When it comes to music, I’m a pretty open ear. But when my friend invited me to the Annual Fiddlin’ Bear OT Musicians’ 2008 Gathering, I suddenly had hearing problems. Camping at Lake Genero Park in the middle of Hamlin, PA for an entire weekend and listening to yodeling, bluegrass music just didn’t seem like [...]

If you like music, your next favorite band will have played at Johnny Brenda’s within the past 8 months – I all but guarantee it.  This may sound audacious, but try it: look at the lineup of talented musicians and bands that have come through in the past year, and try not to be impressed [...]

The 18th annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival takes place this weekend September 5th – 7th at Sandcastle’s Riverplex, in West Homestead. This celebration marks the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day and is sure to be a great party. The aim of the festival is to bring awareness of the Irish culture to the city of [...]

This Labor Day weekend forgo your typical picnic and head to Johnstown, PA for a free folk festival. From August 29th - 31st Johnstown will transform into a music celebration that will make your holiday weekend one to remember. The Johnstown Folk Festival will feature blues, country, rock, Celtic, funk, r&b and of course folk [...]

The Pirate’s may not be the best team in the league but their position adds more entertainment to PNC Park guests.  PNC Park’s traditional sky blast was a fun filled night packed with a ball game, concert, and fireworks show.  Our beloved Pittsburgh Pirates went up against Cincinnati in an ill-fated match that I’d rather [...]

Never say that you do not have time to do something.  Make time!  Especially if it is in good old Beaver County, with some of your childhood buddies.  My native land of Aliquippa has a hidden treasure that everyone should know about, I am spreading the word whether it is online, in print, or even [...]

If you’re thirsty for local, craft brews in Harrisburg, you have options. We’re lucky to have two well-known, highly acclaimed breweries right in the City: Appalachian Brewing Co. (ABC) and Troegs. And on any given Saturday, you can stop in to either respective location for a free brewery tour. Beyond beer, ABC is known for [...]

The popular clothing manufacturer, American Eagle Outfitters, based in Pittsburgh, sponsored a two-day music festival in the streets of the South Side this past weekend. Musicians who took part in the first New American Music Union Festival ranged from college bands to the legendary Bob Dylan. The festival started at 6 p.m. on Friday, August [...]

Music is all about passion and taste. For some, spending a night at a ratty bar filled with crusty art students taking advantage of drink specials (a shot of Bourbon and a PBR for $3…$4 with tip…don’t be cheap) trying to tell if that baby band on stage shows enough promise to even try to [...]

It’s the dog days of summer, even in Harrisburg, not really known for beach scenes or tropical rendezvous. Instead, we celebrate with big music, outdoor festivals and the the best kinds of summer food. This weekend alone brings the Dauphin County Multicultural Street Festival, a free open-air event celebrating the cultural diversity in the area. [...]

A lot of people like to tailgate before a concert, but what happens if the show you are attending is on a strip in the city with no ample party zone? Well, the answer is clear when this occurs in the Southside of Pittsburgh. Last week I went to a show at Diesel, a venue [...]

Roadtrips and tunes just “go” together and you can’t have one without the other, or rather… you shouldn’t. And although you can’t have a roadtrip without some grade A music to take along for the ride… its not always on the top of most traveler “must have” lists.
Change of undies-check
Munchies-check
Camera, video or other-check
Mix tapes!!! [...]

Mention downtown shopping to Philadelphians of a certain age, and they will recall one store with particular fondness. The legendary Wanamakers, Philadelphia’s first department store and home of the world’s largest pipe organ, is now Macy’s. The iconic eagle sculpture and the organ are still there, and shoppers still enjoy the experience of browsing high-end [...]