With a view overlooking Happy Valley and an eclectic line-up, Tussey Mountain will assert itself as a music venue at its first Music on the Mountain festival tonight.
In the past year, Tussey’s management has made an effort to host music events, spotlighting the venue’s unique qualities.
“This summer in particular, we’ve taken a more active role in trying to get musical events out to Tussey,” said Sarah Decker, the festival’s event coordinator. “The venue’s great because we can offer the whole ski slope, so we can hold an unlimited number of people. Obviously, every venue has its limitations, but there’s just so much space [up here].”
Decker also singled out the mountain’s exceptional sonic qualities.
“The sound travels really well up the mountain and creates a really nice ambient sound,” Decker said, adding that ticket holders will have access to the chair lifts in order to “take the scenic route” while still enjoying the concert experience.
James Hooven, the resort’s summertime operations/maintenance supervisor, said the festival will be a nice break from the typical slew of cover bands that play at the venue.
“We haven’t done much original music at Tussey, at least not on a smaller scale,” Hooven said. “[The new management] is much more receptive to giving things like this a try.”
The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. tonight and features performances by psychedelic jam band Mysterytrain, bluegrass outfit Grain, alternative country duo J. Mac & Junior, and The Nick Miller Project feat. Gabe Green, which combines elements of folk, funk and rock music.
Tickets for the all-ages festival cost $15 for general admission and $10 for those with a Penn State student ID+. There is also a $5 parking fee for all Tussey Mountain lots.
“It’s live outdoor music,” said Aaron Weyman, Tussey Mountain’s director of marketing and sales . “I don’t think there’s anything better than that during the summer.”
The festival has arranged for extra CATA buses to bring students up to the resort from downtown State College, Hooven said. There will also be late night buses making the return trip following the event’s conclusion at 10 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased through the Tussey Mountain Ticket Office, online, and at Appalachian Outdoors, 123 S. Allen St.
