What creates a community where generation after generation of talented musicians emerge and thrive? That question sits at the heart of the latest episode of Off the Wall, the companion interview series to the Legends of Brownsville project. In this episode, MVAA Founder and CEO Mark Smith sits down with longtime friend, musician, film producer,
The latest episode of Legends of the Mural: Off the Wall Interviews brings another powerful Brownsville music story to life. In this episode, MVAA CEO Mark Smith sits down with Danny Leone, one of the musicians featured on the Brownsville Musical Legends mural at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center. Their conversation is full of
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is inviting talented young vocalists ages 12 through 22 to audition for an exciting new youth show choir ensemble. This dynamic performance group will provide singers with opportunities to develop their vocal skills, build confidence, perform for audiences, and become part of a supportive artistic community. Auditions will take
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is pleased to acknowledge and thank the Washington County Community Foundation for a recent gift from the J. Barry Stout Charitable Fund, made in honor of Lenore T. Stout. This generous contribution will support MVAA’s Empower a Rising Star (EARS) program, which helps provide access to music education opportunities
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is pleased to welcome Jeremy Beckinger to our instructional faculty. Jeremy will be available for private lessons on Thursdays by appointment at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center, 119 Brownsville Avenue, Brownsville, PA 15417. A graduate of Westminster College with a degree in Music Education, Jeremy’s primary instrument is the French horn. He has
At Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of music education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Over the past several years, we have seen firsthand how rising costs have affected families throughout our region. For many households, expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, and
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid for nonprofit organizations committed to openness, accountability, and measurable community impact. The Platinum Seal of Transparency is awarded to nonprofits that go beyond basic reporting
The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA), in partnership with EQT, is proud to announce the return of the EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series for 2026 at the beautiful Monongahela Chess Park. This free weekly concert series has become a summertime tradition in the Mon Valley, bringing together live music, local shopping, food, community
The third released episode of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts’ Off the Wall Podcast is now available and continues the podcast’s ongoing “Legends” series celebrating the musicians, artists, educators, and cultural figures featured on the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center mural in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. In this second Legends interview episode, MVAA CEO Mark Smith
The second episode of the Off the Wall podcast from Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is now available—and this time, the conversation turns to one of the most influential musical figures in Brownsville history: Sam Bill. Hosted by MVAA CEO Mark Smith, Episode 2 features a heartfelt and often humorous conversation with Patty Bill,
