburg Mayor Robb Bell said the city doesn’t intend to let that happen.
“It means too much,” he said.
A merger between the nonprofit that oversees SummerSounds and the Greensburg Community Development Corporation has been dissolved, leaving James and the nonprofit as the event’s sole operator.
Nancy Ligus, executive director of the development corporation, said the merger was intended “to make sure there was a succession plan for SummerSounds.”
Ligus said in September the groups decided “not to move forward” with their partnership.
“We’re no longer in negotiations to merge the organization into GCDC,” she said .
James said the development corporation “walked away from the merger.”
“SummerSounds is an economic driver here in Greensburg,” Ligus said. “I know that they’re continuing on and we want them to be successful.”
The beneficial economic impact SummerSounds has is clear, Bell said.
“The restaurants make out, the bars make out both before and after,” he said. “So it’s pretty substantial.”
The importance of the event can’t be underestimated, said Alec Italiano, city planning director.
”SummerSounds is one of those rare community events that truly benefits the entire city,” he said. “It draws people downtown, supports local businesses, showcases Greensburg’s cultural identity and gives families a free, high-quality experience they can look forward to every summer.”
Amy Beeghly, president of the Greensburg Business and Professional Association, said the concert series impacts the downtown.
“It consistently brings thousands of people downtown on Friday evenings throughout the whole summer. Many attendees come from outside of the area; outside of the city. They visit restaurants, shops.
“If we were to lose the concert series, we’d lose, um, I think one of the most successful reoccurring opportunities to bring people downtown. I think that the energy and the positive exposure, it would be difficult to replace. So I think that there would be every effort made to continue it.”
Elton Rohn returns
James said organizers don’t typically book repeat performers, but they made at least one exception this year.
Elton Rohn is back.
The Elton John tribute band’s popularity and eagerness to perform at SummerSounds has prompted organizers to bring him back, James said.
“We really don’t book bands more than once or twice; certainly not multiple years in a row,” James said. “He is extremely popular.”
James expects as many as 10,000 concertgoers could attend Elton Rohn’s performance this year — roughly a third of SummerSounds’ annual attendance.
“One of the things about the SummerSounds policy is we try to be eclectic,” James said, highlighting the importance of bringing in new and unique musical styles and artists. Remember Jones is one such act. They’ll be performing Aug. 21.
“He’s not just a band; he does a show,” James said.
James is hoping for better weather this summer after a rainy season last year hurt attendance and finances.
“Our 10-year average … is over 30,000 people a year,” he said.
Though he conveyed gratitude for the loyal concertgoers who show up with umbrellas during stormy weather, James said boosting attendance will be crucial to the longevity of SummerSounds.
“A third of our finances come from audience donations,” he said.
The concerts are free, but a longstanding tradition of passing around a donation piggy bank named Pig Floyd is integral to financing the performances.
The only people paid are the performers and a sound technician, said James, who estimates he logs 1,000 hours a year to make the festival possible.
As many as 81 volunteers help, but a typical night requires eight to 12.
Because the festival is held in a public park, James said, the stage and sound equipment must be set up and torn down on the same day.
A full performer lineup can be found at the SummerSounds website. Concerts begin at 7 p.m., with pre-show music starting at 6:15 p.m.