The ancient Greek philosopher Plato is credited for saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” This means a need or problem encourages creative efforts to solve a problem or fill a need.

Municipalities face a myriad of challenges, as do businesses, organizations and individuals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation requires creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

Catasauqua Borough President Vincent Smith and Melissa Brown examined the Catasauqua landscape with park and pool closings, restaurants offering curbside pickup or delivery only and the increased food needs of Catasauqua residents. They searched for a creative way to solve the problems the borough faces in this difficult time.

“We thought we could solve several problems with one effort,” Smith said.

They wanted to raise sorely needed money for Catasauqua Community Food Bank, provide musical entertainment to fill the void left by the cancellation of the summer concerts held at Catasauqua Park and Playground and partner with the Catasauqua Borough office. The goal was to help feed people, generate hope and instill an even greater sense of civic pride.

They pitched a plan to borough Manager Steve Travers to have live music performed at The Gas House Dance Hall, 311 Front St. The event would be livestreamed via the borough’s website and a special Facebook page: facebook.com/cattyparkconcerts/live.

The first concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. May 29.

It features three homegrown Catasauqua musicians from two bands. Glen Longenhagen of Common Bond is joined by Phil Milia and Matt Balikan of Transmission Now. The three musicians come together as Kerplunk.

The plan includes inviting the bands who were to play in the summer concert series to play at The Gas House and livestream their concerts. Performances will occur each Friday until early September.

In a joint statement, Smith and Brown said, “We understand these are unprecedented times. We want to give musicians a chance to perform and share their love of music as well as help our Catasauqua community.

“To help the community, donations will be accepted to benefit the Catasauqua food bank to assist COVID-19 relief efforts,” they added.

A link for donations will be on the borough’s website as well as on the concert Facebook page.

Checks to the food bank can also be mailed to the borough office, 90 Bridge St., Catasauqua, 18032. Please write “Food Bank” in the subject line of the check.