Raise Your Voice Festival Helps Celebrate Monessen’s 125th Anniversary

Last Updated on Friday, 01 September 2023 20:24

By Jill Runfola

The 10^th Annual “Raise Your Voice Music Festival” made Monessen hometown proud on Sat., August 19, 2023, because the event honored the city’s 125^th Anniversary. Held at Monessen City Park from 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm, nine local bands were featured at the event. The presenter of the day was Monessen Amphitheater Committee, a local nonprofit whose aim is to promote use of the Amphitheater.

The festival’s main organizer was Matthew Shorraw, former Monessen mayor, who is currently attending Harvard University for a master’s degree in government and policy. Shorraw founded the “Raise Your Voice Music Festival” in the year 2012 and has been working on it since then.

“Monessen’s 125^th Anniversary is very important to me,” said Shorraw. “I love our city, and we have such a rich and important history that we all need to learn about. Our city has experienced many ups and downs, but so many of us are still here fighting to preserve our city’s legacy and provide it with a bright future for all. I am grateful to live in a city like Monessen, and am excited to see what the future brings,”

The bands were a popular draw to the event, and attendees seemed to enjoy the music. Headlining the music was a favorite and well-known Pittsburgh rock band ‘Punchline.’ They have been a Pittsburgh area band for over 25 years, touring with ‘Fall Out Boy’, ‘Less Than Jake’ and many more; however, Punchline was founded in Belle Vernon, and the band had not played a show in the Mon Valley in about 15 years - until Saturday. Local bands included Essential Machine, Another Cheetah, The Clintones (Acoustic), Johnny Mase, and more.

The Festival also included food vendors, jewelry, make-up, and other vendors, as well as activities, like face-painting.

Johnny Mase, musician, held a coat drive at the event for the kids with coats he purchased himself. Further, it was a beautiful day to come out and spend the day at Monessen City Park Amphitheater for great entertainment! The Committee is already excited to plan more upcoming events, as well as next year's annual festival. Anyone interested in staying in touch can follow Monessen City Park Amphitheater on Facebook.