Membership May Profile: Melissa Millay
Melissa Millay is a Contributor-level member, volunteer, and member of our Music Hall Book Club. To mark this May Membership Month, Ticket and Member Services Manager Wesley Lovell spoke with Melissa about Book Club, what she’s looking forward to, and why she loves being a member.
How did you first get introduced to The Music Hall?
I moved from Manhattan to Portwalk Place last June, and several people told me about The Music Hall and its various programs. I’m an avid reader and music lover, so I immediately joined and signed up for the Book Club!
Tell us a little bit about your involvement with The Music Hall.
My main involvement with The Music Hall has been the Book Club, which has been a lifesaver during COVID. I’ve also attended several concerts (I loved the Patty Larkin concert) and movies. I’m not a big fan of Zoom, so I appreciate that I’ve been able to attend events in person. I’ve also been involved with the volunteer program.
You joined our Book Club! What do you love about it? Is there an upcoming book that you’re particularly looking forward to?
It would take a very long paragraph to list what I love about the book club, but the top three reasons would be the moderators, particularly Dawn Heffron and Gail VanHoy Carolan. They put a lot of time and thought into questions to facilitate a great discussion about the book, and they do a lot of research about the author.
There are two books I’m particularly looking forward to: Kristin Hannah’s new novel The Four Winds on May 4, and Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell on June 14. Hamnet promises to be extra special as the guest moderators will be Christine Penney and Dan Beaulieu, founders of Seven Stages Shakespeare Company.
What would you tell others who are considering joining The Music Hall?
I would tell them to look at The Music Hall’s website to get an idea of the robust and diverse programming offered before COVID (programming that is now returning!). I would also stress the importance of supporting The Music Hall, given the financial toll COVID has taken on non-profit arts organizations in Portsmouth. Finally, I would recommend they check out the funky bathrooms!
Why is being a part of The Music Hall important to you?
For over 15 years I’ve worked in fundraising and development for several arts and humanities non-profit organizations in NYC, including the New York Public Library, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the Guggenheim Museum, so I have an appreciation of the integral role The Music Hall plays in the cultural fabric of Portsmouth. My Music Hall membership is also a good way for me to meet interesting people.
What has been your favorite show or most memorable moment?
Watching the audience dance in their seats and enthusiastically sing along to the Fleetwood Mac songs at Stevie Nicks: 24 Karat Gold The Concert was quite memorable.
What upcoming show are you most looking forward to?
The All Together Now concert by Zachary Williams concert on May 14th — and of course the next book club meeting!