Summer concert series announced for Hempfield Park

Hempfield officials are already planning events for the new Smail Auto Group Amphitheater at Hempfield Park this summer.

During Monday’s public meeting, township supervisors approved agreements with eight bands and musicians for five concerts this summer, starting with the ribbon cutting event for the amphitheater at 220 Forbes Trail Road on May 18.

The kick-off concert will start at 4 p.m. Switch, a five-piece band that plays a range of music from dance and pop to rock and country, will perform at 5 p.m., and East Coast Turnaround, a five-person band, will play at 7:30 p.m.

Chuck Blasko and The Vogues will take the stage June 8 at 7 p.m. The next concert is scheduled for July 28, featuring Jeff Jimerson and Airborne at 7 p.m. Jimerson is known for singing the National Anthem at Pittsburgh Penguins games.

The Katelyn Rose Band, a country and soft rock group , is scheduled for Aug. 10 at 5 p.m., followed by North of Mason-Dixson, or NOMaD, a country band, at 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey Burchell and Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers will close the season Sept. 14. Burchell, who competed on American Idol last year, performs acoustic sets. Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers has played rock since 1976.

Food trucks will be present at each event, said Aaron Siko, director of parks and recreation for the township. Siko said he is still looking for sponsors for each show. Those interested can contact him at ASiko@hempfieldtwp.org.

Officials will also host three movie nights at Hempfield Park on June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16. A Kidz Fest will be held July 13 featuring live performances, face painting, inflatables and more. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A full schedule of events will be posted on the township’s website at www.hempfieldtwp.com and social media accounts next week.