Here is a listing of area live music and online music happenings for the weekend and week of Friday, April 21 through Thursday, April 27.
This weekend’s busy live music slate offers several highlight events, and something for almost everybody.
For ukulele enthusiasts, the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective presents Pennsylvania’s longest-running ukulele festival, the 10th annual Allegheny Ukulele Soiree, from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at the Altoona Grand Hotel. Some of the top names in ukulele will perform and host workshops during the event. Guest artists this year include Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Amber Rozel, Steven Espaniola, Jim Beloff, Mika Kane, Melissa Nannen, Debi Velasco and Mim. The event will feature nightly concerts, workshops and jam sessions through its three days, plus raffles and other giveaways. For more information about the Soiree, visit the website ukulelesoiree.com.
After an eight-year absence, the “Crazy Fest Amateur Youth Talent Show” makes its return on Sunday afternoon at the Juniata Civic Association. Started by popular local entertainer Dennie Huber in 1990, “Crazy Fest” provided area youngsters with a chance to get on a stage – many for the first time – to demonstrate their talents to a friendly and supportive audience, while competing for a wide variety of trophies, plaques, awards and other prizes. A number of past “Crazy Fest” performers have gone on to have successful careers in entertainment and other endeavors; some of the alumni include eventual NBC Television “The Voice” contestant Jimmy Mowery, popular festival folk performer Elaini Arthur, Nashville-based recording artist Angela Dodson, multi-talented performer and children’s book author Typhani Russo, Chet Denny of The PennSoulvanians, Autumn Shiffler of Autumn Rising and many others. In 2001, a family rock band called Halestorm even performed as an exhibition act during “Crazy Fest” as part of their journey toward becoming a Grammy Award-winning internationally popular hard rock group. The original “Crazy Fest” was discontinued in 2016 following Dennie Huber’s passing. But several past contestants have brought the event back this year in honor of Dennie Huber, and to give today’s youngsters that same opportunity to taste the performance spotlight in front of a receptive audience. Sunday’s event is open to youngsters ages 17 and under, and registration is free. The festivities begin at 1 p.m., and admission for the public is free. Food and refreshments will be available. No alcohol will be permitted or served at the event.
The Blair Conservation District’s Earth Day Festival will happen on Saturday at Hollidaysburg’s NatureWorks Park. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature a variety of informational vendors, family activities, and live music from acoustic performers Bill Wandersee, Dave Moses, Jimmy Melon Baller and Pat Anderson. Food and refreshments will be available, and admission is free.
Tru Healing Concepts will host their Cann-a-Toona event on Saturday afternoon at their Intown Square location along 12th Avenue. The event will spotlight CBD and hemp-based products and holistic wellness services, with live music starting at noon. Performers will include The PennSoulvanians, Innocent Sin, Lucid Yooth & the Cubensis Lenses and Hot Fudge Mondaes. Admission is free.
And New York-based ska recording artists Mephiskapheles bring their high-energy live show back to McGarvey’s on Saturday night. Formed in 1990, the group gained popularity during ska music’s rise during that decade, and they performed on numerous national and overseas tours, plus appeared on MTV. The show will start at 7 p.m., with local ska rockers Tom Nevers Field and The BSXpress opening the evening.
These are just a few of the live music options during this weekend and upcoming week. Browse the list below to find out where shows are happening, and – as always – SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!
(Listings in chronological order by event start time.)
FRIDAY 4/21:
The Extra Miles at Tussey Mountain Beer Garden, Tussey Mountain Ski Resort (starts 4:30 p.m.)
“Allegheny Ukulele Soiree” at Altoona Grand Hotel, Altoona (starts 5 p.m.)
Matt Pletcher & Randy Servello at Greenbean Coffee House, Altoona (starts 5 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Johnstown (starts 5:30 p.m.)
“Friday Wine Down” with Phil McCaulley at Oak Spring Winery, Altoona (starts 6 p.m.)
Steve Ferguson at Asiago’s Tuscan, Johnstown (starts 6 p.m.)
Devin Sherman at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Denise Baldwin at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Matt Wagner at Union Hotel, Everett (starts 6 p.m.)
The Corner Brothers at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Big Red 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.)
Acoustic Artifacts at Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Eric Ian Farmer at Levity Brewing Co., Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Greg Burley at U.S. Hotel, Hollidaysburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Braden McDannell at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Full Kilt at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Sam Lowe at Lazy Dayz Riverfront Campground, Alexandria (starts 7 p.m.)
“Friday Night Live” featuring Dahlia at Webster’s Bookstore & Cafe, State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at A’s Pub (McClanahan’s), State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Velveeta at Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte (starts 7 p.m.)
Jeff Webb at B & L Wine Cellars, Johnstown (Cambria City) (starts 7 p.m.)
Side Effects at Trixie’s Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Dean Rumsey at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Russ Wilburn at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
The Olivia Show (Olivia Newton John tribute) at Mishler Theatre, Altoona (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Ramblin’ Dan Stevens and Dan Collins at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 7:30 p.m.)
TJ Simpson at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Heidelberg Country Club, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
White Shadow at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Big Daddy Bangers at Bellefonte Moose, Bellefonte (starts 8 p.m.)
Freedom Rocks at Moonshine Mine Saloon, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Kenny Jubas at Olde Keg Bar & Grill, Portage (starts 8 p.m.)
Without Zerb at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
Bone Jacked at Bellwood Eagles, Bellwood (starts 9 p.m.)
John “JT Blues” Thompson at The Bar, Boalsburg (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.)
Lowjack at The Brewery, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
SATURDAY 4/22:
“Allegheny Ukulele Soiree” at Altoona Grand Hotel, Altoona (starts 8 a.m.)
Shallow 9 at Blaise Alexander of Altoona (car dealership), Altoona (Grand Opening, starts 11 a.m.)
“Earth Day Festival” with Bill Wandersee, Dave Moses, Little Jimmy Melonballer and Pat Anderson at Nature Works Park, Hollidaysburg (starts 11 a.m.)
“Cann-a-Toona” at Tru Healing Concepts, Altoona; featuring The PennSoulvanians, Innocent Sin, Lucid Yooth & the Cubensis Lenses and Hot Fudge Mondaes (starts 12 noon)
“Celebration of Life/Benefit for Lance” at Freight Station (deck), Johnstown; featuring The Desperadoes, This Indecision and Octane (starts 2 p.m.)
Happy Hour (Tom & Sarah) at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Chris Blaney at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
James Lane at County Line Inn, Mount Union (starts 6 p.m.)
Donny Burns Duo at Phyrst, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Ben Lambert at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Mephiskapheles, The BSXpress and Tom Nevers Field at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Don Osborn & Anna Oberneder at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Pat McGinnis at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Devin Sherman at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 7 p.m.)
Zero Tolerance at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Chris Strait at Juniata Brewing Co., Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Derek Heidel at Route 22 Bar & Grill, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Sam Lowe at Stone Town Tavern, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Koehler Bay at Dead Canary Brewing Co., Philipsburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Second Street at Woody Lodge Winery, Ashville (starts 7 p.m.)
Clay Bowser at Ebensburg Moose, Ebensburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Denny & Ken at Polish Legion, Northern Cambria (starts 7 p.m.)
An Evening With… (Allman Brothers tribute) at Venue Of Merging Arts, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Russell Wilburn at Stadium Pub & Grille, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Time Zone at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Denise Baldwin at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Corner Brothers at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Juniata VFW (Fort Apache), Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Matt Wagner at Argonne Cafe, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Half Tempted at Saxton VFW, Saxton (starts 8 p.m.)
Kimberly Dawn & Johann at Huntingdon Moose, Huntingdon (starts 8 p.m.)
Langhorne Slim & John Craigie at State Theatre, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Ady Martinez Latin Dance Party at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (starts 8 p.m.)
Southbound at Lithuanian Club, Osceola Mills (starts 8 p.m.)
Stacy & the Rejects at Moonshine Mine Saloon, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Inside Out at Nanty Glo Polish Club, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Three Of Hearts at Windber Moose, Windber (starts 8 p.m.)
Phil McCaulley at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
Astral Shakedown at Zeno’s, State College (starts 9 p.m.)
Electric Swamp at Sons & Daughters of Italy, Patton (starts 9 p.m.)
Freedom Rocks at Portage Italian Club, Portage (starts 9 p.m.)
Untucked at Dunlo Slovak Club, Dunlo (starts 9 p.m.)
Autumn Rising at Croatian Club, Smoke Run (starts 9 p.m.)
Velveeta at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 9:30 p.m.)
Giants Of Science at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
The Boomers at Turner Hall, Johnstown (starts 10 p.m.)
Fall, Together at Windber Hotel, Windber (starts 10 p.m.)
Untucked at Dunlo Slovak Club, Dunlo (starts 10 p.m.)
John Solo (John Cimino) at The Brewery, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
Lowjack at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
ONLINE: Servello Family livestream (Facebook, starts 7 p.m.)
SUNDAY 4/23:
“Allegheny Ukulele Soiree” at Altoona Grand Hotel, Altoona (starts 8 a.m.)
“Crazy Fest” Amateur Youth Talent Show at Juniata Civic Association, Altoona (starts 1 p.m.)
Pat McGinnis at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 1 p.m.)
Rosie & the Jammers at Sokols Club, Lilly (starts 1 p.m.)
“Sunday Funday” with Chris Daugherty at Jim & Jimmie’s, Johnstown (starts 3 p.m.)
Open Mic at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 3:30 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 4 p.m.)
Andy Lubert at Patton American Legion, Patton (starts 4 p.m.)
Greg Burley at Juniata VFW (Fort Apache), Altoona (starts 5 p.m.)
Richie & the Rongo Band at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (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.)
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 4/24:
Adam & the Armadillos at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
TUESDAY 4/25:
“Open Mic Night” with James Grove at D’Ottavio’s Gran Sasso, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Hot Tuna Acoustic Duo 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 4/26:
Coltt Winter Lepley at Horn O’Plenty Freshtaurant, Bedford (Pizza Buffet, starts 5 p.m.)
The Extra Miles at Gigi’s Southern Table, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Jason Davoli 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.)
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 4/27:
The Evergreens at Titan Hollow, Bellefonte (starts 6:30 p.m.)
“Open Mic” with Bob Clawson at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey at Happy Valley Brewing Co., State College (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.
