Enjoy a day full of beer, chili, music and fires!

Does your chili have what it takes to bring home the grand prize?

Event Proceeds benefit Grove City United Way. Feel free to add a donation to your entry fee!

GRAND PRIZE:

• $250 cash prize and your entry fee refunded
• A pouch of Big Rail Beer Chips (each chip good for a free pint)
• Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place will also be awarded.

Contestants:

We’re limiting this year to 15 contestants. Contestant ticket sales will be cut off one week before the event.

Please set up between 10am-1pm.

As a contestant you will be required to provide the following:

• Someone to serve your creation
• Serving and heating equipment. Bring your own serving untensils.
• Garnishes to accompany your chili at your own discretion.
• Anything you need for cleanup.

Your chili must be cooked and preferably still warm prior to arrival. During cooking process, chili must be kept at 170° for at least one hour, and please maintain a serving temperature of 140°F.

Big Rail will Provide the following:

• Power for crock pots (however it would help if you can bring a self contained heat source such as a Sterno or small propane burner)
• Bowls, spoons and napkins
• Sample cups
• Ballots for voting
• Signage with your chili’s number
• Table
• Crackers

Tasters:

Tasting starts at 2pm. A taster ticket allows you to sample all the chili your heart desires, crackers to cleanse your palate between chilis, cast a vote for your favorite, and fill up a bowl to enjoy! Taster tickets will also be available the day of the event.

Tipping our hat to the roots of blues rock.

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

A traveling troubadour born and raised in the hills of rural western Pennsylvania. 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.

Raised on country music in a working-class family, Alyssa started playing guitar at the age of twelve and writing songs throughout her high school years. She attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she studied fine art and graphic design. While attending college she began performing original songs at local open mic nights. For a few years after college, Hankey worked as a graphic designer and began playing solo acoustic shows on the weekends.

In 2018, she decided to quit her job and pursue music full time. Since then, Alyssa has released various albums and embarked on several cross-country tours. She also formed the Alyssa Hankey Band, a four-piece band that combines folk, country and rock. You can find them playing in and around the Pittsburgh area. Hankey has also shared the stage with artists such as The Clarks, The Steel Wheels, The Wildwoods, Warren Zeiders and Charles Wesley Godwin.

Influences: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, John Prine, Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, Allman Brothers Band, Neil Young and many more!

You’ll find her music on Itunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, Google Play, Youtube, etc.

This year’s music lineup:

• Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers
• Charlie Barath Blues Band
• Max Schang Blues Band
• The Delta Struts
• Billy Price Blues Combo

Food Vendors:

• Knife & Hearth Woodfired Eatery
• Ef’n Good BBQ

Plus vendors & more!

Big Rail Brewing is pleased to present the return of The Clarks, live in concert, September 21st, 2025 at 5pm on our stage in the woods! Get ready for an unforgettable evening with one of Pittsburgh’s most widely renowned rock bands, in a beautiful rustic venue tucked away in the western Pennsylvania forest. With special guest opening act: Ben Gage and the Big Rail House Band.

About The Clarks

The four original Clarks members, Scott Blasey (vocals, acoustic guitar), Rob James (6 and 12-string electric guitars, vocals), Greg Joseph (bass, vocals) and David Minarik (drums, vocals) first met while students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in the late ’80s.

With a highlight reel that includes the Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons, and others, The Clarks are enjoying their time together as a band now more than ever. “It’s one big extended family,” says guitarist Rob James. “Dave’s son Noah plays on our albums, and with us live, so saying that isn’t just a metaphor, it’s fact!”

Singing and playing new songs from the band’s 2022 EP Tracks and their 2018 full-length Madly In Love At The End Of The World has rekindled a fire in The Clarks’ sometimes broken, sometimes mended hearts.

Visit The Clarks’ Web Site >>

Agenda

2:00pm – Big Rail Tap Room Opens / Early Check-in Begins

Because of the size of this event, **just for today** we’ll be requiring all visiting patrons to have or purchase a ticket to be on-site. Once you’ve checked in and received a wrist band, you can hang out and have a pint in the tap room & back patio area until the beer garden gates open.

3:30 PM – Beer Garden Gates open for ticket holders

If you’ve checked in and received a wrist band you’ll be able to freely enter & exit the beer garden / venue area starting at 3:30pm.

5:00 PM – Let the Show Begin

Opening band (Ben Gage and the Big Rail House Band) first, followed by The Clarks

Please read the FAQ page for more information on Big Rail’s concerts.

Did you know we’re 10 yrs old?

In the fall of 2015 we began brewing operations in the basement of The Harmony Inn, Harmony, PA.

in 2017, we purchased the current location and started the development and here we are today!

More details coming very soon, but come celebrate 10yrs of brewing with us! Our friends Treebeard Brown will be performing w/ Special guest Ken Isles. Bill & Sean will also be stepping on stage for a few too!

Treebeard returns to Big Rail!

Luke Hendrickson has performed in 40 states, as well as Canada, England, and Wales…releasing 2 full-length albums, gathering 4 nominations from the Midwest Country Music Organization, for awards such as “Album of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

Originally from Bedford, PA, Coltt is an Appalachian songwriter, folksinger, published poet and author, and folklorist. He earned his MFA from Emerson College in Boston, MA & is currently a full-time musician.

MATT HECKLER is a solo multi-instrumentalist that barely fits into any ordinary musical category. He tends to keep to the darker side of Appalachian mountain music and early bluegrass but listen long enough and you’ll soon be transported to the mountains of Eastern Europe or a dimly lit bar in Ireland where they honor those who have passed with a gently swaying a cappella ballad.

After touring almost nonstop for years in support of bands like Devil Makes Three, Lost Dog Street Band, Flogging Molly, and others, HECKLER, like the rest of us, got sidelined by the ongoing global pandemic. With the newfound time off, he set to pushing creative boundaries in his home recording studio as far as his mind would allow. Each fiddle, banjo, and guitar track carefully put in place all the while retaining the grit and energy reflected in his live shows. Paired perfectly as the sequel to After The Flood, the Blood, Water, Coal album is a defining release in his career.

Blood, Water, Coal was performed and recorded by MATT HECKLER with upright bass and backing vocals provided by Jeff Loops (Lost Dog Street Band). While recording Blood, Water, Coal, MATT HECKLER released The Magnolia Sessions outdoor live set – the maiden release for the now popular series – which made it to #9 on the Bluegrass Billboard Charts. The Magnolia Sessions was still charting upon the release of Blood, Water, Coal, which debuted at #3, leaving HECKLER with two albums running on the Billboard Charts simultaneously.

With the release of his last album, “This Town Is Killin Me”, HECKLER signed off on his fourth album with a national tour. Fans filled the venues for a rowdy solo act, and he held true to the grit of his live shows reputation.

Moving forward, HECKLER has a new album in the works, which he says is his best yet. Keep your ears peeled for future recordings, videos and performances near you.

Always gritty, soulful, and sweet, this Pittsburgh-based guitarist is a respected performer who continues to expand his journey and make new fans and friends along the way.

Jimmy Adler is a bandleader with charisma and magnetic stage presence who has played many styles that are always steeped in the blues, yet always stamped with his unmistakable touch.

As a curator and bandleader of weekly Blue Monday performances, Jimmy has supported many of the region’s most well-respected musicians showcasing his ability to organize and deliver exciting shows with a variety of guests.

As a singer and leader of his own band, Jimmy plays mostly original songs from his 5 CDs that are steeped in the roots of Americana music.

Although based in Pittsburgh, Adler has thrilled audiences from the West Coast, over the pond to France, and many points in between. Jimmy is a live-wire entertainer who packs passion and energy into every performance!

Simply put, Jimmy Adler has great style, tone, and feel, and his playing is very satisfying.

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

Butler Street Revival are a Pittsburgh local musician super group playing the music of the Allman Brothers. The band features guitarists Mike Minda (The Commonheart) and Glen Strother (Norside Organ Trio), organist Randy Baumann (WDVE), John Pergal (The Pawnbrokers) in the role of the late Gregg Allman , pianist as special guest Chuck Leavell (The Allman Brothers & The Rolling Stones,, bassist Dave Busch (Wreck Loose), drummer Shawn McGregor (The Commonheart), keyboards Bill Maruca (Sandoz) and percussionist Dino Lopreiato (Chaibaba).

Details to come!

JB’s What’s Cooking Food Truck will be onsite ready to serve Breakfast at 10am sharp!

Big Rail will also be serving some tasty special breakfast cocktails as well (yes, we’ll have bloody mary’s!!)

Brunch Menu- 10am – 1pm

Menu Coming Soon!

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.

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

Other-Worldly, Party Music of the Past, Present and Future, New Planets is an ever evolving cast of singers and players. Blending countless sonic narratives and perspectives, the group has become known for creating dance music defying borders and genres.

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. In Fall of 2021 Ben quit his job in the tech-sector to pursue music full time. Now he travels the US sharing stories and songs and always collecting more.

Folk and Blues music gives us a way to hand along a story, and it’s what fuels Ben’s songwriting and the reason he includes the listener. 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), Brant Novak (Upright Bass) and Spencer Cindia (Drums).

Hailing from the Great Lakes region, Ohayo brings together their diverse experiences and musical backgrounds to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless. The band’s debut album, Now & Later, is a testament to their collaborative spirit and passion for music. Recorded at Moonlight Audio in Columbus, Ohio, the album features a range of styles and influences, from rock’n’roll to country and soul. With their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious energy, they are a must-see for music lovers everywhere.

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

Jim Donovan and The Sun King Warriors are best described as a blend of rhythm heavy roots rock, with a strong dose of big barreling drums. Think bluesy Zeppelin-esqe bombast, Santana style percussion with wild Avett Brothers energy.

At a Sun King show, you can expect to dance, sweat and have the time of your life.

The band’s music has garnered radio airplay throughout the US and Canada, and has appeared on Billboard’s Americana chart multiple times.

The band plays regionally at festivals and clubs throughout the mid-atlantic and have opened for 10,000 Maniacs, Donovan’s former band Rusted Root and many others.

Jim Donovan, the band’s founder and writer brings almost three decades of experience to the Sun King Warriors. As a member of the popular 90’s band Rusted Root, he helped shaped the group’s sound and toured with legendary including The Grateful Dead, members of Led Zeppelin, Carlos Santana and the Allman Brothers.

He also co-authored the band’s biggest hit, “Send Me on My Way,” which has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify and used as the wakeup music for NASA’s Mars rover.

Press quotes:

“Jim Donovan and Sun King Warriors are one of the most eclectic and exciting bands to come out in some time…” -The Washington Times
“Sun King Warriors channel unabashed enthusiasm into a series of songs that are both rowdy and rejuvenating…” -Relix Magazine

Covering hits from the 1950s to today across rock, pop, blues, country, and more! We bring the best of every decade and genre to life. Join us for a musical journey that spans generations. Follow for updates on our latest shows and releases!

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

Ric Robertson is an American original, pulling influences from the greats that came before, but wholly responsible for creating his own creative universe. Robertson’s voice and lyrics hold a soft Southern burr, a Zen acceptance of humanity’s failings, and, most importantly, a sense of pure playfulness in the music. This is John Prine by way of New Orleans, Harry Nilsson in a Nudie suit, a stoned Dr. John lost in Nashville, Bill Monroe on mushrooms listening to Bessie Smith. Step into his boundlessly creative multi-verse and you’ll find nothing short of American songbook excellence. When Ric’s not writing songs or playing music, his polymath personality fills time learning claymation, filmmaking, playing with puppets, learning pedal steel… He’s relentlessly creative. Robertson is the musician’s musician, as testified by the fact that he’s continuously in-demand as a touring bandmate, having played and recorded with The Wood Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens, Lucius, Sarah Jarosz, David Grisman, Sierra Ferrell, Dirk Powell, Sam Grisman Project, and countless others. A guest list this large and varied is a testament to Robertson’s easygoing musicianship. He’s as comfortable backing up another artist onstage as he is leading his own band, and throughout he anchors his creativity in a sense of playful collaboration.

His last album, Carolina Child, out now on Free Dirt Records, was Robertson’s break-out moment, a fully-fledged exploration of madcap ideas and creative anarchy, was produced by Dan Molad of Lucius, and features Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig from Lucius plus a whole host of Robertson’s friends and colleagues: Alex Hargreaves ( Kacey Musgraves, Billy Strings, Steve Martin), Sam Fribush (Charlie Hunter, Hiss Golden Messenger), Nick Falk (Herbie Hancock), Eddie Barbash (Jon Batiste, Cory Wong), Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, Kai Welch (Kacey Musgraves, Abigail Washburn) , Logan Ledger, and Dori Freeman. His brand new forthcoming album, “Choices and Chains” (set for release in July 2024), includes many of the same cast of characters plus special features from Grammy winning songstress Sarah Jarosz and the quickly rising star and powerhouse vocalist Sierra Ferrell. Take time to dive in, and you’ll find Robertson’s songs draw inspiration from the fragility of our inner lives, but also from the small moments packed with meaning that surround us. Listen. Go Deep. Enjoy!

“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.

Whiskey River is the premier Willie Nelson tribute act – The band’s authentic show will play the old favorites, some staples of the Willie live show, and present a journey through the iconic songbook of Willie Nelson. This band features a crew of Pittsburgh all stars including Shane McLaughlin, Jason Borisoff, Dave Shepherd, Kevin Lynch and Treasure Treasure. Grab a ticket and saddle up for a night of classic outlaw country celebrating one of the greatest artists and songwriters of our time!

Join us for Trivia Night, with DJ Trivia Mercer County every Wednesday at 7pm!

$1 off drafts till 7pm.

🎃 Details to come!

Our good buddy Seth Verba will be the host of our open mic nite.

ALL INQUIRIES email [email protected]

-Property open at 5pm.
-Sign up starts at 5:30
-Music 6pm-8pm
-NO DRUMSETS – Hand drums/percussion ok.
-No foul language or content. We love our family environment.

90s alternative & grunge tribute band

FREE EVENT!!

LIVE MUSIC FEAURING BOB SEGER TRIBUTE & MORE. MORE INFO SOON!

PLAN TO DRESS UP! CAMPFIRES! JACK-O-LANTERNS!

Food Truck No Bull Concessions

Tommy Link is a Six Stringer Song Singer  (or an indie folk singer songwriter, if you prefer), born in Erie, PA and often found roaming the Great Lakes region.

A wordsmith at heart, Tommy works to bring his lyrics to life, from his head and heart to the pages and stages.

Recommended for fans of classic songwriters such as Jim Croce, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Carole King, George Harrison and Billy Joel, as well as his more modern influences like Lake Street Dive, Michael Kiwanuka, Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges and Mt. Joy.

“With an acoustic, ethereal sound that engages your ear and heartstrings, Tommy is one of those artists that makes it easy to just listen to what he’s saying and get drawn right in.”
– Nat Richmond, Erie Arts and Culture

“Tommy Link is a dyed-in-the-wool troubadour of the highest degree.”
– Nick Warren, Erie Reader

We’re excited to welcome back Clinton Clegg, frontman of The Commonheart. This is a free show.

A day of great local, original music!

1-1:45 – Matt Goodlin
2-2:45 – Matt Texter & The One Shots
3-3:45 – Noble Hops
4-4:45 – Jenifer Lynn Baker Band
5-5:45 – The Ragged Co.
6-6:45 – Dinnerbell Road
7-7:45 – Alyssa Hankey Band
8-8:45 – The Hawkeyes

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.

Formed in 2016, Smilo and the Ghost have been delivering hard-driving, old-time influenced folk-rock to crowds around the Northeast. Their debut album, Ghost Writers, was voted one of the “Top Three Albums of 2018” by the Erie Reader. Since then, Smilo and the Ghost have opened for national acts like Grammy Award Winning country duo Dan + Shay and alt-rock legends 10,000 Maniacs. 

The band’s recording and performing personnel have included a “who’s who” of regional talent, currently condensed down to the core lineup: 

Tyler Smilo – Guitar, Vocals

Adam McKillip – Mandolin, Vocals 

Jassen Wilber – Bass Guitar

Dominick DeCecco- Banjo, Vocals

Smilo’s emotionally charged lyrics and vocals are backed up by the virtuosity of Wilber (who has toured the world with American blues guitarist Bernard Allison) and McKillip. Their setlist moves between gritty, hard-luck foot stompers like “Nothing’s Changed” and “Big Guns” to triumphant ballads like “Save Me” and “There’s Nothing Left.” All of which are highlights of Smilo & the Ghost live shows. The band’s songs share Americana country/rock DNA with Trampled by Turtles, Dawes, and Ryan Bingham, while maintaining a voice all their own. The recent addition of DeCecco on banjo has allowed for a deeper exploration of the band’s bluegrass and country chops. These old-timey roots are on full display in their  highly-anticipated album, Fingers Crossed and Godspeed, which has been selected as one of Erie Reader’s “Top Three Albums of 2021.”  The band isn’t sitting still, though, also recording a live album in early 2022. Smilo and the Ghost combine songs meant for singing and dancing with charismatic, high-energy performing on stage. They’re as comfortable on the main stage as they are in the corner of a local bar and shouldn’t be missed at either venue.