Johnstown-based jazz ensemble Candle in the Wind will be returning to Venue of Merging Arts intimate listening room, Club VOMA. 

 The core lineup of Candle in the Wind has played together since 1979, entertaining at jazz festivals, corporate events, private parties and more. The current edition of the group includes Ron Black on lead vocals, Tom Romanak on drums, Rich Kingera on keyboards and vocals, Tim Baacke on bass and vocals, Joe Tirpek on guitar, and Greg Maiocco on woodwinds and back-up vocals. The band plays a variety of smooth-sounding jazz and jazz-related sounds; including numbers from Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Van Morrison, Bill Withers, Al Jarreau, Sting and more. These six musicians demonstrate excellent skills and a lot of enthusiasm, elevating their jazz into total musical excitement.

Admission: $10 (Student/VIP Member $8)        BYOB (21+)

                  Doors @ 7pm                                    Music @ 7:30pm  

Johnstown’s Screech Owl comes back to VOMA!

Doors at 7:00pm, Music at 7:30pm

$10 admission ($8 w/ VIP)

BYOB w/ID

www.screechowlmusic.com

Screech Owl on Spotify

Looking for some great entertainment in Johnstown? The Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA) will be featuring Pittsburgh’s Jimmy Adler Blues Band in their intimate listening room, Club VOMA.

Jimmy Adler is regarded as one of Pittsburgh’s best blues performers and is no stranger to Johnstown, having performed at past Flood City Music Festivals and Cambria City Ethnic Fest Block Party on Third Ave. and a couple shows each year @ VOMA.

As a bandleader, singer, and guitarist, Jimmy has played many styles that are always steeped in the blues, yet always stamped with his unmistakable touch; gritty, soulful, and sweet. He will be joined by Kenny Kellner on drums, Bob Insko on upright bass, and Steve Binsberger on keys. 

A limited number of reserved seats available on Eventbrite.com:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pittsburghs-jimmy-adler-blues-band-tickets-1975340041238?aff=oddtdtcreator&lang=en-us&locale=en_US&status=30&view=listing

Admission: $15 (VIP Members $12)                 BYOB (21+)

              Doors @ 7pm                                  Music @ 7:30pm    

Back Page was a very popular local group in the 1990's. They opened for Toby Keith, The Guess Who, Sizzle Jam with Night Ranger and Oldies Spring Break at the War Memorial. The band consists of Gary Mapes (vocals), Gene Suto (keyboard), Darren Reese (bass), Tim Cicotello (guitar), together again with Craig Stevens on drums. They’ll be playing some classic Rock and Country music. Check them out and you’ll see that they still got it!

Admission: $10 (VIP/Student $8)     BYOB (21+)

Doors @ 7pm                      Music @ 7:30pm 

VOMA welcomes Nashville's acclaimed Jason Ringenberg back to Johnstown for a special Evening With performance!

Doors at 7:00pm, Music at 7:30pm

$15

All Ages / BYOB with ID

Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award-winning punk roots singer-songwriter, performer, and barnstorming force of nature... “The Godfather of Americana" - Mojo

Renowned music critic Peter Cooper once said, “Jason Ringenberg is Nashville’s greatest 20th-century rock ‘n’ roll frontman.” With statements like that, you would think Jason might rest on his laurels now that he is in his 60s. Not so. His new record Rhinestoned once again sets Ringenberg on a collision course with people’s souls. It reaffirms the claim that not only is he one of rock ‘n’ roll's greatest frontmen but also one of the preeminent singer-songwriters of his generation.

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite, and at the door if still available

Enjoy the smooth jazz sound of The Don Aliquo Quartet with Don Aliquo on saxophone, Mark Perna, bass, Joe Defazio, keys and Vince Taglieri on drums with John Wills playing a melodica and Jessie Wills on vocals.

Don Aliquo is a true jazz legend. He has played all major clubs, show venues and festivals in the Pittsburgh area, recorded for “Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood” TV program, was a guest soloist with River City Brass Band, performed at Heinz Hall and Benedum Center with Tony Bennet, Lena Horne, Mel Torme, Johnnie Mathis and many other stars. He has also performed with many legendary jazz and big band greats.

Check out Don Aliquo Quartet Video: https://youtu.be/sKVyYXFy7h8                                                                                                   
            Admission: $10 (VIP Members $8)          BYOB (21+)

                   Doors @ 7pm                             Music @ 7:30pm 

The VOMA Folk & Bluegrass Series Presents: An Evening with The Dirty Grass Players

Doors at 6:30pm, Music at 7:00pm

$20 - Advance Tickets available at Eventbrite and at the door if still available

All Ages / BYOB with ID

With a nod to the past and a wink to the future from behind their sunglasses, Baltimore's The Dirty Grass Players have been pushing the leading edge of bluegrass music since 2015. As convincing on a 10-minute jam as they are on a 2-minute classic, they find an intersection between progress and tradition that in one set could inspire Flatt & Scruggs to reunite and then break up all over again. With harmonies to please any purist, compositions fresh enough to have been written tomorrow, and improvisations that fearlessly stride to the end of every limb, this band can play as clean as anybody but isn't afraid to get a little dirty.

After starting with jams between founders Ben Kolakowski (guitar) and Ryan Rogers (mandolin), DGP quickly made a name in the Baltimore scene before hitting the road. Since then, they've toured the US and Europe and made appearances at festivals like Grey Fox, DelFest, Dark Star Jubilee, ROMP, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. With Connor Murray on bass since 2021 and the addition of Sam Guthridge on banjo in 2024, a reinvigorated lineup is on the road and coming your way.

With two albums and a slew of singles, their latest full-length, “Shiny Side Up”, was produced by Travelin' McCoury's guitarist Cody Kilby and reveals a band probing the possibilities of bluegrass with dark themes and adventurous playing. In its praise of the album, Bluegrass Unlimited says, “Shiny Side Up validates the arrival of the Dirty Grass Players onto the scene and shows bluegrass is in good hands going forward." Their first single with the new lineup, a cover of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix, reimagines the rock classic with a driving bluegrass arrangement which makes a compelling argument that sometimes looking to the roots is the most inventive approach a band can take.

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Crawdad Joe plays a blend of classic, southern, blues, alternative, and funk rock they like to call "Swamp Rock". Their sound is heavily influenced by lead singer Joe Dedon’s Louisiana roots.  They will be playing your favorites & some original songs. The band features Joseph Dedon - Lead Vocals/Guitar, Mark Randall – Bass and Scott Wilson on Drums.

    Admission: $10 (VIP Members $8)     BYOB (21+)

Doors @ 7pm                      Music @ 7:30pm

An acoustic Central PA power duo performing original, hot delta gypsy- grass and dark folk rhapsodies with a raw intensity of vocals and blazing guitar work by Bjorn Jacobsen, entwined by the emotional and fiery element of Robin Chambers' violin.

You may have seen this dynamic duo at this year’s Cambria City Ethnic Festival or one of their previous shows at Club VOMA and we are thrilled to bring them back!

Check out a video clip: https://youtu.be/j3tbjKfPTLw

 Admission: $12 (Student/VIP Member $10)        BYOB (21+)

                  Doors @ 7pm                                    Music @ 7:30pm  

October 11th marks the return of  Pittsburgh’s Hohner Harmonica artist, Charlie Barath, with a stellar line-up of musicians joining him on the bandstand that will put a smile on your face and surely get the room jumping! Admission: $15 (VIP Members $12)        BYOB (21+)

              Doors @ 7pm                       Music @ 7:30pm

For eight years Eleanor Walrus has been Pittsburgh's premiere psychedelic Beatles revue. After their planned Johnstown debut at the Roxbury Bandshell was rained out, the band’s inaugural Johnstown show will take place at the intimate Club VOMA listening room and will include Pittsburgh’s Dream the Heavy (and former Black Cat Moan) front man T.K. Mundok as a special guest vocalist.

A limited number of advance reserved seats available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voma-presents-pittsburghs-best-psychedelic-beatles-revue-eleanor-walrus-tickets-1698692497989
Admission: $15 (Student/VIP Member $12)        BYOB (21+)

                   Doors @ 7pm                                  Music @ 7:30pm 

Enjoy the smooth jazz sound of The Don Aliquo Quartet with Don Aliquo on saxophone, Mark Perna, bass, Kevin Moore, keys and Vince Taglieri on drums.

Don Aliquo is a true jazz legend. He has played all major clubs, show venues and festivals in the Pittsburgh area, recorded for “Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood” TV program, was a guest soloist with River City Brass Band, performed at Heinz Hall and Benedum Center with Tony Bennet, Lena Horne, Mel Torme, Johnnie Mathis and many other stars. He has also performed with many legendary jazz and big band greats. Check out Don Aliquo Quartet Video: https://youtu.be/sKVyYXFy7h8                                                                                                   

            Admission: $10 (VIP Members $8)          BYOB (21+)

                   Doors @ 7pm                             Music @ 7:30pm  

Originating from central Pennsylvania, The Wild Hymns weave a multifaceted soundscape of dreamy folk-pop, Americana, and mellow rock & roll.

Initially a solo endeavor by singer-songwriter, Megan Woodland Donley Hewitt, the magic of the project quickly expanded into a more collaborative affair with her husband, guitarist Jeff Hewitt, and full band, adding the final touches to this gorgeous atmosphere of sound. 

Following their 2014 self-titled debut album, The Wild Hymns toured regionally and nationally, building a solid following. They released two subsequent albums in 2016 and 2018, ever-evolving in sound and style. 2022 proved to be a big year for The Wild Hymns, releasing their boldest collection of dreamy indie rock, a full length album titled - Eternal Return.

Wild Hymns was awarded the 2025 Central PA Music Hall of Fame Best Folk Band and nominated for Best Songwriter(s) and Female Vocalist.

Listen to a sample of their music: https://www.thewildhymns.com/music

Advance reserved tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wild-hymns-husband-wife-central-pa-award-winning-duo-tickets-1689130939109

 Admission: $12 (VIP Members/Students $10)   BYOB (21+)

 Doors @ 7pm                              Music @ 7:30pm  

Johnstown-based jazz ensemble Candle in the Wind is returning by popular demand to perform at the Venue of Merging Arts intimate listening room, Club VOMA. 

 The core lineup of Candle in the Wind has played together since 1979, entertaining at jazz festivals, corporate events, private parties and more. The current edition of the group includes Ron Black on lead vocals, Tom Romanak on drums, Rich Kingera on keyboards and vocals, Tim Baacke on bass and vocals, Joe Tirpek on guitar, and Greg Maiocco on woodwinds and back-up vocals. The band plays a variety of smooth-sounding jazz and jazz-related sounds; including numbers from Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Van Morrison, Bill Withers, Al Jarreau, Sting and more. These six musicians demonstrate excellent skills and a lot of enthusiasm, elevating their jazz into total musical excitement.

Admission: $10 (Student/VIP Member $8)        BYOB (21+)

                  Doors @ 7pm                                    Music @ 7:30pm  

ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY AUGUST 31st

12:30pm John Jr. & Laken Kurchak - Acoustic Rock

2:15pm Michael & Sarah Meketa - Folk Rock (Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson, etc…)

4:30pm Habatat - Funk & Rock

FOOD OFFERINGS:

VOMA Food Booth - Hot & Sweet Italian Sausage, Hot Dogs with an old tyme Cambria City sauce (Dairy Lane) & Chipped Ham BBQ  

Fairly Local Foods - Gyros & other Greek specialties  

The Untraditional Creperie -  Variety of Crepe Sandwichs & Dessert Crepes  

Dunny's Pizza - Pizza, Stromboli, etc…  

Island Cuisine - Carribean food (e.g. Jerk Chicken, Ox Tail, etc…)  

Apple Dumplin' John - Apple Dumplings & Gobs  

Brittany Osborne - Bubble Tea & Cake Pops

Kona Ice -  Frozen treats    

OTHER: 

Art and Craft Vendors

Bottle Works Art Exhibit

VOMA Gallery Art Exhibit

Face Painting by Dootie Jane

ENTERTAINMENT

SATURDAY AUGUST 30th

12:30pm Ezekiel's Cherubim - Folk Rock featuring Clint Sparling and Ron Jezeskie formerly of The Platelets.

2:00pm Bjorn Jacobsen and Robin Chambers - An acoustic power duo performing original, hot delta gypsygrass and dark folk rhapsodies by Bjorn Jacobsen, with his raw intensity of vocals and blazing guitar work, entwined by the emotional and fiery element of Robin Chambers' violin.

4:15pm Jazz in Your Face - New Orleans Style Jazz under the direction of Michael Bodolosky

6:30pm Marel Hidalgo Jazz Quartet - New Jersey Jazz Quartet performing BeeBop & Jamaican Jazz + a special tribute to one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time who grew up in Johnstown.

8:45pm Dream the Heavy - Pgh. band fronted by TK Mundok (Black Cat Moan) featuring original rock. You may have seen them at various Pittsburgh venues, VOMA (in June) and at this year’s Flood City Music Festival. In 2024, the band released their first full length album, “Into the Unknown” which was voted Best Local Album of the Year by Pittsburgh City Paper readers.

FOOD OFFERINGS:

VOMA Food Booth - Hot & Sweet Italian Sausage, Hot Dogs with an old tyme Cambria City sauce (Dairy Lane) & Chipped Ham BBQ  

Fairly Local Foods - Gyros & other Greek specialties  

The Untraditional Creperie -  Variety of Crepe Sandwichs & Dessert Crepes  

Dunny's Pizza - Pizza, Stromboli, etc…  

Island Cuisine - Carribean food (e.g. Jerk Chicken, Ox Tail, etc…)  

Apple Dumplin' John - Apple Dumplings & Gobs  

Brittany Osborne - Bubble Tea & Cake Pops

Kona Ice -  Frozen treats    

OTHER: 

Art and Craft Vendors

Bottle Works Art Exhibit

VOMA Gallery Art Exhibit

Face Painting by Dootie Jane

ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY AUG. 29TH

5:30pm That Oldees Band - Performing the soundtrack of your life… your favorite songs of the 50’s, 60's & 70's. The band includes vocalists Joe Chon and Lisa Richardson, Paul Carpenter on drums, Jim Smedo on keys and Paul Stephenson on guitar. 

8:00pm Midnight Graffiti - A female fronted classic & new rock band featuring amazing vocals by Natalie & Laken Kurchak backed up by an impressive band consisting of John & John D. Kurchak (guitar & bass), Bernie Kralik (guitar) and George Feathers on drums!

FOOD OFFERINGS:

VOMA Food Booth - Hot & Sweet Italian Sausage, Hot Dogs with an old tyme Cambria City sauce (Dairy Lane) & Chipped Ham BBQ  

Fairly Local Foods - Gyros & other Greek specialties  

The Untraditional Creperie -  Variety of Crepe Sandwichs & Dessert Crepes  

Dunny's Pizza - Pizza, Stromboli, etc…  

Island Cuisine - Carribean food (e.g. Jerk Chicken, Ox Tail, etc…)  

Apple Dumplin' John - Apple Dumplings & Gobs  

Brittany Osborne - Bubble Tea & Cake Pops

Kona Ice -  Frozen treats    

OTHER: 

Art and Craft Vendors

Bottle Works Art Exhibit

VOMA Gallery Art Exhibit

Face Painting by Dootie Jane

Don & his quartet will return the 3rd Saturday of August. See you then!

Christopher Mark Jones is a down-home world-traveled song artist drawing from folk, country, rock, blues and jazz for his folk-rock meditations, which now include seven albums.  Adopting diverse points-of-view to narrate and critique life and love in uncertain times, he invites listeners to think, feel and tap their feet. Between careers as a basketball player and French professor, Jones busked in Paris, toured the UK, Denmark, and Holland, and played New England clubs. Now based in Pittsburgh, he plays regionally in formats varying from solo to full band. The Roots Ensemble is Christopher’s full-band performance group, including Dave Gillespie (electric and acoustic guitars and vocals), Christopher’s cousin and a superb multi-instrumentalist, singer and writer in his own right, Eric George (drums and percussion) the house drummer and music director for Acousticafé at Mr. Small’s Funhouse, as well as a frequent session musician, and Mark Perna (electric and upright bass), a Pittsburgh jazz scene regular.

Listen to samples @: https://christophermarkjones.com

Admission: $15 (VIP Members $12)        BYOB (21+)

Doors @ 7pm                             Music @ 7:30pm 

VOMA welcomes back this local favorite band. Midnight Graffiti is a female fronted classic & new rock band featuring amazing vocals by Natalie & Laken Kurchak backed up by an impressive band consisting of John & John D. Kurchak (guitar & bass), Bernie Kralik (guitar) and George Feathers on drums!

      Admission: $10 (VIP Members $8)           BYOB (21+)

  Doors @ 7pm                              Music @ 7:30pm 

VOMA welcomes back Mike Mitchell, a contemporary bluegrass force delivering effortless vocals, deeply resonant songwriting, and virtuosic fiddling.  

Influenced by legends like 70’s J.D Crowe and The New South, Tony Rice, and Sam Bush, Mike has carved his own distinctive sound, evidenced by his impressive discography. His album "Small Town" debuted at #2 on Billboard, and "Fathers & Sons" dominated the Bluegrass Unlimited charts for over a year, spawning three #1 singles. Mike’s band includes his son James Michael Mitchell on guitar and fiddle, Jarod Houseman, upright bass and Sydney Christian on mandolin and vocals

This summer, brace yourself for "Love Songs, Torch & Bluegrass," a highly anticipated album produced by the multi-award-winning Opry star, Darin Aldridge. Mike's electrifying live shows are renowned for their high energy and chart-topping bluegrass and fiddle tunes, earning him the description "Original Music with a Traditional Flavor" from Tim White of Song Of The Mountains.

 Beyond the stage, Mike is a nationally recognized educator, leading engaging workshops that empower musicians. He also heads the influential IBMA Songwriters Committee and Mentorship Program, fostering the next generation of bluegrass talent.

 From his early Suzuki violin days to his current collaborations with bluegrass icons like Wyatt Rice, Jarrod Walker, Darin Aldridge, Mark Schatz and Sammy Shelor, Mike Mitchell has dedicated his life to mastering his craft. Whether tearing it up on stage or sharing his passion through teaching, Mike brings an undeniable energy and commitment to every note. Catch him on tour and experience the magic!

Hear a sample: https://www.mikemitchellmusic.com/music

Doors at 7pm - Music at 7:30pm

$15 General Admission - $12 VOMA VIP or Student ID

BYOB is welcome with proper I.D

Advance tickets available at EventBrite

On Saturday, June 14th, the Johnstown-based jazz ensemble Candle in the Wind will make their debut performance at the Venue of Merging Arts intimate listening room, Club VOMA. 

 Formed in 1990, the core lineup of Candle in the Wind has played together since 1979, entertaining at jazz festivals, corporate events, private parties and more. The current edition of the group includes Ron Black on lead vocals, Tom Romanak on drums, Rich Kingera on keyboards and vocals, Tim Baacke on bass and vocals, Joe Tirpek on guitar, and Greg Maiocco on woodwinds and back-up vocals.

 Candle in the Wind presents a variety of smooth-sounding jazz and jazz-related sounds; including numbers from Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Van Morrison, Bill Withers, Al Jarreau, Sting and more. These six musicians demonstrate excellent skills and a lot of enthusiasm, elevating their jazz into total musical excitement.

 Dream the Heavy.
It's in the name . Atmospheric keys with ethereal and hook laden guitars set the tone for an enigmatic and soulful voice to sing, wail, and carry you into the other realms.  This is the band that can deliver a studio performance that will stay on repeat and have your entire being moving with their mind blowing stage presence.

Checkout their story & Music @ https://dreamtheheavy.com/#music

Pittsburgh City Paper's Local Album of the Year “Into the Unknown” - September 2024
WYEP Featured Artist - July 2024

The Players:

Vocals:  TK Mundok (Johnstown native & former frontman of Black Cat Moan)
Bass:  Paul Dean Price III
Guitars:  Mathias Brown
Percussion:  Sully On Drums
Keys:  Ryan Miller

$15 General Admission - $12 VOMA VIP or Student ID

Doors at 7pm - Music at 7:30pm              BYOB is welcome with proper I.D