Here is a listing of area live music and online music happenings for the weekend and week of Friday, January 3 through Thursday, January 9.
While New Year’s Eve is still considered one of the busiest nights for live music, the weekend following the New Year’s holiday often turns out to be one of the slower times of the year for live music. Some musicians, bands and live music venues take a break to recharge after the busy holiday season, and sometimes – like this weekend – Old Man Winter throws a monkey wrench into the works with snow squalls, brisk winds and cold temperatures. (At the time of this posting, a few Friday events had been cancelled due to the weather and road conditions.)
But although a little less busy, live music is still happening during this first weekend of 2025, and you can find out when and where by browsing the listing below.
One family-friendly highlight for your consideration is “Taste of Folk College,” which takes place on Saturday afternoon and early evening at the American Philatelic Society near Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte. Hosted by the folk music duo Simple Gifts, the free event gives visitors the chance to experience some of the fun things that go on during the annual “Folk College” that happens on Memorial Day weekend at Juniata College in Huntingdon. There will be folk-geared jam sessions, opportunities to sample folk instruments such as the ukulele, and other musical fun. Simple Gifts – Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon – plus various “Folk College” alumni will provide the jam sessions and fun. The event runs from 1 to 8:30 p.m. but folks may stop in any time during the event. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Check out what is happening on area stages this weekend and upcoming week, and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC in 2025!
(Listings in chronological order by event start time.)
FRIDAY 1/3:
Lauren & Joe at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Earth Angels at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Kevin Briggs at Happy Valley Brewing Co., State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Anna Pearl Belinda at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Corner Brothers at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Donny Burns & the 3rd Degree at Phyrst, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
R-Dubs at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Coltt Winter Lepley at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Backlash at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Dean Rumsey at Fetz’s Sports Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
The American Mood at Molly’s Pub & Grille, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
The Boomers at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 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 10:30 p.m.)
Lowjack at The Brewery, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
SATURDAY 1/4:
“Taste of Folk College” with Simple Gifts and friends at American Philatelic Society, Bellefonte (starts 1 p.m.)
Miss Melanie Duo at Tussey Bar, Tussey Mountain Ski Resort, Boalsburg (starts 4 p.m.)
Wanderlost at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
The Judy Judy Judys at Union Hotel, Everett (starts 6 p.m.)
Walter Survivor at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Russell Wilburn at Jim & Jimmies, Johnstown (starts 6 p.m.)
PletchVello at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Michael Wertz at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 7 p.m.)
Ady’s Latin Band at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 7 p.m.)
Brother Jack at Coal Country Brewing, Ebensburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Sam Weaver at The Grove, Strongstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Dos Hombres at Houtzdale Legion, Houtzdale (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (starts 7:30 p.m.)
The Moore Brothers at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Almost Famous at Everett VFW, Everett (starts 8 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Chest Springs Pub, Chest Springs (starts 8 p.m.)
Strings Radio at Gallitzin IMS, Gallitzin (starts 8 p.m.)
Krazy Kat Daddies at Windber Moose, Windber (starts 8 p.m.)
Toy at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
Lowjack at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
John Solo (John Cimino) at The Brewery, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
ONLINE: Servello Family livestream (Facebook, starts 7 p.m.)
SUNDAY 1/5:
Southbound at Gigi’s Southern Table, State College (starts 12 noon)
“Bluegrass and Scrabble” with Lizzie and the Yeehaw Gang at Black Valley Provender, Everett (starts 1 p.m.)
Open Mic with Ole Uncle Tim at Coal Country Brewing, Ebensburg (starts 1 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Mueller’s Pub, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 3 p.m.)
Biscuit Jam at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 4 p.m.)
Chet Denny & Michael Thomas 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 1/6:
Adam Yarger at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
TUESDAY 1/7:
Open Mic Night at Levity Brewing Co., Altoona (starts 6 p.m.)
Nick Miller Project at Three Twelve Kitchen & Cocktails, Huntingdon (starts 6 p.m.)
Donny Burns & the 3rd Degree at Phyrst, State College (starts 10:30 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY 1/8:
John White at Three Twelve Kitchen & Cocktails, Huntingdon (starts 6 p.m.)
Jam Night at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)
Andy Tolins & Vinnie Searfoss at Zeno’s, State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Lord Forest at Pine Grove Hall (upstairs), Pine Grove Mills (starts 7 p.m.)
Jam Night with The Frick Brothers at The Break Room, Twin Rocks (starts 7 p.m.)
Piano Fight Club at Phyrst, State College (starts 9 p.m.)
Jam Night at Dively’s Tavern, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
THURSDAY 1/9:
Wasted Talent at Roaring Spring VFW, Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Duck Iridescent at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 7 p.m.)
“Pub Hang” with The Telegrassers at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (starts 7 p.m.)
The Corner Brothers at Doggie’s Pub, State College (starts 9 p.m.)
Sidewinder at Phyrst, State College (starts 9 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.
