An acoustic duo known for smooth harmony and a guitar-driven style, playing a mix of originals and selected covers. Described as an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, folk, country, and indie.

The Extra Miles

Allen Street Stage

Chris Woodward is a country music singer hailing from Central Pa. With Chris and his band Shindiggin’ you will get a high energy show every time and all the time. Chris performs songs off his 18 records recorded in Nashville as well as current top country 40 hits, Old school country hits, Southern Rock hits, classic rock hits, along with a few that might surprise you. They have headlined many venues across Pennsylvania and shared the stage with such artists as Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Little Big Town, Diamond Rio, and many more.

Chris Woodward & Shindiggin’

Festival Shell Stage

Mandy Valentine is a Philadelphia-based 6-piece country western rock & roll band. Fun, energetic, and described by WXPN as 'playful yeehaws', the Mandies play originals and covers in the style of Elvis, Dolly, The Beatles, and 60s girl groups.

Mandy Valentine

Jason McIntyre is a singer-songwriter whose music blends the storytelling spirit of American roots with the grit of rock and blues. Inspired by the great bands of the 60s and 70s, the Texas troubadour tradition, and classic blues artists, his songs explore the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Jason McIntyre & Friends

The Contra Rebels are a trio comprised of husband/wife fiddlers and singers Todd Clewell and Barb Schmid from York County, PA, along with singer/guitarist/mandolinist Henry Koretzky from Harrisburg. They get their name from the hundreds of contradances for which they've provided music throughout the East and West coasts for over twenty years. In concert, they sing and play a wide variety of material drawing from old-time country and folk music.

Contra Rebels

Sidney Friedman Park

The 2026 Singer Songwriter Showcase features a selection of award-winning singer songwriters from throughout Central Pennsylvania. Each artist will perform a half hour set, and come together for one final song to help close out Sunday afternoon.

Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Matt Otis and the Sound are a high-energy four-piece band from Bedford, PA, powered by the visceral songwriting of Matt Otis and the passionately talented violin work of Lancaster's Robin Chambers. Backed by the drive of Rik Golden on upright bass and the rhythmic precision of drummer Ron Brode, the band harnesses a unique Appalachian signature, blending roots-driven textures with a modern indie-rock pulse.

Matt Otis and the Sound

Started in 1991 among vintage blues recordings and electric instrument enthusiasts Andy Tolins, Pete "Jukester" Sheridan, and Dave Mudgett. The band still performs regularly in central PA.

The Triple A Blues Band

In celebration of their 20th year, Pure Cane Sugar is marking the milestone with a special acoustic PCS Girls Reunion performance at this summer's Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Bringing together all three of the band's original female voices for a sensational harmony-rich set, this reunion honors two decades of music, friendship, and the enduring spirit that first brought Pure Cane Sugar together. Known for their fusion of americana, roots rock, blues, and country, Pure Cane Sugar's assemblage of masterful melodies and haunting harmonies have been captivating audiences since their debut in 2006.

Pure Cane Sugar

Having long established themselves as top-tier performers in the Washington DC area, the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Annie and Steve Sidley create their finest music yet as indie rock and soul group, The Sidleys. Influenced by artists as diverse as Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, and powered by Annie's soulful voice, The Sidleys write songs that are memorable and modern, yet instantly classic.

The Sidleys

The exhilarating musical synergy Erich Cawalla & The Uptown Band has created with audiences in their home region of the Northeast and beyond continues to grow. Since 2006 and for almost 20 years, they have been an AWARD-WINNING PREMIER CHOICE as the featured act at over 2000 shows. The Uptown Band has earned a solid reputation as one of the country's most versatile and respected live bands.

Erich Cawalla & The Uptown Band

Las Guaracheras is a powerful Latin music sextet formed in 2017 in the city of Cali, Colombia. Their repertoire spans Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as salsa, as well as music from Colombia's Pacific region. In their compositions, Las Guaracheras place a strong emphasis on gender perspective and on the recognition and empowerment of women's roles in the music industry – particularly within Colombia's Latin Music scene. Through their lyrics, they convey a manifesto of female power and resilience.

Las Guaracheras

The band was formed in 1976 with a group of approximately 80 amateur and semi-professional band members to perform at the Arts Festival. Performing four free indoor concerts per year, the band's repertoire ranges from pop songs to standard band classics, including overtures, transcriptions, and marches.

State College Municipal Band

Making State is a 3-piece American pop-rock band from State College, PA. Their unique brand of entertainment blends big hooks, soaring vocal harmonies, and slamming grooves that are sometimes funky, and sometimes chunky.

Making State

High-powered country and bluegrass outfit from Richmond, Virginia, blending traditional country and western swing, bluegrass, folk, and rock. Travels as a five-piece unit.

The Wilson Springs Hotel

Diverse horn cover band performing Top 40, Pop, R&B, Funk, Smooth and Acid Jazz, and Country hits. Members have performed with Michael Jackson, Rick James, Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Billy Paul, Carla Gamble, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Variable Elements

Their music is a mix of rock, pop, americana, and roots music, with a few originals thrown in, all steeped in tons of harmonies and lots of enthusiastic energy!

Honey Pie

Former State College resident and performing songwriter Mo Stroemel performs songs solo and with his band The Mo-Tones at the Central PA Arts Festival.

Mo Stroemel

Willard Building Plaza

Americana music project from Kristi Jean and Steven Branstetter, blending storytelling, roots, and country influences. Debut album produced by Bradley Kopp.

One Acre West

Velveeta, the musical phenomenon: a repertoire of "80's cheese" cover tunes, a staple of the central Pennsylvania nightclub scene since a legendary 1995 State College performance.

Velveeta

Coal Aly consistently delivers a lively, engaging presence with fantastic and recognizable set lists that dare you to resist singing – or dancing – along! Their broad chart book features favorite funk, R&B, pop, Motown, and classic rock covers from the 60's to present, and the 5-piece premiere horn section really sets them apart from most area bands. Coal Aly is based in State College, PA and is comprised of a diverse group of musicians spanning many ages and backgrounds – brought together by a love of music and performing.

Coal Aly Band

Ted McCloskey has been telling compelling stories to local and national audiences for years. He is a singer/songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, a producer and film/television composer. He has sixteen records to his name alone including 2025's critically acclaimed Four More on the Floor. His music has been featured on hundreds of network and cable programs and he's shared the stage with the likes of Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Alejandro Escovedo. The band will be debuting new music at this year's festival.

Ted McCloskey and the Hi-Fi's

The Happy Valley Jazz Octet returns to State College to bring jazz from the swing, hard bop, and cool jazz eras to the Arts Fest! Inspired by jazz legends like Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, and Count Basie, the octet is led by State College native Gabriel Herrera and features some of Central Pennsylvania's leading jazz musicians.

Happy Valley Jazz Octet

Explosive, high-energy Celtic rock band from Central PA, equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey.

Kilmaine Saints

Happy Valley Improv is State College's premier long-form improv troupe, bringing the spontaneous art of improvisation to Centre County through live performances, classes, workshops, and community outreach. Founded in early 2017 by four improvisers in a church basement, the group has since grown to over 30 members, each showcasing a diverse range of improv styles and forms at our home, The Blue Brick Theatre in Calder Way. If you've seen Whose Line Is It Anyway?—it's like that, but with our own unique twist! Due to possible adult themes, we recommend ages 18+.

Happy Valley Improv (Late Show – Recommended 18+)

The Blue Brick Theatre

The Skoal Brothers is a high energy, Blues-inspired rock 'n' roll band, playing classic songs from artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Grateful Dead.

The Skoal Brothers

Biscuit Jam and friends pay tribute to the legendary Phyrst Phamily at the 2026 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. A State College favorite, Biscuit Jam combines soulful harmonies with unplugged instrumentation to create lively audience-oriented Americana rock.

Tribute to the Phyrst Phamly with Biscuit Jam

Hard-driving rock band with a flare of country soul, fronted by vocalist Cass Chatham.

Cass & the Bailout Crew

For an impressive four decades, Minas has stood as a beacon of excellence in the realms of world music and Brazilian Jazz in the United States, captivating audiences in the Northeast and beyond. Spearheaded by the husband and wife duo of Orlando Haddad and Patricia King, this renowned ensemble has released eight CDs that showcase both original compositions and timeless Brazilian classics.

Minas – Brazilian Jazz Quartet

Homegrown Rock & Soul — a powerhouse group blending classic and modern rock, garage grit, blues swagger, and R&B grooves.

The Jaded Lips

Irish family band from Dublin, now based in Orlando, Florida, blending traditional and contemporary Irish music with Irish dance.

The Byrne Brothers

Happy Valley Improv is State College's premier long-form improv troupe, bringing the spontaneous art of improvisation to Centre County through live performances, classes, workshops, and community outreach. This show will be rated PG-13.

EPSG:4326

Happy Valley Improv (PG-13 Early Show)

The State Theatre

Talented students of all ages from The Music Academy perform solo and ensemble pieces featuring keyboard, guitar, strings, winds, and brass.

The Music Academy

Schlow Library

Erin and Ray Grins bring over 40 years of combined performance experience to the stage. They met in Cozumel, Mexico while performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and have been invited to perform all over the United States and at festivals in China and England. Erin and Ray have also been seen on Disney Cruise Lines and the Late Show with David Letterman and perform for corporations, family resorts and comedy clubs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond. When they are not performing with The Grand Falloons teaching children and families about sustainability and the environment, they can be found juggling and showing students how to master many different circus skills in order to create their own circuses!

Strolling by the Grand Falloons

Festival Route - Downtown State College

Jonathan “Hops” McVerry and Christie “Vines” Clancy blend rock & roll classics with the carnivorous earworms of the day, featuring hit-or-miss jokes and lots of crowd participation.

Hops & Vines

State College native Laura Boswell exhibits a poetic and technical depth that has garnered comparisons to Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Nick Drake. She writes intimate, contemporary folk music with classical influence that has been described as meditative and within the "chamber-folk" genre. Along with being a singer-songwriter, Laura has a degree in classical guitar performance and studied piano from a young age. She views music as a bridge to human connection and vulnerability, as well as a powerful tool for fostering community. The multi-instrumentalist has self-released three albums, Counting Eyes (2014), Fall Away (2017), and WellSpring (2022) along with two EP's. This performance is sponsored by Restore Eye Care & Eye Gym.

Laura Boswell Trio

A classic big band playing an inspiring repertoire from Count Basie to Oliver Nelson to Quincy Jones, from blues to ballads to good old-fashioned dancing swing. Formerly known as Keystone Society of Swing. Musical director Pat O'Neill. Occasionally features a guest vocalist.

Keystone Big Band

Crooner & Co. Swing Band brings to life the excitement of the swing era, performing the music of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and more, blending standards and favorites with pop music in the swing style.

Crooner & Co. Swing Band

Rootsy blue-eyed soul and classic rock of the late 60s and 70s, featuring high-energy, upbeat, feel-good music.

DeRose & The Dreadnoughts

J.R. Mangan, guitarist/singer, has been part of the State College music scene since 1984. Vocalist Veronica Auger joins JR with band members Mark Toce (guitar), Jason Ebersole (bass/vocals) and John Lynch (drums/vocals). Upbeat, entertaining show with Classic Rock and sing-alongs.

The JR Mangan Band

Caryn Dixon's journey in country music is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and emotional connection. Hailing from central Pennsylvania, she discovered her passion for songwriting at just seven years old and has grown into an artist deeply committed to sharing honest, lived-in stories that resonate far beyond the song. Caryn has been recognized by Cowgirl Magazine and The Women of Country, and she regularly collaborates with Nashville's top songwriters and producers. With her "delicately rebellious" spirit and timeless, modern-Americana sound, she continues to empower women balancing dreams, healing, and family.

Caryn Dixon as a Trio

Join acclaimed jazz vocalist Catherine Dupuis and local legend Tommy Wareham for a set filled with warmth and sparkle. Backed by an all-star band—Clay Wulbrecht (piano), Justin Dorsey (bass), and Charlie Heim (drums)—they'll bring timeless classics from The Great American Songbook to life.

Catherine Dupuis/Tommy Wareham Jazz Quintet

Award-winning bluegrass and Americana performance featuring original music and covers, including the unofficial theme song of the Arts Festival, "Arts Festival Time."

Tussey Mountain Moonshiners

Poor Man's Gambit is a progressive traditional Irish band based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Steeped in the arts of Irish cultural music and dance, the trio has been presenting a unique cross section of traditional and contemporary repertoire to audiences both stateside and abroad since 2015. The band draws from Irish folk music's oral tradition by enhancing the listening experience with backstories and historical anecdotes that bind the music to the culture and people of Ireland. With two multi-instrumentalists in the line-up, and featuring fiddle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran, cittern, both male and female vocals, and dance, the band has been noted for their ability to offer several layers of musical depth in addition to refined musicality.

Poor Man's Gambit

Wanderlost is a piano rock quartet from western Pennsylvania formed in 2022. They are known for their jazz/funk-inspired horn lines, tight vocal harmonies, and infectious grooves. Their setlist consists of energetic originals and piano-forward covers, including modern pop, 90's alternative, and classic rock.

Wanderlost

Longtime State College-based and nationally-regarded saxophonist Rick Hirsch fronts this dynamic jazz quintet. Classic tunes by Horace Silver, Ahmad Jamal, Nat Adderley and Art Blakey, as well as Hirsch's award-winning originals.

The Rick Hirsch 5

Classic Rock-inspired band based out of northwest Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience, performing original and cover songs.

Marshmellow Overcoat

The Cody Sisters band is the very heart of contemporary acoustic Folk and Bluegrass in Colorado, the United States, and the UK. Their propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies combine to grip the listener. Along with bass player Will Pavilonis, sisters Megan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Maddie (guitar, banjo, vocals) have forged a new sound that has no equivalent match in the acoustic world today.

The Cody Sisters

Big Red & Zoe Makenna are a father & daughter duo. Big Red has been playing music for years, his 14 year old daughter Zoe has been playing locally with him for the past 2 years. They play a wide variety of hits from the 80's, 90's & today. Including Adele, Elton John, CCR, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, The Cranberries and Miley Cyrus.

Big Red & Zoe Makenna

Jim Colbert is an award-winning singer songwriter from Bellefonte. Colbert's songs offer a cross section of Americana seen through the eyes of a life-long Pennsylvanian.

Jim Colbert

Tim Vitullo is a Pittsburgh-based artist, sideman, & session musician. He has released five records, This is the Thing! (2012— produced by Dr. Stephen Hopkins), Josephine & Assorted Train Songs (2015), Running out of Time (2020), LUNR ECCOS (2024), & SOLR UMBRA (2026). 2024 marked Tim's return to instrumental music after over a decade, putting his rich, lyrical guitar lines center stage in both his recordings & live performances. Tim will be bringing his newest group, McConnell Vitullo & Choe, an instrumental pop-rock trio featuring bassist Rob Choe & percussionist Brent McConnell, to the Festival of Arts this summer. The group is performing in support of their soon-to-be-released debut album in 2026.

McConnell Vitullo & Choe

Experience the electrified fusion, progressive rock, and jazz of Jeff Gibble, Zeb Crews, and Zach Humphreys. Known for a high-energy, sophisticated sound, the group is led by the guitar work of Jeff Gibble. Their live performances are a vibrant mixture of vocal songs and instrumental tracks, featuring original compositions and an eclectic repertoire of classic rock, blues, and jazz.

Jeff Gibble, Zeb Crews, and Zach Humphreys

Young people are bursting with energy—artistic and otherwise. The Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale is a fun way for boys and girls to express themselves visually. CPFA encourages young people to develop their artistic potential through personal expression in individually crafted, original objects. Artists ages 8 through 18, who live in or have relatives in Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin or Union Counties, are encouraged to participate. All work must be designed and produced by the entrant; work made from kits is not permitted.

Children & Youth Day Sidewalk Sale

A fun evening of traditional songs, folk melodies, camp songs, and perhaps a Broadway number or two, bringing back a community sing tradition for the festival's 60th birthday.

Community Sing-Along

Kid-friendly yoga and meditation as a way to bond with your little one through playful expression.

Yoga Lab

Old Main Lawn

State College's premier long-form improv troupe, bringing the spontaneous art of improvisation to Centre County through live performances, classes, workshops, and community outreach. Family friendly; all ages welcome.

Happy Valley Improv (Family Friendly)

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to perform at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts? Now is your chance! Join Stephen Raybuck of Joker Entertainment and sing your heart out on one of the Festival's most popular stages in the heart of the action on Allen Street!

Kidz Karaoke

Get ready to cheer for puppets from distant planets! Unique creatures and human characters exercise their bodies, minds, and feelings in a variety of cosmic challenges based on Aesop's Fables. Perseverance, sportsmanship, and imagination will be put to the test! What's the moral of the story? That's up to the audience to discover!

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Jul 12, 2026

The Extra Miles

Jul 12, 2026

Chris Woodward & Shindiggin’

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts