Musical Nights and Sunny Days Ahead

There are two nights left to celebrate the artistic and musical talent at our public schools in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, at this year’s UPSD Arts Fest.  You can still take a look at the awesome displays of student artwork including paintings, sculptures, mixed media at the Upper Perkiomen Middle School and the Upper Perkiomen High School tonight, Thursday, May 9, 2024 – this is the last night to see the Elementary/UPMS student art at the Middle School!

The Elementary Orchestra and Middle School Orchestra will be taking the stage tonight at the UPMS auditorium, starting at 6:30 p.m. And over at the Upper Perkiomen High School tonight, and Friday night, one can stop by the Upper Perkiomen High School (just down the street at 2 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA) to hear the High School Recital and High School Jazz Band (Thursday), and the High School Orchestra and Band Concert (Friday).

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The 59th Annual Juried Fine Art and Craft Show in Bethlehem, PA (Main Street – Historic Bethlehem) takes place this weekend, Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 12th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 The Bethlehem Fine Art & Craft Show celebrates the finest local and regional artists and craft artisans. An event for the entire family, free to attend for all ages! 

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The North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus will be holding their Spring is Bursting Out All Over concert on Saturday, May 11th at 2 p.m, at the Souderton Mennonite Church. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door; adults $20, kids 12 and under are free.

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Volunteer Meeting for this year’s Make Music Upper Perk is this Saturday afternoon – May 11th, 2024 – beginning at 1 p.m. at the New Goshenhoppen Park (618 3rd Street, East Greenville, PA) by the bandshell.

 MMUP needs volunteers before and after, as well as on the actual day of the event – Friday, June 21st, 2024.

At the Volunteer Meeting we’ll be talking about this year’s event, and there will be sign up sheets, where you can sign up for specific volunteer activities (times, places, jobs) as well as choose when and where you will site host (and choose one, or multiple, shifts), if that role interests you. We will also be showing and handing out the just printed MMUP 2024 program, listing the musicians, performance times and locations at 21 venues throughout the Valley for this year’s Make Music Upper Perk on Friday, June 21, 2024!

IF you are unable to make the meeting but are still interested in volunteering, please read more about volunteering for MMUP and sign up to volunteer.

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Free admission to Michener Art Museum on the 2nd Sunday of the month means free entry this Sunday, May 12, 2024! And time is running out to see CFEVA at 40: Four Decades of Supporting Contemporary Art, an absolutely fantastic exhibit that closes on May 26, 2024. The James A. Michener Art Museum is located at 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA .

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Mark your calendars now for next weekend when Valley Choral Society will hold their final concerts of their 40th anniversary season, while Red Hill Band will hold their first concert of 2024!

The Valley Choral Society will start singing For Hope We Sing; celebrating 40 years of music on Saturday afternoon, May 18th at 3 p.m., at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 81 Main Street, Pennsburg, PA. This is a free will offering performance (no tickets).

We celebrate this ruby anniversary with musical traditions that have been celebrated throughout VCS’s rich history, original compositions from previous milestone anniversary concerts, as well as tunes that have recently appeared in concert that communicate a message of why we come together to share in the gift of music.

The Red Hill Band starts their 2024 season, as is tradition, with a free concert at the Upper Perkiomen High School auditorium (2 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA). The music starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

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Spring has sprung, and May is just around the corner….

There are two great local music events to choose from tomorrow night, First Friday is back in Upper Perk next Friday – May 3rd, a local art show is opening a week from Saturday, and the annual UPSD Arts Fest showcasing student artists and musicians in Upper Perk School District starts on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024! All this to look forward to and more, along with a reminder that plans are underway for an awesome first day of summer celebrating music throughout the Valley on Friday, June 21st at Make Music Upper Perk.

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Friday night, April 26th, Terry Kane is leading and hosting an Irish Session (live music!) at Perkiomen Valley Brewery (101 Walnut Street, Green Lane, PA) the first in a series of 4th Fridays music nights. The music starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.

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Tina Faigan will be playing a piano concert – Vignettes: Modern and Retro – at Church of the Holy Spirit in Harleysville, PA (2871 Barndt Road), beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024.

A recital featuring short works for the piano—from recent gems to beloved classics—including Claire de Lune, Rachmaninoff’s 18th Variation, Schubert, Chopin, Puccini and more.

Concert pianist, chamber musician, recording artist, teacher and published music-writer, Tina Faigen’s professional music endeavors also include engagements as an adjudicator, master class presenter, workshop presenter, orchestral pianist, instrumental & vocal accompanist, music editor, and even presently as an orchestral violinist serving as Principal 2nd. An active teacher from the age of 14, Faigen has maintained a private studio throughout her life and is a piano faculty member at both University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University Music Preparatory School.

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Support the Doylestown Library while checking out wonderful crafts this Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Friends of the Doyletown Library Arts and Craft Fair. There is no admission charge for this event at the James-Lorah House Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA.

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First Fridays are back in East Greenville, starting on Friday, May 3rd! Part of Third Street and Bank Street (right off of Main Street) will be closed for crafts people and vendors. There will be live music and Main Street businesses in town (like the bakery and cafe!) will be open later than usual for this event.

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The public is invited to the opening Reception of the Pottstown Area Artists Guild Fine Arts Show at our own local museum, the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center (105 Seminary Ave, Pennsburg, PA) on Sunday, May 5th from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Free and open to everyone, held on the second floor (accessible by elevator as well as stairs) in the Putera Meeting Room, in addition to the art, there will be refreshments, and live music by harpist Betsy Chapman. The Fine Arts Show will be on display from Friday, May 3rd – Sunday, May 19, 2024. Admission to the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage is free.

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Celebrate all the artistic and musical talent at our public schools in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, at this year’s UPSD Arts Fest – May 7 – May 10, 2024. With concerts four night that week, and awesome displays of student artwork including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and more, it’s worth finding some time on your calendar that week to stop by and check it out! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening are the elementary and middle school concerts (Choruses on Tuesday and Bands, and UPHS Jazz Band!, on Wednesday, and Orchestras on Thursday) and the Elementary/UPMS Art Show – all in the Upper Perkiomen Middle School (901 Montgomery Avenue, Pennsburg, PA). Thursday and Friday night one can stop by the Upper Perkiomen High School (just down the street at 2 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA) to see the High School Art Show and hear High School Recital and High School Jazz Band (Thursday), and the High School Orchestra and Band Concert (Friday).

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The North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus will be holding their Spring is Bursting Out All Over concert on Saturday, May 11th at 2 p.m, at the Souderton Mennonite Church. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door; adults $20, kids 12 and under are free.

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The Pottstown Artists Guild is hosting their May Masters of Art Talk on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to everyone, Kevin Lynn will be talking about the art of photography – The art of seeing … Opening your mind’s eye to inspiration at the Hill School Center of the Arts, 760 Beech Street, Pottstown, PA.

As photographer, Kevin Lynn, will talk about his ability to see images everywhere. In any situation, any light and in any genre. Living in the moment… Composition that tells a story.

Working in multiple disciplines. Routines and best practices to develop those skills. His photos show a unique ability to see image possibilities that are not always just what the eye sees.

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And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the first day of summer – Friday, June 21st – the twelfth annual Make Music Upper Perk! With live music inside and outside at over 20 locations throughout the Upper Perkiomen Valley, starting at 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., this all free, all volunteer, and all open to the public event brings the community together to celebrate music of all types by musicians of all ages!

If you’d like to be a part of this event, sign up to volunteer today and/or come to the first MMUP Volunteer Meeting of 2024 on Saturday afternoon, May 11th at 1 p.m. at New Goshenhoppen Park (618 Third Street, East Greenville, PA), by the bandstand. Learn more about volunteering for this event – volunteers are needed before and after June 21st, as well as on the day of the event itself.

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“Make Music Happen” Campaign for Make Music Upper Perk 2024!

March is Make Music Upper Perk’s annual “Make the Music Happen” Campaign to raise funds to publicize the festival, and we invite you to support the cause. There are multiple ways to donate: online using credit card or PayPal, or by printing out a donation form and mailing a check made out to Make Music Upper Perk to:

MMUP Treasurer, 2103 Fruitville Rd, East Greenville, PA 18041.

Since Make Music Upper Perk is an entirely volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit organization, individual donations are tax-deductible and vital in spreading the word about the festival and ensuring that the day’s concerts are open to everybody.

If you’ve ever attended the annual Make Music Upper Perk festival over the last 12 years – held
annually on June 21st – you’ve likely witnessed local musicians entertaining crowds, volunteers
buzzing around to keep the event flowing smoothly, and people easing into summer with the
sweet sound of music and friends. And this is your chance to join the group of generous community members that make this day possible.

In order to be recognized as a contributor in this year’s MMUP program, make sure your gifts are received before April 20, 2024!

Make Music Upper Perk – part of a worldwide celebration started in Paris in 1982 known as
Make Music Day – is an annual day-long grassroots music festival with free performances
spanning a huge variety of genres across the Upper Perkiomen Valley. Last year’s festival
featured relaxing melodies on harps, theme songs from video games, acoustic blues, ukulele
circles, and much more. This year is on track to be the most successful festival so far, with over
40 acts already signed up to perform pro bono. Musicians and volunteers generously donate their
time and talent, so the overwhelming majority of the MMUP budget is used to spread the word
and print programs and maps so that audience members know how and when to find their
favorite music.

Since its very first year, Make Music Upper Perk has relied on the grassroots support of
individual, small donations. Donate today to make the 12th annual festival another resounding
success. See you at Make Music Upper Perk on Friday, June 21st, 2024!

Calling All Musicians; young and old, experienced and first time performers, soloists and grunge bands and everyone in between!

The time is now to sign up to play at this year’s Make Music Upper Perk, celebrating the first day of summer on Friday, June 21st, 2024, with live music throughout the Upper Perkiomen Valley, inside and outside, and free and open to everyone!

February has arrived, the groundhog did NOT see his shadow, warmer weather is just around the corner, and we can’t help thinking about the first day of summer when the community comes together to listen to local (and not so local) musicians performing at local cafes, restaurants, parks, the public library, the YMCA, and at our own local museum – the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center,  playing and singing all types of music from folk to Celtic to punk rock; jazz to pops orchestra to Sousa. Many of our musicians have been playing professionally for many years, and choose to share their time and talent with the community for no charge on this one day celebration of music, while some will be making their public debut and performing for an audience for the first time!

Musician Registration opened on February 1, 2024 and runs through April 20 2024.

Volunteer Signup is ongoing, if you want to be part of making Make Music Upper Perk happen! 

Volunteers are needed before and after June 21st, as well as on the day of the event; read all about the volunteer options.

Make Music Upper Perk is always free and open to the public, relying on volunteers, local nonprofits and businesses sharing their spaces, and donations large and small to cover costs.  You can now make a donation via PayPal, using your credit card or PayPal account. Make Music Upper Perk is a nonprofit that became a 501(c)3 in 2019.  (Donations may also be made by sending a check with MMUP donation form.)

Donor levels are as follows;

• • $10 Friend
  • $25 Supporter
  • $50 Patron
  • $100 Producer
  • $150 Maestro
  • $300 (or more) Virtuoso

Non-spooky Halloween Weekend Fun!

Some folks love Halloween, and all the scary, spooky stories, and some people are just in it for the candy and apple cider donuts. Luckily the world is wide enough for both.

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No need to go far for homemade apple cider donuts – here in the Valley there are two spots that we know of this year where you can get this yummy treat this time of year. Cedar Hollow Farm (2475 Quakertown Road, Pennsburg, PA – past the YMCA) is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. In addition to apple cider donuts, you can pick out a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch, go through a corn maze, say hi to the alpacas (among other farm animals), and explore fruit, veggie, baked goods, and other fine food stuffs at their stand. Then there is Hometown Creamery (Rt 29, East Greenville, PA – just past Walmart) where in addition to their homemade ice cream they are making donuts and cookies, including apple cider donuts and apple cider donut ice cream (cinnamon ice cream with apple cider donuts and caramel swirl mixed in). Hometown Creamery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

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Tonight, Friday, October 27th, is Open Mic and Karaoke Night at Chibi Cafe (218 Main Street, East Greenville, PA), from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. All are welcome, free admission.

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The Upper Perkiomen Halloween Parade is this Sunday, October 29th, 2023, starting at 5th and Main Street, Red Hill, PA at 6 p.m. The Make Music Upper Perk “Band of Pirates” will be in the parade, walking along Main Street through all three towns, Red Hill, Pennsburg, and East Greenville, ending at the East Greenville Post Office at 4th and Main Street. Anyone interested in joining our merry band on Sunday, or in supporting the group by donating candy, or helping decorate the float on Sunday afternoon, should email valleyartscene@gmail.com ASAP! The parade is a fun community event, where many local groups (Scouts, non-profits, local businesses, school groups, fire companies, Upper Perk Marching Band, and more) join in to put on a fun show for the nearly 10,000 people who usually come out and line Main Street to cheer folks on (and get free candy!).

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DCP Theater in Telford is performing a family friendly Halloween weekend show – The Monster Hunters – October 27th – November 4th, 2023, with an additional optional fun event after the 4 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday, October 28th and 29th – DCP’s Friendly Ghosts & Treats: A Spirited Stroll with Trick or Treat Fun

Monster Hunters

It’s a typical afternoon in Bumblewood when the weekly meeting of The Monster, Ghost, Goblin, Demon, Dragon, Evil-Wizard Hunters Club (whose members have never caught, seen, or even tried to hunt a monster) is interrupted by a troublesome announcement: a real-live monster has been sited in a nearby cemetery. The mismatched friends anxiously set out on their first hunt ever, only to find that things aren’t what they were expecting!

DCP Theater

DCP’s Friendly Ghosts & Treats: A Spirited Stroll with Trick or Treat Fun

Step into a world of theatrical enchantment as you embark on a whimsical journey through our haunted theater. Meet friendly ghostly characters, indulge in delightful treats, and revel in ghostly tales that will tickle your funny bone. This family-friendly adventure promises fun-filled stops, but please note that this spirited stroll is not wheelchair accessible.

Don’t miss out on this hauntingly good time!

**ONE TIME ONLY EVENT**
 

Saturday Oct. 28 and Sunday Oct. 29th 

The spirited stroll starts after the 4:00PM Show.  

Price is $5 per person/$20 for a family

DCP Theater

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Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (a Harry Potter parody), is on stage at Kehs Hall, Perkiomen School (200 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, PA). Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 performance on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th, 2023. Free admission.

Take a Look Back at MMUP 2023!

Before summer comes to a close, take a look back at the photos from the first day of summer, celebrated with music in the Valley, at Make Music Upper Perk 2023! See photos of the musicians, volunteers, venues, and even some of the audience members, taken on June 21st, 2023.

Photos are now online, spread out over three different sites.

Some musicians and volunteers were photographed by multiple photographers, who donated their time and talent to make sure that every musician who played on June 21st was photographed –  so be sure and take your time looking at the photo galleries, as you look at the day as recorded by our volunteer squad! All photos may be downloaded and used for promotional or personal purposes – just be sure to credit the photographer!

• Art Olsen photos – As in the past, if anyone want to download them, they can request them via the contact page on the site. The password is only required to prevent those who may have nefarious intentions from getting access. https://tinyurl.com/AOphotos23

• Kristi Morris (Littlewing Studio) https://tinyurl.com/KMPhotos23 (you can download individual photos without entering your email address

• Photos by Lee Schultz, Brian McNeill, Dave Lewis, and Jake Wink – (make sure you look at the dropdown menu to see all the photo albums!). https://tinyurl.com/PixiePhotos23

Wednesday, June 21st – Make Music Upper Perk 2023

Are you ready for the first day of summer?

Are you ready for a day, and night, of free, live music – made by musicians from ages 8 – 80 – genres ranging from classical harp to rap, with so much in between? There will be a swing group, a jazz group, sax quartet, a pops orchestra, violinists, pianists, folkies, rock and rollers, country music stylists, ukuleles, blues, jazz, pop, singer-songwriters, and so much more!

Here and all around the world, the first day of summer means Make Music and World Music Day – and in the Valley that means Make Music Upper Perk! Over 100 groups, over 400 musicians, with nearly 100 volunteers (and about 40 financial donors) at 20 scheduled locations, and 4 (possibly more!) “pop ups,” this is the eleventh year that the all volunteer, non-profit, celebration of music has been held in our community.

Starting at 9 a.m., at Java and Friends in East Greenville, and Upper Perkiomen Valley Public Library in Red Hill, the day opens with folk music by Mickey Bieberfeld in East Greenville, and Jeanne Hunsberger on the harp.

The day will end with at 9 p.m. with a Campfire Sing-along, led by Steve Walker, at New Goshenhoppen Park.

There will be music at coffeeshops, pizza places, places where you can get cupcakes, dinner spots, ice cream (and bubble tea) shops, libraries, parks, gardens, and other community spots in four towns all over the Upper Perkiomen Valley.

And did we mention the original short play (with musical accompaniment) “Doomsday USA” –  It’s about a town where humans and monsters are the co-inhabitants.  I play Josh, the director of a non-profit called “MAHU: Monsters and Humans United.”  I am seeking to promote co-existence between the two groups.  Meanwhile, there have been recent monster attacks on humans, and I have to fight against a rising anti-monster sentiment in the town.  Nate Feldman will be taking the stage with this 10-15 minute production at Wunderbarn on Wednesday evening.

Check out the complete schedule and map and make your plan, or just wander about – or be surprised by what you see and hear while running errands, or grabbing a cup of coffee or a book or a thrift shop bargain. If you are looking for a particular musician, see when and where they are playing at the MMUP 2023 Musician page.

And if you can’t get out of the house (or leave work), many of the performances will be livestreamed at MMUP Facebook page (you do not need a Facebook account to watch online).

Storms today, Sunshine tomorrow!

The desperately needed rain is pouring down today, but sunny days are predicted to come our way this weekend. In other words – tonight is a good night to stay home and read, or go out to the theater; maybe Bakersfield Mist at Montgomery Theater in Souderton, Lin Manuel-Miranda’s In the Heights at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, on the DeSales University campus, or the final performances at DCP Theater in Telford, The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holiday.

And, if the weather clears – which is very well may by this evening, the Wunderbarn is once again hosting their Only An Hour Variety Hour Open Mic tonight, beginning at 6:30 p.m. “Bring your poems, songs, skits, comedy, dance and enjoy the spotlight!” The Variety Hour is free and open to the public (donations are accepted). Refreshments including fresh baked goods are usually available on site at the Rainbow Tomatoes stand, next to the Wunderbarn.

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Stahl’s Pottery Festival starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 17th, 2023. The event is rain or shine, and runs until 4 p.m. at Stahl’s Pottery in Zionsville (GPS address: 6826 Corning Road, Zionsville PA)

The Pottery Festival features:

• Around 30 local potters displaying and selling traditional & contemporary pottery
  • See the list of potters here.
• Tours of the potting sheds and kiln
• Pottery demonstrations
• Hands-on potting opportunities
• An exhibit of original, historic Stahl’s pottery
• The sale of baked goods & light refreshments
• Our newest Commemorative Ornament & other SPPS items

Parking is free.
Admission is $5.00 per person; children under 18 are free.

Stahl’s Pottery Festival

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The newly opened A & A Legacy Center (437 Dotts Street, Pennsburg – across from Tri-County Bank) is hosting the first Upper Perk Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023. This free event is open to the public, and features live music, Spoken Word, crafts, Kids’ Activities, food trucks, a bake sale, speakers, and more.

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This weekend the Hendershot and Krieg Studios are opening their doors at the Hoppenville House (5455 Hoppenville Road, Green Lane, PA) to visitors from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday; June 17th and 18th, 2023. Original works and prints by the artists Brad Hendershot and Katharine Krieg will be on display, along with Ray Hendershot prints. Light refreshments will also be on hand.

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Green Lane Park has started their series of free summer concerts at the Amphitheater (2298 Green Lane Road, Green Lane, PA – parking by the tennis courts). This years theme is “Great Music Through the Decades” and Sunday, June 18th “The Large Flowerheads bring to life the musical sights and sounds of the groovy ’60s. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, Mamas and Papas, The Monkees, Jefferson Airplane and many more!”

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And don’t forget that this Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, the first day of summer, is Make Music Upper Perk!

2023 is the 11th year of the all day, free celebration of music, at twenty venues, and four pop-up locations, throughout the Upper Perkiomen Valley!

Make Music Upper Perk 2023 Schedule and Map is now online, in this week’s Town and Country newspaper, and available all around the Valley! You can also look at the musicians’ list to see where and when your favorite group or musician is playing on Wednesday, June 21st – remember, the music starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 10 p.m.!

Sunny and Smoke Free Days Ahead!

We are now free to go outside, and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies! Here’s a few ideas about where you might spend your time in the hours and days ahead.

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Summer Reading Kick-Off at Green Lane Park is today, Saturday, June 10th, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library event near the pirate playground (by the parking lot off Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA). Activities include making a habitat and picking a pet to go in it, and going on a storywalk in the park. Register for the summer reading program and get 4 bonus prize bucket tickets for joining today!

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While out and about, maybe stop by Cedar Hollow Farm – 2475 Quakertown Road, Pennsburg, PA (not far past the YMCA) – and see the new baby alpacas! Open weekends only, this is also a nice spot to pick up local produce and other treats.

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SteelStacks (25 W Third Street, Bethlehem, PA) has started their summer weekend series of free evening concerts! Occasionally there are also free afternoon concerts – like today! To celebrate Flag Day, the Allentown Band will be playing from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tonight, there will be free outdoor concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. – singer-songwriter Drew Angus, and 9 p.m. – The Tribe; “The TRiBE is a soulful 6-piece from Northeastern Pennsylvania. Emotive vocal melodies top funky throwback hip-hop, jazz r&B, and funk rhythms; all with a healthy serving of improv jams.”

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If you’d prefer an indoor slightly smaller venue, check out Godfrey Daniels (7 E Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA) – singer-songwriter Pete Gustavson will be taking the stage there tonight, Saturday, June 10th, at 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Pete will also be playing again at this year’s Make Music Upper Perk on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 – check out when and where on the musician’s list.

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Bakersfield Mist opens at Montgomery Theater in Souderton this weekend, and will be playing through July 2nd. Tickets may be bought online or at the door.

Maude, an unemployed bartender living in a trailer park, has bought a painting for a few bucks from a thrift store. Despite almost trashing it, she’s now convinced it’s a lost masterpiece by Jackson Pollock worth millions. But when world-class art expert Lionel Percy flies over from New York and arrives at her trailer home in Bakersfield to authenticate the painting, he has no idea what he is about to discover. Inspired by true events, this hilarious and thought-provoking comedy-drama asks vital questions about what makes art and people truly authentic.

Montgomery Theater

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This is the last weekend to see Shakespeare’s Henry IV at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, on the DeSales University campus (2755 Center Valley, PA). June 14th is the first day to see their production of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s In the Heights.

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Make Music Upper Perk is less than two weeks away! New volunteers are always welcome, so if you’ve wanted to be a part of making this awesome all-volunteer, all-free, all-day community wide event happen, sign up today! Take a look at all that will be happening, in 20 different indoor and outdoor spaces in four towns all around the Valley – including sing-alongs, a beginner ukulele workshop, musical story hour, and so much more! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – you won’t want to miss it!

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Merry Month of May!

Along with May flowers, May brings an array of local concerts, as well as Make Music Upper Perk 2023 news!

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Anyone interested in volunteering with Make Music Upper Perk this year should drop by the MMUP Volunteer Meeting on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at 10 a.m. at New Goshenhoppen Park (618 Third Street, East Greenville, PA). Volunteers are needed before and after the event, as well as on the actual date – Wednesday, June 21st, 2023. You can sign up online, as well as read about all the different volunteer opportunities (sign posters, roadies, site hosts, yarn bombers, and more).

Schedules and maps for this year’s Make Music Music Upper Perk should start popping up this coming week (including on this website!) – look for printed schedules next week at the Upper Perkiomen School District Arts Festival – in the lobby before the concerts – and at the Red Hill Band concert later this month, as well as at various public places around the Valley.

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Sondheim’s A Little Night Music opens at Civic Theater (19th Street, Allentown, PA) tonight, Friday May 5th, and runs through May 21st, 2023. Tickets may be bought online or at the box office.

On Sunday evening, May 7th, the Civic Theater is hosting Stephen Sondheim – a Celebration in Concert. This one night only event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the 19th Street Theater. $23 tickets are available online.

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There will be live music outdoors, along with a chance to explore the Haines estate and vehicle museum at this year’s Upper Perkiomen Valley Library Beer, Wine, and Spirits Fundraiser on Saturday, May 6th. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate, beginning at 4 p.m. The event runs until 7 p.m. and is the library’s biggest fundraiser of the year!

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Bel Canto Youth Chorus’ 30th Anniversary Spring Concert will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church of Bethlehem (2540 Center Street) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th – so much happening this first Saturday in May! Tickets will be sold at the door, although they are also available to purchase online.

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Next week is a great opportunity to support, see, and hear the outstanding artistic and musical talent of the students in the Upper Perkiomen School District! Starting Tuesday, May 9th with the Elementary School Chorus, followed by the Middle School Chorus Concert – both on stage at the Upper Perkiomen Middle School (901Montgomery Avenue, Pennsburg, PA) starting at 6:30 p.m., make sure to make time to also see the Art Show. Wednesday night, May 10th, the Elementary Band and Middle School Band will be performing (6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively), while the Elementary Orchestra and Middle School Orchestra take the spotlight on Thursday May 11th (6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.). The Elementary/UPMS Art Show will be open from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

The Upper Perkiomen High School Art Show opens on Thursday, May 11th at 6 p.m. Art and Xlab Awards will be handed out at 6:30 p.m., followed by High School Music Recital at 7 p.m., at the Upper Perkiomen High School (2 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA) The Upper Perkiomen High School Orchestra and Band Concert will be performed on Friday, May 12th, starting at 7 p.m. The High School Art Show will be on display from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

And keep an eye out for the newly released Make Music Upper Perk 2023 Programs, free for the taking, outside the auditoriums before each concert!

Not to be left out, the Upper Perkiomen High School Choir Concert, also open to the public, is scheduled for Friday, May 19th, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m.

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The 58th Annual Juried Bethlehem Fine Arts and Craft Show is once again over Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 14th from 11 a.m. -5 p.m., along Main Street in Historic Bethlehem, PA. There will also be live music and a children’s art tent at this free public outdoor event.

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Sunday, May 21st, the Red Hill Band will be opening their 2023 Season with a concert at 2 p.m. in the Upper Perkiomen High School auditorium (2 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA). As always, this concert is free and open to the public.

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