Here is a listing of area live music and online music happenings for the weekend and week of Friday, February 17 through Thursday, February 23.
Among the highlights on this weekend’s area live music slate is Penn State’s 51st annual Dance Marathon, THON. Started in 1973 and growing into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON 2023 again takes place at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center, raising awareness and funds for the fight against pediatric cancer, with monies going toward the Four Diamonds fund at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The 46-hour dance marathon commences at 6 p.m. on Friday evening and runs through Sunday afternoon. Helping to keep the expected 700-plus dancers up and moving during the duration will be a number of area bands and entertainers. The specific performance schedule is not available, but spectators can check in throughout the weekend to view THON both in person and virtually. Those who wish to view THON virtually may watch and make donations via the THON website, www.thon.org.
With Mardi-Gras happening on Tuesday, some live music events during the next few days will have a Mardi-Gras flavor to them – including the Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society’s “German Mardi-Gras,” Fasching, which takes place on Saturday. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., and members and guests are invited to come in costume. The kitchen will be open, and Randy Servello will provide the live music. Cover charge is $5 per person.
Two songwriter-related events will happen during the next few days. A special six-session Songwriters Workshop will kick off on Saturday at 1 p.m. at 3 Dots Downtown in State College. Songwriters Jon Rounds, Jerry Bresee, and Bruce Truitt – known as the Guitar Brothers – will discuss and share insights on lyrics, melody, chord progressions, harmony, rhythm, and performing skills during the sessions. Participants are welcome to bring partial songs along to gain feedback and tips on how to complete them. Each session is limited to eight participants; cost is $40 per single session, or a discounted cost of $210 to attend all six sessions, which will take place every other Saturday through April 29. To obtain tickets, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3EbFp5E
And Pine Grove Hall in Pine Grove Mills will host the latest installment of their monthly “Writer’s Round” on Sunday evening starting at 6 p.m. Four area songwriters – Steve Treado, Joe Pillot, Travis McCoy and Gwen Stimely – will perform their song creations in the “round” format, and share insights and inspirations behind their music. Food and refreshments will be available. Tickets are $10 per person.
These and many other events are happening during the upcoming seven days, so browse the listing below to see all the options, and – as always – SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!
(Listings in chronological order by event start time.)
FRIDAY 2/17:
Common Ground at Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, Johnstown (starts 5:30 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Gearet Fitzpatrick at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Nathaniel Mowery 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 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
OverheaD at Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Pat McGinnis at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Mr. Jones & Me at Huntingdon Elks, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
Anchor & Arrow at A’s Pub (McLanahan’s), State College (starts 7 p.m.)
Velveeta at Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte (benefit for Centre Volunteers in Medicine Dental Fund, starts 7 p.m.)
Kenny Jubas at Coal Country Brewing Co., Ebensburg (starts 7 p.m.)
Bob Clawson at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
J.D. & Cindy at B & L Wine Cellars, Johnstown (Cambria City) (starts 7 p.m.)
Justin Garman at Stadium Pub & Grille, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Still Rocking at Trixie’s Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
K4 Kountry at Duncansville VFW, Duncansville (starts 7:30 p.m.)
Flashpoint at Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Dave Howsare at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 8 p.m.)
The Pines at Huntingdon Moose, Huntingdon (starts 8 p.m.)
The Stevedores at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Krazy Kat Daddies at Nanty Glo Polish Club, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Jimmy Mowery at The Break Room, Twin Rocks (starts 8 p.m.)
From The Top at Red’s Texas BBQ, Johnstown (starts 8 p.m.)
Midstate Select at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 9 p.m.)
Giants Of Science at Gallitzin IMS, Gallitzin (starts 9 p.m.)
Bone Jacked at Patton American Legion, Patton (starts 9 p.m.)
Felix & the Hurricanes at Southmont Gardens, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Jukehouse Bombers at Freight Station, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Shallow 9 at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
J.R. Mangan Band with Veronica Auger at Cafe 210 West, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s at Phyrst, State College (starts 10 p.m.)
John “JT Blues” Thompson at Hootinanny, Bellefonte (starts 10 p.m.)
The SuperAlrights at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 10 p.m.)
SATURDAY 2/18:
“Songwriters Workshop” with Jon Rounds, Jerry Bresee, and Bruce Truitt (The Guitar Brothers) at 3 Dots, State College (starts 1 p.m.)
Pat McGinnis at Mueller’s Pub, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 3 p.m.)
“Railroad City Music” with Tuxedo Junction at Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona (starts 5 p.m., formal attire only)
Briana Merkel & Heather Twigg at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Coltt Winter Lepley at Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford (starts 6 p.m.)
Donny Burns Duo at Phyrst, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Ted & Molly at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Tony & Stacy at Woody Lodge Winery, Ashville (starts 6 p.m.)
The Pines at Spring Dam Brewing Co., Roaring Spring (starts 7 p.m.)
Steve Dixon at Juniata Brewing Company, Huntingdon (starts 7 p.m.)
“Black Widow’s Ball” with Miss Melanie at Titan Hollow, Bellefonte (starts 7 p.m.)
Samantha Press at Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
The SuperAlrights at Trixie’s Pub, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Jason DeWitt at Fetz’s Sports Bar, Johnstown (starts 7 p.m.)
Corner Brothers at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 7:30 p.m.)
“Fasching” (German Mardi-Gras) with Randy Servello at Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Hair Force One at Newburg Fire Association Social Hall, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)
Stormy at Argonne Cafe, Hollidaysburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Swipe Right at Schellsburg VFW, Schellsburg (starts 8 p.m.)
Gearet Fitzpatrick at Bluegills Bar & Grill, Alexandria (starts 8 p.m.)
Backlash at Mount Union VFW, Mount Union (starts 8 p.m.)
The Clarks and The Jaded Lips at Stage West, State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Crooner & Co. Swing Band at Pine Grove Hall, Pine Grove Mills (starts 8 p.m.)
Wicked Chicken at Elk Creek Cafe, Millheim (starts 8 p.m.)
Morley’s Dog at Moonshine Mine Inn, Nanty Glo (starts 8 p.m.)
Zupe at Windber Moose, Windber (starts 8 p.m.)
Lauren & Joe at Coalport Moose, Coalport (starts 8 p.m.)
Ed N’Born at Molly’s Pub, Altoona (starts 8:30 p.m.)
The Ben Dumm 3 and Emmy & the Geriatrics at McGarvey’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)
Victor & the Icons at Bellwood UVHA, Bellwood (starts 9 p.m.)
100 Proof at Bellwood Eagles, Bellwood (starts 9 p.m.)
Jack Squat at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg (starts 9 p.m.)
Full Kilt at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob All Seasons Resort (starts 9 p.m.)
James Lane at Muddy Run Tavern, Huntingdon (starts 9 p.m.)
Avenue Of Kings at Watson and Black American Legion, Broad Top City (starts 9 p.m.)
Zac Grace Band at Sokols Club, Lilly (starts 9 p.m.)
Sweet Desire and Open Ends at Ball Busters Sports Bar, Cresson (starts 9 p.m.)
Fail at The Freight Station, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
J.D. & Cindy at First Catholic Slovak Bandhall, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
The Banned at Slammin Sam’s, Johnstown (starts 9 p.m.)
Bazooka Joe at Polish Falcons, Windber (starts 9 p.m.)
Twenty Three at Dunlo Slovak Club, Dunlo (starts 9 p.m.)
Juju Bone at Black & Gold Tavern, Altoona (starts 10 p.m.)
Ground Zero at Windber Hotel, Windber (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 2/19:
Greg Burley at Catholic War Vets, Altoona (starts 1 p.m.)
Acoustic Bruce at Bella Terra Vineyards, Bedford (starts 1 p.m.)
“Open Mic” at Antifragile Brewing Co., State College (starts 3:30 pm.)
Biscuit Jam at 814 Cider Works (J.L. Farm & Cidery), State College (starts 4 p.m.)
Donny Burns & the 3rd Degree at Phyrst, State College (THON after-party, starts 5 p.m.)
“Writer’s Round” with Steve Treado, Joe Pillot, Travis McCoy and Gwen Stimely 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.)
The Desperadoes at Southmont Gardens, Johnstown (starts 10 p.m.)
MONDAY 2/20:
(NO SHOWS ANNOUNCED)
TUESDAY 2/21:
“Open Mic Night” with James Grove at D’Ottavio’s Gran Sasso, Hollidaysburg (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 2/22:
The Extra Miles at Gigi’s Southern Table, State College (starts 6 p.m.)
Anna Pearl Belinda 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.)
Sam & Steve Christensen 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.)
THURSDAY 2/23:
Ted McCloskey at Happy Valley Brewing Co., State College (starts 8 p.m.)
Hirsch, Hart, Lowe & Wulbrecht (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.