Summer concerts, movies coming to Hartwood Acres, South Park
One sure sign of warmer days ahead is the annual release of Allegheny County’s lineup of summer concerts and movies.
On Thursday, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced this summer’s slate, which includes concerts, movies and cars cruises — all for free.
The summer concert series kicks off June 2 with a performance by the Pittsburgh Opera at the South Park Amphitheater. Pittsburgh’s own Chris Jamison will take the stage on June 4 at Hartwood Acres in Hampton/Indiana Township. Grace Elliott will open for Jamison.
“I love our concert series and hear from so many residents who look forward to these performances each year,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “While there are always so many events in our parks, there’s something special about the Summer Concert Series and how it brings people together with their friends and family to enjoy the experience of live music outdoors.”
There will be 14 performances at the South Park Amphitheater.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays with one exception — the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performance is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on July 1. Jon Bindley of Jon’s Bindley Hardware Co. will perform in the June 23 Honky-Tonk Jukebox. The Summer of Love returns July 7.
The Dazz Band, which won a Grammy for “Let It Whip” will headline on July 21. On July 28, Fastball is scheduled to perform, known best for their late ’90s song, “The Way,” which topped the American rock charts for seven weeks and was featured in an episode of the show Ted Lasso.
August offerings include singer-songwriter Edwin McCain on Aug. 18. On Aug. 11, JD McPherson and his band will be on stage.
The Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater will also host 14 shows at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The June 18 Father’s Day Car Cruise at Hartwood Acres will be followed by a concert featuring The Jaggerz.
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives perform on July 9 with Pittsburgh’s Joe Grushecky. Stuart is a 5-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. July 16 marks a show by ’70s funk rock band WAR as the band brings its genre mix of hits such as “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Cisco Kid,” and “Summer Time.”
Fitz and the Tantrums will headline the July 23 performance. The group has more than 3 billion streams from hits including “Hand Clap” and “The Walker.” Hometown Night at Hartwood will feature local talent on July 30.
On Aug. 27, Jazz guitar pioneer and 2-time Grammy Award winner John Scofield will perform with the Jason Kush Quartet opening.
The series closes out with the 23rd Annual Allegheny County Music Festival. This year’s theme is 1980s. Men Without Hats will perform the popular song “Safety Dance.” The Sept. 3 event benefits children and youth receiving services. A $20 per vehicle requested donation supports requests made through the county Department of Human Services or the Juvenile Section of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Since 2000, the County Music Festival has raised nearly $550,000.
Fitzgerald said when he took office 12 years ago, he asked parks and special events to work to provide something in the parks for residents. He said they’ve exceeded that goal.
“And this year’s concert series schedule reflects that,” Fitzgerald said. “Not only is there something for everyone – blues, oldies, country rock, funk, jazz, Indie pop, and rhythm and blues – but this summer also includes the return of Movies in the Park, Park in the Park car cruises, and a new Acoustics series that kicked off last week and continues tonight at the Cascades in South Park. My summer schedule is going to be full.”
The summer movies series opens June 22 in South Park at the 100 Acre House with movies starting between 8:50 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. First up is “Encanto.” Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Other films include “DC League of Super-Pets” on July 13, “Turning Red” on July 27 and “Space Jam: A New Legacy” on Aug. 17.
Park in the Park, the car cruise series, kicks off on May 7 at the South Park VIP parking lot at 2 p.m. The schedule includes events at four parks through September. The cruises will have music, food trucks and plenty of cars.
Check here for complete schedules of concerts, movies, and special events.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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