On Centre: Bald Eagle Area

Musicians take stage, spotlight

Chris Rosenblum

For the price, this concert's tough to beat.

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Ten bands from the Bald Eagle valley and the region will stage a country music extravaganza Sept. 27 at the J.K. Yearick Center in Howard, and all will play in the key of F— as in, for free.

Howard Fire Company, the sponsor, calls it Country Band Sunday. Each fourth Sunday of the month, everyone is invited to the jam, to tap their toes to bluegrass, gospel and just hot picking in general.

“We’ve got quite the crew to come and see,” said Anita Masden, a company volunteer. “It’s a nice relaxing afternoon.”

Started two years ago, the shows draw on average 50 or 60 people. At the next one, the audience will hear the host, the Back Porch String Band, as well as guests Lockport Drifters, Murphy’s Junction, Phase 2, Bob & Shirley Kerstetter, The Country Ramblers, Friends of Gospel, Parlor Pickers, Back Room Boys and Pine Hall Tuesday Night Jam Group.

The music, starting at noon, should continue to about 5 p.m. Chicken barbecue for sale will last until it’s gone.

Grab the mike

Music will also ring out at the last Village Green Market of the season on Sept. 26 in Julian.

And you can call the tune. The community market plans to hold its first “Locals on Stage” open-mike show for musicians, groups and singers. Market organizer Ann Wilken said novices and experienced performers are equally welcome.

The idea, she said, came from having groups entertain shoppers browsing vegetables and crafts in the Huston Township Community Center.

“This time we didn’t have anything scheduled, so I thought I’d do this,” Wilken said.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the stage will belong to whoever steps forward. So far, Wilken has two acts scheduled — a small brass ensemble from Bald Eagle Area High School, and a mother-daughter duo from Julian.

Call Wilken at 355-8026 to get on the bill, or just show up. She’ll fit you in.

Cheap thrills

Who says you can’t have fun on a budget?

Free prizes, games and food await at the Martha United Methodist Church Kid’s Fun Festival, to be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, on Saturday. Since 1997, the church has thrown the annual party for local children and their families.

This year, a Bounce House has been added to the attractions for toddlers to teenagers.

For the adults, there will be a silent auction of baskets made by church members, a chili cook-off, and baked goods, food and perennials for sale.

Bring yourselves, and maybe a favorite chili recipe, to the church pavilion area off Ardery Hollow Road near Port Matilda.

Chris Rosenblum writes about happenings in the Bald Eagle area. Send him news at crosenbl@centredaily.com or call 231-4620.