Westmoreland Cultural Trust will ROCK The PALACE Saturday, April 22! Ten bands will compete on The Palace Theatre stage for a chance to be crowned the 2017 ROCK The PALACE champion. Supporting the Trust’s mission, this fundraising event will feature local bands and provide them with a concert-style platform and priceless experience to play on the same stage as countless national touring artists. ROCK The PALACE also serves as the audition process for new bands in Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s summer TGIS concert series.
The audience will play a key role in the evening, as they vote their favorite musicians and bands on to victory. Industry judges include Mike Vale of The Crystal Blue Band and Jimbo and the Soupbones, Diane Shrader, executive director of Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, and Bob Boyle of Bad Boy Blues Band.
The Palace Theatre doors will open at 5 p.m. A full bar and local food vendor Caffe Barista will be available in Megan’s Suite with proceeds supporting the event. Live music will begin at 6 p.m. on The Palace Theatre stage.
The winning band will receive a booking at Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s TGIS concert series; a complimentary promotional photo shoot with Carey Busatto Photography; six hours of studio time at House of Rose Studio in Greensburg, compliments of Vinnie DeFloria; a spot in the entertainment line-up at the popular Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival; and future support opportunities with nationally touring acts courtesy of Drusky Entertainment.
Second and third place bands will share an evening in the TGIS summer concert series. The second-place band will also receive a complimentary promotional photo shoot with Carey Busatto Photography and a spot in the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival.
Bands Scheduled to Appear:
A Little Less Human
Acoustical Bruce
Andy Gregg
Brahctopus
JWP
Leah K Music
Mark and the Wild Things
Special Reserve
Thieves & Lovers
Victoria Morgan
During intermission, Facebook fan favorite Kaelber and 13-year-old Rachel Leigh will each perform.
General admission tickets are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event and can be purchased online at www.thepalacetheatre.org or by phone at 724-836-8000.
Business Member Sponsors:
McDowell Associates/Kattan-Ferretti Insurance
PNC Bank
Hefren-Tillotson
Event Sponsors:
First Energy Foundation
Donahue’s Incorporated
Somerset Trust Company
Supporters to date include:
Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival
House of Rose Studio
Carey Busatto Photography
Drusky Entertainment
ABOUT THE BANDS
A Little Less Human Rock
Pittsburgh, PA
This American rock trio’s massive sound is harsh yet melodic, and at the very least, an aggressive punch and feel that will keep you moving from the first song to the last. Their influences range from pop to punk and funk to classic rock. Warchild, the band’s first single release, features the multi-layered harmonies and bouncy riffs that A Little Less Human is known for and is a great opener to what they offer musically.
https://www.facebook.com/alittlelesshuman/
https://www.reverbnation.com/alittlelesshuman
Acoustical Bruce Country/Folk
Bruce played the Pittsburgh area in the 70s with legendary bands Lothlorien & Star Shower. He now performs as an acoustic guitarist and vocalist playing classic acoustic music such as Cat Stevens, Dan Fogelberg, Eagles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Prine and more. Bruce was fortunate enough to represent our area in Nashville as a Pittsburgh Regional Finalist for the Nashville Star TV Show.
http://www.acousticalbruce.webrec.com/index.html
Andy Gregg Band Country
Pittsburgh, PA
Growing up in South Western Pennsylvania in the heart of work boot country, Andy Gregg found his passion in the form of musical ability. Andy is not only a singer and songwriter, but also found himself with the ability of being a multi-instrumentalist. Andy is proficient at the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass. Using experiences from his own life, stories told to him by others and some creative freedom, Andy writes songs that resonate with the hard-working men and women from the foothills of Appalachia.
https://www.facebook.com/andygreggmusic/
http://andygreggmusic.com
Brahctopus Reggae
Pittsburgh, PA
Brahctopus is a group of young, adept musicians sending feel-good east coast reggae vibes you don’t want to be left out of! #keepitsquiggly
https://www.facebook.com/BrahctopusBand/
JWP Rock, Funk, Blues
Pittsburgh, PA
JWP is a well-seasoned band celebrating over eight years of making music together. The band has a unique rock, blues and funk sound that appeals to all ages.
https://www.facebook.com/jwpband/
https://jwpband.com
Leah K Music Acoustic Rock
Greensburg, PA
Leah Komarinski has been surrounded by rock and roll her entire life. Spending her childhood listening to and rocking out with her Dad’s band, she knew that was how she wanted to live her life. Growing up on good old classic rock and the generation bands from the 70s and 80s, Leah’s take on writing music is heavily influenced by timeless bands (The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Creedence Clearwater Revival) and legendary artists (Tom Petty, Steve Miller, Pat Benetar). http://leahkmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/LeahKMusic/
Mark and the Wild Things Classic Rock
Uniontown, PA
Mark and the Wild Things is a very experienced classic rock, 70s and 80s dance and pop blues band.
https://www.facebook.com/MarkandWildThings/
Special Reserve Classic Rock, Indie, Blues
Greensburg, PA
Constructed in late 2015, Special Reserve is what you get when you take whiskey-infused heavy rock from the 1970s, store it in a time capsule, and then set it loose to the delight of modern audiences. Their new self-titled EP is a proverbial melting pot of blues, southern rock, and modern indie undertones that manages to sound new and refreshing while familiar and nostalgic.
http://specialreserverocks.com
http://www.facebook.com/specialreserverocks
Thieves & Lovers Alternative
Pittsburgh, PA
Thieves & Lovers originally formed in, sultry southern California in 2014. Citing influences like Jimmy Eat World, The Goo Goo Dolls, and The Replacements, the band’s sound blends melodic vocals with tight guitar-driven arrangements. Originally conceived as a side project for vocalist and guitarist Stoner, Thieves & Lovers became a full-time project upon relocating from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, PA.
https://www.facebook.com/thievesandlovers/
https://www.thievesandlovers.com/
Victoria Morgan Pop/Rock
Greensburg, PA
Victoria Morgan is a spunky and outgoing singer/songwriter who has been performing throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond since the age of 12. Some of her highlighted performing experiences include the Vans Warped Tour in both Pittsburgh and Nashville, TN, Westmoreland Community Days, and Pittsburgh’s Hard Rock Cafe.
https://victoriamorgan.bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/victoriamorganmusic/
INTERMISSION PERFORMANCES –
Kaelber Psychedelic/Alternative/Progressive Rock
Greensburg, PA
Kaelber is an up and coming band that has been building a steady buzz in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas since their first show in 2015. Kaelber combines an eclectic mix of psychedelic, alternative, and progressive rock fused with punk, funk, and metal to create a truly unique sound. Kaelber’s onstage energy is infectious as they showcase their original songs and play covers from influences such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix.
http://www.kaelberband.com
http://facebook.com/kaelberband/
Rachel Leigh Country
Norwin
Rachel is a 13-year-old student at Norwin Middle School. She is the 2016 Westmoreland County Fair Idol and performs at The Keynote Café in Jeannette, FirePit in Irwin, and will be Wendy in the NMS Spring Production of Peter Pan. Rachel began playing guitar at 8 years old and continues to take lessons and write her own songs.
CONTACT: Kelli Brisbane /kelli@wctrust.net / 724.836.1123 x255
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About Westmoreland Cultural Trust
Westmoreland Cultural Trust is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate cultural and economic development in the Westmoreland County region, to promote the performing arts; preserve and enhance the region’s assets for the benefit of the community.
102 N. Main Street, Suite 232, Greensburg PA 15601 / 724-836-1123