Here is a listing of area live music and online music happenings for the weekend and week of Friday, May 12 through Thursday, May 18.
Among the music happenings this weekend is the return of 1990s hitmakers Sponge to McGarvey’s on Friday night. Formed in Detroit in 1992, Sponge signed with Columbia Records subsidiary The Work Group the following year, and released their platinum-selling debut album “Rotting Pinata” in 1994. That album spawned the hit singles “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain).” Their 1996 follow-up album, “Wax Ecstatic,” resulted in further singles with the title track “Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)” and “Have You Seen Mary.” Sponge performed at prominent festival events such as Edgefest, Lollapalooza and Germany’s Rock am Ring, appeared on late night TV talk shows such as “The Jon Stewart Show,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and toured with Live, Soundgarden, Kiss and others. Opening for Sponge on Friday will be Altoona’s Sweet Desire and the Nerves, plus Kamenar from Tampa, Florida. The show begins at 7 p.m.
And several Mother’s Day-themed live music events will happen around the region this weekend. Way Fruit Farm in Stormstown (near Port Matilda) hosts a Mother’s Day Craft Show on both Friday and Saturday. Live music will be a part of the craft show, with country solo performer Joe Quick performing on Friday, and State College acoustic trio The Extra Miles entertaining on Saturday. Admission is free both days…And Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck in Johnstown hosts a Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch Buffet on Sunday, with Bob Bretz providing the musical entertainment.
Johnstown acoustic duo The Evergreens will entertain twice in Hollidaysburg this weekend, performing at the U.S. Hotel Tavern on Friday evening starting at 7 p.m., and outdoors on Saturday during downtown Hollidaysburg’s “Blossoms in the Burg” event.
And catch the debut of Altoona’s newest dance band at the Newburg Fire Association Social Hall on Saturday night. Although new in name, XM features a cast of longtime musicians of the Altoona music scene: “Team Villani” – Dave and Mary Villani – on keys and vocals, Randy Rutherford on guitar and vocals, and Paul Turner on drums. That performance kicks off at 8 p.m.
Browse the list below to see who is playing where both outdoors and indoors this weekend, and – as always – SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!
(Listings in chronological order by event start time.)
FRIDAY 5/12:
“Mother’s Day Craft Show” with Joe Quick at Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda (starts 4 p.m.)
Elaini Arthur at People’s Natural Gas Field, Altoona (Altoona Curve pre-game performance, starts 5 p.m.)
Caryn Dixon at Tussey Mountain Beer Garden, Tussey Mountain Ski Resirt (starts 5 p.m.)
Bo Moore at Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Johnstown (starts 5:30 p.m.)
Artie Burtnett at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Strings & Bellows at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
The Judy’s at Union Hotel, Everett (starts 6 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Stone Town Tavern, Huntingdon (starts 6 p.m.)
The Corner Brothers at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Hops & Vines at University Wine Co., State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Adam Yarger at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Joan & the Crows at Woody Lodge Winery, Ashville (starts 6 p.m.)
Steve Ferguson at Asiago’s Tuscan, Johnstown (starts 6 p.m.)
Bob Clawson at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 6 p.m.)
Sponge with Sweet Desire, The Nerves and Kamenar at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
The Evergreens at U.S. Hotel, Hollidaysburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Coltt Winter Lepley at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Derek Heidel at Alexandria American Legion, Alexandria (starts 7 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Stone Town Tavern, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at Alla Spina @ HiWay, State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Crawdad Joe at Break Room, Twin Rocks (starts 7 p.m.)
Jake Lamm at B & L Wine Cellars, Johnstown (Cambria City) (starts 7 p.m.)
Cinders & Saints at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Us3 at Trixie’s Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Lowjack (lite) at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Chad Patterson at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
The Boomers at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Back in the Day at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
K4 Kountry at Heidelberg Country Club, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Matt Wagner at Bluegill’s Bar & Grill, Alexandria (starts 8 p.m.)
The Rusty Shackles at Moonshine Mine Saloon, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Victor & the Icons at The Bar, Boalsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
Giants Of Science at Gallitzin IMS, Gallitzin (starts 9 p.m.)
Tony & Stacy at Hastings VFW, Hastings (starts 9 p.m.)
The SuperAlrights at Southmont Gardens, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
My Hero Zero at Doggie’s Pub, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s at Phyrst, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
90 Second Knockout at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 10 p.m.)
Lowjack at The Brewery, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
SATURDAY 5/13:
The Evergreens at “Blossoms in the Burg,” downtown Hollidaysburg (starts 11 a.m.)
“Mother’s Day Craft Show” with The Extra Miles at Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda (starts 12 noon)
“Songwriters Workshop” with Jon Rounds, Jerry Bresee, and Bruce Truitt (The Guitar Brothers) at 3 Dots, State College (starts 1 p.m.)
Matt Pletcher & Randy Servello at Park Hills Golf Club (Tavern 27), Altoona (starts 6 p.m.)
Matt Wagner at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Letters From Tomorrow at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Donny Burns Duo at Phyrst, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Matt from The Corner Brothers at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Kristi Jean at Tussey Mountain Beer Garden, Tussey Mountain Ski Resort (starts 6 p.m.)
Electric Swamp at Excise Distillery, Patton (starts 6 p.m.)
Dany Vavrek at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 6 p.m.)
Kimberly Dawn & Johann at Alum Bank Fire Hall, Alum Bank (starts 6:30 p.m.)
Autumn Rising unplugged at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
The Pines at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Stone Creek Blues at Juniata Brewing Co., Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Derek Heidel at Mount Union VFW, Mount Union (starts 7 p.m.)
Combat Vets Motorcycle Association (CVMA) presents Stephanie & the Wild Hearts at Cresson American Legion, Cresson (starts 7 p.m.)
Mark Syster at Coal Country Brewing, Ebensburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Happy Hour (Tommy & Sarah) at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
The Frick Brothers at Stadium Pub & Grille, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Jeff Webb & the Delectable Sound at Venue Of Merging Arts (VOMA), Johnstown (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Greg Burley at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
XM at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Derek of Walkney at Bull Pen Restaurant, Tyrone (starts 8 p.m.)
Mountain City Acoustic Trio at Argonne Cafe, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Shallow 9 at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 8 p.m.)
Half Tempted at Broadtop American Legion, Broadtop City (starts 8 p.m.)
Molly, Sam & Rene at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Velveeta at Arena Bar & Grill, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Havoc at The Grove, Strongstown (starts 8 p.m.)
Hot Wax at Moonshine Mine Saloon, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Still Rockin’ at Windber Moose, Windber (starts 8 p.m.)
Show No Mercy (Slayer tribute) and Black Sun at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
The Rocket Blasters at Bellwood UVHA, Bellwood (starts 9 p.m.)
D.D. & the Pub Crawlers at Schellsburg VFW, Schellsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
Mindspell at Saxton Sportsmen’s Association, Saxton (starts 9 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 9 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at The Bar, Boalsburg (starts 9 p.m.)
TT Cruiser at Patton Eagles, Patton (starts 9 p.m.)
Even The Odds at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Rust at Slammin Sam’s, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
“80s Night” with The Nancy Reagans and John Solo at The Brewery, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
Giants Of Science at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
Lowjack at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
ONLINE: Servello Family livestream (Facebook, starts 7 p.m.)
SUNDAY 5/14:
“Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch Buffet” with Bob Bretz at Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Johnstown (starts 10 a.m.)
Rue Moyer at Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe, State College (starts 12 noon)
“2nd Sunday Uke Jam” at ArtsAltoona Center, Altoona (starts 2 p.m.)
“Sunday Funday” with Solo Sixstring at Jim & Jimmie’s, Johnstown (starts 3 p.m.)
“Open Mic” at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 3:30 p.m.)
John Tkach at Juniata Brewing Co., Huntingdon (starts 4 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 4 p.m.)
Andy Lubert at Ole Gray Mare, Carrolltown (starts 4 p.m.)
Greg Burley at Juniata VFW (Fort Apache), Altoona (starts 5 p.m.)
Kimberly Dawn & Johann at Patton American Legion, Patton (starts 5 p.m.)
The Band OZ at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 6 p.m.)
Dave & Evan at D’Ottavio’s Gran Sasso, Hollidaysburg (starts 6 p.m.)
Samantha Press at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
“Ted’s Last Hurrah” comedy short film and live music at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 6 p.m.)
Ted & Molly at American Ale House, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Black & Gold Tavern, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
MONDAY 5/15:
Adam & the Armadillos at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
TUESDAY 5/16:
Steve Dixon at Three Twelve Kitchen, Huntingdon (starts 5 p.m.)
“Open Mic Night” with James Grove at D’Ottavio’s Gran Sasso, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Heartless Bastards and Chris Rattie & the New Rebels at State Theatre, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Joe Quick at Doggie’s Pub, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Lowjack (lite) at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY 5/17:
Rosie & the Jammers at Graystone Homestyle Restaurant, Johnstown (starts 5 p.m.)
Pure Cane Sugar Girls at The Tavern (Adam’s Apple), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Derek Heidel at The View (Mountain View Country Club), Boalsburg (starts 6 p.m.)
Jam Night at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Guitar Brothers at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (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.)
Piano Fight Club at Phyrst, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
THURSDAY 5/18:
James Grove at Bedford County Farmers Market on the Square, downtown Bedford (starts 11 a.m.)
Country Cool at Northern Blair Senior Center, Tipton (starts 10:30 a.m.)
The Evergreens at Laurel BMW, Johnstown (Grand Opening, starts 5:30 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at Tussey Mountain Beer Garden, Tussey Mountain Ski Resort (starts 6 p.m.)
Pure Cane Sugar Girls at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 7 p.m.)
“Songwriter Showcase” at 3 Dots, State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Poe Valley Troubadours at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (starts 7 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Gallitzin American Legion, Gallitzin (starts 7 p.m.)
“Open Mic Night” with Jason DeWitt at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
“T’rd Thursday” with Full Kilt at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey at Happy Valley Brewing Co., State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Quasi Quintet (jazz) at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 8 p.m.)
Donny Burns Duo at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 8:30 p.m.)
Corner Brothers at Doggie’s Pub, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
My Hero Zero at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 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.
