Photograph courtesy of Erika Law

The vibrant arts community of Johnstown has become more and more visible in recent years. And much of this is thanks to local groups and collectives of musicians, performers, visual artists and writers. One such group, (un)apologetic productions, a community based arts organization in Johnstown, will be promoting creativity and awareness of our area’s arts scene at RagBag! A Family Friendly Festival of Creativity on Saturday, June 18^th. The festival will take place at the Roxbury Bandshell.

The event, which lasts from noon until 7PM, will feature live music, interactive children’s theater, crafts, a silent auction with baskets and products from local businesses, demonstrations, and more. Musicians who will be featured on the stage include Jenny Drummey, Savanna Dawn, and EVK. Demonstrations include Fun with Science and Hooping with Dorien. Food and beverages will be available throughout the day.

“[The festival] is part of (un)apologetic productions’ ongoing campaign to foster the recognition of the importance of the arts in the Johnstown community,” says Lindsay St. Clair, a member of the group.

The festival and all its activities are free to attend and perfect for all ages. Donations are strongly encouraged, with proceeds benefiting (un)apologetic productions, a non-profit organization.

The Roxbury Bandshell is located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Johnstown. Click here for a map.

More information about the event and other (un)apologetic productions events, visit their Facebook page, their website, or email them at unapologeticproductions@gmail.com.

Photograph courtesy of Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation

While our nation’s Memorial Day has passed by, our region will be remembering the working class heroes of the coal industry in Windber this month during the 12^th annual Miners’ Memorial Day Festival. The event will take place Fathers’ Day weekend (Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19) in downtown Windber.

The festival is completely run by volunteers, who will be working to fill the streets of Windber with family fun all weekend, from food to music to street performances.

The weekend will kick off on Friday evening with a concert at Arcadia Theater by Yo Vinnie and Bronx Wanderers followed by a street dance with live music by The Characters. Saturday will begin with breakfast at the food court and an opening ceremony.

Major features during the Miners’ Festival are the Cruise-In Car Show, the Motorcycle Show, a parade on Saturday morning and fireworks on Saturday night.

Other events planned for the festival include craft and food vendors, a Children’s Area, a free child ID program and more live music. And of course, throughout the weekend, the Windber Coal Heritage Center will be open to the public.

Click here for more information about the Laurel Miners’ Memorial Day Festival visit. Click here to view a map of the Windber area.

The yearly festival is held at the Ligonier Township Fire Department Fairgrounds just a few miles outside of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Enthusiasts are invited to camp out for the weekend at the convenient camping area not far from the stage and concert grounds.

Music workshops, a craft show and a “cow plop” contest are among the activities scheduled, which should provide fun times for adults and children alike.

The line-up for this year’s festival is undoubtedly an impressive one to any fan of the genre. Artists performing include Blue Moon Rising (International Bluegrass Music Association Showcase Artist), Lonesome Highway, and many other national and local acts. If you are looking for a weekend of great music and fellowship, look no further than the Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Music Festival.

The festival will take place June 17 through 18 at the Ligonier Township Fire Department Fairgrounds along Route 271 in Waterford, Pennsylvania.

For more information about the Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Music Festival, or to purchase tickets, visit: www.laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com. You can also call (724) 238-8646 or write to:

Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival
1012 Harvey Road
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658

It’s once again time for car and bike enthusiasts to bring out their rides. And an old fashioned car cruise-in is just the right setting for car lovers and entertainment seekers to come out and enjoy the sight of rows of classic cars in the warm weather. Add in live music and food, and you’ve got a fun evening for all ages. Windber Friday Night Cruise Ins will offer this opportunity to the community all summer.

Windber Friday Night Cruise Ins will be taking place in downtown Windber select Fridays this summer, starting May 14 and ending August 27. Local vendors will supply food and a live band will perform at the Miner’s Park gazebo each week from 6PM to 9PM.

This is the second year for the event, which brings family-friendly liveliness to Friday nights in Windber. “Windber Friday Night Cruise Ins give you a chance to show off your ride or just come hang out with friends, relax and remember the good old days,” says organizer James Spinos.

Visit the Windber Friday Night Cruise Ins Facebook page for more information.

This year the festivals are being held on the second Sundays of July and August along Village Street (just off of Central Avenue) between Grove and Park Avenues (click here for a map). Each event runs from 1:00PM until 8:00PM.

“It’s a chance for friends and family to gather, eat good food and have a great time together,” says event coordinator Adia Dobbins.

July 12th, the theme is “A Nonprofit Day at the Carnival” and features carnival-style booths set up by local non-profit organizations, giving Johnstowners the opportunity to support these organizations while enjoying a block-party-style outing.

Participating nonprofits include:

• Grove Avenue Methodist Church
• Clark Avenue Methodist Church
• 1st United Church of Christ
• The Learning Lamp
• Easter Seals of Western PA
• Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of Western PA

Village Street Café has the food and refreshments covered, catering the event with a special menu billed as “gourmet summertime fare at Johnstown prices”.

Entertainment is provided by Johnstown’s own The CHI (a rock/soul band performing favorites by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley) and Kojomodibo Sun (a rock/soul/funk/blues/fusion group from New York City). Both bands will be alternating sets throughout the day, interspersed by demonstrations by The AON (All or Nothing) Wrestling group.

August 9th the Second Sunday Street Festival is a jazz festival featuring a day of music, including performances by Frank Filia Quartet, Jazz in Your Face Octet and Hammond Brothers Trio. Food will be a southern-style fish fry, specially prepared to match the soulful theme of the day.

Do Johnstown! Insider’s Note

Anyone wishing to get a preview of Kojomodibo Sun can catch them Saturday night, July 11th, at Dively’s Tavern, 121 Derby Street, Johnstown, PA (click here for a map) where they will be performing a 10:00 set with Nakia Henry.