Tarpon's reputation as an artistic and cultural mecca should be protected

There are just few treasures that Pinellas County’s oldest and most northern city can boast about as being unique to Tarpon Springs; while the most obvious jewels are its Greek food and fleet of sponge boats, few instantly think of the city as a cultural mecca of performing arts and cultural events, but it is.

Over the years Tarpon Cultural Services, through the inspiration of its dedicated director Kathleen Monahan, has developed the Performing Arts Center into a locale where audiences experience everything from large-scale Broadway plays and theatrical productions to multi-genre musical concerts. Operating on a shoe string budget its small, but mighty, crew brings the arts, cultural events, music and dance to local audiences all year round, with the next closet venue of its size being Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

A visit to www.Tarponarts.org will reveal all the Performing Arts Center and other Cultural Services venues offer.

However, this story is really about how grant funding for the arts has been drastically cut and how just everyday folk must now rally to support those things they enjoy.

Supporters of the arts formed the tax deductable, non-profit, Kathleen Monahan Foundation, which they named after the Cultural Services director to recognize her three decades of service to the arts in Tarpon Springs. Monahan, Tarpon’s Renaissance woman, holds a Master of Arts in Musicology from Wesleyan University, another Masters of Library Science from the University of South Florida and a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh.

The mission of the non-profit Foundation is to supplement funding and enhancements for the city’s Cultural Treasures Program. The Foundation supports artistic, professional, and enjoyable cultural arts opportunities in the greater Tarpon Springs area.

Monies from the Foundation are specifically dedicated to support and sustain activities, programs, performances and projects that help people experience the joy and passion that the arts can bring to their lives.  

Later this month foundation supporters plan an elegant reception and concert as a fun fundraiser. For a mere $50 a person, those who want to support arts and culture in the community will enjoy an exquisite buffet including hors d’oeuvres, pasta, carving stations, dessert bar, with wine and beer, along with a piano concert. The Beats on the Bayou Benefit Concert and Party is planned Saturday, September 29 at 7 pm at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum in Craig Park.

 Along with food, beverages catered by Delectables and Lundy’s, contemporary pianist Greg Maroney will perform some original compositions from his ten CDs. For tickets contact the Tarpon Box office at 727-942-5605 or visit the Tarponarts.com website for tickets.