22nd Allegheny County Music Festival to rock Hartwood Acres with jam band theme

Those looking to enjoy a day of music and fun during Labor Day weekend can do so for a good cause.

The 2022 Allegheny County Music Festival, which is marking its 22nd year, will take place Sunday at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater. The show kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and features performances from headliner Pink Talking Fish and local acts Dogs in a Pile and theCAUSE.

Attendees will be able to help themselves to food trucks on-site starting at 5 p.m., along with Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co. Free face painting and glow necklaces will be available.

Seating is first come, first serve. Organizers suggest bringing a blanket or chair and arriving early to stake out an area on the lawn.

“There is something there for everyone,” said Shelli Luchs, senior manager of event and donations. “I hope we see a lot of people out.”

Bill Deasy, special events manager for Allegheny County, said the event attracts an average of 4,000 people depending on the weather. When planning for the summer series, Deasy said they settled on a jam band festival idea. The genre of music is really popular, he said.

“I just have a good feeling from these bands,” he said. “I think it will be a fun day for everybody.”

Luchs said attendees are encouraged to make a $20 donation to help benefit the music festival’s fund. The donation is per car, and debit/credit or cash is accepted.

There also will be a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for baskets. Tie-dyed festival shirts will be sold.

Since its inception, Luchs said, the music festival alone has raised more than $545,000. With the help of donors, grants and other fundraising events, more than $950,000 has been raised for the fund.

“This started out of a need with the children and youth we serve,” she said.

The fund helps to provide opportunities for children and youth in the area. Luchs said funds raised over the years has benefited about 3,000 kids. The fund covers children involved in the Department of Human Services or the Juvenile Section of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas.

Funds raised have been used to pay for trips for juniors and seniors unable to attend out-of-state campus visits; summer camps; lessons in music, karate and other hobbies; registration fees; and equipment.

Luchs said they recently covered school clothing and college books for student. There has been an increase in requests since the pandemic, she added.

“We are always trying to see what we can do that is beneficial to funds and interesting to donors,” she said.