The Marcels, although the biggest act, won’t be the only ones performing at the Tyrone Area High School Auditorium come July 26.
Mayra Acosta, the 1998-99 Miss Pennsylvania winner, and an extraordinary vocalist and performer thoughout the eastern seaboard, will also be on hand.
Miss Acosta has performed for the Prime Minister of Jamaica, at the Governor’s Ball in 1998, and national anthems for sporting events such as NASCAR races and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games.
A classically trained mezzo-soprano, Acosta has performed in a variety of leading roles, including Mary Magdalene in the Comtra Theater’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar; and she is working on her first film, Sony pictures’ Recollection Rag.
Highly versatile, Acosta is an adept singer of popular music from Donna Summers to Celine Dion and Broadway to Latin music.
From corporate parties to television commercials, Acosta appears as the lead singer of New City Ensemble and is often heard as a guest artist with the Cosmo Cats.
A highly dynamic personality, Acosta was Miss Pennsylvania in 1998-99. Her charismatic nature has translated to numerous modeling engagements, appearing often on the catwalks of fashion shows in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Miami and Europe.
A first-generation American and native of Hartford, Conn., Acosta graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in music and psychology. Vocal studies were with renowned performers and pedagogues Claudia Pinza and Doretta Whalen.
Tickets for “Salute to the Jukebox Legends” are on sale now and can be purchased for $30 each. They are available from any Tyrone-Snyder Public Library board members, or at the library on Logan Avenue, Med-Center Pharmacy, Joybeans, Levine’s Shoefly, Kopp Drug, Healthy Alternative, Bressler’s Food Market and Sports, the Altoona Library and at Eagle Video at Giant Eagle in Altoona.
All proceeds will benefit the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library’s new building fund.
“My advice is to get your tickets early,” said Chuck Banas, public relations director with the library, noting that just 1,100 seats are available in the auditorium. He said already, more than 250 tickets have been sold.
Headlining the show will be The Marcels, who rocked the auditorium in February. This band’s music has spanned decades. Their most popular hit arguably is “Blue Moon,” which sold more than two million copies after it was released in 1961.
In addition to The Marcels and Acosta, Vanessa Campagna will also perform, as will I’Jasnem. Campagna, as some may remember, was the 10-year-old runner-up in last season’s premier of NBC’s Star Search.
In addition to the enjoyment concert goers will see, Banas said those attending will become part of music history. He said he can’t release details of the historic event, saying only that “people really need to be there for this.”
Currently, the library’s board of directors continue to push for donations for the new building project, in hopes of avoiding a mortgage for the new building. At last count, Banas said about $405,000 has been raised – just $245,000 short of the goal.
“We’re happy with the way the community has responded so far,” said Banas. “We still need to make a little more of a push and we’ll have this thing.”
Library officials could apply for a loan to cover the expenses, but Banas said continuing without the burden of a mortgage would be ideal.
“It would be great to pay it off in its entirety,” said Banas. “That’s an important goal of ours.”
Anyone wishing to make a tax-free donation to the project can drop the donation off at either the library on Logan Avenue or at Healthy Alternatives in Bald Eagle.
Construction is nearly complete as contractor Jeff Long and has crew recently poured cement for the floor of the new building. Next, walls will be in place.
Banas said the building committee continues to search for the interior workings for the building, including shelving and furniture. He expects to bring a recommendation to the full board by August.
A late summer opening is planned.
