We made it through another month! This one was definitely a real whopper at times; not only sending us through all the different seasons each week, but just life in general. It seems to me that a lot of people are going through some tough stuff right now. No matter who you are or what you are doing, I hope you can find what makes you happy, for me, that’s music! I have to get out and listen to music and be with my friends! I am so grateful for all of the friends that music has brought to my life.
This month starts out with a trip actually out of PA to go see one of my favorite PA bands, Steel. These guys don’t have too many venues to play in around here, but they are always talking about their Stable’s shows and how awesome they are, so in honor of Scott Troup’s birthday, we headed down to The Stables in Westminster, Maryland to hear Steel. Unbelievable to see that even though there was a $10 cover at the door, the place was packed! At least with a few hundred people! The place was standing room only, people were there for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, etc. They chose to come hear live music and celebrate! It was such a beautiful thing!! I love seeing the guys up there just smiling and rockin’ out to a nice big crowd, a full dance floor, everybody clapping, singing, and dancing.. it was soooo refreshing!! Friday, April 17th they will be rockin’ at Racehorse Tavern. Hopefully we can show them how PA can come out and support them too!
The first Tuesday of the month means Open Mic at the Copper Pub hosted by Megan and Dave. Since Dave was out skiing Matt Jameson stepped in to help host. So much amazing talent. My good friend I met at Ridge Run open mic, Mike A. brought his Harp out and chipped in on songs when he could. Julia Denne in all of her amazingness was out there playing her heart out, excited for the next day, her first big CPMA night, where she was nominated for best Youth Artist. Greyson Beardsley, hard to believe he’s Dave’s son, he has so much of his own style and music magicery! Bonnie Easley is back in town, and boy that girl can SING. Chris Auxt brought his keys out for a special performance, he had Travis Bossler chip in on Cajone, and Matt played some guitar and sang too. RJ Conrad popped in and played a few for us. And of course, last minute, Derek Avalon showed up and spread some of his butter! One of my biggest highlights was seeing Megan jamming with her guitar teacher Chris Auxt, and she even played LEAD. Dang girl. So proud of you! Truly a blast at the open mic at Copper Pub once again. Next one is Tuesday, April 7th, ya never know what’s gonna happen!
The next night was the biggest night of the year for the Central PA Music Community, the 7th Annual Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Induction and CPMA show! It’s the one day a year I wear a dress, so I always need quite a bit of prep work assistance. Luckily Cindy stepped up as my full hair, body, makeup, and outfit consultant. HA! We got all ready and headed to Your Place for a nice pre-game dinner, and then headed to the American Music Theatre in Lancaster for the show! Such a great theatre for this event with plenty of mingling space, and the theatre seats themselves have so much room and are super comfy!
The 2026 CPMHOF Inductees were: The Couriers, Bill Fisher, Martie Maguire (which the band they pulled together to represent The Chicks were a local music powerhouse! Including the one and only Corrina Rose on vocals), The Ocean Blue, who actually all showed up and played for us which was awesome!, and Eddie Rambeau. Congrats to Jay Kirssin on the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dan Brenner on the Educator of Note. Tons of awards were given out to TONS of categories. There’s a full video to watch of the show, or you can check out the list of winners at www.cpmhof.com. Congrats to all of the winners. You know you are all winners in my book!!
On Thursday I was super late to the show, but we celebrated Jen Auxt’s birthday at The Doghouse during Erica Everest’s open mic. There weren’t many artists that showed up, but the ones who did put on a great show. Lots of mixes and mashes, and just good ole’ fun! Luckily for me Cindy stepped in and documented the night in my absence. She Frachel’s the heck out of every show! She’s amazing! Happy Birthday Jen!! I hope you know how much we all love you!!!
The following weekend I took a much needed trip up to New York to hug my soldier!! Too much happening in the world. Luckily he still needs some training before they are ready to send him overseas somewhere, so I can rest easier than a lot of our troops, and their Mammas and Pappas, Wives, Husbands, Sons, and Daughters. Thank you to all of the military and their families. I have a much larger appreciation and understanding than I ever had before, that’s for darn sure!
On a Wednesday night it was time to head back to Blue Sky Tavern for Open Mic. I had to dodge some storms that werer whipping through the area, but I finally made it to The Blue Sky Tavern’s open mic hosted by Matt Jameson Live. Not a huge crowd with all the crazy storms, but we still made the most of it and good times were had by all.
On a Thursday, it was musical night filled with magical moments at The Sturges Speakeasy with Hank The Buffalo. Lots of guest musicians, and a room full of friends!! Chris and Steve were rockin’ the corner, but gave other guest musicians a shot on the mic. Crash & Cross jammed a couple tunes, Crash was all excited about his new original releases and his newest upcoming release “Three Streets”. He’s on a roll! Megan, who also sings on Crash’s new release, got up and sang with the Buffalo Boys for a song. Then Phil got up and shared his talents, Mark Santana played with Chris, and then handed the guitar off to Dan Mowery, Chuck Britton jumped up next, and the final guest of the night was Derek Avalon! I swear it was more musicians than you see play at some open mics. Hank got up there for the last few songs and to finish off the night. Always a blast at Sturges. It’s definitely the place musicians go to gather.
The next weekend I headed to Willowbrook Mansion to spend a weekend with the ladies from my church, Abundant Harvest in Duncannon. It was a great weekend of living life together and hearing amazing encouragement to Unhinder ourselves in this busy, busy world! If you’re looking for a church, give Abundant Harvest a try.. I’ll save you a seat!! We are having an Sunrise Easter Service at 6:30am in our Church Pavillion with breakfast following the service. Come on out! I’m also planning our Movie Nights in the Park this year. June 19th and July 17th at the Park in Duncannon. Tons of free activities, food, fun, and of course the movie under the stars! This year’s movies will be Air Bud on June 19th, and Mulan on July 17th. If you’d like to sponsor a fun activity, or just come join the fun, we’d love to have you!
Thursday night we finally made it to Fratelli’s Towne Tavern for open mic hosted by Merve music 717. There were quite a few musicians that came out to show us their talents. Merve kicked things off for us, and quickly had a friend come up and sing with him from the bar. Then some open mic regulars, Nashandre (Natasha and Andre) doing their magic, Josh Tweedy who I haven’t seen for a bit playing some originals on his 12-string guitar, next, I’m bummed I didn’t get their names, but a sweet sister duo, big sister played guitar while little sister sang us some T-Swift! Then, Cindy stepped up to sing her song with Merve, and about that time Stephen rolled it to play a few, along with our good friend Derek Avalon. Merve stepped back up to the mic to end the night. Then, while in town, we decided to head over to Dead Lightning Still Works. We had so many amazing nights here in my drinking days! And I’m glad I finally made it back in to visit sober! We played our favorite songs on the juke box and continued the adventure. It was truly a great night in New Cumberland!
As a matter of fact it was so much fun I headed back to Fratelli’s Friday night for Hank the Buffalo! We got in trouble for dancing before 9pm, so we decided to go for a little walk around the town; we hit up Dead Lightning again, and a quick stop over to Wild Rabbit where I’m hoppy to say they have a Mocktail Menu! Then we found some extra friends, and headed back to Fratelli’s at 9:05. DANCE TIME! It’s hard not to dance when the place is standing room only. Glad we could officially break into fun dance party time to end the night.
Saturday I finally got a chance to celebrate St. Patty’s day at the Carl’s on Green St. We were having so much fun, we missed the parade! The extra sweet surprise, was meeting Buxsy and Gracie.. 2 sweet brand new puppies!!! Thanks Jeff and Kierstin for an amazing day on Green St.! Thanks Stephen Robert Music for the entertainment! It was so much fun just having a living room party with so many friends and live music. Sorry Uncle Bill for blocking the TV with my booty!!
Wednesday night was Great Again at the Blue Sky Tavern’s open mic with Matt Jameson! There was a good amount of musicians, but it was also cool to see so many fans/spectators! You know it’s a fun open mic when people come just to watch the show! Happy Birthday Barb Hale!! I was just sitting on the couch at home, but when I heard everyone was there celebrating Barb’s birthday I had to peel myself off the couch and come out, and I’m glad I did. ATM was rockin the stage when I arrived, and ended the night when I left! ATM is a 3-piece band that plays a lot of 90s music, and can take a lot of hackling from the crowd, let’s just say they “creeped” their way right off the stage! It was cool to see Stephen came back down to the Blue Sky for a bit and Megan Yvonne. I missed Megan solo, but heard her do a couple with Stephen. The OG Rob Davis was back with his 12 string guitar, it was great to see Julia Denne come down to Lewisberry and see a whole new crowd hear her originals, it’s good to get out and go to new places to get your music heard everywhere! Julia is a music writing maniac right now. It’s awesome to see the love and support she gets from her family! Plenty of jams and shenanigans to fill the night. Good times were had by all!
Last, but definitely not least, Congrats to Jason Carst Music on a “Monumental” amount of shows! The Copper Pub and Grille was packed tight with people ready to celebrate and have a good time! 13 years of performing to the masses! I’ve seen Jason play so many different places! With a band, solo, etc.. even in his front yard during Covid! Every time is a good time!! Congrats neighbor! It’s crazy to think I’ve been watching you play for 13 years!! I’m not allowed to say the number of shows because of the tax man.. but it’s A LOT.
Well that’s all for another amazing month with Rachel Rocks. So super lucky to have so many amazing friends thanks to music. I really can’t imagine my life without all of you in it. I’m so grateful for you all. Looking forward to decks, doors, windows, opening and sun shining!!! See ya all Out and About! Turn the page and find amazing music to go see and hear. You can also check us out online at www.pamusician.net. Support Local Music!!!
