Tarentum summer concerts kick off with a food drive to 'Back the Blue'

As the Lost Boys bluegrass band croons onstage during the first of Tarentum’s summer concerts, volunteers will be working the crowds with a message to “Back the Blue.”

The borough’s free concert series kicks off Thursday, May 25, doubling as the unofficial start to summer as well as a fundraiser to honor fallen Brackenridge Chief Justin McIntire and wounded Tarentum Officer Jordan Schrecengost.

McIntire was killed and Schrecengost was shot in the leg during a manhunt Jan. 2 in Brackenridge.

“We wanted to honor Chief McIntire and Officer Schrecengost in some small way,” said Carrie Fox, a Tarentum councilwoman and president of its recreation board. “Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us. Sometimes in our busy lives, we take things for granted. It’s a scary world, and we wanted to show our support and thank them for their service.”

The show will be at 7 p.m. at the Carl J. Magnetta Amphitheater in Riverview Memorial Park. The Snack Shack opens at 6 p.m.

Nonperishable items such as canned fruit, pasta and peanut butter will be collected and given to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches in Harrison for distribution.

Borough council President Scott Dadowski said the first of the summer concerts always gets him in the mood for warm-weather fun. He is looking forward to this year’s lineup at the park, which includes:

• Concert by Daniels and McClain at 7 p.m. June 1;

• Murphy’s Music Band with Almost Sinatra at 7 p.m. June 29;

• Performance by the Shiners at 7 p.m. July 20;

• The second annual food truck event — a fan favorite last year — will return from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17.

“The borough has a beautiful park on First Avenue, and it truly is a park that all residents can use and be proud of,” Dadowski said. “I can’t thank the recreation board enough for all they do for the residents. The fact that this first concert is a benefit for the family of Chief McIntire and Officer Schrecengost makes it extra special.

“It truly showcases the sentiment and spirit of our residents and the citizens of the A-K Valley. We take care of our own.”