New Harmar outdoor concert venue scheduled to open with local bands in October

While fans will have to wait another nine months to be taken “Back to Chicago,” the Mountain View Amphitheater in Harmar is set to open in October with a show featuring three local bands.

The venue was originally scheduled to be christened Sept. 18 with a concert featuring drummer Danny Seraphine, co-founding member of the legendary rock band “Chicago” and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

However, some lingering permitting issues forced the Amphitheater’s owner Gary “Gus” Francis to push the Seraphine show back to June 25, 2022.

Seraphine’s current band, California Transit Authority, will be performing many of Chicago’s hit songs from the 1970s and ‘80s as part of Seraphine’s “Take Me Back to Chicago Tour.” The special guest is area rock legend Joe Grushecky.

Longtime Pittsburgh concert promoter Rich Engler, who is producing the show, said all previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date and there is no need to switch tickets.

“I’m anxious and more than excited to get moving toward the new date,” Engler said. “I’ve talked to Danny Seraphine and he’s looking forward to it.”

In the meantime, a “Halloween Band Bash” featuring local acts AC & The Resistors, Tina Daniels Band and Curtis and the Shakers is scheduled for Oct. 23 pending building inspection and approval, according to Harmar officials.

Cans, bottles or coolers are not permitted at the venue, but food trucks and other refreshment facilities will be available.

Parking is available adjacent to the facility.

The Mountain View Amphitheater is at 10 Rich Hill Road, off Route 910. It’s up the hill from the Harmar business district and not far from Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Allegheny Valley exit.

It’s a flat, grassy area that can accommodate anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people, most of whom can watch live performances from their own lawn chairs. Seats also will be provided in an area close to the stage. As part of the development of the area, Francis is planning to put in an artificial turf youth baseball field.

Harmar Supervisor Bob Exler called it a “win, win for everybody.”

“It’s tax money for a piece of property that wasn’t bringing in much tax revenue,” he said. “Putting a ballfield up there for kids who enjoy sports plus putting a concert venue up there for people who enjoy that, I think it’s an asset for the township.”

Ticket information is available online. For more information about the amphitheater, call 412-390-5466.