Have you been to SongSpace at First Unitarian yet?  The first show of their season is coming up this Friday Oct 3 at 7:30pm with super guitarist, composer and storyteller Hiroya Tsukamoto.  Tickets at uusongspace.eventbee.com or at the door.  It’s going to be great!

September Songs!

Had a lot of fun playing my last gig for the season at  3 Rivers Outdoor Company on Sept 8. Great weather, good crowd!  Then on Sept 13, I hosted Autumn Ayers and Abbey Martin at  Baum Grove.  I’m looking forward to setting up more shows like this at Baum Grove next summer!  Along the same lines, on Sept 22 I helped with sound and PA stuff for Abbey Martin and Nadine Douds who were playing at Mellon Square.  Sept 30 saw me at the Starlite Lounge Invitational with  Michelle Ricciardi Hall and Jeff Klamut.  Original music and some great pop covers — a lot of fun!

October Music!

On Saturday Oct 4 I’ll be playing at the Bloomfield Saturday Market, 10am-Noon. Come on out! The market is always at its finest in the crisp fall air, with the bounty of fall harvests.

Then on Thursday Oct 9 at 7pm at the Greenhouse Co-op in Greenfield, I’ll be part of the Lyric Showcases that Bob Augustine is organizing.  This is a very cool idea that mixes several songwriters and poets together in one evening, to perform and give insight into some of their music.  Nadine Douds will be there to help me sing the songs I will present; she herself will present her music at a Lyric Showcase on Dec 13 at Bantha Tea Bar in Garfield.

Then it’s time to take a deep breath, because several special shows are coming up at the end of October and into November!

On Thurday Oct 23 at 7pm, Abbey Martin, Nadine Douds  and I will be playing at the Breezeway Home in Point Breeze.  If you haven’t been there yet, you should really go. This is an intimate listening space, with shows curated by host/proprieter Dennis Inserra, somewhere between a house concert and a coffeehouse.  We’re really looking foward to singing and playing in various combinations together, and sharing some music especially for this space.

The very next night, Friday Oct 24, I’ll be providing music between 7:30 and 9:30pm for the Three Rivers Waterkeeper annual fundraiser, out at the Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Creighton PA.  You’re welcome to come support a really important Pittsburgh environmental organization, and enjoy dinner and music!  Full detail at the Waterkeeper website.

A week later, on Thursday Oct 30 from 3 to 5pm, Nadine Douds and I will be playing for travellers at the Pittsburgh International Airport on the Airside Terminal Stage.  This is the second time for me this year, and I really had fun doing it earlier this summer.  Everybody is desperate to be somewhere else at the airport, but it’s nice to provide harried travelers a break from the rush or a recognizable tune as they pass by.

And finally, as an honorary October date, on Sunday Nov 2, 6-8pm, I’m joining David Hawkins to play in the Ruckus Sunday Night Music series.  Ruckus is a great coffeehouse on Babcock Boulevard just outside Millvale, and owner Chris Rautkis is such a dedicated supported of local music.  Come on out, have a cafe drink, a snack or a full meal, and help us celebrate late Fall at Ruckus!

As always, late breaking news and information at brianjunkermusic.com.

See you out in the world!

-BJ

Upcoming Shows

Brian Junker
10am-Noon, Sat Oct 4
Bloomfield Saturday Market
5050 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15224

Brian Junker
7pm, Thu Oct 9
Bob Augustine’s Lyric Showcase
Greenhouse Co-op
557 Greenfield Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15207

Abbey Martin, Brian Junker & Nadine Douds
7-8:30pm, Thu Oct 23
Tickets $10, RSVP or at the door
The Breezeway Home
7113 Reynolds St.
Pittsburgh PA 15208

Brian Junker
Three Rivers Waterkeepers
Ticketed Fundraiser
Friday Oct 24
Dinner at 6pm
Music and Silent Auction 7:30-9:30pm
Pittsburgh Brewing Company
150 Ferry Street
Creighton PA 15030

Brian Junker
& Nadine Douds
3-5pm, Thu Oct 30
Airside Terminal Stage
Pittsburgh International Airport
Moon Twp PA

Brian Junker
& David Hawkins
6-8pm, Sun Nov 2
Ruckus Cafe
1707 Babcock Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15209

So much going on in August!

But the most important is All Together Now Pittsburgh, a benefit music festival for Pittsburgh’s immigrant community, happening August 7-10 at more than ten different venues throughout the Pittsburgh area. You can check out a preview of the whole festival Saturday Aug 2 at 9:30am on the Saturday Light Brigade, WRCT 88.3FM or Online.

Nadine Douds and I are playing Saturday August 9 sometime after 7pm at Moondog’s as part of this festival (see poster above!), and I’m sure you’ll find many other great shows to see; be sure to donate to support services for Pittsburgh’s immigrant community!

July Whirlwind!

July was a busy month too!  Just a quick recap here and then it’s on to August!

The Baum Grove concert with  Morgan McHugh and Caleb Pogyor was a big success!  We’re going to do another one on September 13 with Autumn Ayers and Abbey Martin (more on that next month)!

I had a blast with Scott Henry Harris, Michelle Ricciardi Hall, Deborah Brooks and Abbey Martin at the July edition of  Beth Claussen‘s 2025 Porch Concerts!  Then came three very special solo gigs:  July 26 at Sullivan’s Bar and Restaurant inSomerset, July 28 at Mellon Square as part of the Make Music Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership music series, and July 31 at the Pittsburgh International Airport, as part of the airport’s PITARTS program.

All Together Now, August!

On Saturday Aug 2 at 9:30am I’ll play a song or two on the Saturday Light Brigade (WRCT 88.3FM or Online) during Larry Berger’s interview with Ted Cmarada and Susan Spangler, OG organizers of the All Together Now Pittsburgh music festival.

Then on Sunday Aug 3, 6-8pm, Ruckus Cafe is holding its Annual August Open Mic, and Nadine Douds and I will try out a couple of songs there.

Wednesday August 6, 3pm-7pm, I’ll be playing with Bruce Hoffman, Jenny Kay Snider, and Deborah Brooks at the Steel Valley Farmers’ Market in Homestead.  We’ll each do a solo set; I’m second in line after Deborah.

Then on Saturday August 9, at 7pm, Nadine Douds and I will be part of a lineup in the Starlite Invitational at Moondog’s in Blawnox.  This is a very special show supporting All Together Now Pittsburgh, a benefit music festival for Pittsburgh’s immigrant community, happening August 7-10 at more than ten different venues throughout the Pittsburgh area.  Come see us perform and donate to a very worthy and very necessary cause!

On Saturday August 16 from 9 to 11am I’ll be at the Swissvale Farmers’ Market.  I haven’t been back there in several weeks, and I’m looking forward to it!

Friday August 22 is the Friendship Summer Picnic & Outdoor Movie Night at Baum Grove Parklet, 400 Roup Ave in Pittsburgh. Sarah Fina and Joy Street and I will be providing music from 7 to 8:30pm before the music starts!

Finally Saturday Aug 30 at 6pm I’ll be back in Somerset PA on the deck at Sullivan’s Bar and Restaurant.I had such a blast there in July; I’m looking forward to going back! Thanks to friend Michelle Ricciardi Hall for arranging it!  Come on out for a cool summer evening on the deck — only an hour from the ‘burgh!

As always, check out brianjunkermusic.com for late breaking news and gigs.

See you out in the world!

-BJ

Oh man, July is a hot month — temperatures of course but lots of music too!

Before we get into my past June and future July shows though, there’s a very special benefit music series happening in early August that you definitely need to know about!  It’s All Together Now Pittsburgh, a benefit music festival for Pittsburgh’s immigrant community, happening August 7-10 at more than ten different venues throughout the Pittsburgh area.  Check it out!  Nadine Douds and I are playing Saturday August 9 at the Starlite Lounge as part of this festival, and I’m sure you’ll find many other great shows to see; be sure to donate to support Pittsburgh immigrants!

June Tunes!

Farmers Market season has started for me, with sets on June 14 at the Bloomfield Saturday Market the Swissvale Farmers Market on June 21.  These are such fun!  None scheduled for July (but check out the FB page of East End Appalachian Jam for some of their Farmers’ Market gigs, and my friend Deborah Brooks will be playing at the Bloomfield Market 10-noon on July 19!).

On Monday June 16 at 6pm, I played short split sets with  Nadine and Nathan Douds, for the Music Mondays series at 3 Rivers Outdoor Company.  Always a blast, and such a pleasure to play with top notch musicians!

We were so sad to cancel the concert with
Autumn Ayers and Abbey Martin  at Baum Grove Parklet because of bad weather!  But we are working on rescheduling it for late summer or early fall — stay tuned!

July Harvest!

There’s a lot going on in July, and it even spills over a bit into August.  Take a deep breath and strap in…

Saturday July 12 at 6:30pm I’ll be hosting a concert (but not playing) with Morgan McHugh and Caleb Pogyor at  Baum Grove Parklet in Friendship.  Bring a blanket or a chair, and a yummy beverage or snack, and hope for no rain this time! These are two great singer-songwriters, and I’m really looking forward to it!

On Friday July 25 at 7pm I’ll be part of the Starlite Singers — veterans of the weekly Wednesday Starlite Open Mic — in Beth Claussen‘s 2025 Porch Concert Series.  Show is at the corner of Jancey and Hampton Streets in Morningside.  Another BYO (chair, beverage, food, joy!) event.  Come on by and hear some fun music!

The very next day Saturday July 26 at 6pm I’ll be trekking out to Somerset PA to play for a couple of hours on the deck at Sullivan’s Bar and Restaurant.Thanks to friend Michelle Ricciardi Hall for arranging it!  This looks like a cool and relaxing gig near Kooser State Park.  Come on out for a cool summer evening — only an hour from the ‘burgh!

Monday July 28 at 11:30am I’ll be playing for two hours at Mellon Square as part of the Make Music Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership music series.  I’ve done this before, and it’s a great lunchtime gig.  Come on down; perhaps there will be a secret special guest!

Thursday July 31 at 3pm I’ll be playing for two hours in the Airside Terminal at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  This music series has been going on since about 2016, courtesy of the PITARTS program.  If you’re traveling that day, please come early and see me!

Wednesday August 6, 3pm-7pm, I’ll be playing with Bruce Hoffman, Jenny Kay Snider, and Deborah Brooks at the Steel Valley Farmers’ Market in Homestead.  We’ll each do a solo set; I’m second in line after Deborah.

Then on Saturday August 9, at 7pm, Nadine Douds and I will be part of a lineup in the Starlite Invitational at the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox.  This is a very special show supporting All Together Now Pittsburgh, a benefit music festival for Pittsburgh’s immigrant community, happening August 7-10 at more than ten different venues throughout the Pittsburgh area.  Come see us perform and donate to a very worthy and very necessary cause!

As always, check out brianjunkermusic.com for late breaking news and gigs.

See you out in the world!

-BJ

May is here! The magnolia tree in our backyard set forth beautiful blossoms, ephemeral as music and already fallen to the ground.  But gardens are being planted, spring flowers are showing their colored faces, and the grass is turning spring green.  And music is blooming! 

April – Open Mics and Art All Night!

It was great to try out a few tunes with Nadine and Nathan Douds at the Thursday open mic at  Steamworks Creative.  This is a new collaboration for me, and it’s so fun to work with such pros.  We’ll be back there for a full show on May 31, but I’m getting ahead of myself — more on that below!

April is the month for the annual Art All Night free and open art show, which went from 4pm Saturday April 26 to 2pm Sunday April 27 at the warehouse at 929 Beaver Ave.  It was great to be back organizing the acoustic “Coffeehouse Stage”, and experience the circus that is the biggest popup event of any kind — art or otherwise — that you are ever likely to see!  If you’d like to see many of the musicians who played that night, check out the pictures and videos on Facebook!  With the help of sound techs Will Snavely and Richard Montest, we ran that stage for all but six of the 22 hours that is Art All Night!

Music is Blossoming in May!

Two big gigs to kick off the addition of a new collaboration with Nadine and Nathan Douds!

On Saturday May 10, the three of us will be playing from 11:45am to 12:15pm at the Friendship Flower and Folk Festival at Baum Grove in Friendship!  Bring a chair to sit in the grassy amphitheatre and listen to music from 11am to 4pm.  Grab a hotdog or other snack from the vendors and buy some flowers for Mothers’ Day.  It’s a blast!

Then on Saturday May 31 at 7pm, we’ll be playing a full show at Steamworks Creative up on Route 8 in Gibsonia.   Fun, thoughtful songs and tunes in a variety of styles. I’ll do some tunes solo, Nadine will do some tunes solo, and we’ll do a few together! Nathan Douds will join on percussion and keyboard.

(Oh, and by the way, there’s a killer concert with Crys Matthews and Brad Yoder happening at SongSpace at First Unitarian in Shadyside May 10 at 7:30 pm.  Plan on going after the Friendship Flower and Folk Festival. You won’t want to miss that either!)

As always, check out brianjunkermusic.com for late breaking news and gigs.

See you out in the world!

-BJ

We’re Marching on into the spring… Amid all the turmoil in the world it is so important to find moments of joy…

February is in the books!

Deborah Brooks, Sarafina and I had a great time on February 8 playing in the Starlite Invitational  series. It’s always great to sing and play with Deborah and it was wonderful to see and hear a full set of Sarafina’s music!… Thanks to Devin Russian and the Starlite Lounge for making it all happen!

That would be hard to top, but top it we did, as Joy Street played a full concert in the Sunnyhill Live! concert series on February 21!  A lovely venue, great sound, and a big enthusiastic crowd.  We had our new cellist David Bennett with us, Ted Cmarada joined in on blues harp, and Mary Fleck sang a few tunes with us too…  How can you beat that?

Marching Forward!

Just one thing on the schedule so far for March, but it’s going to be great fun.

On Saturday March 29 I’ll be back at the Fresh Start Cafe in Canonsburg, from 11am to 1pm.   That’s always a fun, chill time in a cozy setting.  As a special treat this time, Eve & Cyndy will be joining me, playing a couple tunes together at the top of each hour.  Eve Goodman is a well known professional musician in Pittsburgh, and Cyndy Carroll is a fine South Hills singer-songwriter and performer.  I’m really looking forward to it!

As always, check out brianjunkermusic.com for late breaking news and gigs.

See you out in the world!

-BJ

The world seems in turmoil these days, and music is one way to connect with joy and rejuvination in troubled times…

Looking back at January…

The 18th Annual Let Freedom Sing Concert on January 20 celebrated the social justice legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a day when many were justifiably concerned about the future of our country.  I sang tenor in the choir, and I was inspired by the direction of Dr. Herbert Jones & Nikki Porter, soloists Anqwenique Kinsel & Shelia Beasley, and a surprise guest appearance by Howard Alexander!

 Joy Street‘s return to the Breezeway Home, on January 24 was a great success!  We had a full house in a delightful space, and our host Dennis Inserra was gracious and caring as always!

On To February!

Although this newsletter is a little late getting out, I hope you can come out to the Starlite Lounge, 7:00pm Saturday Feb 8 (two days from now!) to see Deborah Brooks, Sarafina, and me in the Starlite Invitational  series. It will be a fun night of music!

Then on February 21 at 7:30pm, Joy Street will play a full concert in the Sunnyhill Live! concert series!  Come on out to Sunnyhill Unitarian Church of the South Hills in Mount Lebanon for an evening of lovely harmonies and great music, with our new cellist David Bennett and reuniting for a few songs with singer Mary Fleck!

As always, check out brianjunkermusic.com for late breaking news and gigs.

See you out in the world!

-BJ