Tonya McClellan’s appearance at City Hotel Park in Tyrone yesterday afternoon was truly an “Afternoon Delight.”
With precipitation threatening and a crude amount of humidity in the air, Tonya McClellan of Altoona brought her contemporary and inspirational sounds to downtown Tyrone as part of the Tyrone Regional Arts Council’s Summer Concert in the Park concert series.
“She’s a wonderful singer,” said Scott Dutt, a resident of Tyrone who brought along his two children, 1-year-old Kaylen and 3-year-old Nathaniel to enjoy the performance. “She has a great voice and we’re having a good time.”
McClellan began singing at age five and said she has been doing it ever since.
“I’ve always been real Christian oriented,” said the singer/song writer. “This thing just comes naturally to me. I enjoy singing for God and would love nothing more than to be able to do this as a full-time job.”
McClellan performs all over the area and at a variety of events. She’s currently looking forward to the Martinsburg Hymn Sing scheduled for August.
“I like to sing whenever and wherever I can,” said McClellan, who was making her first appearance in the concert series, which is going into its third year in Tyrone. “This is really a good time here. The people are nice and its nice to be outside in the elements.”
McClellan recently finished her first album, which contains six tracks. She brought along tapes to sell at yesterday’s concert, and by the time the event closed at 1 p.m., none were left. Tapes are still available at a cost of $5 each. Arrangements for purchase can be made by contacting McClellan at 940-8609. Compact discs are also available.
McClellan noted that any church or civic organization, which is looking for someone to provide Christian entertainment, could contact her.
Tyrone Mayor Patricia Stoner attended the event and said its a good mid-day break for those working in downtown Tyrone.
“It’s nice for people to grab something for lunch and come into the park to hear some lovely music,” said Stoner. “We’re glad the rain held out and we’re so much looking forward to the concerts yet to come.”
Stoner noted that during inclement weather episodes, any scheduled concert series performances will be moved inside JoyBeans Coffee Shop, located on West Tenth Street.
The “Afternoon Delights” portion of the series will continue throughout June and the early part of July.
Next on tap is the music and magic of Dennie Huber on June 18 at noon. Other scheduled events include the Shell Run Band’s bluegrass and country performance on June 25 and family fun and patriotic singing with The Servello Family on July 2.
All concerts are free of charge.
This project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of PA, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, Tyrone Borough and Tyrone School District’s Employee Charity Fund.
