The Bash, first held in July of 1987, became a charity event in 1992 and has grown from a small gathering of friends to a social event that is affordable and accessible to the general public. According to the mission statement of BackYard Benefits and its president, Jan Prosseda, the mid-summer celebration is intended to “promote fellowship among the guests and the community in general” and to “raise funds which are intended to stay in our ‘backyard’” — backyard stressing the importance of the benefit to the community as a whole.

The theme of this year’s Bash is “At the Ranch” and, by all indications, the Ranch seems like it’s going a great place to be! With a record-setting crowd of more than 2,000 people at last year’s benefit, “Under the Big Top,” the supporters and organizers hope that word will spread and even more summer-party lovers will take the opportunity to have fun in the sun while supporting a great cause — their neighbors. In seven years, BackYard Benefits has made contributions of over $60,000 to individuals and organizations in need.

This year’s event will feature the music of Full Effect and NotchoMa and the cooking of some honest-to-goodness barbecue. There will be turkey, chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers and the ticket price, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes all of the food and drink you want!

At Long’s Park, the third weekend of July is “Jazz Sunday,” an opportunity for jazz lovers to enjoy an evening outdoors to the music of Tim Camp, better known as the Slim Man. Camp, who describes his sound as “laid back jazzy pop” and is often likened to female musical artist Sade. Known for his “seductive, jazzy grooves” and charismatic sex appeal, his good-looks are backed by a well-established musical career.

Camp, who began his career at 19 as a songwriter at Motown Records, spent the past few years experimenting with a variety of musical genres before settling on a versatile jazz style that his critics describe as “extremely romantic” and “hip.”

“Crowds will definitely be flocking to the park to hear all of the top talents we’ve scheduled,” co-chair Alison B. Van Harskamp said, “It will be an eclectic, exciting summer.” And by all indications, the Slim Man fits the bill.

Scottish and Irish Fling
PA Renaissance Faire
July 10 – 11
Watch out — Irish eyes and plaid kilts are set to take over the nearly 30 acres of the Mount Hope estate! For the weekend of July 10, the estate will play host to the once-again annual Scottish and Irish Festival. The two-day festival will play host to a plethora of culture, with customs, dance, and music from the Isles. There will be food — fish and chips and Scottish Eggs — custom crafts, and dozens of shops and tents to line the grounds.

One of the biggest attractions of the weekend, of course, is the music. Known worldwide for their traditional sounds, the participants of the Festival make every effort to bring the spirit of the Isles across the ocean. In addition to a variety of scheduled acts, Philadelphia favorites Worthley and Clark and Misty Isle are lined up to sing well-known pub and dance hall tunes, while Charlie Zahm will be on hand to croon Irish and Scottish love ballads. And you can’t forget the bagpipes! No Celtic fling would be complete without the presence of a full pipe and drum band or a troupe of Step Dancers to set the beat.

In addition to the music, the Faire also serves as the playing field for the Highland Games Competitions. At the Games, you’ll witness the Hammer Throw, the tug-of-war, and the Caber Toss, as well as some other traditional acts of fun. In typical Faire fashion, the participants also make sure to include the visitors in the action — afterall, what’s a Faire without some old-fashion jousts and swordfights?

The action on the grounds of Mount Hope are sure to fill a weekend for any lively soul.

The Scottish and Irish Festival will take place July 10 – 11 On The Grounds of Mount Hope Estate, Cornwall, PA. Ticket prices are $16.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages 5 – 11.

The quintet, who are presently artists-in-residence at Boston College, have performed at countless national festivals and are known for their unique, robust, and extremely musical sound. Group members come from varied musical backgrounds, with training ranging from the Julliard School of Music to work on Broadway.

Their two-day performance will feature recognizable Mozart, Handel, and Leonard Bernstein classics, along with favorites from jazz legends such as Holliday, Louis Prima, and Duke Ellington. The shows will also include compositions from their latest recordings, Young Fogies and Stealing the Show — jazz and big band compilations that feature their own personal arrangements.