By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
That's a wrap for the 2018 "Music Mania Mondays" concert series in the Town of Niagara's Veterans Memorial Community Park.
The series went out in style, with opener NRV and headlined by local favorite Nerds Gone Wild.
Local buzz is when the Nerds are on stage, the people come out, and that stood true Monday night. The evening brought out quite possibly the largest crowd in "MMM's" history, and the fast paced, high-energy '80s tunes kept locals on their feet and in their dancing shoes.
The "nerdy" dressed band performed throwback hit songs such as "I Ran (So Far Away)," "Whip It Good," "Jessie's Girl," "Take Me Home Tonight," "Spin Me Round," "Push It," "My Sharona," and many more.
Going back to the attendance - at some of the shows this summer, the visitors assembled a respectable front row "pit" like area. On Monday, "the pit" was completely full with fans jumping up and down to each song.
The large audience also helped out 2017-18 Niagara County Peach Queen Jamie Hagerty's basket auction, which raised money for the Hillside Family of Agencies. The evening garnered almost $1,500, and in combination with Hagerty's Paint Night fundraiser held a few weeks back, the total amount stands at nearly $3,500 to be donated.
The concert series was also a huge success for local not-for-profits, as well as local food vendors and trucks who served at the event each Monday since early June.
Town residents sent this year's concert series out with a bang, and many can't wait to see what could be in store for 2019.
Town of Niagara Supervisor Lee Wallace was also blown away by this year's series and is anxious to see what comes about next year.
"Our 2018 'Music Mania Mondays' concert series greatly exceeded our expectations," said Wallace. "Attendance was up over 30 percent, and folks are already excited about what the 2019 series will bring. The 'Music Mania Mondays' Concert Series is truly a family-orientated event that appeals to parents, grandparents and children alike. The overall impact that this concert series has on the Town of Niagara community, not-for-profit organizations and businesses makes it a true asset. We are already in the planning stages for 2019 and anticipate it being our best year to date."
The large "Music Mania Mondays" crowd for Nerds Gone Wild. (Photo by David Yarger)
