Summer concerts return to McCandless Crossing

Let the good times roll as the outdoor Summer Concert Series returns to McCandless Crossing’s Town Green, kicking off the first show June 2 with singer and guitarist Shelley Duff at 6 p.m.

McCandless Crossing, located at the intersection of McKnight Road and Duncan Avenue, holds free concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, starting June 2 and running through Aug. 28.

“Our concerts are quite popular,” said Michele Kisthardt, a spokesperson for Adventure Development LLC, which manages the property.

About 150 to 200 people attend on any Monday or Thursday throughout the summer, she said.

“People make attending the concerts part of their summer tradition and start asking in the spring if the schedule is ready yet so they can make plans to attend their favorite concerts. It’s part of an annual summer tradition for many of the folks in the North Hills,” Kisthardt said.

Their first concert began in 2017 with the band Endeavor, a group that still performs there every summer.

“We even hosted concerts throughout covid, the summer of 2020, because we could stay within the allowed numbers of people attending outdoor events. In 2021, we added an extra day to the concert season, expanding from Monday night concerts to Monday and Thursday concerts,” she said.

Concert attendees should bring chairs or blankets for seating at the Town Green, which is the grassy area in the center of McCandless Crossing, situated between the Old Navy and Ethan Allen stores.

In case of inclement weather, concerts may be canceled or rescheduled.

Acts range from solo performers who are acoustic singers, to four- and five-piece bands. Performances feature anything from jazz, pop, oldies and country, Kisthardt said.

This is the first year Steel City Calypso, a steel drum band, will be on the schedule. Many of the performers are from the North Hills area, and all are based in Pittsburgh.

“We typically kick off the season with Shelley Duff, a fan favorite from the North Hills. Jeff Jimerson is the primary national anthem singer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, so he’s very popular,” Kisthardt said.

North Hills Community Outreach will hold a food donation drive during the June 23, July 21 and Aug. 18 concerts. Kisthardt said they often partner with a local nonprofit when planning the events.

For example, a Halloween event is held in the fall where McCandless Crossing tenants give out free candy to nearly 1,000 children. In return, trick-or-treaters are asked to bring canned goods that a local Girl Scout troop collects to make Thanksgiving-meal care packages for those less fortunate in the community, Kisthardt said.

NHCO volunteers attend various concerts over the summer to collect nonperishable items for their food pantry. McCandless Crossing also partnered with NHCO in the early spring for a Chocolate Walk, where participants buy a ticket and enjoy exclusive chocolate treats from a some of our tenants, she said.

“We’re proud to showcase local, talented musicians in an outdoor space that family and friends can experience together,” said Kevin Dougherty, president and owner of Adventure Development.

McCandless Crossing features retail, medical, hospitality, office, entertainment, residential and senior-living lifestyle centers.

For the entire summer concert schedule, visit mccandlesscrossing.com or follow along on Facebook @mccandlesscrossing.

Here is the summer concert lineup:

• June 2: Shelley Duff

• June 5: Endeavor

• June 9: The Good Karma Band

• June 12: Chad Toland

• June 16: The Boss Stingrays

• June 19: Curtis & The Shakerz

• June 23: Eddie & The Bruisers

• June 26: Zig Daniels

• June 30: Steel City Calypso

• July 3: No concert

• July 7: Jazzy Jane

• July 10: Jay Wiley

• July 14: Jeff Jimerson

• July 17: The Rust Project

• July 21: Michael Lindner

• July 24: Brian Belonzi

• July 28: Eclectic Acoustics

• July 31: Straight Up

• Aug. 4: Crucible

• Aug. 7: Shelley Izzy

• Aug. 11: Rich Zabinski Trio

• Aug. 14: The Bad Joints

• Aug. 18: Shot O’ Soul

• Aug. 21: Jenkins Crum

• Aug. 25: Abby Abbondanza

• Aug. 28: Second Breakfast