SCOTT TADY
CREIGHTON — A two-day celebration of local music, community and charity takes place this Saturday and Sunday on the Iron City Stages at Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in Creighton.
The Pittsburgh Music Festival offers many of Western Pennsylvania’s favorite local musical artists — including Norman Nardini, David Granati, Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, the Gathering Field, the Shiners and more.
Co-organizers Ron Esser and John Vento handcrafted an event that will appeal to all sorts of live music lovers.
Esser, owner of Moondog’s blues bar in Blawnox and for eight years a mastermind
behind the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, appeared Wednesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show to discuss this weekend’s concert festival.
Here is that interview, with WBVP-WMBA host Scott Tady:
The band lineup:
Saturday, July 11:
● Gathering Field
● Norman Nardini with special guest David Granati
● Sun King Warriors
● Zac Keim Band
● The Shiners
● Band Together Pittsburgh Band
● Bill Toms & Hard Rain
Sunday, July 12:
● Billy Price
● Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers
● Kenny Blake & The New Hip with special guests Megan Paullet & Xavier Allen
● The Nied’s Hotel Band with special guests Jimmy Krenn, Joe Wodarek & Mike
Filosemi
● Guitar Zack
● Leonard T. Zanotti (LTZ) with special guest Nicole Belli
Inside Acoustic Stage
● Devin Russian
● Chet Vincent
● Tim Good
The newly expanded festival will continue its tradition of supporting Band Together
Pittsburgh and Autism Pittsburgh, while introducing a broader lineup of all-local
performers across multiple genres including blues, rock, Americana, country, roots,
jazz and more.
“After 30+ years of blues, we are still connecting with our blues audience but also
providing different types of music to expand our audience,” said Esser,
affectionately known as “Moondog.” “We are excited to broaden our reach for this new
chapter and continue supporting people living on the autism spectrum and their families through the power of music.”
The festival will feature multiple stages, 12 bands, acoustic performers,
and a full celebration of Pittsburgh’s music community at the home of Pittsburgh
Brewing Company.
“We can’t wait to collaborate with Ron Esser and John Vento (Band Together Pittsburgh
Co-Founders) for this new festival,” said Rebecca McCormick, director of events and
tours at Pittsburgh Brewing. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring together the
community for a great cause. Pittsburgh Brewing Company is looking forward to
creating a new tradition in Pittsburgh.”
The Pittsburgh Music Festival will feature a diverse lineup of regional talent, local food
and beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the city’s creative spirit while
raising funds and awareness for two important community organizations.
Co-organizer John Vento says, “As with the former Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival, the highlight for many of us is having great performers and production crew members who live on the autism spectrum present their talents.”
Tickets are now on sale through pghmusicfestival.com
About Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Founded in 1861, Pittsburgh Brewing Co. is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s brewing heritage.
Renowned for its iconic brands such as Iron City Beer and I.C. Light, the company blends time-honored brewing traditions with innovative techniques to craft beverages. The brewery is committed to celebrating the city’s hardworking spirit and vibrant culture.
About Band Together Pittsburgh
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Band Together Pittsburgh uses music as an instrument for change, providing innovative programming, experiences and vocational opportunities to enhance the lives of
those on the autism spectrum.
Learn more at bandtogetherpgh.org
About Autism Pittsburgh
Since 1967, Autism-Pittsburgh has been the foremost voice and resource of the local autism community. They are comprised of volunteers, parents and professionals, working on behalf of all children and those of adult age on the autism spectrum. Learn more at autismpittsburgh.org