UNITY, Maine — Al Corey's Big Band from Waterville made a big splash Sunday, March 10, 2024, for the grand re-opening of the Clifford Arts & Student Center (formerly known as the Unity Center for Performing Arts) in Unity, Maine.

The Al Corey Band last played in Unity on December 8, 2000, for the original theater opening, gifted by Bert & Coral Clifford. The theme song for both opening events was "Some Enchanted Evening" from the musical South Pacific. Eleventh grade student, Cassie Bonney, joined the band to play “In the Mood” on saxophone.

Sara Trunzo, singer-songwriter and co-founder of Veggies for All & Waldo County Bounty, gave a keynote speech and champagne toast following the Big Band concert. Sara spoke of the importance of supporting rural communities like Unity, the arts, and local farms.

Lori Roming of Unity Foundation and Melik Khoury of Unity Environmental University spoke on behalf of their organizations, who generously gifted the Arts Center to the Ecology Learning Center.

Students prepared & served hors d'oeuvres using ingredients generously donated by the following local farms: Brazen Bakery, Rockport; Misty Brook Farm, Albion; Swallowtail Farm, Whitefield; and Villageside Farm, Freedom.