Gashouse Annie band has opened for many top artists over the last 40+ years. This includes appearances with legends Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell & Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn and newer country artists Aaron Tippin, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn at venues such as the Post Gazette Pavilion, Pepsi Roadhouse, IC Light Tent and Wheeling Jamboree. Shirley keeps busy doing dozens of solo, duo and band gigs at festivals, wineries, restaurants, resorts and even casinos.
 

BookEndz is an acoustic duo from Greensburg, Pa. Members include Tim Bush and Gary Stewart. Formed in 2007, they have preformed at variuos venues throughout the Laurel Highlands. Theri music consists of classic rock, oldies, and country. 

Detention-Acoustic Duo
Jane and Mandi have been performing together for over 19 years. From the inception of forming this acoustic duo, Mandi and Jane have developed their own unique blend of musical talent and humor to delight their audiences. They are excited to return to perform at Ligonier Days this year on Sunday, October 13, 2024. For more information: detentionjaneandmandi.weebly.com

Meredith Holliday has been performing in the Laurel Highlands(and beyond), for decades.
An acoustic performer of classic rock and folk from the 60’s, 70’s to present day. While staying true to the art- ists, she puts her own spin on all of her music. Her vocal style has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell to Sheryl Crow. She is also a founding member of, Sweet Judys/a tribute to Crosby, Stills, and Nash. An all female tribute band that performs in theaters across the country.

The Modelaires was a dance band that performed from the 1940s through 2010s.  In 2022, the grandson of a founding member is bringing it back!
My earliest memory of hearing The Modelaires was when I was about four years old.  I was listening to my grandfather, Mike “Ug” Cilli, sing a song at a church festival in Jeannette, PA.  I was so moved that I started to cry.  This was probably also my first ever experience with live music.  Throughout the next twenty years, I would continue to see The Modelaires as often as I could.
Since that first show, Ug introduced me to many different types of music.  I remember listening to Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, the Mills Brothers, and other artists from that era in his car on our drives back and forth from school.  It was a special treat when he would pop in a cassette of newly recorded music from The Modelaires.
I wish that I paid more attention to the stories he told me about the early days of the band during those car rides.  But, in truth, he was a very humble person and probably left out a lot of the details about the accolades he and his band received.
What I gathered from the stories that he told me was that he helped to form the band in the early 1940s but took a short break when members enlisted during World War II.  The Modelaires performed throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond in their heyday.  They disbanded shortly after my grandfather passed away.
I found out more from others who were there.  Like how he fixed an upright bass just in time for a show after it was seemingly irreparably damaged en route to a gig.  Or about the story of when The Modelaires were playing in a lounge next to the theater where the Harry James Orchestra was playing one night.  Harry James, the famous trumpet player, stopped in to hear The Modelaires after his show and was so impressed with my grandfather’s playing that he asked Ug to replace one of his trumpet players on their tour.  My grandfather apparently had a few such offers over the years, but he never took them instead opting not to travel in order to raise a family.
Ug and I are similar in many ways.  We have similar facial features – there are some people who have actually thought that it’s me in the pictures of The Modelaires from the 1950s.  Likewise, we have a love of similar styles of music.  We both also emerged as unlikely band leaders.  Though unassuming, my grandfather was often called the “Captain” of the original Modelaires by his bandmates and I led Neon Swing X-perience for 24 years when no one else wanted the role.
But, we are also different in many ways.  Ug knew a lot about cars and I don’t.  Similarly, he was a handyman that could fix anything while I am not good with things like that.  He also was a little more reserved onstage than I am, though to be fair I never saw him perform in his youth.  I’ve never served in the military and he enlisted in the Navy.  But, most related to this band, he was a damn good trumpet player and vocalist – way better than I am.
I am not putting my name in front of The Modelaires because of ego.  Rather, the opposite.  I don’t expect us to replicate what my grandfather and his band did.  We are unable to.  So, instead, we are reforming under the name “Mike Urick and The Modelaires” to differentiate ourselves from the original group while creating a bridge to their style.
I was mulling over the idea of restarting The Modelaires for years when I finally got motivated to do it.  Around the same time that I made this decision, one of the musicians who played with my grandfather passed on The Modelaires box of music to me, sorted and organized just as neatly as I would have expected from my grandpap.  When I opened it, I was shocked to see all of the different styles that were included in The Modelaires show.  From traditional jazz, to Italian favorites, to polkas, to classic country, to modern rock: they did it all with their trademark style.  I recently started playing the trumpets that my grandfather used onstage, and it feels as though these instruments should once again perform songs from The Modelaires repertoire.
I’ve collected an ensemble of musicians that can build on The Modelaires’ passion for music and evolve it to resonate with today’s listeners.  We’re not going to play everything note-for-note the way the original Modelaires did, but we are going to pay homage to their legacy.  I hope that this tribute would make my grandfather proud.

 

Over the past 10 years, Wayne Shaffer has had the privilege of playing in the finest places and events in the Greensburg, Latrobe, and Ligonier areas! He is pleased to be part of making people happy when they’re out for a good time! As a plugged-in acoustic guitarist and solo singer, Wayne chooses to perform the signature songs from the 1960’s throughout the decades of his memories! If the air waves of memories could talk, they would say, Wayne, play me the tunes of the… Eagles, Beatles, CS&N, Croce, Lightfoot, Cash, Mellencamp, Denver, Diamond, Redbone, Ketchum, Strait, Stewart, Exile, Taylor, Lovin’ Spoonful, Temptations, Drifters, Puckett, Zac Brown Band, Buffet, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Dylan, CCR, Nelson, and lots more! Wayne says, “it’s alright to have a good time… from the time when music was fine!”

Founded in 2023, Dystopia is a classic rock band comprising five seasoned musicians hailing from the Pittsburgh area. With each member boasting decades of live performance experience, the band ignites stages with their hard-hitting, energetic, and unforgettable live shows.

Band members are Jeff Fandel – Lead Vocals and Guitar, Mike Granata – Bass and Vocals, Mike Pavia – Drums, John Potochnik – Lead Guitar and Jim Waggle – Keyboard and Vocals.

Their repertoire spans the decades, offering a dynamic journey through classic rock hits from the 1960s to the 2000s. From the iconic anthems of the past to the timeless favorites, Dystopia brings audiences to their feet, inspiring impromptu sing-alongs and infectious dancing.

From the moment they take the stage, Dystopia captivates audiences with their undeniable musical prowess. Their commitment to preserving the original essence of classic hits shines through in every note, from meticulously crafted arrangements to the rich tapestry of instrumental tones. With solid percussion, thundering basslines, and soaring vocals, Dystopia delivers a performance that resonates deeply with fans of all ages.

Their popularity is undeniable, with venues routinely reaching capacity and eager lines forming outside, all clamoring to experience the electrifying energy of a Dystopia performance. Yet, amidst their success, the band remains grounded in their love for music and their dedication to delivering excellence wherever they go.

For fans of classic rock and live music aficionados alike, Dystopia is a must-see act. Don't miss the opportunity to witness their musical magic firsthand at their next event. Arrive early, secure your spot, and prepare to be transported on a nostalgic journey through the greatest hits of rock 'n' roll history with Dystopia.
 

Full Kilt is a Celtic rock group formed in 2006. The band consists of four musicians. All members have been involved with various styles of music and played in various groups prior forming Full Kilt. They shared a common interest in Celtic music and decided to form a group.
The group members are:
Mandy Passmore-Ott--fiddle, whistles
Jake Yarnish--percussion
Chris Myers--bass guitar, vocals, guitar, percussion (does it all!)
Mike Zerbee--guitar, banjo, and vocals.
The group performs a wide variety of traditional and current Celtic music. They cover such bands as, “Gaelic Storm”, “Great Big Sea”, and “Flogging Molly”, in addition to performing original songs and original arrangements.
Full Kilt plays several local venues, including Molly Maguires, Altoona, and Johnstown Inn, Johnstown. The band also performed many events such as: Highland Games in Ligonier, 8 Great Tuesdays Concert series in Erie, Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, Susquehanna Valley Celtic Music and Wine Festival, Sunbury, Pa., Potato Fest, Ebensburg, Mt. Pleasant Glass and Ethnic festival, and Summer Concert Series, Ebensburg.
In 2017 the band hosted a tour of  Ireland with Epic Journeys, performing in Dublin, Derry, and Ennis.  
Full Kilt has released three CDs. "Ride on Celtic Spirit", “Come Have a Drink with the Band”, and "Celtic Crossover".
For future dates and performances, please check schedule on Full Kilt Band facebook page. 
 

Performing together since 2015, Jane West & Joe Golden first met back in the late nineties when Joe was Jane's first guitar instructor. They reconnected back in Ligonier years later at one of Joe’s gigs and the rest is history...
These days the two perform as an acoustic duo focusing on, but not limited to, Americana classics: Joe's multi-string talents (guitar, banjo, and fiddle) go from laid back strummin' to high energy pickin', complimenting Jane's relaxed, yet, engaging vocals.
Jane West, also known as the “Lily of The Laurel Highlands,” performs throughout western Pennsylvania as a featured vocalist. Find her full schedule at noteastmusic.com
As a luthier, Joe Golden specializes in the care of all string instruments when he’s not performing. Check out his shop: westmorelandstringworkshop.com

Fuzz Hout performs as a solo artist on acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals. His current genre is an eclectic mix of classic country, rock, folk, blues, celtic and originals. Some of the popular artists he covers include Tom Petty, Eagles, Van Morrison, Allman Brothers, Crosby Stills and Nash, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, and Rolling Stones.