Since 1937, the Clearfield Area Concert Association has been providing quality musical programs for the area. This organization began as Community Concerts. The annual budget began as low as $750 and now is up to $20,000. The only source of funding over the years has been by memberships from individuals, organizations and businesses. For so many years, this concert Association was the only big show in town, and the audiences filled the auditorium for professional performers. Now everyone has so many things to do, and our membership has fallen considerably due to moving, death and aging.
Some of the highlight performers have been the Columbus Boys’ Choir, Longines Symphonette, Belafonte Singers, Westminster Choir, William Warfield (“Old Man River”), Woody Herman ( who got kicked out of the Dimeling), Robert DeCormier singers, New York Brass, Skitch Henderson, Guy Lombardo, Four Freshmen, New Christy Minstrels, John Raitt, Robert Wagner Chorale, Four Lads, Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Pied Pipers, Glenn Miller, Dallas Brass, Xavier Cugat Orchestra, Side Street Strutters, Elizabeth Von Trapp and so many more.
The present board members feel strongly that the community still needs and wants the professionalism provided by trained, experienced musicians and sometimes dancers. The performers often tell stories about their training and backgrounds - it is always of the highest caliber. This is so because ”Live On Stage” auditions 50 - 100 performers each year and narrows the number to around 36 from which groups like ours, all over the U.S., can pick our shows. Available to us have been programs such as Patsy Cline, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, State Symphony of Russia, Black Mt. Chorus of Wales, Frankie Avalon, Riders In The Sky, Lee Greenwood and others. The budget for CACA doesn’t fit these shows.
The Clearfield Area Concert Association is wonderful family entertainment. It is free to children whose parents belong. It is a way for parents to introduce children to live entertainment.
New members are surprised with the quality of the performance and don’t want it to end. Recently, ‘Pavlo’ performed; he is now on many TV shows. This season, Brawn Journey - who’s music is frequently presented on XM radio, is among our three splendid shows. The performers compliment our area and community on the appreciative audiences and tell us about our lovely town. They often have time to explore. One recent group went bowling, toured the town and ate at several of our restaurants. At least one performance each year provides a clinic or show to the high school or middle school students that is free.
All this history is to tell you that it is not too late to become a member for a small fee (really a bargain at $40), and with your membership you can attend shows in Lewistown, Punxsutawney, Oil City-Franklin, and Dubois - usually 15 - 18 shows. For 2010-11 some out of town concerts will be John Davidson, Presidio Brass, Legacy of Floyd Cramer, Dallas Brass and others to be announced when you get your ticket.
For over 75 years the board members have been from over the county. They have worked tirelessly to keep CACA afloat. Two past presidents, Evelyn Lewis and Dick Kendrick, and secretary Ruth Kendrick, worked especially hard and are thanked along with all former members as well as the present ones. Every town needs to have the musical arts available for the soul and as an inspiration.
Please consider a membership by contacting 765-7645.