Banding Together at the Mishler...

The Mishler Theatre stage will play host to the “Mishler Bands Together for Charity” concert, a showcase of area bands and performers to raise money for the St. Vincent DePaul Food for Families Soup Kitchen and the Mishler. The concert kicks off at 6:30, and will feature Tommy Wareham & friends, Flight 19, Felix & the Hurricanes, Ryan Matthew, Tyne & the Fastlyne, Matt Wagner, 7th Gear, Steve Summerhill, Last Stand, the Backyard Rockers and One Brick Shy. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets range from $20 to $35, and advance tickets can be purchased at the Mishler box office.

Several other noteworthy shows are happening on area stages this weekend as well, including two local CD release events. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Rich Edmundson officially releases his first solo album this Friday night with a CD-release show at Pellegrine’s starting at 9 p.m. Edmundson has brought a unique angle to his brand of acoustic music, often improvising freestyle acoustic songs on the spot. He also has become popular because of his percussive hand-tapping and slapping instrumental piece “Percussive Guitar,” where his hands move at a fast pace to work rhythms and melody out of his guitar.

The other CD-release show takes place Saturday night at the Ramada, part of a multi-genre, multi-band event presented by Awkward Morning Productions. Altoona-based quintet Apollocreed issues their 5-song EP “Dreams” as part of the show; also performing will be On The Run, Baltimore-based High Columns, and hip-hop performers Sleepy Saint & the High Crew. The doors open at 9 p.m., and admission is $5.

And Hair Force One provides their trip into the decade of decadence (the 1980s) at 30 Something this Saturday night, during a special party in honor of 30 Something proprietor Claudio Castrechini, who marks 30 years in the bar business. During a career that has spanned stints at the Sebastiano’s Hotel (“Old Sabs,” now the Monkey Wharf), New Sebastiano’s (“New Sabs”), City Limits and now 30 Something; Claudio has provided the stage for many memorable bands and shows; including visiting national performers such as Quiet Riot, Warrant, Fuel, Halestorm, Foghat, The Outlaws, Pat Travers, Dangerous Toys, The Godz, Mushroomhead, Dirty Looks, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister (in his post-Twisted Sister ‘90s band Widowmaker) and more.

Support live music this weekend! And if you plan to celebrate heavily while doing so, please designate a driver or call a cab!

Here is a full listing for live music on area stages this weekend and the coming week:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Stephen Johnopolos at Raphael’s Steakhouse, Altoona (starts 6:30 p.m.)

Ground Crew at Underdogs, Bellwood (starts 7 p.m.)

The Runaways at the Heidelberg Club, Altoona (starts 8 p.m., members and guests)

Black Sun and Assault Method at Aldo’s, Altoona

Giants Of Science at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Rich Edmundson at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (CD release party, starts 8 p.m.)

Bodacious B at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort (starts 8:30 p.m.)

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Stephen Johnopolos at Raphael’s Steakhouse, Altoona (starts 6:30 p.m.)

“Mishler Bands Together for Charity” concert at Mishler Theatre, Altoona; featuring

“Caring for Cathy Benefit” at Alum Bank Firehall, featuring The Hawks Blues Band, LeVeL and more

Hair Force One at 30 Something, Altoona

Without Zerb at Belmar Hotel, Altoona

Emily’s Toybox at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

Xs For Eyes and SPRRWS at Aldo’s, Altoona

Apollocreed (CD release show), On The Run, High Columns, Sleepy Saint & the High Crew at Ramada Inn, Altoona (starts 8 p.m.)

Seize Fire at Blue Knob Clubhouse, Blue Knob Ski Resort

Half Tempted at Glenn’s Place, Claysburg

Ganister at Madhatters, St. Boniface

Live Wire at Bakerton Inn, Bakerton

Locked and Loaded at Mug Shots, Gallitzin

Saving Jake at Castle Pub, Ebensburg

SUNDAY NIGHT:

Felix & the Hurricanes at Shaw’s Bar, Altoona

Ty & Pletcher at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona (upstairs)

TUESDAY NIGHT:

Ty Ayers (acoustic) at 4D’s Lounge, Altoona

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:

Wertz & Co. at 4D’s Lounge (upstairs), Altoona

Open Mic/Jam Night at Pellegrine’s, Altoona (starts 9 p.m.)

Open Mic/Jam Night at Mug Shots, Gallitzin (starts 8 p.m.)

THURSDAY NIGHT:

Steve Summerhill at Jethro’s, Altoona (starts 7 p.m.)

Beatlemaniacs at Pellegrine's, Altoona

(More shows may be added to this list as information becomes available. Feel free to check back.)

To report additional shows or corrections to this listing, email information to jptheprofessor@gmail.com.