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By Jill Runfola

The 6th Annual Raise Your Voice Music and Arts Festival, held on Saturday, April 29, took place from noon – 7 p.m. at Monessen City Park Amphitheater and went on as scheduled, even with downpours of rain.

Good friends are Amanda Halgas, CTC Youth Council, and Matthew Shorraw, vice president of CTC.

Hosted by the Raise Your Voice Campaign and Monessen Communities That Care (CTC), the event had many attendees, mostly youth, huddled under tents listening to singers. Finally, at 1:30 p.m., staff announced that musicians would have to go on break, because it was beginning to thunderstorm outside.

However, later in the day, the skies cleared and the event continued. Bands appearing included: Isolated Incident, A Cal U acapella band; Alicia Bartholomew, Monessen High School student; and several more talented musicians.

Teresa Seh, Youth Council Coordinator for CTC, said of the purpose of the day, “It’s community outreach—for music, a collaboration. It’s also bringing the community together. We’re trying to show the young people that we do care—that something positive can happen when we work together.”

Seh credits newly-elected Monessen Mayor Matthew Shorraw, who is also the vice president and coordinator of CTC, with the success of the program. A former youth council member, he’s carried CTC on by just charging a small fee for vendors.

The fun, free festival featured: outdoor activities, vendors such as Bella Snaps Jewelry, Naturals are Dynamite (with keychains and crafts), Well Oiled (aroma therapy), and more crafts, plus R & P Barbeque, a display of student artwork, and an outstanding lineup of concerts.

Shirley Greathouse, vendor with “Damsel in Defense,” braved stormy weather to sell self-defense items.

Shorraw concluded, “I will continue these concerts every year. I love it! It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I think that every year it gets better.”

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