Go Foxburg!

Ken Double Comes To Foxburg

Go Foxburg Admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:52 +0000

Allegheny Center for the Arts presents its first Wurlitzer Theater Organ concert of its 2012 Season, Saturday May 19th at 7:00 PM at Lincoln Hall, with Mr. Ken Double playing the ARCA’s Mckissick Wurlitzer Theater Organ .
Mr. Double also comes as his double President and CEO of the American Theater Organ Society, to lead the tribute in honoring ARCA’s own Paul McKissick. The Lincoln Hall Wurlitzer has been restored to it’s playing condition, through thousands of hours of diligent and painstaking effort by Paul Mckissick. The organ built in 1929, often played in the Uptown Theater in Cleveland was found by Paul in 1988 in a warehouse in Canton Ohio.
Eleven years later Paul debuted his organ in his garage at Lake Latonka near Mercer. The word spread and when Paul sought a long term home for his organ, Lincoln Hall was under renovation through the efforts of Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts. As the saying goes “a deal was struck” and the Wurlitzer Organ was moved to Foxburg.
ARCA on behalf of its members and all the friends of the McKissicks wish to say thank you to Paul for all his efforts in bringing the Lincoln Hall organ to life. His good nature and willingness to share the organ by playing numerous impromptu concerts for audiences of one to fifty have become a hallmark of the Wurlitzer organ experience in Foxburg.
It is hoped theater organ supporters far and wide will join ARCA Saturday evening at Lincoln Hall to both hear Ken Double play and to say well done to Mr. Organ, Paul McKissick here in Foxburg.
Mr. Double is well suited for the concert dual role. Until recently, music was always for Mr. Double “the second…..
Tickets for Saturdays concert are Adults $15, Members $12, and Students $ 10. To reserve tickets for this special concert and tribute call 412-867-1816. Also visit www.alleghenvriverstone.org and www.gofoxburg.com.
It is not often that one gets paid to have fun for a living. It is rarer still when having fun and getting paid for it professionally happens twice in life. Such has been the good professional fortune of Ken Double, the President and CEO of the American Theatre Organ Society.
Until recently, music was always, form Mr. Double, the “second career,” almost an afterthought due to his 32 years in broadcasting. The Chicago-native grew up with five brothers in a sports loving family, but Ken was more enamored of the play-by-play announcers than he was the athletes, and as early as age six, was mouthing the words sitting in front of the television, “practice” broadcasting the games he watched.
He parlayed that interest into a Degree in Radio-TV from Butler University in Indianapolis, and began his broadcast career that included NBA and Big Ten basketball, NHL, IHL and AHL hockey.
Ken started organ lessons starting at age eight. About the time he was getting bored with that, and a high school radio station was providing broadcast opportunities, a school field trip took him to the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, IL and a chance to play the Wurlitzer theatre organ, and it was for him as it is for so many, that “WOW!” moment.
Several weeks later, the same teacher who guided students on the field trip took a group to hear Gaylord Carter at Chicago’s famed Oriental Theatre and Ken was truly hooked. He steered lessons in the theatre organ direction, including one year of studies with legendary organist Al Melgard, where Ken took his lessons on Wednesday afternoons at the Melgard studio, and then met his teacher later that night for the Blackhawks hockey game at the old Chicago Stadium. Talk about careers coming full circle.
While Ken pursued his broadcast career, he continued playing the organ. As a college senior, he provided music for sporting events at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis; worked summers as the organist at the famed Tommy Bartlett Water Show in Wisconsin Dells; later, had a stint subbing at the Paramount Music Palace in Indianapolis.
He accepted the top post at ATOS in the summer of 2007, and a year later, the Board of Directors asked Ken to accept the newly created position of President and CEO. He has been working diligently to raise funds, raise awareness, create new and exciting programs, and help steer the 56-year-old organization in a new direction to ensure its growth and existence for another 50 years and more.

Save The Dates, May 2012

Go Foxburg! — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:16:57 +0000

Are you ready for summer? Looking for things to do in the Foxburg Area this summer? We have a full schedule of summer events and happenings for you, so to be ready Save the Dates. Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Arts will be holding their first Wulitzer Organ Concert of the 2012 season at Lincoln Hall on Saturday, May 19, featuring Ken Double and honoring a special member of the theatre organ community Paul Mckissick, whose tireless efforts saved and restored the Lincoln Hall Wulitzer. The concert starts at 7:00pm and price is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for members and $5.00 for students. For ticket information, call 412-867-1816.

Would you enjoy a night full of laughs and good food? The Allegheny Grille is hosting its second Comedy Night of the year on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Starting at 6:30pm this includes a buffet dinner, salad, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. The comedy show starts at 7:30pm and features three performers, Trina Hess, Bill Boronkay and Doc Dixon. Price for this show is $30.00 per person in advance and $35.00 per person at the door. Call 724-659-5701 today to make your reservations.

Also don’t forget that the Foxburg Wine Cellars has live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-5pm throughout the summer. Enjoy free wine tasting and local talent.

Love to hear music from local entertainers? The Allegheny Grille will be featuring music from The River Nymphs on Tuesday May 22 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. They will also have music from The Two of us on Tuesday May 15, Friday May 18(and open mic) and Tuesday May 29 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Want to enjoy all of this fun, a few drinks and not have to drive home? Call the Foxburg Inn Hotel 724-659-3116 to reserve your room. With beautiful views and a peaceful ambience, the Foxburg Inn Hotel is where charm and chance meet.

Magical Music Moments On A Spring Afternoon In Foxburg

Go Foxburg Admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:36:29 +0000

Allegeheny RiverStone Center for the Arts strives to cultivate the growing regional audience of classical music enthusiasts. It is a challenge as well as a satisfying joy to present good music performed well by talented and caring artists. It is also quite gratifying to share it with a diverse audience who forgo other Spring activities from yard work, gardening, sporting events, the list can seem endless, to attend a music moment that can suspend time. A recent piano concert on a Sunday afternoon in Foxburg, was such a marvelous event, with Gayle Martin Henry playing the Lincoln Hall Steinway piano. Her fingers dazzled and arrested the audience’s attention, literally dancing across the keys and with her playing, she delighted and inspired. She demonstrated that good music brightens the world. Live performed music is doubly bright. Her playing enlivened music written decades and centuries ago. With our short attention span and sound bite world, she captivated the audience, which still does happen when music is masterfully performed no matter the genre.

Expectations are heightened for another such experience Sunday afternoon May 6th at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Hall in Foxburg. The Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Players return for their 2012 Spring Concert. Past performances have captivated the audience and transformed Lincoln Hall to the world stage. Their appeal transcends age and social demographics. Young people and students all the way to card-carrying members of AARP are linked by sweet sound of strings, piano, and for this concert clarinet. The Chamber Players led by Mikhail Istomin have set a spring theme for Sunday’s concert, “Romantics Inspired by Woman”. According to Mr. Istomin, “At this special interactive concert performed by members of the world famous Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the audience will be treated to heartwarming masterworks of classical music composed by two of the greatest composers of the romantic era, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, inspired by their muses, the woman they loved. Also on the program to celebrate the spring season will be the melodic and airy ‘Lark’ string quartet by the great Austrian composer Joseph Haydn .” . . .“And we are absolutely enthusiastic about playing in the intimate space of Lincoln Hall”.

Indeed live classical music can thrive, bridge generations, and win new friends when brought to life by the likes of the Chamber Players, and Ms. Henry, truly gifted and dedicated musicians. Such is the moment when the listener sits enthralled, bedazzled and beguiled. There is no gadgetry, or electronic enhancement. There is just the connection between the listener and the performer, something energetic and a transforming, sound entwined with emotion. This is the essence of ARCA’s mission to offer to its members and friends such moments that touch the heart and soul.

How marvelous are these musical moments that embrace those who find their way across hill and valley to this intimate space called Lincoln Hall. Both performer and listener are better for it. Yes, being present at such a moment is so worth one’s time. We the audience can participate and appreciate the artistry of musicians, the genius of the composers across the years, continents and oceans. For all, it is a grand convergence on a Sunday afternoon in the village of Foxburg.

Seats are limited, call for tickets, at 412-867-1816, Adults $25 Members $20 and Students $10. Also for more information visit www.alleghenyriverstone.org. Checkout the event flyer here!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Go Foxburg Admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:47:18 +0000

Summer is almost here!! There are many exciting things to do here in Foxburg this summer, starting off with a Cinco de Mayo Celebration under the tent at The Allegheny Grille. Enjoy live music from The River Nymphs and The Two of Us.

Saturday May 5 12 noon -4:00pm

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday that celebrates the battle of Puebla in 1862. A small army of Mexicans, about 4500 men were able to stop the French invasion. This boosted morale for the Mexicans and created a feeling of national unity.

Come join in the fun, there will be beer vendors, live music and authentic Mexican Cuisine.

Foxburg Wine Cellars presents Jerome Wincek

Go Foxburg Admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:17:25 +0000

Jerome Wincek, Folk music performer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter will be entertaining festival goers at the Foxburg Wine Cellars from 2:30 to 3:00 on Saturday April 28, 2012. Located in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Jerome performs music in the genres of Folk/Electro acoustic/ Country Rock. Some of his songs include; When the mornin breaks, From the eyes of a star, Party in the back, She thought to run and When the lights go out.

Jerome has performed in various locations in Venango County and the surrounding areas, including The Shamrock Bar, the Impromptu Room, and the Oil Country Blue Grass Festival all in Oil City, PA. He is also scheduled to play at the Oil Region Indie Music Festival June 15 on Seneca Street in Oil City, but don’t wait until then to enjoy the sounds of Jerome’s unique style. Join Jerome at the Foxburg Wine Cellars during the Maple Syrup Festival and sample some of Foxburg’s original wine while you are there. With over 30 wines to choose from you will be sure to find something you like.

To learn more about Jerome or to listen to some of his music go to his website http://Jeromewincek.com.

Thank You J&J Feeds, Sponsor of Foxburg’s Birdfest

Go Foxburg Admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:16:11 +0000

Many thanks to J&J Feeds of Shippenville, PA for their generous donation to Foxburg’s upcoming Birdfest, May 5 and 6, 2012. Located on Paint Blvd in Shippenville, PA this is your one stop shop for all of your feed needs. Find feed for all of the animals on your farm, including nutrient enriched cattle feed, show feeds for sheep or pigs, and specialty feeds for horses in all stages of life and activity levels. Not only do they offer feed, but you can find a wide selection of horse equipment and supplies at affordable prices. Consider J&J feeds your local pet supply store.

J&J Feeds has everything you need for your spring and fall food plot or agricultural plantings. They are now offering day and weekend rental of food plot preparation implements for those who would like to plant a food plot but do not have the equipment to get the job done. They are also offering on site consultations to be sure that your food plot is done right.

J&J also carries a variety of wildlife mineral supplement and supplement feed products including the Wildlife Game Masters’ MVP Mineral Supplement and is an authorized dealer of Wildlife Perfect Seed Blends. Thank you again, J&J Feeds for your kindness and generosity in sponsoring this Foxburg event. You can contact J&J Feeds by calling 814-226-6066 or 19821 Paint Blvd.

Shippenville, PA 16254

Hear the Sounds of Folk Music Artist Garrett Heath at the Foxburg Pizza Shop

Go Foxburg Admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:12:59 +0000

Garrett Heath, singer and song writer will be performing at The Foxburg Pizza Shop and country store on April 28 from 3:30-4:00pm as part of the Maple Syrup Festival. Garrett and his wife, Autumn are currently partnering with Orphan Network on behalf of orphanages in Nicaragua. The Alabaster Jar is a project that uses music and art to raise awareness and support for orphans in Nicaragua. All profits from their music and art goes to this very important cause. Garrett is a folk/indie /Christian Rock artist. Some of his songs include: How to die; Marching on; Rise up from your sleep; Sing your song and Isaiah 58.

Head on over to the Pizza Shop to listen to Garrett’s music and while you are there, grab some delicious food. When asked what I recommend over there, it is really difficult to answer because everything is so good. They have Pizza, (of course) subs, salads, breadsticks and more. In the name of everything maple, they will offer special maple flavored menu items also.

Isaac and Mikayla McNany To Showcase Their Talents April 28 in Foxburg

Go Foxburg! — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:45:52 +0000

As a part of the local talent that will be performing for the Maple Syrup Festival, Isaac Cole, 12 and Mikayla Lynn McNany, 16 will be performing Country Gospel at 4:30-5:00 at The Foxburg Inn Hotel. Isaac has been performing for 8 years and Mikayla has been singing for 2 years. Last year Isaac finished recording his debut album in Nashville, Tennessee. Inspired and produced by four time Inspirational Country Music Male Vocalist of the Year, Tommy Brandt, Isaac has competed at The Inspirational Country Music talent contest. After the contest, Isaac’s family was contacted by many talent agents and promoters to pursue Isaac’s musical gift. Join the McNany children at The Foxburg Maple Syrup Festival and witness firsthand the many local talents our area has to offer.

There is Still Time to Register for Foxburg’s Birdfest

Go Foxburg! — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:49:37 +0000

The deadline to register for Foxburg’s Bird Watching Weekend is April 21, 2012. If you love birds, you do not want to miss this. Enjoy a bird walk and lunch at the Riverstone Estate, on Saturday May 5, 2012 starting at 8am. Cost for this is $20.00. Following this, you are invited to a dinner at the Allegheny Grille at 5:00pm, with presentations by Michael Leahy, Seneca Rocks Audubon Society, Grassland Bird Calls and Keynote Speaker Jason Hill B.S., M.S., PhD candidate. Jason will discuss his findings with respect to several seasons of research into the population dynamics of grassland breeding sparrows and their relationship to the grassland habitat created by reclaimed surface mines in PA. Of particular interest will be his research at Mount Zion/Piney Tract in Clarion County. Price for this is $26.40. At 8:00pm, Saturday May 5, there will be an Owl Prowl at Riverstone. Cost for this is $5.00. Avoid traveling, stay with us at The Foxburg Inn Hotel and ask about our special birdfest rate.

Sunday May 6, 2012 8:00am

Visit Mount Zion/Piney Tract, Important Bird Area. This is a former strip mine. K&C Coal Company mined this area in the 1970’s , saved the original top soil and used locust and pine trees to revegetate the mined area. In the 1980’s it was discovered that this area was becoming a habitat for rare species of birds. Some of these species include: Henslow’s sparrows, Grasshopper sparrows, Upland Sandpipers and Short-eared owls. This event is free. Call now to reserve your room and/or tickets. Choose the events you want and leave the rest, or you may buy tickets to all of the events. Contact The Foxburg Inn for tickets and information 724-659-3116.

The Venango Barbertones Will Perform at The Maple Syrup Festival

Go Foxburg! — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:10:28 +0000

The Venango Barbertones are a group of local men who share their love of music and singing. Barbershop singing is a great way for men to fellowship together. This group includes men from all around the surrounding area, including Franklin, Oil City, Rockland, Titusville and more. They meet each Monday in Franklin and are welcoming new members. If you want to enjoy some wonderful barbershop music, fun and fellowship, join us at The Foxburg Inn Hotel on Saturday, April 28 at 2:00pm during the Maple Syrup Festival. For more information about the Barbertones, visit their website www.venangobarbertones.org.