Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts’ 2024 “Season of Inspiration” celebrates the founding vision of ARCA President Dr. Arthur Steffee and all those who for eighteen years have come together to create a community that treasures the pristine splendor of the Allegheny-Clarion River valley in Foxburg and the glorious music and art that reflects that beauty.
ARCA extends deepest thanks to its audience, contributing members, major donors, Board members, and Red Brick Gallery Cooperative Artists, for their generous support & devoted patronage, without which this would not have been possible.
ARCA 2024 Season
The transformative power of the arts is at the heart of Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts’ 2024 Season, presenting brilliant, world class performers and visual artists, distinguished by their vision and inspiration.
“ARCA has been successful as a rural arts initiative because it acknowledges what unites us – a shared intent to honor that which ennobles the human spirit,” said ARCA Executive Director, John Soroka. “ARCA is more than an audience – we are neighbors, friends, and family who have found in ARCA a cultural refuge in this more-and-more chaotic world. Like the river that runs through the beautiful Allegheny-Clarion River valley, patrons have been renewed and uplifted by ARCA concerts and Red Brick Gallery exhibits. The arts offer a kind of healing. When the spirit is uplifted and renewed, the mind and body respond.”
Describing the experience of Foxburg’s ‘environment for inspiration’, Program and Marketing Director, Katherine Soroka said, “We invite the public to experience our 2024 season on the beautiful Allegheny River in Foxburg… where uniquely one can look up from a stirring work of art in the Red Brick Gallery and gaze out the window at the river and the beauty of a summer sunset… and, after a moving performance by brilliantly talented musicians, leave Lincoln Hall and breathe the fresh air while gazing at the moon over the valley. That is the inspiration factor one experiences by attending ARCA concerts and RBG exhibits. The arts affirm not what divides us but what brings us together and this season has been created to inspire the spirit in each of us. Together we can build the arts in our community as a legacy for the future.”
Join us for ARCA’s 2024 Season – bringing friends, family, and children – and Be Inspired!
Classical Pianists, Wurlitzer Wonders and Crossover Concerts
In its 2024 season, ARCA is presenting three pianists known for their virtuosic and poetic artistry who are internationally acclaimed for performances with orchestras and in recitals world-wide.
A mission to inspire has defined the career of world-renowned pianist Barbara Nissman, who debuts in Lincoln Hall on Sunday, March 24 at 2 PM in Lincoln Hall, “one of the last pianists in the grand Romantic tradition of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Rubenstein.” She has written that “music is the most direct path to the hearts of the people and necessary for the nurturing of the human spirit.” Music is her ministry. She also will delight with her program commentary, given her lifelong work as an educator, including a BBC television series with her program, “Franz Liszt, The Elvis of the Piano.”
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo as world acclaimed Dave Wickerham will perform the only Wurlitzer concert of 2024 on Sunday, May 5 at 2 PM, prior to a year-long hiatus during ARCA’s Wurlitzer Organ Restoration Project – with some musical salsa, arrangements of organ favorites, and his famous improvisations in the second half. Look for an announcement this spring about how you can contribute to preserve the McKissick Mighty Wurlitzer for future generations. Following Dave Wickerham’s concert from 4 to 6 PM, is the first Red Brick Gallery’s opening reception for the 2024 season featuring RBG Artistic Director and western PA landscape painter Jason Floyd Lewis joined by wood artist Mark DeWalt to open the season.
The concert on Sunday, July 14 at 2 PM in Lincoln Hall features a century of All-Americana piano music performed by Four-Time World Champion Old-Time Piano Player, Adam Swanson, who “can make a piano knit a pair of socks”, as per legendary Ragtime pianist Johnny Maddox. Following his concert is the exhibit opening of “Mothers and Daughters” from 4 to 6 PM in the Red Brick Gallery Upstairs Gallery, honoring the legacy of one hundred years of artwork by women in the family of RBG Cooperative artist and ARCA board member, Karen Mortland.
The vision and magnanimity of ARCA’s founder & president, Dr. Arthur Steffee, has fostered the growth of ARCA over all these years. Raise a glass of champagne as ARCA celebrates the 90th Birthday of Dr. Arthur Steffee, ARCA’s founder & president, in a concert on Sunday, August 18 at 2 PM of “breathtaking virtuosity” by Kenny Broberg, top prize winner in the Tchaikovsky International Competition, Van Cliburn & American Pianists competitions. Acclaimed as “one of his generation’s most compelling and exciting artists”, the Florida Classical Review wrote that he “thrilled, delighted, and enchanted in an intimate recital.” Following his concert is the exhibit opening from 4 to 6 PM in the Red Brick Gallery Upstairs Gallery of landscape artist DP Warner and ceramicist Cheri Yarnell.
Stunning Russian American pianist Svetlana Smolina on Sunday, November 24 at 2 PM will mesmerize as she did when performing with orchestras and in recitals worldwide with “dazzling effects… [she] brought the audience close to frenzy.” Begin your Thanksgiving celebration with this recital of Romantic masterpieces by Svetlana Smolina, hailed for being “Simply flawless” (Toronto Performing Arts Examiner) and “a true miracle “ (Zapolyarnaya Pravda). Following the concert, Meet the Artist at the Wine & Cheese reception from 4 to 6 PM at the Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop for the opening of the Cooperative Artists’ Holiday Art Show and Exhibit in the Upstairs Gallery.
If one of the musical genres is your favorite, we encourage you to experience the expressive power of celebrated artists in another category – or artists that connect multiple genres in their art.
Bridging classical and popular genres “From ROCK to BACH’, TheTAKE3 Trio, the spectacular genre-smashing, crossover trio with a classical flair and rock-star charisma returns by popular acclaim on Sunday, November 10 at 2 PM, with world-class artistry, thrilling virtuosity and tender, poignant sensitivity. Their last two performances in Lincoln Hall received multiple standing ovations with audience members imploring that they return. The exhibit reception for The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Weaving Studio follows the concert from 4 to 6 PM in the RBG.
The December 2023 TAKE 3 Trio educational workshops and assemblies in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Schools were inspiring for students in grades K to 12 – documented in thank you notes and pictures drawn by the sixth grade class of teacher Carrie Longo.
R&B, Soul and New Orleans Jazz
Soul music, true to its name, connects to your soul and spirit – and Soul, Gospel, Blues, and R&B are the heart of all popular music. For its popular-music-loving audience, ARCA presents four evenings of extraordinary vocalists and premiere instrumentalists.
Opening the season on Saturday, February 17 at 7:30 PM is a Valentine’s Cabaret with table seating, twinkling candlelight and dancing at the back of the hall featuring vocalist Lisa Bleil, keyboardist John Burgh and Benny Benack Jr. on sax and clarinet – performing some of the greatest love songs of all time and some outrageously virtuosic jazz riffing.
Back by popular demand is Chantal Joseph in “An Evening of R&B/SOUL” on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 PM. A feast for the eyes and described as ‘a force of nature’, anyone who has seen her perform will testify to that. They might also use adjectives like ‘high-energy’, ‘electric’ or offer comparisons to Tina Turner and Stephanie Mills. Voted in Pittsburgh as ‘Best R&B Performer of 2021’, she and her band will be performing musical hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and songs from artists Anita Baker, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin and Nora Jones – plus jazz favorites. Dancing at the back of Lincoln Hall. Beer and Wine will be sold.
Get Ready to Party – and celebrate the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 22 at 7:30 PM, with The Colbys in a “New Orleans R&B Party.” This piano driven New Orleans style R&B band, steeped in swing, gospel and blues is a “class act” led by the Grammy, Emmy and Ace award-winning producer/composer, keyboardist and vocalist, JOHN COLBY with acclaimed R&B jazz singer/songwriter BEV ROHLER – a combination of Aretha Franklin, Ruth Brown, and Ella Fitzgerald – who was featured vocalist with the National Jazz Ensemble and the only woman to record with the legendary a cappella group ‘The Persuasions.’ Dancing at the back of Lincoln Hall. Beer and Wine will be sold.
The audience at the 2022 outdoor Riverstone Estate concert loved the InTransit Band and danced all night to the best cover band in the region.
Bring a group of friends and celebrate autumn on the eve of the Foxburg Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 PM as The InTRANSIT Band with the amazing vocalist, Will Manker, “The Crooner” return to Lincoln Hall.
“Incredible Instrumentalists” – the InTransit Band members are professional musicians with extensive experience, training, and credit in the music industry, having shared the stage with such national acts as Celine Dion, Frankie Valli, Shania Twain, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, and many others. Not to mention playing for Pirates Pregame Concerts in PNC Park. Dancing at the back of Lincoln Hall. Beer and Wine will be sold.
Three Bluegrass Concerts – 4 Bands – & ARCA’s Bluegrass Mini-Fest
ARCA is proud to be presenting three evenings of nationally acclaimed bands for its enthusiastic bluegrass audience – some of the hottest in-demand artists on the scene today.
Opening the bluegrass season is the national touring band, The Special Consensus, on Sunday, April 7 at 4 PM. “One of the best-respected outfits in bluegrass history,” with a contemporary sound that has made their music a modern classic, Special Consensus is STILL HOT after four decades, winning the 2023 IBMA Collaborative Recording of the Year and their vocalist-guitarist Greg Black receiving 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year. The band is led by Greg Cahill, banjo player and recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and inducted into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America Hall of Greats. The band also boasts 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist Greg Blake (guitar/vocals), Dan Eubanks (bass/vocals), and Michael Prewitt (mandolin/vocals).
Grand Ole Opry star and 10-time IBMA award winner, award winning song-writer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, Becky Buller and her band, on Sunday, June 2 at 7 PM, will take us on a journey playing what she describes as “what the audience likes to hear” on the contemporary side of the bluegrass family tree. Becky and the band will be playing many of the songs she has penned as a celebrated songwriter, as well as covers of bluegrass legends that have influenced her – all with powerful storytelling and lighthearted virtuosity to “give you an escape from reality for a little while” so you’re “lost in the music” and “refreshed” and “able to go out… and share hope and healing.” Before the concert, attend the wine and cheese opening reception and poetry reading of the Poetry and Art Collaborative exhibit from 4 to 6 in the Red Brick Gallery.
For the first time, ARCA is presenting a Bluegrass Mini-fest on Sunday, August 4 in the beautifully scenic Riverstone Estate, thanks to the generosity of its new owners.
Bring Your Family & Friends – to ARCA’s First Bluegrass Mini-Fest!
Sunday, August 4 – from 5 PM to 8:30 PM
Scenic Riverstone Estate – In the Grassy Field by the H-Barns
(Rain or Shine – Moving into Olympic Arena if Rain)
Riverstone Estate, 527 Fox View Road, Foxburg PA 16036
5 PM Opening Set – The talented young western-PA Bluegrass Family, ECHO VALLEY
6:00 PM Concert – The DAVID MAYFIELD PARADE, the charismatic comedian and songwriter/singer/multi-instrumentalist who has sold out Lincoln Hall for the past two years
BEFORE the concerts – For ARCA Members – The return of the popular Membership Pig-Roast Picnic at 4 PM. (Become an ARCA member by July 31 to attend the Membership Pig-Roast Picnic.)
The Mini-fest will be opened at 5 PM by the young, refreshingly talented western Pennsylvania family band, Echo Valley, which is delighting audiences as they tour the country with refreshing energy and diverse styles of Bluegrass, Americana, Folk and Grassicana. With their bright retro apparel and animated stage presence, these five sisters and one brother impress with their tight sibling harmonies and multi-instrument talents. 
With laughter as the best medicine, ARCA audience favorite The David Mayfield Parade at 6 PM brings his blazing virtuosity and comedy outdoors after selling out Lincoln Hall for the last two years. Hailed as “a dynamic combination of music and comedy worthy of a traveling vaudeville act” (Boston Globe) the charismatic David’s vocals and “massively skilled picking” are matched by his band of blazing virtuosos.
The group’s joyous improvisations at the end of their two Lincoln Hall concerts brought them down the center aisle, performing as they went, to play for the audience from the back of Lincoln Hall – before moving to the patio where they serenaded departing guests with several rousing numbers. It was a natural! And that was the inspiration of bringing the group just up the hill from the village to perform an outdoor concert at beautiful Riverstone Estate – with Echo Valley.
JOIN US FOR THIS FESTIVE MUSICAL CELEBRATION – bring a group of friends – and a picnic and your cooler. This will be a glorious night in beautiful Riverstone Estate for families and friends in ARCA’s first Bluegrass Mini-fest, preceded by ARCA’s popular Membership pig roast picnic. Beer and Wine and soft drinks for sale.
For the first time ARCA is presenting a Gospel – Contemporary Christian Group
The Legendary Gospel Hall of Fame Group with 35 albums, The Nelons are LIVE in Lincoln Hall on Sunday, October 13 at 3 PM. The Nelons will bring their blend of gospel, a cappella, hymns, Americana, folk, and inspirational music to bridge the generational gap and encourage with “the message of hope shared from their hearts, warmed by the love of family you feel from the stage, and inspired by the beauty, purity, and majesty of each lyric they sing.” Reserve or buy tickets early. This concert will sell out.
Holiday Concerts – Reserve Early
Be sure to buy or reserve early ARCA’s holiday concerts as they will sell out.
Returning by popular demand for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration, the superb Celtic Band CARNIVAL OF SOULS will sound the call for the Irish on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM in Lincoln Hall in Foxburg. The very talented Lowry Family, led by Brian and Kelly Lowry – with Roy Abbott, Daryl Hartman, Jonathan Shegog and Caitlin Lowry Shegog – performs stirring vocals and reels & jigs on highland bagpipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, tin whistle, accordion, keyboards, & the McKissick Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ with the bagpipes in “The Highland Cathedral”… don’t miss this inspiring performance that will bring tears to your eyes.
ARCA Is presenting two magnificent Christmas concerts
Let the Trumpets Sound! Celebrate the Christmas Season on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2 PM in Lincoln Hall with the majestic sounds of glorious brass music performed by “one of the gems of Philadelphia’s cultural life,” the PHILADELPHIA BRASS, who turned “the audience into something resembling a cheering section, while at the same time leaving them breathless”, acclaimed fortheir “artistry of the highest caliber.”
Ho Ho Ho! Deck the Halls with Songs of Christmas as the award-winning vocal jazz quintet, Highline Vocal Jazz – Sunday, December 15 at 7 PM – will lift your holiday spirits & warm your hearts with the purity of their vocal harmony, elegant musicality, & contagious joy. These National Champions of the 2022 Harmony Sweepstakes will perform stunning original arrangements of Christmas favorites as well as some of their celebrated American Song Book standards
On the Monday following their Lincoln Hall concert, ARCA will continue its Educational ArtReach partnership program, bringing Highline Vocal Jazz into the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Schools to delight and educate students in grades K to 12 in workshops, assembly concerts and an after-school masterclass working with Jr. and Sr. High chorus students of choral director, Jennifer Powell Lowrey.
Red Brick Gallery & Gift Shop 2024 Season
RBG Artistic Director and western PA landscape painter Jason Floyd Lewis is joined by wood artist Mark DeWalt to open the season in an exhibit running Weekends April 19 to May 26.
Responding to the natural landscape of western Pennsylvania, Jason Lewis’ paintings & drawings of places near his home are complemented by fourth- generation woodworker Mark DeWalt’s crafting of found wood from local forests.While Mark enjoys “blending materials from diverse origins to create something new”, Jason is interested in “the various effects of light, air and humidity that can transform the mood of the landscape.”
The Opening Wine & Cheese Reception will be on Sunday, May 5, from 4 to 6 PM, following the Lincoln Hall concert of Dave Wickerham, Wurlitzer Wonders and Improvisations.
In 2024, the RBG pays tribute to the joy of artists making things together with the Art & Poetry Group Collaboration fostered by poet Philip Terman to create what the Greeks called “ekphrasis,” crafting a work of art. The literary landscape between Erie and Pittsburgh is one of Northwest PA’s best kept secrets, housing an ever-evolving community of writers inspired by the diverse people, places, and atmosphere of our unique region. Weekends from May 31 to June 30
The poetry reading event at the exhibit opening wine and cheese reception from 4 to 6 PM on Sunday, June 2 precedes the 7 PM concert of the Becky Buller Band in Lincoln Hall.
The Red Brick Gallery’s “Mothers and Daughters” exhibit honors the legacy of a hundred years of artwork by women artists in the family of ARCA Board member and RBG Cooperative Artist, Karen Mortland. One Family. Four generations of women. 100 years of art. Ruth Coy, Carolyn Kingman, Annette Kingman, Karen Mortland, Nissa Rappoport. Weekends July 5 to August 11.
The exhibit opening and wine and cheese reception from 4 to 6 PM in the RBG Upstairs Gallery follows the Sunday, July 14 2 PM concert of Four-Time World Champion Old-Time Piano Player Adam Swanson.
In their exhibit, landscape artist DP Warner, long-time RBG Cooperative Artist Cheri Anderton-Yarnell respond to the beauty of western Pennsylvania. Capturing the mood of the subject that has caught his eye, DP Warner seeks to convey his sense of beauty that he observes in nature. The sounds and sights of rural northwestern PA influence Cheri Anderton-Yarnell’s work with clay, reflecting her “concern for our planet and fellow earthlings as a celebration of earth & [her] spiritual path.” Weekends August 16 to September 29.
The exhibit wine and cheese reception opening from 4 to 6 PM in the RBG Upstairs Gallery follows the Sunday, August 18 2 PM concert of international competition winning pianist Kenny Broberg.
Also celebrating the joy of the shared creative process is the exhibit of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Weaving Studio, home to both experienced and novice weavers, where they share their love of fiber and their creativity. From household goods to garments, from twill and overshot to Swedish weaving, explore different fiber art structures, materials, and techniques with the PCA weavers. Weekends October 4 to November 10
Two Red Brick Gallery Receptions for the Exhibit: Sunday, October 13, 4 to 6 PM after the 3 PM concert of Legendary Gospel Hall of Fame Group – THE NELONS and Sunday, November 20, 4 to 6 PM after the 2 PM concert of the TAKE3 Trio.
The Red Brick Gallery Annual Holiday Art Show & Exhibit closes the season featuring hand-made one-of-a-kind artisan Christmas gifts created by RBG Cooperative Artists: Karin Arnds, Taylor Banner, Chris Bauer, Mark DeWalt, Angela Taylor Hardwick, Ann Harting, Kathy Hogg, Dennis Keyes, Jason Floyd Lewis, Karen Mortland, Nissa Rappoport, Linda Thompson and Cathy & Jack Trzeciak. Weekends July 5 to August 11.
The opening wine and cheese reception for the Holiday Art Show will be on Sunday, November 24 from 4 to 6 PM following the 2 PM concert in Lincoln Hall of virtuoso pianist Svetlana Smolina.
Join us for ARCA’s 2024 Season – and Be Inspired!
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.alleghenyriverstone.org or may be reserved by calling 724-659-3153 (to pay by cash or check at the door). For more information: John Soroka, ARCA Executive Director, or Katherine Soroka, ARCA Program & Marketing Director, 724-659-3153, info@alleghenyriverstone.org.
To get ticket discounts and receive special membership benefits, including attending the Membership pig-roast picnic at Riverstone estate on Sunday August 4 before the outdoor Bluegrass Mini-fest (rain or shine), patrons may become a Member by going to the website and clicking on “Become a Member” on the right side of the menu bar, www.alleghenyriverstone.org.
Except for the August outdoor concert at RiverStone Estate, all concerts are held in Lincoln Hall, located at 42 South Palmer Street, Foxburg, PA 10036. Riverstone Estate is located at 527 Foxview Road, Foxburg, PA 16036. Lincoln Hall has access and parking for people with disabilities. Call to arrange.