MOUNT VERNON – This year, Chris and Mike Petee's eighth annual Foodstock rock concert aims to bring holiday cheer and aid to those less fortunate across Mount Vernon virtually, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foodstock grew out of Petee's not-for-profit Chautauqua Series, founded in 2007. Chautauqua brings education, history, music and entertainment to Mount Vernon residents at an affordable price that won't break the bank. Within the span of 14 years and 200 shows, the Chautauqua Series has brought historical figures to life— from Eve to Dwight Eisenhower to Rosemary Clooney— which allows viewers to experience historical figures in a live, entertaining setting.
According to Chris Petee, 2020 has proven to be something of a paradigm shift for Foodstock.
"When you have done something for seven years, it can be difficult doing something differently," she said. "We had to reinvent the whole thing and ask ourselves, 'How do you market it? How do you present it?'" Chris said.
Traditionally, Mount Vernon residents could access the show through food and money donations, but not this year.
"This year we are not going to be able to collect food," Mike said. "On our website there will be an actual donation place. 100% of donations will go to those in need of food. The past couple of years we have raised over $2000, equating to somewhere in the area of 600-800 food items.".
For the wider community, Foodstock offers a reprieve from the topsy-turvy nature of 2020.
"It is a chance to relax through what is going on and listen to good music," Mike opined. "We consider these concerts as a Christmas present to your family."
He added that the power of a dollar should not be underestimated.
"$1 gets $9 from the food bank," Mike noted.
While COVID-19 has forced countless numbers of events to be cancelled altogether, Chris and Mike felt holding the concert was more important than ever.
"We could have said we are not doing anything," Chris said. "If we did not do anything, then that’s food we may miss out on. We can help people through our gifts."
Interested concert-goers will be able to stream the event on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Additional information regarding donations can be found on the Elixir Presents website. The band featured for this year's event is Blackbyrd, with Chris Petee providing vocals on a couple of songs.
"We want to leave a positive legacy in our community," the Petee's replied when asked to identify the ultimate goal of the concert and series.
