Posted: March 27, 2025 9:27 am
The AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival has announced a strong lineup for the July 25-26 festival, with headliners Gov’t Mule and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.
“The success of the last three festivals, each of which has been a box office record, has enabled us to take our festival to the next level,” said Bryan Hummel, festival co-chair. “To be able to host a legend like Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule) on Saturday night is truly a milestone for this festival. And on Friday night, we are recreating one of the most successful summer tours of 2024 with the combination of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & the U.N., and Dogs in a Pile. With a strong underbill as support, we are anticipating our first ever capacity crowd in 2025.”
The two-day, three-stage festival is held at Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown, PA, a venue that was developed by the festival’s producer, Heritage Johnstown.
“Past sponsors and new sponsors have stepped forward to make it possible for us to present Gov’t Mule,” said Ron Carnevali, festival co-chair. “This is a time of rising production costs across the board, and a number of high-profile festivals have gone under as a result. But thanks to our sponsors, we’re able to present this event and keep tickets affordable.”
AmeriServ Financial is the festival’s title sponsor for a record 31th year.
Event sponsors who have already signed on include Breezeline, Croyle-Nielsen Therapeutic Associates, 1st Summit Bank, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company, Zamias Services, McIlwain Charters, Laurel Management, Market Basket, UPMC Health Plan, and Thomas Automotive.
“If there is one thing festival goers can count on, it is that there will be a host of terrific musicians taking the stage over festival weekend. We are thrilled that our partnership with Heritage Johnstown and the festival committee continues to make it possible for folks from the area and beyond to enjoy this caliber of musical entertainment,” said Jeff Stopko, AmeriServ Financial, Inc., president and CEO. “It is events like this that truly highlight all that our region has to offer and makes it a true destination for those who appreciate the beauty of the Laurel Highlands.”
Two-day passes are now on sale at early-bird prices, which are $65 for general admission or $89 for VIP Festival camping is being offered in partnership with Coal Tubin’, for $60 per person for 2 nights of primitive camping (including shuttles and unlimited Coal Tubin’). VIP hotel packages for two are also available, which include a room at the Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn, VIP passes, and festival T-shirts. Single-day general admission tickets will go on sale when the early-bird sales period expires on May 15.
“Last year was the first time we tried offering camping through Coal Tubin’, and it was a great success with more than 80 campers,” Hummel noted. “We are confident this lineup is going to attract many more in 2025.”
Tickets are being sold through the Eventgroove platform, and may be bought online at www.floodcitymusic.com. Hard tickets will soon go on sale at the Heritage Discovery Center. Heritage Johnstown members are entitled to a free upgrade from general admission to VIP passes – to take advantage of this benefit, passes must be purchased in person (limit 4 per family membership; limit 2 for individual or dual memberships).
More about the artists:
Gov’t Mule: This legendary Southern rock jam band was formed in 1994 as a side project of the Allman Brothers Band by guitarist Warren Haynes. For three decades, Gov’t Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist, guitar legend, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape – the enduring, globally revered GRAMMY-nominated group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances, and millions of album and track sales.
Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Kevin Scott [bass] – has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. The band will play two sets at the festival.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong: If you ever wondered what “seizing the moment” sounds like personified, look no further than Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk shows. Infectious energy is an understatement.
The Maryland quartet — “Scrambled Greg” Ormont [vocals, guitar], Jeremy Schon [guitar, vocals], Ben Carrey [bass, vocals], and Alex “Gator” Petropulos [drums, vocals]—not only squeezes the juice out of every second, but they harness life’s energy within their hypnotic hybrid of funk, rock and psychedelic groove.
Andy Frasco & the U.N.: Andy Frasco & The U.N. have long been the high-flying DIY renegades of the touring scene known and loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion and one-of-a-kind onstage audacity. They last appeared at the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival in 2018 and in 2024, and we’re delighted to bring them back on Friday in direct support of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.
Dogs in a Pile: The sandy shores of Asbury Park, New Jersey are hallowed ground in the northeast; the rolling waves have ushered generations of venerated musicians to worldwide acclaim. Dogs in a Pile, an eclectic quintet, has emerged as the heir apparent to the town’s rich musical legacy. Merging funk, jazz, and rock and roll with psychedelia, the quintet presents a completely original vibe built on kaleidoscopic soundscapes eerily reminiscent of the days of yesteryear. We last hosted Dogs in a Pile when they played a memorable late-night set for us in 2023.
The Motet: After 26 years, nine albums, and over a thousand shows, The Motet embark on another chapter galvanized in equal measure by their longstanding bond and a surge of fresh energy. The genre-breaking group—Dave Watts [drums], Joey Porter [keys], Garrett Sayers [bass], Drew Sayers [keys, saxophone], and Ryan Jalbert [guitar]—officially welcome Sarah Clarke [lead vocals] to the family. Their inimitable instrumental interplay proves just as fiery as ever, while her addition only fuels their collective flame higher. The Motet bubbled up out of Colorado back in 1998. Their catalog has grown to encompass a bevy of fan favorite albums. In between, they have packed houses coast-to-coast. The band has impressively headlined their hometown Red Rocks Amphitheatre seven times as well as gracing the bills of Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, Bumbershoot, Summer Camp, and High Sierra, to name a few, and they’re making their very first appearance at the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival.
LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski): On a magical night at Nectar’s in Burlington, Vermont in December of 2018, three musical masters—Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger and Ray Paczkowski—came together with alchemical synthesis, and created a fresh, so-tight-it’s-free sound, permeated with technical prowess and a deep-pocket punch. The packed house fortunate enough to be in attendance that night witnessed the birth of something very special.
Metzger, described by The Village Voice as “…an ace guitarist of a thousand styles,” and a full-time member of the beloved Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, tested the decades-strong synergy between Lawton and Paczkowski forged from their time playing with Trey Anastasio Band and their duo project Soule Monde. It resulted in seven tracks crackling with energy and soul. The melodic and harmonic interplay between Paczkowski’s swirling organ and clavinet dancing with Metzger’s acrobatic melodies on telecaster, driven by Lawton’s unflappable backbeat, produced a record that will stand the test of time. Ever since—as the three members busy schedules have allowed—LaMP has prioritized bringing the music to the people with shows across the East Coast. As word has spread and the crowds have grown with each subsequent tour, it’s become clear that LaMP will be a musical force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.
Jennifer Hartswick (artist at large): Trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick is one of the most exciting performers in music today. She exudes confidence and joy and brings her own refreshing spirit to the stage every time she performs. Jennifer’s music is honest, and soulful and comes with a maturity far beyond her years.
Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews, Lisa Fischer, and countless others. She’s our artist at large, sitting in with all touring acts at the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival on both Friday and Saturday.
Octave Cat: Octave Cat is a trio of Eli Winderman (Dopapod – keyboards), Jesse Miller (Lotus – bass/modular synth) and Charlie Patierno (drums). The music ranges from stripped down jazz-grooves to analog synth dance music. Influences such as Herbie Hancock jazz-funk and Four Tet electronica can be heard. Octave Cat pushes the jazz and jam boundaries by incorporating elements of electronica and in doing so they have carved out their own unique musical space.
Sicard Hollow: Nashville’s psychedelic punk-grass rockers, Sicard Hollow, grew up sick of any existing institution telling them who and what to be. Now, as they navigate adulthood, they’re equally tired of the music institutions telling them what their music should sound like— so they dunked it in patchouli and a skate-and-destroy ethos that brings an enduring sound into the modern age.
Sicard Hollow has played festivals like Summer Camp Music Festival, The Peach Music Festival, Back Home Festival, Cave Fest, Lightning Bug Festival, Bluegrass in the Bottoms, Resonance Music & Arts Festival, Birds of a Feather, and Resonate, and we’re thrilled to present them at the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival for the first time.
Natalie Brooke: Natalie Brooke is funk and rock brought to you by a powerful 4 piece from the DC area – female fronted with Natalie on keys, keytar and vocals and always backed by a stellar band. The music was once said to be the mashup of Rick James and Rush; a fiery blend of fast tempos, totally danceable grooves and some sloshy rock elements, too. Natalie’s keyboard playing is exceptionally unique because it is just as percussive as it is melodic and pianistic. Every performance from this band is electric.
Katie Henry: Katie Henry played a standalone concert at Peoples Natural Gas Park in August 2022, and we’re delighted to welcome her to our festival bill this year.
She’s part of a new generation of talented and passionate young artists currently reshaping the blues landscape. The New Jersey-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist broke out with On My Way, the critically acclaimed release that earned her a spot on Blues Rock Review’s list of the Top 20 Albums of 2022. But that record, in retrospect, merely scratched the surface – she’s now touring in support of Get Goin’, which showcases her growing abilities as a singer, guitarist and keyboard player.
The Regal Sweet: The Regal Sweet was born of bar room afternoons spent romanticizing over jukebox gems with a particular flavor of rock’n’roll. Known for their raucous brand of high-energy shows, their sound waltzes through classic rock styling with a sprinkling of boozy sophistication. The Regal Sweet writes songs that promote hip shakin’ and poor decision making. It’s no surprise their influences nod heavily at swagger kings like The Faces, Mott the Hoople, James Gang, T-Rex and the Stooges. Although sometimes songs dive deeper and take sharp turns into corners of American roots music, early punk or maybe even a New Orleans street party.
Miss Freddye’s Blues Band: As Pittsburgh’s “Lady Of The Blues,” Miss Freddye keeps the blues alive in her hometown. Miss Freddye began singing in church at a young age. The influences of church and her mother’s love of blues music gave Miss Freddye the foundation to venture in the world of blues music in 1996. She has won past blues competitions; 2008 West Virginia Blues Society for Best Blues and 2012 Blues Society Of Western PA Best Duo/Solo Act. Miss Freddye has won in the Iron City Rocks Awards for Best Blues Band in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Her self-released CD, “Lady Of The Blues” won for Best Album in 2017.
The Buckle Downs: The Buckle Downs, a dynamic soul-rock band fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Kiki Brown, are captivating audiences with their unique blend of classic and modern sounds. Their music, infused with soulful melodies and driving rhythms, creates an infectious energy that draws listeners in. Their latest releases “Unstoppable” and “Make it Alright,” are available on all major platforms.
Dream the Heavy: It’s in the name. Atmospheric keys with ethereal and hook laden guitars set the tone for an enigmatic and soulful voice to sing, wail, and carry you into the other realms. This is the band that can deliver a studio performance that will stay on repeat and have your entire being moving with their mind-blowing stage presence. This Pittsburgh-based band is fronted by Johnstown native TK Mundok, and we’re pleased to present them at our festival for the first time.
Wanderlost: Wanderlost is a piano-driven quartet that brings a fresh and captivating sound to the Pennsylvania music scene. Known for their infectious grooves, funk-inspired horn lines, and catchy melodies, the band draws on a variety of influences, fusing elements of pop, rock, and jazz into a genre-defying blend that resonates deeply with listeners.
Formed in 2022, Wanderlost was born from a shared love for music making and storytelling. The band’s lineup includes Dustin Rainey (piano/lead vocals), whose piano work and poignant songwriting anchor their sound. Joining him are Jason Olear (drums), Mike Kokus (bass/vocals), and Daniel Hutton (sax), whose improvisational solos weave through the intricate piano lines and groovy rhythm section to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
Screech Owl: Screech Owl is a rock band pulling from American roots, based in Johnstown. Justin Giuffre, Mike Giuffre, Micah Mood, Ryan Stacy, and Chris Verbano have played in a number of bands, but Screech Owl is a unique project for them as they strive to balance songcraft, melody, and the joy of plugging in and playing loud. They released their debut EP, You’re Not Welcome, on October 12, 2024. Recorded on a Friday night and a Saturday morning at the VOMA space, the EP features six originals that they’ve been honing for the last two years, with several of the songs dating back to their very first practice in mid-2022.
King’s Ransom: King’s Ransom is a three-piece blues rock band based in Pittsburgh, featuring Craig King, Jack Rhyner, and Glenn Ianaro.
