RUMFORD – This week marks the membership campaign of Rumford Community Concerts, an organization dedicated to bringing live, professional music concerts to the Rumford area.
After taking some time off last year, the longstanding organization is back and has signed with a new music production company, Live On Stage out of Nashville.
“They sent us a list of the performers and dates we could choose from, and a lot of the performers who visited us in the past were there,” said concerts association President Mary Pulsifer.
For the price of a $35 regular membership, patrons can attend a season’s worth of concerts by critically acclaimed performers given at Mountain Valley High School.
“It costs you at least $50 to go to a concert at the civic center,” she said. “This is three shows for $35.”
The season is designed so that concerts fall within the school year, with performances this season for Oct. 2, Jan. 18 and May 17. On the schedule are a pianist, a vocalist, and a guitar and cello duo.
Pulsifer said the more than 30 volunteers working the campaign are often asked why it is important to sign up for a membership so long before the concerts.
“We can’t pay for a performer and then have nobody show up,” she said. “Putting on these concerts is expensive and we have to have an idea of how much support we will get.”
According to Pulsifer, MeadWestvaco has made a substantial contribution to Rumford Community Concerts with the suggestion that school age children would have a chance to enjoy the music. Plans are in the works to have one matinee performance for local children.
Pulsifer said that Rumford Community Concerts, which is part of a national organization that looks to bring artists to less populated areas, has been in operation for about 55 years. “There used to be groups in Waterville, Lewiston and Portland also, but we are the last one left in Maine,” she said. “Our volunteers work very hard during this time to help keep us going. Darlene Holman, our campaign chairman, is just amazing.”
Those interested in obtaining a membership should visit the Bangor Savings Bank in Rumford or phone 369-3969. After April 30 Barbara Smith-Baker may be contacted at 369-9141. Student and family rates are available.
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