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| THE MAIN POINT: 40-40-40 Campaign to Forever Memorialize the Iconic Bryn Mawr, PA Arts Venue. |
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 by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 05/17/21 11:28 am | updated: 05/17/21 11:28 am |
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Havertown, PA - The Bryn Mawr performance venue where the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt and George Carlin got their start will finally get its due. Local fans of the once nationally famous "Main Point" plan to forever memorialize its location on this 40th anniversary year since its closure.
The beloved coffee house and concert hall, located at 874 W. Lancaster Avenue, operated for 18 years beginning in 1964. Besides Springsteen, Raitt and Carlin, its stage featured other early career performances by John Prine, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Jim Croce, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, David Bromberg, Jay Leno, Chic Corea & Return to Forever, Charles Mingus, Muddy Waters, Lily Tomlin, and many more. A local group of Arts lovers and "Friends of" the site, with grateful cooperation from the property owner, are taking steps to make sure the site is not forgotten.
"The Main Point closed in 1981," says Bryn Mawr resident and campaign organizer Michael Curry. "Now, 40 years later, we are looking for at least 40 people willing to donate at least 40 dollars each to forever mark the location that had monumental impact on a generation of performers and fans alike."
As an ardent fan who passes the former location regularly, Curry thought to reach out to Steve Bajus, of SW Bajus Ltd., the owner of the property. Thankfully, Bajus became an enthusiastic supporter. The plan is to recognize the building's amazing entertainment history with an appropriate cast iron plaque to be affixed to the exterior of the building. This way, all who pass by can see where so many "greats" got their start, right in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Tom Kelly, Chairman of 501c3 non-profit Kelly Music for Life is supporting the fundraising effort. "In the 1970's I drove past The Main Point every day commuting from home to high school at Archbishop Carroll and to college at Villanova," says Kelly. "The names of coming shows posted in The Main Point windows were unknown to most of us at the time. Many went on to become superstars."
Kelly's venue in Havertown, the Kelly Center for Music, Arts and Community houses a café and performance venue inspired by The Main Point. "We really love giving young performers an opportunity to develop their craft on our stage, just like The Main Point" continues Kelly. "Incredibly, Bonnie Raitt was only 18 when The Main Point first gave her a shot. Like The Main Point, the Kelly Center is a listening room focused on the performers."
One major backer of the project is Larry Ahearn, well-known musician, manager of Craig Bickhardt and co-owner of Trespass Music Agency, who got his business start by booking shows and also performing at The Main Point. "My years playing and booking shows at The Main Point are some of my most cherished memories. At the time we had no idea how influential the venue would become. We just had a wonderful time hearing so many fabulous shows that I was thrilled and privileged to have a hand in. I think it is both fitting and wonderful that The Main Point will have this permanent recognition."
Donations of all sizes are welcome. The first 40 donors who each give $40 will be included as guests at an invitation-only reception to unveil the commemorative plaque. That event will take place on stage this summer at the Kelly Center.
If you would like to be a part of "forever remembering" The Main Point, your tax deductible donations can be made to the Kelly Center via PayPal or Credit Card. Venmo donations also accepted @Kelly4music "Business" tab. Indicate "The Main Point Plaque" with your contribution.
For more information and to Donate, visit https://kellycenter.org/ |
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