Here is a listing of area live music and online music happenings for the weekend and week of Friday, December 10 through Thursday, December 16.
An increasing number of holiday season-themed events take the spotlight for this weekend.
The Root-Hovett Hall near Patton will host a Toys For Tots fundraising rock concert on Saturday. The music kicks off at 5 p.m. with five area bands on the bill: Coffee With Lions, Abstentious, Treaties, Deny Your Maker (Alice in Chains tribute) and The Snipped. (A sixth band, Pittsburgh’s The Filthy Lowdown, had to bow out due to a medical issue.) Food trucks will be present. Admission at the door is the donation of a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation.
Part of holiday season folklore is the arrival of Krampus, the horned demon that punishes misbehaving children at Christmas time. Krampus pays its annual visit to the Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society on Friday evening, with the band Fortune & Glory providing the music for members and guests. The festivities start at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, Tussey Mountain near Boalsburg will celebrate Ullr, the Norse god of winter, skiing and snow sports, with their annual “Ullr Fest” on Friday evening beginning at 5 p.m. The celebration will include a bonfire outside, and live music, food and beverages inside the ski lodge. Pure Cane Sugar starts the music at 5:30 p.m., with Wicked Chicken following at 7 p.m.
The season of ugly Christmas sweaters is upon us, and at least two events on Saturday evening will allow you to show off your worst seasonal sweater while enjoying live music fun. Hair Force One provides the music for an ugly sweater party at the Huntingdon Elks in Huntingdon (for members and guests) starting at 8 p.m., while the Giants Of Science entertain the ugly sweater-wearing revelers at Altoona’s 4D’s Lounge beginning at 10 p.m.
And for jazz fans, the Penn State Altoona University Jazz Band will present a free concert at Penn State Altoona’s Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. That show takes place Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m., and the public is welcome. Later that evening, Johnstown’s Venue Of Merging Arts (VOMA) presents their “Jazzed Up Christmas with George and Zach” starting at 7:30 p.m. Guitarist George Byich and drummer Zach Bodolosky will offer their jazzy variations on Christmas season music favorites, jazz standards and a few other surprises.
Lots of music is happening during the next seven days – browse the listing below for more details, and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!
(Listings in chronological order by event start time)
FRIDAY 12/10:
“Open Music” at 3 Dots, State College (starts 5 p.m.)
Open Mic Night at PSU Victory, State College (starts 5 p.m.)
“Ullr Fest” with Pure Cane Sugar (5:30 p.m.) and Wicked Chicken (7 p.m.) at Tussey Mountain Ski Resort, Boalsburg (starts 5 p.m.)
The Evergreens at Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Johnstown (starts 5:30 p.m.)
Samantha Press at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
The Ketones at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Joe Quick at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 6 p.m.)
Kristi Jean & Her Ne’er Do Wells at University Wine Co., State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at Happy Valley Winery, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Phil McCaulley at Woody Lodge Winery, Ashville (starts 6 p.m.)
“Benefit for Nikki Yingling” with Ethnic Foods at Reliance Fire Company, Philipsburg (starts 6 p.m.)
Matt Pletcher Duo at Altoona Grand Hotel, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
“Krampus Celebration” with Fortune & Glory at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Patrick McGinnis at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Rubee Creek at Stone Town Tavern, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Ricky Lee Lisica at The Break Room, Twin Rocks (starts 7 p.m.)
The Wednesdays at B&L Wine Cellars (Cambria City), Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Dan Vavrek at Windber Country Club, Windber (starts 7 p.m.)
Derek Heidel at Mill Creek Firehall, Mill Creek (starts 8 p.m.)
David Bromberg at The State Theatre, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Oliver’s Pub, Colver (starts 8 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Southmont Gardens, Johnstown (starts 8 p.m.)
Partners in Crime at Polish Falcons, Windber (starts 8 p.m.)
Hot Fudge Mondaes, Lloyd and Ed N’Born at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
Shallow 9 at Duncansville VFW, Duncansville (starts 9 p.m.)
Bone Jacked at Bedford Moose, Bedford (starts 9 p.m.)
The Stevedores at The Bar, Boalsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
Stacy & the Rejects at The Freight Station, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Hair Force One at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s at Phyrst, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
My Hero Zero at Champs, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
SATURDAY 12/11:
Community Jazz Jam at 3 Dots, State College (starts 1 p.m.)
Penn State Altoona University Jazz Band at Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts, Penn State Altoona (starts 2:30 p.m.)
Phil Reeder at Pisano Winery, Millheim (starts 2:30 p.m.)
Freedom Rocks at Saxton VFW, Saxton (starts 4 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte (starts 5 p.m.)
“Toys for Tots Fundraiser at Root-Hovett Hall, Patton; featuring Coffee With Lions, Abstentious, Treaties, Deny Your Maker and The Snipped (starts 5 p.m., admission is new unwrapped toy or cash donation)
Matt Pletcher Duo at Aviation Inn, Duncansville (starts 6 p.m.)
Jason McDonald at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Eric Delozier at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Nick Miller Project at Dead Canary Brewing Co., Philipsburg (starts 6 p.m.)
Ron “Music Man” Balestino at Woody Lodge Winery, Ashville (starts 6 p.m.)
Alec Henderson at The Stadium Pub & Grille, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Hy-5 at Trixie’s Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
From The Top (unplugged) at Country Inn, South Fork (starts 7 p.m.)
Devin Sherman at Lloyd Street Brewing Co., Ebensburg (starts 7:30 p.m.)
“Jazzed Up Christmas with George and Zach” at Venue Of Merging Arts (VOMA), Johnstown (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Bone Jacked at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Kickin’ at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
K4 Kountry at Bellwood UVHA, Bellwood (starts 8 p.m.)
The Evergreens at Argonne Cafe, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
100 Proof at Duncansville VFW, Duncansville (starts 8 p.m.)
Stephanie & the Wild Hearts at Breezewood VFW, Breezewood (starts 8 p.m.)
Zac Grace Band at Drake’s Bar & Grill, Huntingdon (starts 8 p.m.)
“Ugly Sweater Party” with Hair Force One at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 8 p.m.)
Midstate Select at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 8 p.m.)
Tussey Mountain Moonshiners at The Bar, Boalsburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Ricky Lee Lisica at Heroes Tavern, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Mellissa & Kenny at Moonshine Mine Saloon, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Zero Tolerance at Philipsburg American Legion, Philipsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
Partners in Crime at Polish Falcons, Windber (starts 8:30 p.m.)
Backlash at Williamsburg American Legion, Williamsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
The Desperadoes at The Freight Station, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
The Stingers at First Catholic Slovak Bandhall, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Joe Quick at Sunshine Mine Inn, Coalport (starts 9 p.m.)
John Solo (John Cimino) at The Brewery, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at Doggie’s Pub, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
Undercover at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 9:30 p.m.)
“Ugly Christmas Sweater Party” with Giants Of Science at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s at The Saloon, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
Canary at Zeno’s, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
Bear Grillz at Stage West, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
SUNDAY 12/12:
J.T. Thompson at Pisano Winery, Millheim (starts 1:30 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Black & Gold Tavern, Altoona (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Ted & Molly at American Ale House, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
MONDAY 12/13:
(no shows announced)
TUESDAY 12/14:
ONLINE: Brother Jack’s Happy Hour Live Stream (Facebook, starts 4 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY 12/15:
Nathaniel Tyler Mowery at Iron Pint Brewing Co., Altoona (starts 6 p.m.)
Jam Night at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Jam Night with The Frick Brothers at The Break Room, Twin Rocks (starts 7 p.m.)
Jam Night at Dively’s Tavern, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
THURSDAY 12/16:
“Local Mic Night” with Rue Moyer at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 6 p.m.)
Victor & the Icons at American Ale House, State College (starts 7:30 p.m.)
“T’rd Thursday” with Full Kilt at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
ONLINE: Bob Helbig Live Stream (Facebook, starts 7 p.m.)
(NOTE: More shows may be added to this list as information becomes available. Feel free to check back.)
To report additional shows or corrections to this listing, email information to jptheprofessor@gmail.com. Deadline to submit information for the initial posting is each Friday morning at 9 a.m.
