Listen Live! Music Announces New Season
By Michelle Fortier
In just over 3 years, and affectionately known by attendees and volunteers as LLM, this non-profit is fast becoming the place to enjoy a night of wonderful LIVE local talent, top national and regional acts presented in a professional yet warm and inviting setting, and at a reasonable price.
Macungie Institute is Listen Live! Music’s home, located at 510 East Main Street, Macungie PA. The mid 1800′s building has been beautifully restored, providing a warm room with comfy chairs, professional sound, lighting, and stage. Two events are held each month, hosting local, regional, national and international talents.
Partners Ami Lanning and Val Minett, who founded the organization with a core group of fellow music lovers, – including current Board Member Cindy Roth – credit much of their success to the friendly, dedicated volunteers who work extremely hard to make this musical space an entertainment hotspot. Volunteers do everything from setting up chairs, tables, sound and stage equipment, to selling tickets, and refreshments, as well as decorating and lighting, giving the place an aura of being a top entertainment establisment.
Listen Live Music’s new season got underway September 8 with a Community Open Mic. Performers entertain for 3 hours, for a mere $3 suggested donation. Their first concert of the fall season is Saturday September 22 featuring the PA Debut of Americana/Country artist Amy Black. LLM local favorite Kwesi Kankam opens the evening. October 20th, MA based Americana trio The Boxcar Lilies with The Barn Swallows make for a fun evening.
LLM began a new series last winter called, “Bringing Nashville North! Writers in the Round“ The series format continues to be successful and has recently received a grant from Pennsylvania Council on the Arts specifically for these shows. Unique to the area, the series is modeled after the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville. The next event in this series is November 17th with Danielle Miraglia, Linda McRae, Loretta Hagen and artist in residence Jackie Tice. These songwriters are coming in from PA, NJ, MA and Canada! This series includes local, regional, national and international songwriters. Table service of select goodies, snack plates and beverages are also available.
Pictured in the photo above are the volunteers and performers from a recent “Bringing Nashville North” Writers In The Round. Tom Ryan, singer-songwriter battled cancer and braved it all with a smile and a song. The music community lost a great friend, family man, and musician on August 27, 2012. LLM’s Community Open Mic September 8th was dedicated to Tom. Val Minett echoed many of the communities thoughts “Tom Ryan took his rightful place amongst the angels. Our loss is heaven’s gain.”
December’s Holiday concert sees the return of Tony Trischka and Territory, annual favorites of the venue and audience members, with supporting act The Zepp Family on December 18.
LLM is a venue well worth finding! With affordable pricing, friendly volunteers, and well chosen top acts you can’t do any better for the best in LIVE music today.
Check out their new digs and new series at 510 East Main Street, Macungie PA, call for tickets at 610-966-6419, or visit their website for a full listing of upcoming events at www.listenlivemusic.org
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