Tussey Mountain summer shows offer live concerts in a peaceful, natural setting

By JAMES YANKS
Collegian Arts Writer

Tranquil breezes mystically distance us from the pressures of everyday life.

One can ponder the mountainside, gazing up at the millions of stars visually unique to central Pennsylvania, letting the music fill the ears.

Well, ponder no more. Tussey Mountain Ski Area, with its natural outdoor amphitheater setting, recently announced it will continue the program of summer music year's begun last year.

Last summer was the first year concerts were held at Tussey. The program was founded by Dave Fahrenbach, vice president and general manager. Although it was the first year, there were some large national acts like Three Dog Night and Jefferson Airplane, making Tussey in the summer more than just the No. 1 sight for Centre County high school reunions.

This summer there will be a variety of shows including folk, popular acts of the '70s and '80s in addition to current and alternative acts. Tussey will try to provide a variety of acts to attract people with different musical tastes.

Velvet Crush and God Street Wine will share the stage, located at the base of the ski area, on April 29. The Marshall Tucker Band will jam on July 14. They Might Be Giants has made a commitment, but no date has been set. There is also the possibility that Peter, Paul and Mary may play in late August. Sometime during the summer Tussey's management plans to bring in a major alternative act, but nothing has been finalized yet.

Tom Matalavage, Tussey's assistant general manager, said one of the concerns with the program this summer will be noise control. Even though the music is not at an extremely high volume, sometimes it bounces off the mountain, depending on the cloud cover.

There were no complaints of noise last summer and some of the people living in the Bear Meadows development next to Tussey said they liked the entertainment, Matalavage said.

The biggest draw for students last year was Rusted Root, the popular band from Pittsburgh currently touring with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

"That show went really well, both musicians and concert-goers enjoyed the serene atmosphere. Rusted Root liked playing here and we hope to have them back," Fahrernbach said.

Rusted Root was also one of the more popular acts among the college students.

"Rusted Root was so cool. You could just walk up the side of the mountain and sit anywhere. I would definitely go back there," said Deb Steinberg (freshman-division of undergraduate studies).

Steinberg was referring to the festival-style seating, which means that the audience shows up with blankets and lawn chairs, and sits where they want.

And some students were also impressed with more than just the music.

"I think people are less inclined to get into fights because of the open spaces, it's really very peaceful," said Mike Minard (sophomore-psychology).

Alcohol will is available for those 21 or older. Last summer ticket prices ranged from $9 to $15. This summer Tussey will try to keep prices under $10. There will be about 14 concerts, around one every two weeks.