Editor Josh Noll
Hello music lovers and welcome to another action-packed issue of PA Musician Magazine. March has come in like a lamb and went out like a little baby lion; we had a mild winter and I’ll take it. April is sure to be another crazy and busy month in central PA as we brace for a solar eclipse along with the passing of “the Devil’s Comet”. They say millions and millions of people will descend on the narrow path of totality. Will it happen? Will our eyes burn out? I can say for sure, don’t look at the eclipse, it will give you spots in your eyes! Worse than being blasted by an 80’s stage spotlight, operated by a drunken guy named Swatty. So, if you don’t have glasses, never fear! You can turn this simple newspaper into a solar viewing device. Just google “how to view a solar eclipse”. Okay, enough with that, onto the music.
For people making their summer plans early, we have some festival announcements. First up is the 34th annual Billtown Blues Music Festival on June 21st and 22nd. Located at the Lycoming Fairgrounds in Hughesville, PA. Wow, 34 years is pretty impressive. With camping, food, drink, and numerous vendors, this is a great way to start off summer. Featuring Uptown Music Collective, Soulful Femme, Tas Cru, Nick Andrew Staver, The Cadillac Cats, Carolyn Wonderland, Duke Robillard, and more. Mark your calendars now and get your tickets and more info at Billtownblues.org.
Next up is The 27th annual Briggs Farm Blues Festival. It is set for July 11th, 12th, 13th. Located on the beautiful Briggs Family Farm, this is a must-attend festival for any blues lover. With camping options for all types, two stage areas, lots of food and craft vendors, and more blues bands then you can shake a stick at. The lineup so far this year includes names like Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Swampcandy, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Uncle Lucius, Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, GA-20, and many more, with lots of new artists being added as we draw closer to the event. This is “The Best Weekend of the Year”, get your tickets now and go to Briggsfarm.com for all the info on camping and the full lineup.
Third is a little bit out there but one to put on the radar. The Another World Music Festival is taking place in Woodward, PA on Sept 13th, 14th, 15th. This is another full-on camping style, kick-ass weekend, featuring a slew of bands from the recent CPMA award-winning The Pennsoulvanians to The Narrows, Miss Melanie, Chris Bell Band, Gunpoets, Driftwood, Donna The Buffalo, The Roof, The Sorters, Kid Bess & The Magic Ring and that is not even half the bands. Look for more info on this one as we get closer but make your plans and get your tickets now as this is another weekend you don’t want to miss.
Another special show announcement, The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is hosting An Afternoon with the Very Fine Gentlemen. Sunday May 19th at 3 pm. Something a little different with a Sunday afternoon show. Along with the Very Fine Gentlemen performing, they will be featuring special guests Deuce Gibb, Nate Myers, Andrea Britton, Joey Dalto, D-Bo and Larry Kennedy & Brice Conner of the Jelly Bricks. Speaking of the “Legend of Deuce Gibb”, rumor is he will be on TV soon something called a “Soap Opera”. I don’t know if that involves singing in the shower, but I wouldn’t put it past him. Wherever Deuce goes, the magic follows so make your plans and get your tickets cause this one could sell out quick. The West Shore Theatre is quickly becoming one of the new places to catch unique and exciting shows, that offer a new and different setting from your typical bar show or nightclub show. Something about the smell of popcorn that makes the crowd go crazy. Don’t take my word for it, go see for yourself. Go to westshoretheatre.org for tickets and more info.
Well, that’s it for this month. Look through the paper; we have a plethora of show announcements and upcoming events listed that you just don’t want to miss. Get out and support your favorite bands and venues, but also take some time and go see someone new or try out that Tuesday Taco night. We all need support and we are all on the same team. If you would like to join in on the fun and want us to help you get the word out, then give me a ring at 717-636-4203 or send a text. Email joshnoll@pamusician.net. No, it’s not free cause we have to pay the bills, but it is the cheapest print option around. Along with the print ad, we also share your Facebook and Myspace posts and you get a free banner ad on our website. It’s super easy. Don’t delay, call today, and thank you all for the continued support.