Westmoreland Cultural Trust is Heating Things Up with Their FREE 15-Week TGIS Summer Concert Series
Greensburg, PA (April 18, 2017) – Westmoreland Cultural Trust is proud to announce its 13th annual TGIS (Thank Goodness It’s Summer) concert series line-up featuring 15 weeks of local/live entertainment in the S&T Bank Courtyard and Megan’s Suite at The Palace Theatre (21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg).
This FREE community event runs every Thursday evening May 25 – August 31 from 6 – 9:30 PM. Bands from all over the region will play outdoors in the courtyard while guests enjoy light bites from neighboring restaurant Caffe Barista and refreshing cocktails. The season will end Friday, September 8 with a finale on The Palace Theatre stage featuring several returning TGIS bands. For more information, visit www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org
Scheduled to Appear (Thursdays):
May:
25 – Jimbo and the Soupbones
June:
1 - Neon Swing X-perience
8 – Switch
15 – The Abilene Band
22 - Gary Pratt
29 - Sky Pilot & moneypenny
July:
6 – Gashouse Annie Duo & Detention
13 – Hamilton Ave.
20 – Bad Boy Blues Band
27 – The Bricks
August:
3 – Supper Break String Band
10 – East Coast Turnaround Acoustic Trio
17 – Jeff Perigo & Friends
24 – ROCK The Palace (April 22) 2nd & 3rd Place Winners
31 – ROCK The Palace (April 22) 1st Place Winner
September:
8 – FINALE
Bands:
Jimbo and The Soupbones:
One doesn’t need to hear a single note of music to know that Jimbo and the Soupbones is a band that makes people happy. The name alone prompts a chuckle. Luckily, the good feelings don’t stop at the name.
Musical genres are crossed without apology, resulting in a fresh, yet familiar blend of funk, rock, soul and blues that excludes no one. Since landing on the live music scene in 2008 with their debut CD, Self-Titled (yes, that’s actually the title), they’ve twice been crowned “Best band in Pittsburgh.” The buzz heightened when they opened for Bon Jovi at Consol Energy Center in 2012, and they’ve been a staple at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals since. As they work on their next CD (they seem to be no rush), they continue to make people believe in “Live” music. They entertain… brilliantly.
Their versatility is evidenced by the wide array of musicians and bands that they’ve shared billing or stages with… Bon Jovi, Derek Trucks Band, Amos Lee, Average White Band, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, War and most bands indigenous to the Pittsburgh area (that’s where the heart is).
Neon Swing X-perience:
Neon Swing X-perience was formed in 1998 by Mike Urick and a rag-tag group of musicians who had a passion for the music of a bygone era. Since its origins, NSX has been relentlessly devoted to updating and preserving vintage American genres such as swing, rockabilly, hot jazz, horn rock, and blues. Described as “swing with sting,” NSX’s style is a raucous modernization of multiple influences all rooted in the big bands of the 1930s and 1940s.
Every NSX performance is an explosive retro party guaranteed to fill your ears with excitement. In addition to a monthly residency at Pittsburgh’s swankiest jazz club (NOLA on the Square), the group has performed at some of the hippest locales in the US including Central Park in New York City, the legendary Derby in Hollywood, and the world’s biggest rockabilly festival (Viva Las Vegas). The band has opened for such renowned acts as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Reverend Horton Heat, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the Max Weinberg Big Band, as well as performed at events with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Eddie Money among others.
Switch:
Switch Acoustic, a three-piece acoustic act playing in Westmoreland County and the Pittsburgh Metro area, is comprised of members of the band Switch, the Metro area’s best cover band. Switch Acoustic’s lead singer is Amy Demi, and guitarist/singers are Denny Bondra and Brian Rause. Amy Demi is a local talent from Hempfield, Denny Bondra is from Indiana, and Brian Rause hails from Yukon.
Switch Acoustic, backed by many years of experience, will sing their own songs plus audience favorites from almost every genre of music.
The Abilene Band:
Country music group Abilene debuted in the early 1980s. The band was composed of Herb Humphreys, Keith Taylor, Larry Miller, Jay McKnight and Ray Rhodes.
Abilene traveled the tri-state area while also finding time to record two local hits, You Don’t Need to Need Me Now and Louisiana Feeling. For several years, the band was the opening act for national performers and won a number of ‘Battle of the Bands’ competitions and contests. One win landed them on the stage of Jamboree in the Hills in 1984, which led to a performance on the popular Nashville You Can Be A Star television show on the CMT Network.
Over the past 30 years, Abilene has shared the stage with such greats as Alabama, Ronnie Milsap, The Statler Brothers, Pure Prairie League, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, Dr. Hook, Eddie Rabbit and The Judds. In recent years, original members Herb, Keith and Larry reunited and welcomed newcomer Tim Burkhart into the group. Randy Rhodes has also returned as sound engineer for the group.
Gary Pratt:
At a very early age, Gary Pratt expressed his talent and his love for music. Country music has always been a part of his life. In addition to performing locally, he had the pleasure of showcasing his music in Nashville at various venues including The Captain’s Table on Printer’s Alley, Gilley’s, The Sweetwater Lounge, Douglas Corner, The Bluebird Cafe and many more. He has appeared before crowds of thousands and has been the opening act for the Rocky Gap Music Festival in Maryland, showcased his talent as part of Nashville’s Fanfest, entertained at the Tennessee State Fair, and has been the opening act for national artists such as Chris Cagle, Mark Chestnut, Crystal Gayle, Phil Stacey, Ronnie Milsap and Pam Tillis, as well as Lorrie Morgan at The Palace Theatre.
Gary’s CD, Don’t Walk There In My Shadow, consists of seven original songs. The CD release party and concert was a sold-out event sponsored by Westmoreland Cultural Trust. Gary has also been featured and interviewed on Froggy radio stations and is currently performing with the country band Moonshine Steel.
Gary owns and operates Le Jardin Florals in Greensburg, his other passion.
Skypilot:
Sky Pilot enjoys playing and singing cover songs from the 60s and 70s. There’s never a dull moment when this band plays, and it’s always a guaranteed good time.
moneypenny:
Moneypenny plays music of an original nature with most of the songs written by lead guitarist George Kulik and co-produced by percussionist Jim Wolfe. This band will also play a select few cover tunes.
Detention:
Jane and Mandi from Detention have been playing together for about 7 years. From the inception of this acoustic duo, Mandi and Jane developed their own unique blend of musical talent and humor to delight their audiences. The energy they exhibit during their performances made them favorites at many local establishments and has resulted in their performing at numerous private parties, benefits and weddings. Jane and Mandi are thankful for their families’ and friends’ constant support and encouragement. Without them, they never would have the opportunity to go out every weekend, sing their hearts out and explain that they are teachers by day and “rock stars” by night!
Gashouse Annie:
Gashouse Annie is entering its second decade of music entertaining and playing country music. Their energetic show includes an outstanding diversity of original music along with familiar songs old and new. They have opened for such country legends as Loretta Lynn at the Pepsi Roadhouse, where their set of nine original tunes was very well received. In addition to Loretta Lynn, Gashouse Annie has opened for many other artists over the past 20 years. This includes appearances with legends Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, and Glen Campbell and newer country artists Aaron Tippin, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn at venues such as the Post-Gazette Pavilion, Pepsi Roadhouse, IC Light Tent and Wheeling Jamboree.
Hamilton Ave.:
Hamilton Ave. is an acoustic classic rock band formed in January 2012. The band features Tim Bush (formerly of BOOKENDZ and HY-5) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Mike Scimmi (formerly of The Shooters, Route 66, and Stagger Lee) on bass guitar and back-up vocals, and Tom Pastor (formerly of 6 Foot Symun and Knightriders) on drums, lead and back-up vocals. Covering music from the 1950s to the present and just a touch of country, they perform songs from such artists as America, The Eagles, The Temptations, The Beatles, Goo Goo Dolls, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, and many more.
The Bad Boy Blues Band:
From Greensburg Pa. BBBB is a mixture of old-style and modern blues with a touch of classic rock. Bob Boyle & Ned Stokes have been together for 40 yrs. Vinnie for the last 8 and newest member is Mike Sheffler. Fun and energy is their recipe for a great show. Their debut CD Temptations coming was received well by fans. They are in the Studio recording their second CD. They have played with and opened for many local and national acts throughout their playing career.
The Bricks:
The Bricks is an acoustic duo, formerly 3 Bricks Shy.
Comprised of Tim Lint on acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals and Sam Paul on acoustic guitar and vocals, the band has been performing throughout the Laurel Highlands/ Westmoreland County area since 2000.
Tim and Sam play a mix of 70s, 80s & 90s acoustic & country rock, as well as original compositions.
They are known for their tight harmonies that lend themselves to such material as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Eagles, James Taylor, America, Jimmy Buffet and Zac Brown to name a few. The Bricks perform with a lighthearted approach and try to make their audiences feel right at home.
Supper Break String Band:
Southwestern PA natives and brothers Josh and Zack Starrett, along with lifelong friend and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Hall, make up this Americana/Grass-Rock trio. Since their inception in 2012, they have been gaining attention in the bluegrass and music festival community with raw, high-energy performances and a rabid passion for live music. Having shared bills with such national and international touring acts as G-Love and Special Sauce, JJ Grey and Mofro, Larry Keel, Yarn, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Consider the Source, Swampcandy, Lovebettie, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (to name a few), Supper Break String Band blends creative originality with familiar bluegrass, blues, and rock classics that have landed them both return and debut appearances at some of the region’s premier music festivals, while continuing to build a solid friend-and-fan base wherever they go.
In December 2015, Supper Break String Band released their debut studio album No Brakes in front of a record-shattering audience and have been gaining national attention and critical acclaim since. The album release, along with the band’s steady local touring schedule and rigorous work ethic, have spurred nationwide tours through the northwest, west coast, south, and east coast.
East Coast Turnaround Acoustic Trio:
East Coast Turnaround is a blue-collar band known as “The Fathers of Trucker Rock” for their blend of southern rock, blues and soul. They’ve performed four times on Pittsburgh’s #1 rated morning show (WDVE 102.5 FM) and have been heard on WRKW 99.1 (Johnstown, PA), WXDX 105.9 FM (Pittsburgh, PA), WIUP 90.1 FM (Indiana, PA) and WLER 97.7 FM (Butler, PA). They’ve played throughout the region as well as Alabama, Maryland, West Virginia and Tennessee. ECT has shared the stage with national acts such as Tesla, Bret Michaels, Donnie Iris, Charlie Daniels, Leon Russell, Rusted Root and Blackberry Smoke.
Jeff Perigo & Friends:
Singer-songwriter Jeff Perigo has been playing music since 1994 in the Johnstown, Indiana and Somerset areas — including acoustic or electric, classic rock, folk, blues, country and jam band.
His influences include The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, The Band, The Allman Brothers Band, and many underground musicians he has seen throughout the years. He prefers writing blues-based rock songs and rearranging cover songs adding his own unique twist.
Summer Sponsors to date include:
Artisan plastic surgery, Francis R. Johns, M.D.
Avolio Law Group, LLC
Fejes Signs
First Energy Foundation
Fotorecord Print Center
Hefren-Tillotson
Integrity Retirement & Estate advisors
PNC Bank
evening sponsors to date include:
Caliber Contracting Services
Friends to elect Silvis for Judge
McDowell Associates /Kattan-Ferretti Insurance
PWA Wealth Management
Sherid’s Driving School
The Wilson Group
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
www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org
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