By Susan Larson
When Fredericksburg’s Economic Development Authority on April 13 pledged $10,000 to the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center (FAMCC), Fredericksburg Today readers asked why. “Didn’t the Fred Museum just close down?” one wrote on Facebook.
In fact, the institution had suspended operations at close of business on April 10.
FAMCC Suspending Operations to Face Financial Troubles
So, I asked Susan Glasser, president and CEO of FAMCC. She said the Sounds of Summer concert series is continuing for 2015.
“Despite the temporary discontinuation of day-to-day operations, the FAMCC remains committed to making significant contributions to the cultural vibrancy of the Historic District. Programs such as Sounds of Summer help establish a sense of place and belonging in a region that is sometimes better known as a “bedroom community” for Washington, DC. In addition to bringing together friends and neighbors from around the region, the Sounds of Summer infuses local residents with renewed vitality, provides opportunities for community volunteers to get involved in the cultural life of the region, and encourages positive social interaction among a diverse audience on concert nights.
“Therefore, the museum felt it was important that this signature museum event—provided free of charge to the community—continue.
“Thanks to generous support from the Economic Development Authority and the National Endowment for the Arts, the museum has secured enough funds to cover the cost of the concert series. We will also be working with area Rotary Clubs and Fredericksburg Main Street, Inc., who will be providing the many volunteers needed to make these concerts possible.”
“Museum staff working on a part-time basis will continue to coordinate the concert series,” said Bill Freehling, assistant director for Economic Development.
Concerts will be held at 7 p.m. every Friday from June 5 through September 4, 2015. They are held in Market Square behind Old Town Hall at 1001 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.
2015 Sounds of Summer Concert Series Schedule
June 5 — Alberto Limonta Perez & Son de Loma
June 12 — Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders
June 19 — The Southern Belles
June 26 — Acoustic Onion
July 3 –Fredericksburg Community Concert Band
July 10 — Young Rapids
July 17 — Davis Bradley Duo
July 24 — Marenje Marimba
July 31 — Karen Jonas
August 7 — Steve Jarrell & Sons of the Beach
August 14 — Red Light Rodeo
August 21 — Cosby
August 28 — Gaye Adegbalola & The Wild Rūtz
September 4 — Save the Arcadian
FAMCC Seeks Contributions
“The museum can still use the financial support of the community, as we make plans to move all operations back into Town Hall,” Glasser said. People who would like to support the museum’s transition into the Town Hall building can make a secured contribution through The Fund for the Fredericksburg Area Museum at Old Town Hall at The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.
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