Sounds of Spring

During the opening of a Johnstown June, a mix of music could be heard...

"Praise the Lord. Clap your hands. Shout for joy."

The polka dates back to the 19th century, a simpler time for sure. In 2017, Johnstown Polkafest celebrated a genre of music with simplicity - some music, some food, and an outdoor mass under the St. Mary's pavilion. The Rhinelanders were the polka choir for the ceremony. My two-year-old seemed to appreciate the freedom of an outdoor mass, particularly the idea that dancing and clapping was encouraged.

" ________ is a ray of sunshine in my life.  ________ is a ray of sunshine!"

On the corner of Diamond Boulevard in Westmont, a collection of small businesses celebrate the first Tuesday of each month. Inside Paprika Rose, Mill House Cafe, and Church Mouse Emporium there is a certain community buzz during this monthly event. Like bees to honey, neighbors swarm these three spots for coffee, crafts, music, and more. Local musician and friend, Dan Becker, entertained the coffee crowd with spiritual numbers and sing-a-longs this time around.

His "sunshine in my life"anthem struck a cord with my two-year-old daughter with the elephant mind. Our family walked into this song and walked out with it stuck in all our minds (maybe not our soon to be three-month-old / not sure what goes on inside that cranium). We summoned this tune for the remainder of the week. Just fill in someone's name and let it fly.

On Saturday, that crafty two-year-old brought "sunshine" out at just the right time. We were strolling in our fourth 5K together this year and the first annual Cuddles for Kids race. The event, held on the streets of Old Westmont, supported a charity that helps local youngsters. Cuddles got great weather for their trial-run-run. Congratulations to the event organizers and volunteers who successfully launched this event into the Johnstown running calendar.

My daughter was stoic and supportive as always. She sang Dan's catchy sunshine song and excitedly talked to me about what the lollipop options would be post-race. My little elephant will never forget her first post-race lollipop; thus, every race needeth a lolli.

Stroller Dad and daughter finished in 3rd place overall. That daughter did not care about places. She earned her lollipop...and banana.

"What it all comes down to, is that everything's going to be quite alright"

In my 33-year-old existence, I cannot remember ever venturing to Summerhill. If there was ever a time to do so, it was for the 125th anniversary of this borough. With babysitters secured, us parents had springtime fun in Summerhill.

The fire department appeared to be the center of the three-day-celebration. My wife and I were there for the Saturday festivities that featured a dynamite sister duo. The acoustics of Jill and Leah could be heard over top a herd of wine tasters. It was a showcase of local vineyards and the sound of two talented musicians.

Their cover of the above Alanis Morisette song summed up our day in Summerhill. I now know how to get there. Thanks Summerhill for a relaxing day in the neighborhood.


"Hey Ya!"

A week of music concluded with the Battle of the Acoustics Winners Showcase at Flood City Cafe on Saturday night. The Evergreens, another local and awesome female duo, kicked off the event and covered this 2003 Outkast chart topper. The Evergreens take this hip hop hit and turn it into a soft and slowed down ballad. It was a hypnotic harmony to wrap up a well-worth it music week.

Thanks to the music men and women who carried Johnstown June tunes.