Summer Concert Series in Cranberry Provides Free Entertainment

Summertime is here and the listening is easy.

Well, maybe that isn’t exactly how the saying goes, but Pine-Richland residents will find the free Summer Concert Series offered by the Cranberry Township Department of Parks and Recreation does make the listening easy for area residents.

The Summer Concert Series actually began during the Cranberry Township 2011 Community Days, but continues with plenty of quality entertainment in the upcoming weeks.

“The series got off to a tremendous start, but we still have lots of great bands to come,” said Mike Diehl, director of parks and recreation. “I think the summer concert series is one of the greatest treats of summer for our residents. You get to sit in the park, in a great setting and listen to great music.”

The Thursday evening concerts are held at 7 p.m. in the (Route 19 behind the Fire Station). 

According to Diehl, the Cranberry Rotary sponsors a refreshment stand where various food items may be purchased including water and soda, hot dogs and other snack items.

“That way, even if you are in a rush, you don’t need to be bothered by packing food – just bring a blanket and some lawn chairs,” he said.

The series offers “something for everyone” said Diehl.

This Thursday, the five-piece Mahajibee Bluesensemble plays.

“This is an eclectic group that is a lot of fun and people really love,” he said. “I think hearing their stories is almost as good as hearing their music.”

The July 28 show features Softwinds, a doo-wop band that, according to Diehl, “has been performing almost as long as doo-wop has been around.” The group appeals to not only folks who remember doo-wop sounds from the 1960s, but younger crowds who enjoy good music.

“That is one of the best things about our series. It gives folks the chance to try different types of music that they may not be typically used to, it gives them a taste of something new,” he said.

“What’s the worst that can happen? You're in a lovely setting and enjoying a summer evening. Maybe it isn’t your favorite music, but you are still listening to great music,” said Diehl.

The series continues with the Aug. 4 performance of the well-known Allegheny Brass Band, a 30-piece all-brass ensemble with a British accent. The group uses a different mix of instruments than its American brass band counterparts, said Diehl.

The series concludes with one of Diehl’s own personal favorites, No Bad JuJu, which performed Saturday at

 “Everyone always loves them,” he said, “They have so much energy and are just a great performance.”

The series is the other arm of the free concert series. Originally designed with the lunchtime crowd in mind, the series also attracts a lot of families with younger children.

The lunchtime concerts are held at noon at the Municipal Center’s gazebo and will kick off this Friday with Randy Shoup, known as “The Singing DJ.” July 29 features the Pittsburgh Banjo Club; Aug. 5 is singer and songwriter Sandy Lusco, and Aug. 12 will feature The Butler Notables Barbershop Chorus.

In addition to Cranberry Township, the concerts are supported by local businesses that help provide the quality entertainment free-of-charge for area residents.

“They help make the performances possible and we are very grateful to them,” said Diehl.

For more information on the Summer Concert Series visit www.cranberrytownship.org. Concerts are free and open to the public. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.