Event Type : Free Concert

theCAUSE is a band consisting of 5 Pittsburgh musicians who have all been around the proverbial block.  Playing tunes from Grateful Dead, Phish, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and MORE, including some very tasty originals, theCAUSE packs a punch while still paying close attention to the delicate touch. The players are Eric “Pappy” Weingrad on guitar and vocals (Double Dose, Pappy’s Blues Junction), David Tauberg on bass and vocals (Powers Run Band, Hard to Handle, Cherylann Hawk),  Mike South on drums (Left for Dead, Sticky, Russ Lauf Band) and, joining us in 2008, Pittsburgh blues veteran Jill Paone Simmons brings a whole new dimension to theCAUSE on vocals and continues to rock with us today. Jill also fronts the all-female Dead band Brown Eyed Women .  Michael Cerveris is our permanent part time member playing keyboards (when he doesn’t have commitments with his other great band the Sun Champs)

 theCAUSE also has had the pleasure in 2012 and 2014 of having  guitarist Steve Kimock join us on stage and in 2013, 2015 ,2016 ,2017, 2018,2019, 2022 and 2023 Jeff Mattson of Dark Star Orchestra spent an evening jamming with theCAUSE! Lisa Ann Mackey from Dark Star Orchestra sang with us in 2017 ,2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023

We are beginning the practice of performing an annual show where we pick a Grateful Dead concert from 1965-1995 and attempt to recreate the entire setlist.  This has, of course been done by countless Grateful Dead cover bands, and we figured once a year would be just fine for us.  These shows will be announced about a week or two before the performance and, in true fashion, the show’s original date will not be announced until we finish playing it (or someone guesses correctly while we’re playing!)
Also, you will see theCAUSE appear as REUBEN’S PAINTED MANDOLIN once or twice a year.  When we announce a show under this monicker, prepare yourself for a full evening of material from the JERRY GARCIA BAND repertoire.  It’s always a great time.

“As far as I’m concerned, you guys are the biggest thing to come out of Buffalo since chicken wings!”

The Brass Machine is one of the premiere touring acts on the live music circuit today, laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic brass-y package. Having performed alongside national acts such as Earth, Wind, and Fire, Starship, The Soul Rebels, Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama, John Papa Gros, CJ Chenier and more – The Brass Machine is hittin’ the streets HARD.

Led by frontman “Kidd” Kyle Yagielski, the group has been named the best FUNK BAND in Western New York three years in a row by JazzBuffalo, and continues to maintain a robust performance schedule at festivals across the Northeast including Borderland, RailRider, Rochester Jazz Fest, Night Lights, and more! If you want to hear music that’s good for your souls and soles, come party with The Brass Machine!

Ruby draws upon a lifetime of experience as a songwriter and live performer, creating a unique collaboration of musical styles including elements of her Appalachian roots, classical training, rock, blues, country, jazz and old-time music to forge her own original genre of American Roots music she’s coined “Mountain Soul.”

An Evening With celebrates 50 years of music and memories of the Allman Brothers Band. With performances from the early days of the Brother’s career with songs like Whipping Post and Dreams clear through the later masterpieces like Jessica and Soulshine, AEW honors the historic lifespan of the genre defining blues rock band by not just reproducing the recordings, but by diving headfirst into the creative spirit behind the music that made ABB shows such a wonder to attend. Soulful vocals and superb instrumentation are an absolute must to honor this music, and these seasoned musicians filling the roles call upon every ounce of talent in their souls to deliver these crowd-pleasing renditions with authority and the respect they deserve.

Echo Valley’s show is one you don’t want to miss! Their lively, animated performance will leave you tapping your feet and smiling for a week. With their bright retro apparel and energetic stage presence, these five sisters and one brother impress with their tight sibling harmonies and multi-instrument talents. They have been entertaining people of all ages since 2009 with their variety of Bluegrass, Gospel, Retro and Grassicana styles.

Echo Valley plays 60+ dates a year. They were selected as an Official Showcase Band for IBMA 2022 and also selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Fairs and Showmen Convention in 2022. A few of their notable appearances have been: Dollywood Theme Park’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival, Mohican Bluegrass Festival, West End Fair, Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh and the Tri-State Bluegrass Festival.

This farm-raised, western Pennsylvania band has released 4 albums – Echo Valley (2016), Rise and Shine (2018), Christmas With Echo Valley (2018) and Wildest Dreams (2022) produced by Donna Ulisse.

Big Rail favorite, Charlie Barath Blues Band returns for a Fall show in the woods!

And man, oh man, with very special guest Ryan Hartt, this will be one for the ages!

Ryan Hartt is a mainstay of the New England Blues scene, and he’ll be in Western PA for a the weekend, wrapping things up with a Sunday afternoon set with the Charlie Barath Blues Band at Big Rail Brewing’s Harvest Gathering Festival. If you’re a fan of authentic Blues music, Ryan will knock you out (figuratively speaking, of course) with his Vocals, Guitar, and of course his Harmonica Prowess!

Having two world class Blues harp cats on one stage is pretty amazing, but when the band behind them consists of Jimmy Adler on Guitar, Bob Insko on Bass, and JR Richley on Drums, this is one event you absolutely do not want to miss!

And don’t forget that this is part of the Big Rail Harvest Gathering Festival, an event that features activities that are fun for the entire family.

When it’s time to escape from it all, it’s time to Roam Free.  An original band from Pittsburgh, PA, Roam Free believes in using music to free the mind from the mundane, to ride the waves of sound to wherever you want to be in your universe in that moment.  From explosive peaks to delicate valleys, Roam Free explores music organically, with songs that emote and tell stories that encourage us to leave behind the stress and pressures of the daily grind to escape, even if just momentarily, and enjoy life to the fullest as often as we can.

Looking to get away for a little while?  Of course you are.

Roam Free.

For over 20 years, Blues Attack has been an integral part of the Pittsburgh blues scene. Originally fronted by the amazing Jill West, Blues Attack has played around the country and were the third place winners of the International Blues Challenge in 2005. Although we have lost our friend Jill, Blues Attack is carrying on. The core trio of Gregg Krupa on guitar and vocals, Hank Raffetto on bass, and Nicky ‘No Shoes’ on drums remains in place (also known as the Bo’Hog Brothers) and has been joined by the talented ‘Big Sexy’ Jack Sanso on harmonica and vocals and rhythm guitar player Jimmy ‘MG’ Tassone. The band has won the Pittsburgh Blues Challenge a total of 5 times and Gregg Krupa is a two time winner of the best blues guitar player award from the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Juvenile Characteristics is a 5-piece acoustic/electric band committed to playing our favorite covers and our own original music. The live experience is what we thrive on, promoting the peace and love that has shaped our lives.

Veterans of the festival and live music circuit in Pittsburgh and the surrounding tri-state area, the funk-rock group, HABATAT, have shared stages with The Soul Rebels, Pink Talking Fish, Twiddle, The Heavy Pets, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Joe Lewis Walker, among others. 

“This group will leave you floored with their energetic live performance…a raw boogaloo of sound.” -The Jamwich

HABATAT carries the flashy vibes of some of the legendary funk bands, like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The group has been described as “Allman Brothers with horns,” a testimony to their pocket grooves, soaring guitar solos, tight horn lines, and powerful vocals. There is no doubt that HABATAT sets the footprint for the groove.

Tiger Maple String Band is an energetic collection of talented musicians dedicated to continuing traditional and original old-time music. With a home base in Northwest Pennsylvania, a rural setting gives plenty of inspiration towards the continuance of acoustic music. The band features Justine and Alison Parker on fiddle, Barry Smith on banjo and vocals, and Fred Parker on guitar and vocals.

The sound of Tiger Maple String Band has rich historical and cultural values, beautiful harmonies, hot old-time fiddling, and a full-body richness that only acoustic instruments and clear vocals can bring. The band draws its inspiration from a variety of different musical directions, with old-time Appalachian tunes as a central focus. These fiddle tunes, mountain ballads, murder ballads, coal-mining songs, and beautiful originals make up a set that leaves a lasting impression on their audience. Folks walk away with big smiles and good feelings of friendship and love.

Toms launched his musical career in 1987 as lead guitarist of Pittsburgh’s legendary band Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, During that period, he opened for and played with such legendary names as The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. While playing guitar, co-writing, and adding backup vocals for the Houserockers, Toms and the band recorded six studio albums and one live concert album. In 1995, The Houserockers released American Babylon, which was recorded and produced by Springsteen himself.

As a solo artist, Toms has opened for the likes of Buddy Guy, Levon Helm, Marshall Crenshaw, , Steve Forbert, and Dan Baird.
He’s plotting a string of regional east coast dates to support “Keep Movin’ On”, as well as a full European tour in 2022.

Colin has toured and shared stages with a “Who’s Who” of blues and rock artists including B.B.King, John Mayall,Marshall Crenshaw,Deanna Bogart,Scott Holt,The Outlaws,Long Tall Deb, Michael Hill, Chris Duarte, Everclear, Hubert Sumlin, and many others.

After opening for John Mayall on a multi-island tour of Hawaii in 2001, Colin became enamored of the people, culture and music and moved to the Big Island where he dove into the roots of the blues slide guitar;Hawaiian steel guitar.

Studying the music of past masters and with current proponent Alan Akaka, Colin became proficient on the instrument and continues to utilize it both Live and on recording sessions.

The Boom Rockets allows three, top, regional musicians to express their love of Rockabilly, Hillbilly, and Surf Instrumentals. Let Levi, Dave, and Jeff transport you to the Rockabilly era!

Blues/rock guitarist Jeff Fetterman delivers the promise to keep the blues alive and well. Influenced by blues greats such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and BB King, he plays with a fiery passion that has earned him the nickname “Boss of the Blues”.

“Fetterman is literally unstoppable. The American guitarist and singer/songwriter confirmed once again, through his new album Southern Son, to be one of the most inspired, talented, and versatile blues/rock and funk artists of the current generation. Jeff Fetterman at his absolute best!” Gio Pilato Bluebird reviews

Born and raised in small-town America in Bradford, PA, Jeff began his musical journey at age of 13. Decades later he has received numerous awards for his playing and writing.

Jeff has also received endorsements with Zemaitis guitars and Nicola brand strings. He has played with some of the greatest blues musicians in the business that include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ana Popovic, Joe Louis Walker, Jimmy Vaughan, Samantha Fish, Chris Duarte, Steven Stills, and, Robert Randolph.

For Jeff, the end of the road is nowhere near in sight as he continues to play and write music and tour.

When Jeremy Pinnell released OH/KY in the summer of 2015 to stunned acclaim, it felt like an entire career compressed into one knock-out album. Hailed as, a “Mind-blowingly good” (Greg Vandy/KEXP) “ ”tutorial on classic country music” (Popmatters), Pinnell’s debut immediately differentiated as authentic and unflinching. Dogged touring through Europe and the States and celebrated radio sessions followed, cementing Pinnell’s position as a no-fuss master of his craft. His 2017 album, Ties of Blood and Affection presented a canny lateral move. Instead of doubling down on the stark themes and values of his debut, the sophomore album found Pinnell finding comfort in his own skin, achieving the redemption only hinted at in his previous batch of haunted songs.

If the third time’s a charm, Pinnell is all shine and sparkle on the forthcoming Goodbye LA. Produced by Texan Jonathan Tyler, the tunes buff the wax and polish the chrome on Country music’s deeper roots. Rooted in his steady acoustic guitar, Pinnell’s songs are shot through with honest and classic elements.

The rhythm section, all snap and shuffle, finds purpose in well-worn paths. The pedal steel and Telecaster stingers arrive perfectly on cue, winking at JP’s world-wise couplets .Here slippery organ insinuates gospel into the conversation. You can feel the room breathe and get a sense of these musicians eyeballing each other as their performances are committed to tape. And through it all comes this oaken identity, the devastating centerpiece of his work. Honest and careworn, Jeremy’s voice can touch on wry, jubilant, and debauched-all in a single line. At his best, Jeremy Pinnell chronicles the joy and sorrow of being human, which is the best that anyone could do.

“Kentuckian Jeremy Pinnell hits all the country-tune sweet spots. His voice is strong and a little mournful — you can feel his ache seep through the speakers as you listen — and the rhythm section shuffles along gently. Weepy pedal steel licks feel just right as Pinnell sings a regretful refrain of ‘I did it again,’ a familiar sentiment for any of us who’ve ever done a little backsliding.”

– THE BLUEGRASS SITUATION

“Homegrown Rock & Soul.” The Jaded Lips is a trio from Altoona, PA. Performing a high energy blend of garage rock, soul & indie that is full of hooks. Unique yet familiar.

Western PA’s western swing sensation, led by the inimitable Charlie Barath.

A traveling troubadour born and raised in the hills of rural western Pennsylvania. Shaping her signature sound developed from her teenage years, Alyssa’s music is unmistakable. With influences that span across many genres, her lyrics bring you into the heart of the steel mills and the bucolic landscape of rural America.

I have been playing the Blues for over 35 years starting with the
Zipper City Blues Band,with Dave Steele, Dennis Wieland,Brian Whitney we ran for 9 years in 1992 i formed the Rodger Montgomery Blues Band and have had it since. Along the way I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Johnny (Clyde) Copeland,Otis Rush, i spent a year in the trenches playing with Big Jack Johnson and the Oilers, Lonnie Shields,and John Brim. I released the critically acclaimed Album Rodger Montgomery Blues Band in 1993 which has been heard all over the world. In 1996 I played on Big Jack Johnson’s Album “We got to stop this killing”
2002 I wrote the Song “The Forgotten Ones” for the NAACP video production company the whole video is accompanied by My Music.
2012, and 2014 Winner in the Blues category for the Rock Erie Music Awards REMA’s

Ben Gage is an americana musician from Akron, OH. Ben Gage grew up in the rust belt of Northeast Ohio, spread out in the countryside along the great Lake Erie. His roots run deep alongside the hard working blue collars that Ohio has to boast. That tenacity, love of family, and respect for a long day can be seen in his music.

Songs have always been a way to tell a story for Ben. The best story sets aside the complexities and focuses on honesty. You will find yourself feeling as though you’ve heard his songs before even if it’s your first time.

To him music has always been a social endeavor. When not playing solo he has The Ben Gage Band, including Dan Socha (Guitar), Brendan O’Malley (Mandolin), Brant Novack (Upright Bass) and Spencer Cindia (Drums).