Utica Monday Nite fights through budget cuts to deliver solid summer entertainment

By EMMA WRIGHT

Story Created: Aug 31, 2009 at 10:16 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2009 at 10:17 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Monday night ended a successful 13th season for Utica Monday Nite.  Earlier this year, budget cuts left the future of the event looking grim, but sponsors and volunteers stepped up to keep it running.
    
This past winter, Utica Monday Nite felt the economic squeeze.  The City Council cut funding for the program in half.  Organizer Lynne Mishalanie says she was determined to keep Monday nights filled with music and fun.
    
Many of this year's Utica Monday Nite events weren't funded at all.  Volunteers stepped in to help put it on.  "It was a fabulous year," Mishalanie says. "...Many of the musicians donated their efforts to keep it going."
    
Utica Monday Nite filled some of their budget gaps with money from corporate sponsors and formed a committee to look for alternative sources of revenue.  Supporters say they are determined to keep it running.
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