Hey Hey Hey PA Music Lovers—Welcome to the August Issue! This summer has been a wet/hot/humid mix of emotions, and if you haven’t embraced it yet, then you better do so quick, because there are only a few short weeks left of this joy we call summer.
First things up: a big congratulations to our staff writer Chris Rider and his new wife Wendy! That’s right—Chris Rider and Wendy Ellenberger pulled off a surprise wedding this month and turned an average housewarming party into a special day for all who attended. Dave Gates and Colin Alvarez played us sweet tunes while we all hung out and enjoyed the time with friends and family. Shermans Creek Inn had the beer buggy out in force, and I even witnessed Troy racing a Honda generator down the hill like a kid on a Big Wheel as I pulled up to the event. There’s nothing he won’t do to ensure a good time. Spider-Man even showed up for the event! For Chris’s wedding gift, we gave him the month off, and Darlene Hassinger was nice enough to fill in with her account of Rock the Mountains 2025!
A new advertiser this month, Steve Davis, is a seasoned musician originating years ago from across the pond. As he says, “Hatched from a dinosaur egg on the north bank of the River Thames in England and quickly moved to a place called Yorkshire.” Growing up with some of the great bands of the day, he soon found himself in a band and playing support for groups like The Hollies, The Mindbenders, and more. He has played all over the world in places like Germany, Spain, and Turkey, eventually ending up here in the U.S. (legally, he adds). After stints all around the United States, he has now found himself in the PA Musician Magazine range—Altoona, Johnstown, Bedford—and is looking to start a “British Invasion” of sorts. He is known as a “One-Man Band,” singing songs from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and beyond. Hit him up for your venue or party! He is also looking for like-minded people to perform with in the area. Give him a ring at 954-552-8996 or email inkvis@yahoo.com.
Last for this month is a new event for our area: BL Custom Guitars is hosting the South Central PA Gear Swap and Expo on August 30–31, from 10am–5pm both days. The event is being held at ReVi Harrisburg, 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland, PA 17070. Tickets are $10. This two-day expo will feature guitars and music gear from local collectors from Central PA and beyond. New and used guitars and instruments, sound gear, parts, food, and raffle prizes will be available. Contact BL Custom Guitars in New Cumberland for more info on the event: 717-317-1621. Let’s make this first-year event a success—make your plans now!
That’s it for this month. Thank you for supporting live local music. If you would like to promote your event or business, please give me a ring or shoot me an email: 717-636-4203 or joshnoll@pamusician.net.