Below is the press release from The Mainstay, announcing my decision to continue hosting the weekly "Mainstay Monday" series for one more year, ending on Labor Day, 2020.
Popular Mainstay Monday Concert Series Prepares for a Transition
Joe Holt, the esteemed host and curator of Mainstay Monday, The
Mainstay’s weekly concert program, has decided to explore a wider
variety of artistic adventures. He has gracefully given The Mainstay
until Labor Day 2020 to determine how to best continue what will then
be a four-year tradition. Former Mainstay Executive Director, Rory
Trainor, conceived Mainstay Monday as a summer-long event in
2016. The popularity of the evenings has led to an enthralling
multiyear run of Monday concerts where Holt’s versatile and virtuosic
piano stylings are paired with a guest musician each week.
Holt has said, "Mainstay Mondays have been a wonderful opportunity
and privilege. I'm proud to be associated with The Mainstay, and
grateful for the support of artists and audiences in our local
community. I have loved being able to be in the position to facilitate
access to the stage for deserving local talent, as well to collaborate
with established artists from the greater region and beyond. At this
point, however, I must acknowledge that I cannot maintain the
level of time and energy commitment required to bring a show from
concept to the stage on a weekly basis indefinitely.” Holt will continue
to be a presence in Mainstay programming and serve as a consultant
for the organization.
The Mainstay will study successful models of community-curated
concerts and listen to opinions of local artists, audiences and
educators in preparation for seamless programing to continue after
September 2020.
Mainstay Director Carol Colgate said, “We are happy for this coming
year in which to enjoy Joe and the magic that he brings each week. I
urge local residents to join us every Monday at 7pm for an
exceptional evening of music. Let us give Joe a warm and spirited
year of thanks for the successful Mainstay Monday series. Bring your
dinner if you like or purchase one of Becky’s treats at the bar."
