Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

Organizers report the Mount Vernon Music Association’s 2012 Gala was a success with about $16,000 raised to finance the 2012-13 concert season. That represents less than a third of the organizations operating budget, which depends largely on continued donations, sponsorships and concert ticket sales. This year’s Gala featured the N’Awlins Gumbo Kings jazz band and attracted 102 people to the event. The next concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 featuring a six piece ensemble for “Heavenly String Sounds.”