January and February Music

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Hey there! I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday season so far, and I hope the rest of the season is rewarding for you as well! Next week will be one of my favorite parts, The Week Between The Years…

It’s a little early for this note, but there’s a Joy Street  show coming up in early January that I want to make sure you are aware of …and of course lots more to chase away winter chills!

December Memories…

Had a great time playing old-time Appalachian tunes with friends on December 2 at the Edgewood Library. No pictures, but the hall was chock-full of arts and crafts for the holidays (and pizza for the musicians!). Come next year — you won’t regret it!

I’ve also been having fun learning and playing a few Christmas songs… Been trying them out at the Starlite Lounge Wednesday Open Mic, and I think I’ll be playing some of them at the Tuesday Open Mic at G’s on Liberty on Tues Dec 19.

January and February Music!

January starts off with a bang — Joy Street  is playing the Starlite Lounge Songwriters’ Invitational on Saturday January 6, 6pm-8pm. It’s a happy, fun time, in a classic, music-centric dive bar with some of the best pierogis in town!

Then on Monday January 15, Let Freedom Sing puts on its 17th Annual Concert Celebration of Martin Luthor King Jr. at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Come to hear some wonderful Gospel music (I’ll be in the Tenor section!) and to celebrate a true American hero.

On Saturday January 27, 7:30pm, Bertha and the Belles are playing SongSpace, with special guest Gray Buchanan. I’m not playing in this one at all, but you won’t want to miss it!

On Sunday February 4 from 6pm to 8pm, I’ll be the Music Sundays guest at the Ruckus Cafe. This is a great coffeeshop just outside Millvale that opens its doors to all sorts of music and community events. Come on out for cafe food and drinks, and lots of music to ward off those midwinter blues!

Then on Saturday February 17 at 7pm, Joy Street returns to the Sunburst School of Music. This is where the band got its start, and we’re looking forward to returning to this welcoming, comfortable space!

Finally on Sunday February 25, I’ll be opening for a special show at Steamworks Creative featuring  Michelle Hall and Shane McLaughlin. It’s gonna be a high-energy night!

As usual, for a fuller listing of my events, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

December Music!

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December is upon us!  Things are winding down for me for the holidays, and I look forward to taking some time learning and writing some new songs.  More to come in the new year!

November Memories…

The “deconstructed version” of Joy Street that played a benefit on November 12 at Local Provisions for Garden Home Ministries turned out to be just Susan Spangler and me. But good things can come in small packages, and we had a blast, playing to members and supporters of GHM  —  as well as a 

few bemused customers coming in just to shop! A portion of the sales proceeds that day went to support GHM, which is dedicated to the prevention of human trafficking, and the rescue and restoration of its victims. Thanks to all who came out!

After our 4-5pm set, I headed over to Ruckus Coffeehouse

 to open for another show by Jim Hawley & Friends; I also accompanied Jim and his friends on banjo for a few tunes… The place was packed and a good time was had by all!

Then, about a week later, I played a nice long set as part of the Songwriters’ Invitational at Ronnie “Moondog” Esser’s Starlite Lounge in Blawnox. My set was between a shorter one by David Lesondak and another full set by Debbi Pace, who I accompanied on mandolin for a few songs.  This series is getting a reputaiton, and the place was packed with people who love beer, pierogis, and great acoustic singer-songwriter, blues and Americana music!  Check it out any Saturday 6-8pm!

December and Beyond!

Saturday December 2, from 11am to 1pm, I’ll be playing old-time Appalachian music with 

friends for the Christmas Market at the Edgewood Library.  The whole arts and crafts fair runs from 9am to 4pm, and if you come between 11 and 1 you get music too!

Nothing else is scheduled for December but here is one of my very favorite Christmas songs, “Upon a Christmas Eve” by Hugh Prescott. Click the picture to hear it!

You might see me elsewhere too!  As usual, for a fuller listing of my events, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

November Music!

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Yesterday was Election Day!  Hope you took a break from your day to vote; it’s how we make our government better! I voted by mail myself, and then stood to greet voters at the polls.

Looking Back at October Music…

On October 14, Joy Street played for the St. Andrew’s Church Fall Fest in Highland Park!  I don’t have any photos of the event, but here’s a nice montage of Joy Street from one of our summer shows…

There was a great turnout for the Fall Fest, and since it was rainy outside, we had the pleasure of playing in the St. Andrew’s beautiful looking, and beautiful sounding, sanctuary.  

Then on October 20, I got to play with Jim Hawley and Friends at  Steamworks Creative on Route 8 in Gibsonia! It was a great retrospective of 70’s folk rock and beyond, with 15 or so separate performers.  

The very next day, October 21, 

East End Appalachian Jam played for the second to lasy Swissvale Farmers’ Market of the season.

November Songs!

On Sunday November 12, members of Joy Street will play a benefit show at Local Provisions, 1111 Freeport Road, for Garden Home Ministries.  Garden Home Ministries is 

dedicated to the prevention of human trafficking, and the rescue and restoration of its victims. Because of space and scheduling we’ll be a slightly deconstructed Joy Street, with BJ leading from 4pm to 5pm and Deborah and Susan leading from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Stop by anytime from 4 to 7 for a bite and some great, uplifting music!

After my 4-5pm set, I’ll head over to Ruckus Coffeehouse

 to open for another show by Jim Hawley & Friends at 6pm Nov 12, and I’ll accompany them on banjo for some of their music. Ruckus is a great intimate space for just this sort of music.

Saturday November 18 I’ll round things out as part of the Songwriters’ Invitational, 6pm-8pm at Ron “Moondog” Esser’s Starlite Lounge in Blawnox. In addition to a set of my own music, I’ll back up blues & classic rock singer Debbi Pace on mandolin for a couple of her songs. The show will open with a couple short sets by other musicians, so I’ll start around 6:30pm. It’s a chill, fun time, in a classic, music-centric dive bar with some of the best pierogis in town; see you there!

You might see me elsewhere too!  As usual, for a fuller listing of my events, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

October and November Music!

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A busy Summer – Now it’s time to catch my breath!

Last gig of the summer at the Bloomfield Saturday Market was on September 9.  Great time playing for 

all the passersby in a very full market, made even more fun by the cello playing of friend Lutie Rodriguez!

Then on to the Sharpsburg Art & History Stroll that same afternoon, where I played a half hour set in a lineup that included

friends Anni Mai, Megan Pennington, Devin Russian, Jim Skiff, Bethanie Patterson, and more!

Rounded out the month with two solo sets at

the Swissvale Farmers’ Market, one more Swissvale Farmers’ Market jam with the East End Appalachian Jam, and a great 40 minute set with the harmony group (formerly known as!) Subject to Change, at  Lawrenceville Distilling …


News Flash! — The harmony group has a new name: Joy Street!  Joy Street consists of consists of Susan Spangler on mandolin, Mary Fleck and Deborah Brooks on guitars, Lutie Rodriguez on cello, Jan Hamilton on fiddle, and me on banjo, accompanying Susan, Mary and Deborah in some of the prettiest harmony singing you’ll hear! 

 Coming up in October and November…

  • This coming Saturday October 14, Joy Street will be playing from 2pm to 4pm for the St. Andrew’s Church Fall Fest in Highland Park!  As always, great harmonies and much joy and laughter (if it’s rainy, the festival and the music will move inside the church, so come rain or come shine, but come see us!).
  • Then on Friday October 20 at 7pm I’ll be backing up Jim Hawley and Friends on banjo for a fun night of familiar, and not so familiar, songs and tunes at Steamworks Creative on Route 8 in Gibsonia!
     
  • The very next day, Saturday October 21, will be the last Swissvale Farmers’ Market jam of the season with the East End Appalachian Jam, noon-2pm.
     
  • And then on November 18 I’ll be part of the Songwriters’ 
    Invitational, 6pm-8pm at Ron “Moondog” Esser‘s  Starlite Lounge in Blawnox.  In addition to a set of my own music, I’ll probably back up blues & classic rock singer Debbi Pace on mandolin for a couple of her songs. It’s a chill, fun time, in a classic, music-centric dive bar with the biggest pierogis in town! 

You might see me elsewhere too!  As usual, for a fuller listing of my events, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

September songs (and October too!)

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August – Hot for Music!

More fun days at the Swissvale Farmers’ Market (9-11am, at the Dickson STEAM Academy on 

Shoyer in Swissvale), where I got to sing with friends Deborah Brooks and Bill Collinge, and the Bloomfield Saturday Market (10am-noon, on Liberty Avenue across from the Honda Dealership in Bloomfield) where friend Lutie Rodriguez 

came out to listen (next time she might bring her cello!). Summer’s winding down, so there are not many of these farmers’ market gigs left on my schedule (see at right, or below if you are on a cell phone).

Playing at  Three Rivers Outdoor Company on August 14 got cancelled because of rain, but fortunately we could reschedule for September 1 (just this past Friday!), where both Susan Spangler and Deborah Brooks joined in on 

mandolin and harmonies.  Lots of people stopped by to listen, beer or coffee or soft drinks in hand.  It was a lovely way to welcome Labor Day Weekend (and try out the Loudon Wainwright III song “Summer’s Almost Over”). 

Had a great time with the harmony group Subject to Change, doing a full show to a full house at The Breezeway Home in Point Breeze.  Subject to Change consists of Susan Spangler on mandolin, Mary Fleck and Deborah Brooks on guitars, 

Lutie Rodriguez on cello, and me on banjo, accompanying Susan, Mary and Deborah in some of the prettiest harmony singing you’ll hear!  Our fiddler Jan Hamilton was off in Europe, so Stephen Weiss of the Bastard Bearded Irishmen did a yeoman’s job subbing for her.  Jan should be back in town this week — we’re looking forward to playing with her again! 

Coming up in September and October…

And in other news…

One of the other projects I work on is SongSpace at First Unitarian, a concert series for folk, Americana, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, old-time, and world music, featuring local, regional and national artists, that takes place at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside.   The new season has been announced, and it looks great!

Full details at uusongspace.com…

As usual, for a fuller listing of my events, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

Great Fun at The Frick for Make Music Day 2023!

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June 21 was a beautiful day at The Frick Pittsburgh in Point Breeze, and a great day to play music on the lawn beside the cafe there. I was joined by Susan Spangler and Deborah Brooks, 2/3 of the singers in the harmony group named (literally, for now!) Subject To Change.

Thanks especially for Caito Amoroso, curator of performance events at The Frick, for hosting us and taking these pictures!

Summer’s getting busy!

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May was a busy month (and wait’ll you see what’s happening in June and July!)…

Saw lots of familiar faces performing at the Friendship Flower and Folk Festival! 

Every year it’s a great neighborhood event.  Then came the Millvale Music Festival where the whole town turns into a multiple venue music extravaganza! 

So many friends performing and hanging out there.  And of course the Celebration of Bob Dylan at The Breezeway Home in Point Breeze.

Crazy night, but lots of fun!

There’s some cool stuff coming up in June and July.

For Make Music Pittsburgh on June 21, I’ll be playing a two hour lunchtime set at The Frick in Point Breeze, and I’ll be playing the pre-show music for the Sweet Lizzy Project at Summer Sounds on July 21 in Greensburg!  Or see me at one of the venues listed to the right (or just below, if you’re on a cell phone)! 

I’ll also be playing at the Bloomfield Saturday Market, the Swissvale Farmers’ Market, and the Swissvale Edible Garden Tour. For all the details, see my Events page!

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

May 2023: Summer Starts to Sing Along!

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Well…

Had an absolute blast at Art All Night and at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theatre on April 29! 

Art All Night

I organized and ran sound for the Art All Night Coffeehouse stage, as I have been doing for several years.  It was a blast!  Here are some pictures of the performers…

BJ and Debbi Pace

I didn’t perform on the coffeehouse stage myself though because about halfway through the evening I went to play blues with Debbi Pace in the lobby of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theatre, as the pre-show opener for Calliope‘s concert featuring Guy Davis with special guests Ernie Hawkins & Ray Morin.

I also help to organize the SongSpace concert series at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh.  Our last show of the season (just last night!), featuring Jess Klein with special guest Brad Yoder, was really special to be a part of.

Brad and Jess

For a fuller listing, audio and video recordings, and more, see brianjunkermusic.com.

Summer’s heating up and I wanted to let you know about where I’ll be singing and playing.  You can see it all on my events page. They all should be fun, and all but one are free!

Hope to see you out in the world!

-BJ

Looking Back on the Summer of ’22!

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It’s been a great summer of music!

I had great performances at the 25th annual Art All Night event in the Strip in April, the rainy but wonderful Friendship Flower & Folk Festival in May,

Art All Night, 2022
Setting Up AAN, 2022
Playing Art All Night, 2022
Friendship Flower & Folk Festival 2022
At the FFFF… neither rain nor snow….

the Sharpsburg Art & History Stroll and International Make Music Day at Cousin’s Lounge in Millvale (both in June),

Sharpsburg Art & History Stroll, 2022
Playing at the Sharpsburg Art & History Stroll
Playing Cousin’s Lounge for International Make Music Day
International Make Music Day, 2022

the tenth annual Deutschtown Music Festival in July,

Art All Night, 2022
Playing Threadbare Cider for the Deutschtown Music Festival

and the Pittsburgh Art Jam / Play Music on the Porch Day at the Sleeping Octopus in Wilkinsburg in August!

Play Music on the Porch Day
Art Jam, 2022
Art Jam, 2022
The Art Jam, 2022!
Old Time Music on the Porch at Sleeping Octopus, 2022

I also provided live sound engineering for Art All Night, the Deutschtown Music Festival and the Pittsburgh Art Jam!

And all through the summer there were almost-weekly performances at the Swissvale Farmers’ Market (alone and with East End Appalachian Jam) and the Bloomfield Saturday Market. There are always friendly faces at the Swissvale Market, and the Bloomfield performances were completely un-amplified, allowing me to connect with market shoppers and vendors a little more personally (and it was only a challenge to hear myself during the Columbus Day Parade!).

Swissvale Farmers’ Market, 2022
Ready to Play at Swissvale!
East End Appalachian Jam at Swissvale
East End Appalachian Jam at Swissvale!
Bloomfield Saturday Market, 2022
Playing in Bloomfield
Playing in Bloomfield
Appreciative Bloomfield Audience Member!
Cayt manning the maple syrup stand at Bloomfield

Looking forward to seeing you at my last farmers’ market performance of the season, at the Swissvale Farmers’ Market Saturday Oct 22. I’ll be playing songs and tunes from 9 to 11, and then joining the East End Appalachian Jam from 11 to 1.

And of course I’ll let you know of other upcoming events right here at brianjunkermusic.com.

cheers,

-BJ