Genre Johnstown

Inside Greg Malec's Barber and Styling Shop, there is a framed picture that reads, "Music can change the world". On an unseasonably warm January Saturday, I attended a rock concert of a haircut. It was just one experience that week where music made a difference.

On Wednesday evening, my wife and I were welcomed to The Family Tree Tour. Two musicians in the five-member band, Sunday Muse, brought their folksy flavor to Mill House Cafe. This Diamond Boulevard coffee shop was transformed into an intimate music den. Caitlyn and Ben played a full set, mixing in stories with their songs. Hailing from just outside Philadelphia, they were traveling across the state, coffee house by coffee house.

Listening to Caitlyn's voice and Ben's guitar, I admired their pursuit - hit the road, spread some love, add branches to a family tree. When Caitlyn announced she was about to sing their new single, "New England", I was probably the only one in the room who concluded, "Great song...GO STEELERS."  I kept my thoughts to myself until we got in the car. My wife confirmed that I undoubtedly was the only one who thought about football at a folk-pop show. Before walking out, we got to talk to Caitlyn and Ben, two ambitious road warriors headed for their next gig in Pittsburgh. The show must go on.

Our show, as parents, led us to Soccer Shots on Saturday morning. Rivaling Caitlyn and Ben's ambition is anyone who chooses to coach 2 and 3-year old children in soccer. For the next two months, our family will be at Hiram G. Andrews Center each Saturday morning for Soccer Shots. This national initiative runs on the idea of a "high energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet..."

While the foot principle was enforced, it was the coach's voice that led the charge. She used silly songs to bring together a team of silly boys and girls. She used the term "soccer island" to wrangle them. Standing on "Dad island", a flock of fathers were amazed. It was working. A smiling, singing stranger was doing the impossible. Music can change a 2-year-old's world.

Alas, I made it to my haircut. Greg Malec's West End barber shop is walk ins only, music definitely. As hair flies, speakers, hung from the ceiling, blast out a mix of rock and roll. As I waited for my time on the chair, I couldn't help but stomp my feet to the barbershop anthem. Here is a small business owner a cut above when it comes to entertainment value.

All of these musical moments combined with tropical Johnstown weather led me to Stackhouse Park. With a fresh haircut and a 2-year old strapped on my hiking backpack , I listened to the birds. They were equally confused. Dozens of people roamed the park and the streets of Westmont bewildered by Mother Nature. In shorts, I enjoyed the songbirds of January and a hike with my daughter.

The closing song for my week was at PRESS Bistro. That Saturday night, a packed house listened to the humorous pianoman known as Matt's Blues. My wife and I had heard his sound before at an event this past December. We were served monstrous, marvelous meals as Matt took requests, told jokes, and even had a local author come on stage for a performance.

At one point, Matt offered the crowd this reminder, "Happiness is a choice". That line was squeezed in between New Orleans inspired blues and tales of jazz days gone by. When I got home, it was a line to hold on to.

Music can change the world. It can change Johnstown. And the people who sing and play are the biggest part of that change.

Thank you Greg, Mill House, Caitlyn, Ben, Coach Teasha, PRESS, and Matt.