Music Haven back with summer shows
Slate of international performers expected as series eyes full schedule
With summer just weeks away, concert organizers like Mona Golub are ready to bring on the music and spread joy to Capital Region audiences who faced muted summer celebrations as the world confronted the coronavirus pandemic over the last two years.
“Knowing what a dynamic lineup we’ve got, I hope those who have been to Music Haven before will be thrilled to know that we’re back with a vengeance,” Golub said. “I am looking forward to welcoming many, many people back to the stage this summer.”
Golub is the founder of Music Haven, a venue and eponymous annual summer concert series that bring internationally acclaimed artists to Central Park. The Sunday night shows draw crowds from around the region to see the variety of acts that Golub and her team book during July and August.
The concert series celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, but once the pandemic hit in 2020, momentum slowed down. Shows were canceled that year.
Golub, who is also known for her other work as Price Chopper and Market 32 vice president of public relations and consumer services, held a shorter series of live shows during the summer of 2021, which were very well received by audiences. But now that social events are back on, Golub is prepared to bring the energy back.
“I really focused this summer on curating a series that would be uplifting and gather community for the kinds of styles of music that bring people together,” she said.
Golub founded Music Haven in 1989, after being inspired by the immense amount of talent she witnessed at local venues and shows. She wanted to use her passion for music to bring something new to the table.
“I have always been involved in musical things. I performed throughout high school and college,” Golub said. “And I realized that I wanted to stay involved in music somehow, and so when I came back to this area, I tried to figure out what would be my role and what would be my place.”
After much fundraising and networking, the Music Haven Summer Concert Series was born.
“It’s a very important piece of me, and I have really gotten great pleasure throughout the years talking to the audience, working with artists, and my crew are top-notch professionals,” she said.
Every year, the venue relies on more than 40 volunteers who help with various duties to keep the events running smoothly. Golub noted the staff is tight-knit and said their efforts are what makes the concert series a success year after year.
“We all do it together as a labor of love and that’s what makes it so very special,” she said.
Golub acknowledged the support of community organizations that also participate and contribute to the success of the series, including the vendors they continually use such as Michele’s Charcoal Pit and Ben and Jerry’s, as well as the concession stand, which was built by Habitat for Humanity.
“It’s a perfect coming together of community organizations to create something that was needed that serves a function, and serves the community,” she said. “There’s always a way to invest to make what happens at Music Haven that much more special”
The series consists of concerts scheduled for seven consecutive Sundays at 7 p.m., with food and beverages available before performances begin.
The series boasts acclaimed artists from all over the world. To allow attendees to experience the music and spirit of the artists, the concession stand will serve food based on the artists’ locale.
“We travel the world one concert at a time, and it’s not just about music. We cross borders, break down barriers, and celebrate our shared humanity,” Golub said.
The roster of acts for the 2022 series season will be announced Tuesday.