Big time
Grammy-winning singer Michelle Branch first hit it big with the 2001 single “Everywhere.” Come September, the 26-year-old will make Penn State Fayette, the Eberly Campus somewhere to be as she headlines the Second Annual Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival. Branch, 26, was born and raised in Sedona, Ariz. She was a solo recording artist in the early 2000s, and teamed up with Santana in 2002 to record “The Game of Love,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. She moved to Nashville and hit the country music scene as part of the duo The Wreckers in the mid-2000s. The group’s album “Stand Still, Look Pretty” was nominated for both a Country Music Award and a Grammy Award.
After The Wreckers split, Branch returned to a solo career and is currently finishing a new album, featuring her new single “Everything Comes and Goes.”
Her performance will highlight the Sept. 19 festival’s musical entertainment, which will showcase a wide range of musical styles.
The brainchild of Penn State Fayette Chancellor Emmanuel I. Osagie, the festival is designed to celebrate the unique heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania’s coal and coke history and heritage. The event has something for the whole family; music, ethnic foods, regional arts and crafts, and a free Kiddie Koal Mine children’s area.
In its second year, the festival is already another example to debunk those who complain there’s nothing to do in Fayette County. With Branch and other great musical acts, including local jazz legend Harold Betters, The Fabulous Hubcaps, NewLanders, The Augsburg German Band, SNAP!, Bobby Reed & Jerry Onesi Trio, Stereotypes and various local church choirs and student bands, the festival looks to be even better than last year.
It’s especially nice that the event highlights the area, celebrates our history and offers a great opportunity for local talent to share the stage with national recording artists. This type of festivals always remind us of the impressive amount of talented musicians reside in our part of the world.
The Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival kicks off at noon on Saturday, Sept. 19, and wraps up around dusk. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. For more information, call 724-430-4101 or visit the Web site at www.coalandcokemusicfest.org.
We hope local residents get behind the festival and come out for the various shows and activities. It’s important for everyone to remember that events such as these are only possible with your support.