Welcome back to the April issue! Spring has sprung and things are popping off. The spring, summer, and fall event dates are all surfacing, so make your plans now.
First up is the annual St. Jude Benefit at Racehorse Tavern the first week of May, with guest bartenders all week followed by two full days of music, raffles, and door prizes. Keep an eye on the Racehorse Facebook page as details emerge.
The Briggs Farm Blues Festival is set for July 9–11, a full weekend of the best blues and Americana/country music from local and national acts. The Record Company is headlining the event this year, along with Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Vanessa Collier, and a list of artists so long you just have to check it out for yourself. With full weekend passes, endless camping options, and day passes, there are choices for everyone. If you have never been to Briggs Farm, then add this to your list. Check it out at briggsfarm.com.
Upstage Music Festival is set for August 7–8. Details are still being announced, but this is another high-flying weekend of music you don’t want to miss. Some of the area’s hardest-hitting metal bands from PA and beyond will be bringing fury to the stage including The Bunny Bear, Cultus Black, Fast Fall, Death in Paris, Man in Reverse, Secret Bound, and more. Check it out at theupstagemusicfest.com.
This one may sound far off, but everyone LOVES to get spooky in October, and this first annual event is one not to miss. MARTYRFEST ‘26 is set for October 17 at Elickers Grove Park in Spring Grove, PA. Music by Spine Belt, Anthrophobia, Blood and Earth, Fight The Fold, Wrath of Typhon, Rabid Assassin, Burn The Martyr, and more. This all-ages event (21+ to drink) will feature food and snack trucks, local breweries on site, art vendors, tattoo and costume contests, silent auctions, and a spooky atmosphere. Check out the event page on Facebook—just search Martyrfest.
I would like to welcome a new advertiser this month: Dave McCullough Music. Based out of the Harrisburg area, Dave is no stranger to the scene and has been playing solo shows around the region. He creates unique covers of popular songs using looping techniques paired with harmonica. He will be performing at Ever Grain Brewing Co. on April 9 and The River House Scratch Kitchen & Bar on the 17th. In May, you can find him at Hogan’s Bar & Grill on the 15th, Horn Pub on the 22nd, and The Allenberry Resort on the 26th. He is looking to fill some 2026 dates, so venues looking for new options should give him a call. You can find his ad on the next page with all the details on how to follow along. Check him out at facebook.com/davemcculloughmusic.
That’s it for this month! If you would like to advertise your upcoming event or get the word out about your next project, please give me a call or shoot me a text at 717-636-4203, or email joshnoll@pamusician.net. We still have availability for some summer and fall cover features, so get in touch if you want to let everyone know what you are up to. Peace out and enjoy the sunshine.