Author: Beaver County Radio

Rock-tober. Good concerts headed here in October

SCOTT TADY/BEAVER COUNTY RADIO

Smashing Pumpkins in October? You bet. Here Come The Mummies, too.

All kinds of cool bands will make tour stops in Pittsburgh this spookiest of seasons, including the Jonas Brothers, Styx, Boyz II Men, Dokken, Daughtry and Dan + Shay.

Pittsburgh’s newest concert venue, Citizens Live at The Wylie, gets rolling, too.

To help you pick a few good shows, here is the concert calendar for October and beyond.

PPG PAINTS ARENA, Pittsburgh

Oct. 1: Red Clay Strays

Oct. 6: Smashing Pumpkins

Oct. 9: Dan + Shay

Oct. 23: Rod Wave

Oct. 26: Jonas Brothers

Oct. 28:  “Worlds Collide Concert Tour” featuring stars from the “Descendants,”  “ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock” films

Nov. 7: Jim Gaffigan; Nov. 12: Sombr; Nov. 15: Rush; Nov. 20: Motionless in White; Nov. 21: Pentatonix; Dec. 19: Trans-Siberian Orchestra; Dec. 21: Andre Bocelli.

Rush returns to Pittsburgh. (Richard Sibbald)

STAGE AE, Pittsburgh

Oct. 4: Soul Dive release show

Oct. 6: Interpol

Oct. 10: Sugar

Oct. 14: Brand New

Oct. 17: Women Who Rock with Taylor Dayne and The Vindys

Oct. 20: Jesse Welles

Oct. 27: Sleeping With Sirens

Nov. 13: Lupe Fiasco and Gym Class Heroes; Nov. 18: Beartooth; Feb. 6: Braxton Keith.

Taylor Dayne headlines the Women Who Rock concert at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE. (Sequoia Emmanuelle Photography)

JERGEL’S RHYTHM GRILLE, Warrendale

Oct. 2: Fastball

Oct. 4: Stryper

Oct. 7: Dokken

Oct. 8: Here Come The Mummies

Oct. 10: George Birge

Oct. 14: Tab Benoit

Nov. 6: Max Weinberg’s Jukebox; Nov. 7: AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys; Nov. 27-28: The Clarks; Dec. 5: Eddie 9V; Feb. 4: The Lemonheads.

CITIZENS LIVE AT THE WYLIE, Pittsburgh

Oct. 1: Role Model

Oct. 2: Wiz Khalifa

Oct. 3: Styx

Oct. 4: Foster The People

Oct. 6: Two Door Cinema

Oct. 7: Freya Skye

Oct. 8: Matt Matthews

Oct. 9: Chelsea Handler

Oct. 10: Modest Mouse

Oct. 11: Chance The Rapper

Oct. 16: Boyz II Men

Oct. 20: Tedeschi Trucks

Oct. 21: The Story So Far

Oct. 23: Smokey Robinson

Oct. 25: Little Big Town

Oct. 30: Charles Godwin and Dylan Gossett

Oct. 31: Aries Spears

Nov. 2: Glorilla; Nov. 6-7: Sting; Nov. 12: Jack White; Nov. 12: Skillet; Nov. 15: Wyatt Flores; Nov. 19-20: Goose;  Dec. 2: Steven Wilson Jr.; Dec. 3: Sabaton.

Citizens Live @ The Wylie is a new 5,000-capacity concert venue across the street from PPG Paints Arena. (Photo: Live Nation Pittsburgh)

PALACE THEATRE, Greensburg

Oct. 2: Robin Trower

Oct. 15: Micky Dolenz

Oct. 26: Daughtry

Nov. 29: Bret Michaels; Dec. 2: Stray Cats; April 10: Jimmy Failla; May 16: Vicki Lawrence & Mama.

ROXIAN THEATRE @ CITIZENS, McKees Rocks

Oct. 2: Michael Franti

Oct. 7: Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail

Oct. 14: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Oct. 16: Wheeler Walker

Oct. 22: Candlebox

Oct. 23: All Them Witches

Oct. 31: Dweezil Zappa

Nov. 5: Lauren Alaina; Nov. 17: Whitechapel; Nov. 28: Punchline; Dec. 6: GWAR; April 14: The Interruptors.

PETERSEN EVENTS CENTER, Pittsburgh

Oct. 9: Johnny Blue Skies

Nov. 15: The Rock Orchestra “Arena of Fire”; April 16: Third Day; April 17: Brit Floyd.

CITY WINERY PITTSBURGH

Oct. 18: Lacey Sturm

Oct. 19: Chris Botti

Nov. 3-4: Boney James; Nov. 14: Joshua Radin; Nov. 24: Cassadee Pope; Dec. 2: O-Town; Dec. 7: Over The Rhine; Dec. 8: Mickey Guyton; Dec. 27-28 and 30: Musiq Soulchild; March 19: Valerie June.

THUNDERBIRD CAFE, Pittsburgh

Oct. 1: Maggie Rose

Oct. 18: The Jayhawks

Nov. 14: Michigander

Dec. 6: Death From Above 1975; Dec. 10: Angela Autumn

CARNEGIE OF HOMESTEAD MUSIC HALL, Munhall

Oct. 9: Marc Maron

Oct. 13: Bruce Hornsby

Oct. 31: “Rocky” in concert

Nov. 4: Judy Collins

Nov. 19-21: Greg Warren live taping; Dec. 4: Garrison Keillor; Dec. 7: Bela Fleck; March 20: Brandy Clark; April 30: Psychedelic Furs and Living Colour.

HEINZ HALL, Pittsburgh

Oct. 6: Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Oct. 13: Penn & Teller

Dec. 8: Leslie Odom Jr.; Dec. 22: A B.E. Taylor Christmas

BYHAM THEATER, Pittsburgh

Oct. 8: Fred Armisan

Oct. 17: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Nov. 28: Jim Brinkman; Feb. 6: Jessica Kirson; Feb. 20: Rhiannon Giddens; March 26: George A. Romero’s “A Night at The Symphony”

MR. SMALLS THEATRE, Millvale

Oct. 2: The Linda Lindas

Oct. 16: Brigitte Calls Me Baby

Oct. 22: Low Cut Connie

Nov. 7: Fantastic Cat

COVELLI CENTER, Youngstown

Oct. 15: Brantley Gilbert

Nov. 5: Sugarland; Dec. 11: Nelly.

CRAFTHOUSE, Baldwin

Oct. 11: The Supersuckers

Oct. 13: Giovannie and the Hired Guns

Oct. 22: Texas Hippie Coalition

ACRISURE STADIUM, Pittsburgh

May 8: Luke Combs; May 29, Kenny Chesney.

Derry man charged after crash in Brighton Township injures one person

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that thirty-nine-year-old Jason Keefer of Derry, Pennsylvania was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Brighton Township on September 6th.

Keefer was driving on I-376 East at 3:32 p.m. and made an illegal U-turn into the eastbound lanes.

Keefer hit the motorcycle driven by nineteen-year-old Christian Fazzolare of Vanport.

According to police, Fazzolare’s helmet was used improperly, he could not stop the motorcycle and he laid down his vehicle.

Fazzolare was transported to a hospital because he suffered a suspected minor injury from the crash.

Keefer was not injured. 

Beaver woman charged after crash occurs in Brighton Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported that seventy-four-year-old Christine Kubala of Beaver was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Brighton Township yesterday.

Kubala was driving on I-376 East at 9:37 a.m.

According to police, she approached the point of a merge and tried to go into the left lane without clearance and hit the vehicle driven by thirty-year-old John Malley, Jr. of Ford City, Pennsylvania.

Kubala side swiped the tires of Malley’s vehicle.

There were no reported injuries. 

25th Annual Kitchen Tour and Tasting from AAUW Beaver Valley Branch in Beaver and Brighton Township

(Credit for Photo: Photo Illustration by Peter Hamlin.; Caption for Photo: VIRUS OUTBREAK VIRAL QUESTIONS RESTAURANTS)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The American Association of University Women (AAUW), Beaver Valley Branch, will host its 25th Annual Kitchen Tour and Tasting on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it features four homes in Beaver and Brighton Township that attendees can tour.

Guests can enjoy tasting foods that are prepared by local chefs at each site.

The event will be kicked off at the Market Place located in the IBEW, Local Union 712 Hall at 217 Sassafrass Lane in Vanport Township where guests will present their tickets and receive a tour book which includes the locations of the homes and the details about the chefs.

The Market Place offers a lot of activities from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., which includes door prizes, a complimentary recipe booklet, chances on baskets for auction and homemade baked goods that are prepared by AAUW members.

Attendees can look at bargains on gently used accessories, jewelry and purses, shop 11 specialty vendor boutiques that offer baskets, biscotti, candles, fine wines, jewelry, macarons, note cards, perfume, soaps, wreaths, as well as Hummingbird Booktique and some coming attractions at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.

There will be special raffles on a gas grill and an estate planning package which is provided by attorney Michael Nalli.

A book signing will also occur with local author Fran Tunno, who features her book “Mary, Come on Down,” which is about her mother’s story of appearing on “The Price is Right.”

The Beans and Batter, LLV food truck will be on-site from 9 a.m. to noon offering coffee, tea and pastries.

Advance kitchen tour tickets are worth $20 at Blackbird Market or the Shirley Shoppe in Beaver. Same day tickets are worth $25 at the Market Place at IBEW. You can get more information by calling 724-846-4260, visit the Facebook page @BeaverValleyAAUW or go to this website https://beavervalley-pa.aauw.net/kitchentour (click here.)

Thelma Smart (1928-2026)

Thelma Smart, 98, of Ambridge, passed away on September 27th, 2026, at Franciscan Manor.  She was born in Allison Park on August 13th, 1928, a daughter of the late Charles and Rose (Morrison) Musser.

When Thelma was in high school, one of her teachers had the class do an assignment where they were to write a letter to a soldier in combat. At the time, little did she know that the letter she wrote to a gentleman by the name of Hoyt Smart, was the man she would be married to for almost 67 years.

She worked as a school bus driver for 60 years. Through those years, she especially enjoyed her time carting around the kindergarten crew. She exercised her domestic skills quite well. She could sew and make her own clothes and was an exceptional cook. She was a genuinely caring person, and she graciously opened her home to others. She absolutely loved spending time with her family; especially at their camp in Tionesta. She will be loved and missed, always.

She is survived by her 3 children, Glenda (Jerry) Riley, Joseph (Diana) Smart and David (Sherri) Smart, 8 grandchildren: Eugene (Amy) Majetic, Brian Majetic, William Giska, Laura (Christopher) Lore, Amy (John) Brennan, Beth Anne (William) Green, Ryan (Roxanne) Smart and Brandon (Morgan) Smart; as well as 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and three siblings, Nancy Runyan, Evelyn Weber and Alma Atkinson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt Smart and her siblings, Edwin Musser, Charles “Butch” Musser, Bonnie Majetic and Ruthann Smart.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, October 1st, from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at Hamton Cemetery in Allison Park.

Attorney General Sunday: Pennsylvania Businesses with “Skill Games” Devices not Removed by October 14th Risk Law Enforcement Action

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Sean Simmers, Caption for Photo: Skill games at SkillGame Kingdom June 10, 2025. Sean Simmers of PennLive Patriot News)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Attorney General Dave Sunday is offering guidance for Pennsylvania businesses with terminals for “skill games,” and he advises those business owners to take steps of compliance by October 14th or risk law enforcement action on their premises.

Video game devices that are not housed at licensed casinos or licensed truck stops in Pennsylvania can be seized by law enforcement officials under the law.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court made a ruling on June 15th, 2026 and it found that those alleged “skill games” are slot machines as defined by the State of Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act.

Distributors, vendors and manufacturers that refuse to remove their slot machines from businesses are reminded of the potential for criminal charges if they continue to maintain devices for operation.

Powering off or unplugging these machines is not sufficient to comply with the law, so it is suggested for business owners to contact their distributors and vendors and demand the removal of these devices from their premises to avoid law action from law enforcement.

A slot machine also does not stop being a slot machine if it has been turned off simply, unplugged, or disabled temporarily, which allows it to be readily operated.

Kenneth “Ken” Yonkee (1932-2026)

Kenneth “Ken” Yonkee, 94, a devoted educator, community builder, and loving family man, passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2026. He was born on May 12th, 1932, and was the husband of M. Irene Yonkee, with whom he shared 68 years of beautiful marriage. Kenneth was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and he graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1949. He was a passionate athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball under Coach Bill Ross. He began his higher education at Geneva College, playing baseball for two years before answering the call to serve his country during the Korean War. From 1953 to 1955, he served in a Military Police Unit with the U.S. Fourth Army and played baseball at Camp Leroy Johnson. It was during his time at Geneva College that he met the love of his life, Irene Bickerton. They were married on January 21, 1954, while he was home on military leave. Following his honorable discharge, he and Irene returned to Beaver Falls, where Ken finished his B.S. in Education in 1956. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education, certifications in Guidance and Secondary Principalship, and his State Commission to serve as a Superintendent of Schools. Ken dedicated his life to shaping the minds and environments of thousands of students across multiple school districts. Serving as a coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent he impacted the lives of countless students and transformed school districts across Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1956, he began his teaching career in General Science at Highland Junior High School. His natural leadership path eventually led him to serve as a school superintendent for three decades: first at the Riverside School District from 1968 to 1981, where he proudly started the varsity football program and built the middle school; then at Blackhawk from 1981 to 1986, where he brought cutting-edge computer science labs to the students; and finally in Yellow Springs, Ohio, from 1987 to 1997. After his formal retirement as an administrator, he returned to his roots in Western Pennsylvania and continued his service to the community as a member and eventual President of the Blackhawk School Board. Even after his formal retirement, Ken continued his devotion to public education by working with the Northeastern Ohio Learning Associates (NEOLA) as an administrative consultant until his second retirement in 2018. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to local sports, education, and community leadership, he was deeply honored to be inducted into the Larry Bruno Foundation Hall of Achievement in Western Pennsylvania. This prestigious recognition celebrated his lifelong commitment to excellence, teamwork, and the mentorship of young people: values he championed both on the athletic field and throughout his distinguished career in school administration. While his professional legacy left a permanent mark on public education, his family was his ultimate pride and joy. He and Irene raised their three children in Chippewa Township. In 2019, they celebrated their milestone 65th anniversary surrounded by their expanding family during a glorious three-day weekend in Station Square. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his loving parents, Florence (Stengel) and Emil Yonkee and his brother, Harold. He is survived by three wonderful children, his son, Eric, and his wife, Dawn, of Tampa, Florida, his son, Dirk, and his wife, Amy of Culpeper, Virginia and his daughter, Megan, and her husband, Robert Beck of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Erin (Richard) Mona, Brett (Jason) Smith, and Cole (Lexi) Yonkee, all of Tampa, Florida, Justin Beck of Austin, Texas and Trevor (Tamar) Beck of State College, Pennsylvania. He leaves behind three precious great-grandchildren who brought boundless joy to his later years, Elodie and Charles Mona, and Adeline Yonkee, all of Tampa, Florida. He was also filled with joy and anticipation to welcome his fourth great-grandchild, Kieran Yonkee, who is expected to be born on December 29th. There are no services at this time for Kenneth. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Ruth M. Harris (1931-2026)

Ruth M. Harris, 95, of Rochester Township, passed away on September 26th, 2026, at St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows. She was born in North Wilksboro, North Carolina on February 22nd, 1931, a daughter of the late Charles and Jessie Parks Whittington. Ruth was a retired employee with Westinghouse Corporation, a member of the Second Baptist Church in Rochester, and was the longest serving member of the church. She was a former choir member, usher, and Sunday school teacher within the Second Baptist Church and also served on the funeral dinner committee and was in charge of most church dinners. She volunteered with many community projects, including the Thanksgiving dinners at the St. Cecilia social hall, that originated at the Second Baptist Church in Rochester. She was also the former owner, charter member, and secretary of the Harris Cleaning Service in Rochester. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, William H. Harris Sr., as well as two sons, Dana A. Harris and William H. Harris Jr., a grandson, Carter Harris, one sister, Betty Ford, and one brother, Garfield Raymond Whittington. She is survived by one son, Timothy C. Harris of Rochester, a daughter-in-law, Lorene Harris of Rochester, two grandchildren, Dana W. and his wife, Sherry L. Harris of Ohioville, Alana R. McKeel and her husband, Jim Gryck of Moon Township, five great-grandchildren: Jared, Makenna, Zachery, Jacob, and Isabella; as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Ellis and Vivianna, a sister, Elease Clark, of Wilksboro, North Carolina, an aunt, Grace Ellicot, a good friend, Racquel Cook, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3rd, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, at the Second Baptist Church, 200 Clay Street, Rochester, where a service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Officiating will be Ruth’s pastor, Reverend Bryan Crawl. Private interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Second Baptist Church, 200 Clay Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

Shirley Ann Whippo (Passed on September 26th, 2026)

Shirley Ann Whippo, 84, a longtime Center Township resident, passed away on September 26th 2026, at AHN Beaver.

Shirley was born in Rochester and throughout her life she carried the values of family, faith, and kindness. She was a daughter of the late Andrew Stewart and Helen Mae Biskup.

Most of Shirley’s life was devoted to her home and family. She was a homemaker for the majority of her years and took great pride in caring for the people she loved. For a few years, she also worked outside of the home, but her greatest calling was always the life she built for her family.

Shirley was a faithful member of Bunker Hill Community Church in Aliquippa, where her faith was an important part of her life. She also belonged to the Eastern Star, O.E.S. Woodlawn Chapter No. 164, and valued the friendships and fellowship she found there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Stewart and Helen Mae Biskup, her son, Douglas Adams, her grandson, Randy Adams, her great-granddaughter, Juliana Gailey and her brother, David Biskup. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Whippo, who shared many years of love and companionship with her. She is also survived by her children: Bob and Brenda Adams, Judy and Vince DiMaggio, Karen and Jerry Henry, Jeff and Alena Whippo, and Melissa and Keith McElhaney. She leaves behind 25 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild expected in March, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy and the late Rodger Mineard, as well as her sisters-in-law, Patty Biskup and Linda Whippo.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 30th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1st at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter, officiating. Interment will follow Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca.

An Eastern Star service will be held on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Out of respect for family members with severe fragrance allergies, everyone is requested to please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes or scented lotions.

To leave on online condolence, view Shirley’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

A Band Called Honalee kicks off Beaver Valley Community Concert Association’s 2026-2027 concert season

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Wayne Theatre, Posted on Facebook on September 22nd, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) A Band Called Honalee will perform live to kick off the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association’s 2026-2027 concert season. 

The band will perform at Beaver Falls Middle School at 7 p.m. tonight and it is sponsored by Live On Stage Inc. and the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association (BVCCA).

A Band Called Honalee is inspired by the legacy and music of Peter, Paul and Mary, and they are a modern-day folk trio. 

They will perform some of the hits from Peter, Paul and Mary, like “Blowing in the Wind,” Leaving On A Jet Plane,” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

According to Rhonda Ficca, the BVCCA president, concert season tickets will be sold in the lobby at Beaver Falls Middle School for all four shows for $70 for adults and $10 for students or individual tickets for $25 adults and $5 students.