WEST CHESTER, PA — Summertime means concerts, and Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester is the place to be for music lovers this season.
This summer, the downtown performing arts center will feature a Fresh & Local Summer Series with tribute bands, Grammy Award-winning artists, and a local performer. So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some of the best music that our region has to offer!
Fresh & Local Summer Series
Uptown! says that it is excited to welcome local musicians to their upstairs Cabaret space this summer. The Fresh & Local Summer Series will introduce audiences to rising talent from the region, with shows featuring summer-inspired cocktails in Mac’s Foxhole Lounge before the show. Tickets to the series are just $25, making it an affordable night out for music lovers of all ages. With a variety of genres represented, there’s sure to be something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind musical experience. Come out and support your local talent this summer at Uptown!
Stephanie Phillips
Thursday, July 21, 7:30PM
Stephanie Phillips has been making music since she was a young girl. Though she’s performed all over the states – including NYC’s SpeakEasy and The Village Gate – one of her favorite career highlights was opening for the one and only EmmyLou Harris back in the ’90s. Stephanie would describe her sound as “progressive folk,” taking inspiration from musical legends like Billy Joel, James Taylor, and Dan Fogelberg.
Her latest project, a full-length album titled “What Have I Lost?,” came out in 2020 and can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and her website. For more information on Stephanie Phillips and her music, be sure to check out www.songwriterstephaniephillips.com.
MCKNZ
Wednesday, July 27, 7:30 PM
MCKNZ is a rising star in the indie-pop world. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, she is a singer-songwriter, pianist and producer who is making waves with her unique sound. MCKNZ fuses an acoustic pop sound with an indie/electronic feel, creating a dreamy and ethereal listening experience. Her lyrics are often paired with synth sounds, luscious reverb, and gentle acoustic guitar, creating a sound that is both comforting and relatable.
MCKNZ’s debut self-titled album has been well-received by fans and critics alike, and she has been praised for her honest and vulnerable songwriting. If you are a fan of indie-pop artists like LEON, Girl in Red, or Lizzy McAlpine, you will definitely enjoy MCKNZ’s music. Catch her live by checking out her tour dates on her website, or listen to her music on Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube or Apple Music.
One Alternative
Thursday, August 18, 7:30 PM
One Alternative was founded in 1983 by oboist Jill Haley and guitarist Mark Oppenlander. The group’s unique sound is a blend of classical, jazz, folk, and rock music. One Alternative has released five albums: “One Alternative,” “Silhouettes of Sound,” “The Colors of Time,” “Distant Echoes,” and “Chasing the Sun.” The group has performed at many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center.
One Alternative has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and PBS’s “NewsHour.” In addition to performing their own music, the members of One Alternative are also active as composers and arrangers. They have written music for television, film, and theater productions. One Alternative is committed to bringing its innovative sound to new audiences and continues to tour throughout the United States and Canada.
One Alternative is a musical group that has been performing along the East Coast for many years. They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Penn’s Landing, the Keswick Theatre, and the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. In addition, they have shared the stage with some of the most well-known names in the music industry, such as Spyro Gyra, Oregon, Pentangle, Larry Coryell, Acoustic Alchemy, and the Dixie Dregs.
The group has released multiple recordings over the years, all of which have received critical acclaim. Jonathan Takiff from The Philadelphia Daily News said that their most recent album is “the tastiest independent record project to come out of these parts in many moons.” One Alternative is a talented and accomplished group that is sure to please any audience.
More Music this Summer at Uptown!
There are more music shows coming to Uptown!. There will be a Grammy-winner performing, as well as tributes to Bob Seger, AM radio hits, and The Cars. Plus, a powerful singer who graduated from West Chester University is coming back.
Peter Rowan’s Free Mexican Airforce featuring Los Texmaniacs
Saturday July 23, 7:30PM
Tickets: $42
Peter Rowan is a living legend in the world of bluegrass music. As a singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist, he has been entertaining audiences for decades with his unique style and masterful musicianship. Rowan got his start as a member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, and he has been making music ever since.
His newest album, “Calling You From My Mountain,” is available on Spotify, and fans can expect to hear some of his classic hits when he comes to West Chester for the first time next month. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting acquainted with this iconic artist, don’t miss your chance to see him live on our Mainstage.
AM Radio Tribute Show
Friday, August 12, 7:30PM
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
The AM Radio Tribute Band is a musical group based in King of Prussia, PA that focuses on recreating the sounds of popular AM radio hits from the 60’s and 70’s. The band was formed in December 2014 by a group of musicians who shared a love for the nostalgic and melodic sounds of this era.
The band’s repertoire includes renditions of classic songs such as “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane, “Mama Told Me Not To Come” by Three Dog Night, and “The Age of Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” by The 5th Dimension.
The band strives to create a musical experience that transports listeners back to a time when radio was king and hits were constantly infiltrating the airwaves. If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic musical journey, be sure to check out the AM Radio Tribute Band.
Hollywood Nights – The Bob Seger Experience
Saturday, August 13, 8:00PM
Tickets: $40
The Bob Seger Experience is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. This 9-piece New Jersey-based powerhouse has set out to re-create everything about Bob and his music, right down to the smallest detail. The band prides itself on continuing the amazing groundwork laid down by Bob over the past 30 years.
Their stage show is a high energy, musical assault that will take you on a journey through all of your favorite Seger songs. Drawing from a library of well over 100 songs, The Bob Seger Experience strives to keep each show fresh, while still maintaining all of the classics that made Bob one of the greatest rock and roll artists of our time.
So come on out and relive all of those great memories with The Bob Seger Experience…the next best thing to being there live with the man himself!
Sarah Diamond and the Soul Miners
Saturday, August 20, 7:30PM
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
Sarah Diamond will be making her debut on the Uptown! mainstage. A Pennsylvania-native and West Chester University alum, Sarah Diamond started her singer/songwriter career by performing as a soloist in the Philadelphia area for over a year. She then decided to venture down to Alabama to explore the possibility of building her career in the south.
After falling in love with the vibrant music scene in St. Petersburg, Florida, during a visit to family there, she decided to make this coastal town her permanent home. Sarah Diamond is looking forward to performing on the Uptown! mainstage and sharing her music with the audience.
Sarah Diamond uses her powerful voice to sing both original songs and cover songs from different decades. She plans to start recording her first EP in the new year and continue her music career in sunny Florida.
Best Friend’s Girl The Cars Experience
Saturday, August 27, 8:00PM
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
Best Friend’s Girl is a band comprised of professional musicians whose goal is to keep the music of The Cars alive. The Cars are a band that sold over 23 million albums and had more than 22 songs on the Billboard top 100. They are a band that left their mark in popular culture with their hits like “Best Friends Girl,” “Shake It Up,” “Magic,” “Let’s Go” and of course, “Moving in Stereo.” “Moving in Stereo” gained notoriety from its placement in the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Best Friend’s Girl recreates the timeless hits of The Cars spanning their 35-year career. So if you’re a fan of The Cars, or if you’re just looking for a good time, come check out Best Friend’s Girl!
The Cars started their journey in the 1970s when Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr worked together on several projects. Ric and Benjamin eventually completed the lineup with Greg Hawkes, Elliot Easton, and David Robinson in Boston in 1976. In the confusion left behind from the death of disco and the angst of punk, they forged a new direction bringing together the synthesizer sound with classic rock and roll roots. It created a unique sound for the time and icon John Lennon became a fan stating, “I think The Cars’ ‘Touch and Go’ is right out of the fifties ‘Oh, oh…’ A lot of it is fifties stuff. But with eighties styling.”
Summer Events
Be sure to check out the full lineup of events at Uptown! this summer! With something for everyone, we know you’ll find an event that will excite and entertain you. From music fans to families with young children, there is truly something for everyone. Head over to the Uptown! website now to see all the great events happening this summer!
Stay up to date on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Sign up today so you don’t miss out on any important updates about upcoming events or attractions in our region.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.