Tussey Mountain will feel more like the shore tonight than a ski resort.
The distinct mountain setting will be complete with everything a barbecue would need -- soft music, fresh air and now even clams. And a barbecue is what Tussey Mountain offers Monday evenings from now until Aug. 31. Packed with people enjoying special food and music, Monday nights at Tussey Mountain are part of a special summer event: "Bluegrass BBQ on the Deck."
The new "Clambake Bag" is being served for the customers this summer from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., said Dave Fahrenbach, general manager of Tussey Mountain. If they are at the deck of the Tussey Mountain Lodge, 301 Bear Meadow Road, from 7 to 10 p.m., they can also enjoy the Andy Tolins Bluegrass Revue.
"Bluegrass has a small but popular following. It's very popular for us," Fahrenbach said.
Andy Tolins, guitarist and vocalist for the Bluegrass Revue, said the members of the band playing at the lodge are Steve Buckalew on fiddle and Bill Bergman on bass. The band loves playing at Tussey Mountain, a smoke-free venue, and loves the setting and how the mountain produces a great sound, Tolins said.
Tolins added the entire band grew up in the Center County area and comes from a musical background.
"There's a history of bluegrass music in the area. It's sort of a mix of New England and Southern influences," he said. "We grew up into it."
Even with bluegrass, Tolins said the band finds ways to mix up its sound.
"We play a mix of instrumental tunes with a bluegrass style. We play some artificial tunes, our own tunes [and] some offbeat stuff we make up. We can be hard driving or melodic," Tolins said.
While the Andy Tolins Bluegrass Revue plays, Tussey Mountain staff has organized food specials to promote the event.
"We have a clambake, which is steamed clam, chicken, potato, corn on the cob and sausage on Mondays," Fahrenbach said. "We also serve our burgers and Clem's ribs."
As for drink specials, there are special flavors of margaritas for the Monday celebrations, Fahrenbach said.
