Tag: Music

Get out there and Go Fourth!

Help Support the Festival

 

The Pottstown GoFourth! Festival is many festivals – a music festival, a food festival, a kid’s festival and a 4th of July festival – all rolled into one giant festival!

Entirely funded by donations and sponsorships, without a penny of taxpayer dollars, this year’s GoFourth Festival will begin at 11:30 a.m., immediately after the Rotary Club-sponsored July 4 parade beginning at 10:15 a.m.

Fireworks cost about $1,000 per minute in addition to ancillary costs such as security costs, permits, and traffic control.  “We cannot begin to fund this festival through bucket collections alone,” says co-chairperson Amy Wolf, adding that the volunteers still are seeking two headlining fireworks sponsors of $10,000 each (or one official and extraordinarily generous sponsor at $20,000).

Volunteers have raised about $35,000 toward a $55,000 goal that will ensure a spectacular, old-fashioned fireworks display by International Fireworks of Douglassville, Pa., at 9:15 p.m. in Memorial Park on Thursday, July 4, as part of the Third Annual Pottstown GoFourth! Festival.

Putting on a community festival of this size takes a village! To volunteer with festival set-up (July 3), during the festival, and/or festival break-down (July 5) please visit http://www.pottstowngofourth.com/volunteer.

Help Support the Fireworks and The Pottstown GoFourth! Festival

Area businesses and citizens play a vital role in ensuring the success of this year’s all- volunteer led effort to throw a spectacular July 4 event for the community and guests.

Tax-deductible donations can be made by donating online at PottstownGoFourth.org, or by sending a check made payable to the TriCounty Community Network (TCN); donors should note “Attention: GoFourth” in the memo line on the check.  Checks may be mailed to Pottstown GoFourth! Festival, PO Box 1362, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Businesses or individuals may sponsor various entertainment providers and activities – and in exchange they will receive outstanding publicity and other benefits including (for upper level sponsors) preferred seating during the fireworks display.  To learn more about becoming a sponsor, go to PottstownGoFourth.com or email PottstownGoFourth@gmail.com.

Similarly, quality arts and crafts vendors will feature their wares, but additional artisans are encouraged to participate. Again, the PottstownGoFourth.com website provides relevant information. Vendor applications can be found at: www.pottstowngofourth.com/vendor-apps.

Friends of Pottstown GoFourth! Festival can purchase GoFourth! merchandise, including the popular hats, which always sell out quickly, at https://www.pottstowngofourth.com/gofourthgear while supplies last.

Please look for updates about Pottstown GoFourth! at www.pottstowngofourth.com and at www.facebook.com/PottstownGoFourth and http://www.twitter.com/GoFourthFest. 

Event Information

Go-Fourth-color-800

This year’s festivities will be kicked-off with the singing of the National Anthem by Jo Ann Bathurst at 11:30 a.m., immediately followed by the crowning of the 2019 Royal Court. Homecoming Queens and Kings from the Pottstown, Owen J. Roberts, Boyertown, and Spring-Ford school districts are encouraged to compete through fundraising to be named King and Queen of the Pottstown GoFourth! Royal Court – and the second-highest fundraisers will be named the Prince and Princess of the Court. Students are conducting their own fundraising drives through activities that may include collection cans at local venues, a car wash, bake sale, and so forth. All funds must be submitted by the end of the business day on Friday, June 28, at VIST bank, 258 E. High Street, Pottstown. All Royal Court competitors may appear in the July 4 parade. Winners also will receive two passes for VIP seating for the fireworks show and a Pottstown GoFourth! Festival gift bag including an official Festival t-shirt.

Last year’s diverse, professional live entertainment was a real hit with attendees.  This year’s line-up includes:  Anakai and the Grooveyard; AfroBear presented by Montgomery County Community College; Stephanie Grace, presented by Pottstown Parks & Recreation; Hector Rosado & Orchestra Hache; and Funktion.

The festival is jam-packed with activities geared toward families, including the noon to 5 p.m. return appearance of “Grandpop Bubbles,” a performance artist who creates enormous bubbles to delight young and old alike.  Grandpop Bubbles’ performance and all of the children’s activities for the day are being generously sponsored by ROG Orthodontics. Other attractions will be inflatable rides and attractions, from noon to 8 p.m.; Rainbow the Clown face-painting artists from 1 to 5 p.m.; and a Rain Gutter Regatta presented by Pottstown Cub Scout Packs 249 & 146 from 5 – 7 p.m. Community members interested in participating in the Rain Gutter Regatta please contact Raymond Rose at 484-366-7096.

In addition, local non-profit organizations will offer games, prizes, and giveaways.

The U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team will have a balloon launch of multiple balloons from the park around 6 p.m.

The all-important food offerings have grown quickly, and this year the vendor fare will include pizza cones, Asian dumplings and rolls, BBQ, ice cream, Latin food, banana whip, burritos, and more.  The popular Sly Fox Beer Tent also will return.  There are still a few spaces left for food vendors. For more information please visit: www.pottstowngofourth.com/vendor-apps.

This year’s Featured Community Partner is The Colebrookdale Railroad, which will offer short runs from noon – 4 p.m. (adults $10/children $5) and a Fireworks Express Run at 7 p.m. starting at the Colebrookdale Railroad Boyertown Station. Fireworks Express passengers will enjoy VIP seating for the fireworks display. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.colebrookdale.com.

The 2019 Pottstown GoFourth! Festival would like to recognize the following top-level sponsors to-date:  Gold sponsors include (in alphabetical order), Hobart’s Run, Precision Polymer, Reading Orthodontic Group, and Wolf, Baldwin & Associates; silver sponsors include American Keg Company, Key Bank, O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, PC, Sager & Sager Associates, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, The Victory Bank, and Tompkins VIST Bank;  bronze sponsors include the American Heritage Credit Union, Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, PA Industrial Equipment, and PECO.

The Pottstown GoFourth! organization is a Pennsylvania not-for-profit corporation, operating under the 501 (c)(3) umbrella of the TriCounty Community Network, which manages all GoFourth! finances and reporting.  Co-Chairperson Amy Francis emphasizes that not a penny of taxpayer money supports the July 4 festivities, which is why fundraising is so essential.  “No Pottstown Borough funds help to pay for this celebration,” Francis says.  “It is completely funded by sponsorships and donations made by businesses and individuals who want to offer our greater Pottstown community a fun, family-oriented event — a happening that showcases all the positive community spirit and amenities Pottstown has to offer.”

Parties interested in marching or driving in the Pottstown Rotary Club July 4th parade should contact pottstownrotary@gmail.com as soon as possible to register. There is a modest registration fee that will cover traffic control and other related expenses.   The parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. at High and Adams Streets and continue west to Manatawny Street – and participants as well as spectators will be encouraged to continue on to the King Street entrance of Memorial Park to participate in the GoFourth! Festival.

The Rotary Club also will hold its 27th Annual Duck Race on Manatawny Creek the afternoon of July 4, with a 4 p.m. duck launch.  By selling duck sponsorships, the Rotary will benefit charities in the greater Pottstown area – including Pottstown GoFourth.  To purchase a Rotary duck, go to pottstownrotary.org or purchase a duck at the GoFourth festival on July 4; to make a parade contribution, please send a tax-deductible donation to the Pottstown Rotary Community Endowment Fund (PRCEF) via P.O. Box 227, Pottstown, PA.  19464.

Pottstown GoFourth! Festival also will sell 2019 duck ticket and Pottstown GoFourth! Festival merchandise, including newly designed collectable Pottstown GoFourth! Festival baseball caps (while limited supplies last), at the Pottstown and Douglassville Redner’s markets on Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday June 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

(While there is not a rain date for the entire festival, the rain date for fireworks only will be July 7.)

Summer Youth String Orchestra Forming

 

A new summer youth string orchestra program is forming in the Pottstown area, and any strings player who is between the age of 12 and 20 who is interested in keeping up their skills over the summer is invited to participate. The Youth Orchestra of Pottstown is being organized through the Arts and Culture committee of Mosaic Community Land Trust, which has offices on South Hanover Street. The program is being directed by Niki Purdy, a teaching artist with Play On, Philly!, a nonprofit after-school music program. “Having been part of community ensembles for years, I’ve seen the good that music can do. As a teacher, I feel strongly that music should be accessible to any child who is interested and has a desire to learn and have these experiences. I think that Pottstown is the perfect place for a community ensemble.”

The program is free of charge, but students must bring their own instrument. Rehearsals begin this week at Coventry Christian Academy, 699 N Pleasantview Rd, Pottstown. They will be held from 6:30-8:30 each Thursday throughout the summer.

If you are interested in auditioning for seating in one of the sections (which is not required to participate), auditions will be held Tuesday evening between the hours of 4:00-8:00 pm at the Hobart’s Run offices, located at 701 East High Street in Pottstown, adjacent to the Hill School. All students under 18 who wish to audition must be accompanied by an adult during the audition. Auditions will begin at 4:00 pm and proceed until 8:00 pm. A link to the sign-up for the audition can be found on the Mosaic Community Land Trust website under the events tab . Please prepare 36 bars of a solo or etude, and you will also be asked to sight read a short piece.

A performance will be held in the later part of August which will be free and open to the public. The orchestra is still searching for a location in Pottstown to hold the final performance, so keep an eye on the Mosaic website for information later this summer. Any adult wishing to volunteer to help with the orchestra must have Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearances, obtained here.

If you have questions, you can contact Mosaic at mosaicclt@gmail.com, or call (610)287-7828.

513 Entertainment… a local business offering entertainment for all occasions

Editor’s note: This article was provided by Joann Minner, owner of 513 Entertainment, a local company that provides all kinds of entertainment options for any kind of event.

       Keeping the tradition of Customer Service Excellence alive

513 Entertainment

“If someone had told me that I would start my own business when I turned fifty I would have told them that they were crazy!”  Striking the balance between being a wife and mother and having two full time careers has its challenges, but has proven to be very fulfilling.  I have been in the business of event planning for the past 14 years, so I have gotten accustomed to shifting gears at a moment’s notice to meet the needs of my customers.

The inspiration for professional perfection is driven by the spirit of my parents, who were business owners themselves.  As owners of Frisco Press Printers of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, my parents instilled a strong work ethic in all of their children. I was able to see first-hand how hard work and exemplary service is the key to customer satisfaction and loyalty. I can still see my parents working side by side, seven days a week to meet their production deadlines. Being part of that environment has taught me valuable lessons about the responsibilities of being a business owner.  I named my business 513 Entertainment in their memory.  513 was “their lucky number” and I’m hoping it will bring that same luck to my business.

513 Entertainment provides top notch entertainment for all occasions.  We offer musical talent including live bands, disc jockey services, solo performers, acoustic performers and harpists.    Our entertainers offer a wide variety of genres and performance styles.

513 Entertainment offers a wide variety of performance professionals capable of transforming your social gathering into a delightful experience for guests of any age. My company enlists the talent of artists such as The Magical Illusions of Kyle and Kelly of Pottstown – strolling or stationary magicians, henna and glitter tattoo artists, face painters, caricature artists, costumed stilt walkers, balloon twisters, 14th generation palm and hair readers, baby bump artists and  costumed angel and tarot card readers .  Many of our talented professionals have upwards of thirty years experience at their craft.

As a part of our extensive roster of performers, we also provide equipment rentals such as photo booths, popcorn carts, fully staffed water ice stations and much more.

Packages can be custom designed to fit your entertainment needs and price range.  Allow me assist you in designing a theme for your celebration.  Whether you are planning a Backyard BBQ.  Super Sweet Sixteen Party, Fundraiser, Township/Municipal event or Corporate Function, our performers will add that special touch to any social gathering.

513 Entertainment has had the pleasure of providing musical talent to many local establishments such as the Elk’s Club, the Quiot Club, The Lower Pottsgrove Sportsman’s Club,  Ron’s Crooked Hill Tavern and The Sand Trap just to name a few.  Additionally, in the summer of 2011, I had the pleasure of providing staffing for The Variety Club of Philadelphia/Campisi Financial annual fundraiser.

513 Entertainment of Pottstown, Pennsylvania is a full service entertainment staffing agency eager to provide its customers with only the best performance professionals in the business today.  I look forward to working with you and continuing a family tradition of service excellence.

Joann Minner
513 Entertainment
2228 Welsh Drive
Pottstown, PA  19464
484-624-2835
website:  www.513entertainment.biz
email: jm513entertainment@live.com

Non-stop entertainment abounds at Sunnybrook

Did you know that there’s something going on at the historic Sunnybrook Ballroom every weekend? And that the weekend actually begins on Thursday night?? Check out the events below, then make your plans to be there!

Every Thursday night

Karaoke at Chummys
With Denny McConnell
Chummy’s Lounge at the Sunnybrook Restaurant
9pm to Midnight

Have a blast singing your favorite tunes. Be a rock star at Chummy’s. Drink Specials and plenty of fun!

Sunday Brunch

Every Sunday at 10:30 am. Mark your calendar and make your reservations now!

Call 484-624-5187

http://www.facebook.com/events/359903357355607/

Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners

February 11th, 7:30-11pm

http://www.facebook.com/events/304798532904184/

Friday Night Dance Party with Denny McConnell

February 24th, 8-11 pm

http://www.facebook.com/events/330701543636775/

Bridal Expo

The Bridal Expo returns to Sunnybrook on February 26th, 1 pm to 4 pm. Check the website for more info and vendor details.

WBZH getting ready to launch Phase 3

Yesterday I had the chance to catch up with Dave Devlin, Program Director for The Buzz, WBZH 1370 AM. The Buzz is the Pottstown area’s only local radio station and it’s poised to launch Phase 3 of their plan to bring back and expand community radio in a big way for the tri-county region.

Phase 1 involved getting the station back on the air just over a year ago, after 1370 went silent for about a year.

Phase 2 involved a name and identity change from WPAZ to WBZH, The Buzz.

And now, Phase 3 –  which I actually can’t specify just yet! – will soon position the station to serve the community in a way that’s totally unique for a radio/TV station anywhere.

On February 7th The Buzz will hold a press conference, including local bloggers, to announce their new campaign, and on February 9th it will swing into action. Stay tuned here and online at wbzh.net or on the radio at 1370 AM. Catch The Buzz!

 

IMPROV and OPEN HOUSE EVENTS KICK OFF 2012 AT TRI-PAC

Looking for a way to kick off the New Year by learning something new, or with an evening full of surprises, fun and creativity?   Join the excitement at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, as the  exciting winter session of classes are unveiled and  the N Crowd provides an evening of fast-paced improvisational theater!

The fun begins with an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, January 7th from 11 AM until 5 PM.  Then visit one of Pottstown’s eateries and come back to the theater for a performance of the N Crowd at 8 PM!   Can’t make it Saturday?  The Educational OPEN HOUSE will continue on Sunday from 11 AM until 5 PM.

The N Crowd is a professional short form improvisational troupe that has been performing weekly inPhiladelphiasince 2005. Performers include Pottstown’s own BJ Ellis! At each show, the N-Crowd plays a series of games and scenes based on suggestions from the audience. There are no scripts, no props, and nowhere to run! The N Crowd was selected by Fox 29’s Hot List as the Best Comedy Club in Philadelphia in 2008 and finished 2nd place in the same category in 2009. Currently, they perform at the Actors Center in Philadelphia.

The audience is an important part of the show, providing the suggestions and cheering the cast on as they tackle a variety of topics.  Be a part of the fun TODAY, Saturday, January 7th at 8 PM.  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under.  Parental guidance is suggested for this show.  Tickets may be purchased at www.tripac.org, or at the door the night of the show if available.  As always, there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.

At the Education Open House you can register for Group Classes and Private Lessons for ages 3 through senior citizens. Group classes include acting, comedy improv, scene study, audition techniques, music, voice, storybook character play and age-based performance troupes. Private instruction includes acting, voice, piano, guitar, flute, music therapy, and monologue coaching.  Check the website, www.tripac.org, for full class descriptions and times.

Get ready for a great Winter season with the N Crowd, “Goldilocks”, “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Toys In The Attic”, “Farragut North”, performances by the Melange Contemporary Dance Company and the Senior Follies, all leading up to a great musical in June.  There’s something for everyone at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center!

Village Productions is a dynamic performing arts organization founded in 2001 by a dedicated team of performing artists, arts educators, and area residents who dreamed of creating new and highly accessible performing arts opportunities for the community.  Village Productions seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and educational opportunities geared toward a diverse audience.  You may contact Village Productions through their website at www.tripac.org, or by telephone at 610-970-1199.

Still shopping? Unique gifts can be found in downtown Pottstown.

Farmers' Market, High & Charlotte

Procrastinator that I am, I got a huge amount of shopping done on  just a couple of blocks of High Street yesterday afternoon. The Gallery on High… Weitzenkorn’s… Fine Wine & Good Spirits… and The Farmers’ Market. Yes, the Farmers’ Market vendors have gift certificates so you can give the gift of fresh, local food. Stop in to see Grumpy’s Sandwiches, Freeland Market, J&H Produce, Mosteller’s Seafood, Wegman’s Deli, and Pottstown Florist. You might want to wind up your shopping at Weitzenkorn’s; they were serving wine and cheese and they provide free gift wrapping. They’ve got a beautiful selection, knowledgeable and friendly service, and some items were reduced 40%!

There are many other shopping options throughout town… Company Cakes on Charlotte Street, gift certificates to restaurants like Henry’s, Funky Lil Kitchen, the Brickhouse, and Juan Carlos Fine Mexican. How about a gift certificate from Belle Rouge or Emilie’s or something special for that special someone from Jean’s Lingerie? And don’t forget The Milkman Lunch Company & Cake Shoppe, tickets to the Tri-PAC, or lessons from High Street Music Company and The Ballroom on High!

Don’t forget to check out the websites and give a call to confirm hours today, Christmas Eve!

Pottstown School District holds holiday concert

Pottstown School District is extending an invitation to the public to attend the annual all-district band holiday concert.  The concert will be held on Tuesday, December 20th at7:00 p.m. and will take place in the Pottstown High School Stanley Davenport Auditorium.  Bands from elementary through high school will be performing classic holiday tunes.  Included in the program will be the high school jazz band performing “Big Band Christmas” numbers.  The elementary schools will be represented by the All-City Band and will perform tunes such as “Christmas Kazoo,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Christmas Stomp.”

“Frosty The Snowman” will be performed by the middle school clarinet ensemble.  Christmas favorites such as “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and “O Tannebaum” will be featured by the sixth grade band.

The newly organized High School Rock Quartet will perform “My Favorite Things.”  The high school clarinet ensemble will be featured with their “Up On the Rooftop” presentation.

Seventh and eighth grade band members will perform “African Noel,” “In the Bleak Mid-Winter,” and “Taking A Trip with Old Saint Nick.”

A feature of the evening will be the high school flute ensemble playing “Angels We Have Heard On High.”  The evening will conclude with the high school concert band performance of a Christmas “Pop Sing-A-Long.”

The entire community is invited to kickoff the holiday season during this evening of fun and entertainment!

Pottstown Shopping & Entertainment Guide: Arts & Entertainment

The arts are thriving in Pottstown! Here are some places to check out not only for show tickets,  but also for unique, hand-crafted pottery and jewelry, musical instruments,  and gift certificates for music, dancing, and acting classes. Please let us know of additional arts-related shops and venues; we’ll add them to the line-up.

Don’t be shy: support the inner artist in your child and yourself!

Tri-CountyPerforming Arts Center (TriPAC) has a full line-up of performing arts programming, hows and classes. A Christmas Story will run Dec. 1-18. A gift certificate will let that special someone choose what they want. TriPAC is putting on a new facade; don’t be deterred by the construction fencing! You will be blown away when it’s unveiled this spring. Their building used to be J. J. Newberry’s Department Store; my mom had her first job there! TriPAC is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Phone: 610-970-1199

 The Gallery on High is home to local artists – paintings, glassware, pottery, jewelry, scarves handmade soaps. If you want something that’s one-of-a-kind, you must go here! There’s also a custom framing shop inside for that special photo or painting that needs just the right frame. Peace: The Annual Holiday Show is running now through Jan. 7.  They are located at 254 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Did you know that a well-known portrait photographer from the late 19th century – Isaac Lachman – once used this building as his Pottstown studio? Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10-4:40 pm; Saturday 10-3. Phone: 610-326-2506.

The Gallery School of Pottstown offers a wide array of classes for all ages and can host your next party. (I can’t wait to teach some creative writing classes there this spring!) Maybe there’s someone in your life who would like to explore a new facet of the arts? Check out their schedule here.  They are located on the second floor of 245 E. High Street, above The Gallery on High.

Know anyone who wants to take their musical development a little further? High Street Music Company offers instruction for brass, woodwinds, strings, guitar, bass, piano and drums. Check out their family discount, holiday specials and the coupons on their website! Know anyone who wants to finally record the EP that will break their career wide open?  High Street Music also has state-of-the-art microphones and digital equipment. They’re at 135 E. High Street (next to Bistro 137 and across from Borough Hall.) Phone: 610-906-3357.

For music instrument sales and rentals, stop in at Ben’s Music within Downtown Records and Tapes at 53 N. Charlotte Street, at the intersection with King Street. They also do instrument repairs. Their hours are: Mon. – Thurs., 10am – 5:30 pm; Fri., 10 am – 8 pm; Sat., 10 am – 4 pm; closed Sunday.

For the dancer in all of us and when you just gotta move, the Ballroom on High is THE place to be! SwingKat Entertainment hosts weekly dances and gives lessons in ballroom , country, salsa, and swing. Their 300-person venue in a historic building at 310 E. High Street is also available for weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, or funeral receptions.  For sure, check it out on Dec. 9th and attend the Come As You Art Ball, hosted by MOSAIC Community Land Trust and PDIDA.

Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company is in 40th year, exposing kids age 7 and older to dance. This year once again they will perform The Nutcracker Ballet. The show goes on at The Hill School Center for the Arts on Dec. 3 and 4. Go to their website for more details and tickets.

For free concerts that can become part of your family’s traditions, check out the Coventry Singers in concert on Saturday, Dec. 10 ; Reading Choral Society at Emmanuel Lutheran on Sunday, Dec. 11; and the Hill School’s Lessons and Carols in Alumni Memorial Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 11. Details can be found on the Positively!Pottstown calendar.

Cantatica presents “An American Thanksgiving” at Emmanuel Lutheran

This Tuesday, November 22nd at 7:30 pm, the professional chamber ensemble and artist-in-residence Cantatica will present music of gratitude, remembrance and rejoicing at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please note that the Coventry Singers will also be guest artists.

The concert will include Let Us Break Bread Together, Simple Gifts, Zion’s Walls, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, How Can I Keep From Singing, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Dixie, and Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier.

Emmanuel Lutheran offers a free Music at Emmanuel series throughout the year. Check out their Facebook page here. Their next concert features the Reading Choral Society in “A Celebration of Light” on Sunday, December 11.

Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
150 N. Hanover Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-4312

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