Bottlebrush Gallery & Center for the Arts

With a warm and inviting vocal tone, Heather Kropf has become a fixture on the Pittsburgh live music circuit, honing her craft along the way. She has quietly charmed audiences with her lush, literate blend of jazz-influenced pop, and has turned the heads of music critics, fellow songwriters, and Pittsburgh’s AAA radio station, 91.3 FM WYEP, with her three self-produced albums. WYEP celebrated her second album “What Else is L…ove” as one of the top Pittsburgh releases of 2006 and her debut album “Sky” as a runner up to the top 50 of the year in 2000.

Brad Yoder believes musical success should be measured in more than just the obvious ways. Being voted in the top three slots multiple times since 2002 for “Best Acoustic/Solo Artist” by Pittsburgh City Paper readers is great; playing Poughkeepsie, New York, and having a college freshman from Los Angeles request songs she’s only heard via Internet downloads is actually cooler. Just as tangible in terms of success are the pieces of original art on Brad’s walls created by supporters and inspired by specific songs, and the many “gig guest books” full of appreciative comments from 10+ years of live shows. Come out and share the evening,

Friday 21 February 2014 7:00 PM. All ages $10.00, BYOB for adults, bring a snack to share.

Thursday, February 13, 2014  6:00-9:00pm. FREE!

Kids, art and pets– what better combination is there? 🙂

It’s time for some love– and our 3rd annual Valentines Party and Fundraiser for the Butler County Humane Society! Come out for our family-friendly Valentine’s party and help our abandoned and homeless animals at the same time. No charge for admission… we only ask that you bring food, toys or supplies donations for the animals. The Humane Society’s donation “wish list” can be seen here: http://butlercountyhs.org/wish_list.html Tax-deductible cash donations also gratefully accepted… please help out however you can.

What will be happening at the Gallery? Activities include: Food and Beverages ~ Art Show ~ Silent Auctions/Chinese Auctions ~ Scavenger Hunt with Prizes ~ Kissing and Petting Booth with Pickles the Dog ~ Kitty Cuddles Booth ~ MANY Cool Gift Baskets for Auction ~ Pet Psychic Readings by Margaret White Cloud Schweiger ~ Live Music by Todd Wehr and Friends including Dennis McCurdy and Jeff Wiley ~ Pretty Pet Collars by Kim Keeley ~ Dog and Cat Treats by Christine Galket ~ Artist Exhibit ~ Face Painting by Christina ~ Meet Humane Society Staff and Adoptable Pets

Our Sponsor list is growing!

Business Sponsors include: Allure Salon, Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, An Evening of Music at The Center of Harmony, Bear Run Campground, The Beneigh Agency, Bottlebrush: A Gallery for the Arts, Burgh’ers, C&G Pet Delights, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread, Della Terra Restaurant, The Emporium/Kingdom of Three, The Enchanted Olive, The Exchange at Harmony, Eye Kandy, FETCH Pet Services, Fox’s Pizza, The Green Barn Whole Animal Nutrition, Harmony in the House Concerts, The Harmony Inn, The Harmony Museum Shop, Jockey Person to Person,  Just Pam Custom Horse Show Apparel and Consignments, Kim Keeley’s Sweet Pup Collars, McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores, Maddalon Jewelers, Nicolette’s Gift Shop, Polished, Robbin’s Nest (formerly Wines & Vines), The Stohr Haus Bakery, The Strand, Suzie’s Corner, Velvet Salon, Weaver’s Cabin, Wunderbar.

Thanks also to Premier Laser Spa of Pittsburgh www.premierlaserspaofpittsburgh.com for their very generous donation of a $500 gift certificate for our auctions!

Artist Donors:  Jill Claire, Michael Flaherty, Mary Koepke, Nautilus Creations, Gloria Rogulin Blake, Lissa Naporra, Debbie Smith Wagner.

Gallery Friend Donors: Carrie Baker, Elissa and Pickles Druschel, Roger and Janice Druschel, Connie King (BCHS Volunteer).

Musicians:  Dennis McCurdy, Todd Wehr, Jeff Wiley.

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor for this well-attended and worthwhile cause, please contact us. Donations of all sizes accepted.

Featured Artist Exhibit: “The Art of Face Painting” by Christina DiCenzo, McKees Rocks

RSVP requested but not required. Thank you for supporting us as we care for the homeless animals at the Butler County Humane Society!

Thursday, February 13, 2014  6:00-9:00pm ~ Bottlebrush:  A Gallery for the Arts  539 Main Street  Harmony, PA 16037 ~ RSVP 724.452.0539

SOLD OUT – THANK YOU!

The Womack Family Band
with Special Guest Jeff Wiley
Saturday 8th February 2014, 7:00pm
Bottlebrush: A Gallery for the Arts
$15 Admission
RSVP –Advanced Sales. BYOB bring snacks to share if you are so inclined.
Call (724) 452-0539 or email hith@zoominternet.net

Since their debut in 2010 The Womack Family Band has captivated audiences all over the eastern U.S. with their spot-on three part vocal harmony, tight musicianship, and neo-classic songwriting. Fan remarks often include phrases like “…I left (the show) feeling inspired…” and “…a breath of fresh air”. Reviewers are saying “…The Womack Family Band has revived the spirit of vintage rock music and introduced it to the grandchildren of folk and jazz” and “The group’s live performances have the potential to become the stuff of legend”. Audiences at Womack shows include 14 year olds toe-tapping and dancing amidst 30 and 60 year olds, proving that no matter what your era of music, The Womack Family Band has a song for you. The Womack Family Band  plans on releasing their 4th studio album sometime in early 2014. http://www.womackband.com

The Gallery’s 2014 acoustic concert schedule is now complete and posted on the web site. Just click on the 2014 Concerts link above. This year’s line up:  The Womack Family Band; Heather Kropf and Brad Yoder; Celtic-St. Patrick’s party and dinner with the Ploughshare Poets; Kim Richey; BeJae Fleming, Chad Elliott and Jackie; Greg Trooper; Steve Katz (founding Member of Blood, Sweat and Tears); Eric Taylor; Dana Cooper; Eric Brace and Peter Cooper; Roy Book Binder; The Early  Mays. Please check the link for details on dates, admission price, and added shows.

Happy New Year’s from Harmony, PA. Photos from our annual “Silvester” event, which is the German town’s celebration of New Year’s Eve.  Face Painting by Christina for big and little kids alike, a 5k and Fun Run, traditional food and drinks, treats for pets by Christine Galket, German countdown and ball drop at 6pm (midnight in Germany!), singing of Auld Lang Syne, and fireworks. All of the shops in town are open, including the Gallery– and we all have our heat on, so come in and keep warm. And when it’s all done, you’ll be home in time to celebrate New Year’s — again. 🙂  A blessed and joyous 2014 to everyone from Bottlebrush Gallery.

Saturday, December 7, 6pm. Buffet provided by McGinnis Sisters, cookies by The Stohr Haus Bakery, and music by Pittsburgh’s The Early Mays. What a great party– standing room only!  A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

Photo from our House Concert at the Bottlebrush Gallery with Tony Denikos and ellen cherry, both from Baltimore. Thanks to everyone who came out. Thanks also to North Country Brewing for providing our beer samples!

Pittsburgh artists Kim Friethaler, June Kielty, Nadya Lapets and Vickie Schilling opening night this Friday, October 18, from 7-9pm, at the Bottlebrush. No admission charge. Refreshments will be served. Live music by singer-songwriter Sally Zehmisch of Cranberry Township. The artist group brought in their work for their show, and it is breathtaking. A Female Perpective will be on display from Friday, October 18 through Thursday, October 31.

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Want more information on these classes? Click on the kids/teens and adult classes links at the top of this page. We will be adding more classes, so please check back for updates.

Act Up! Children’s Theatre: Ages 9-15.

Saturdays, 1-3:30pm, September 21 through December 21. $10 per session.

Taught by Creatively Healthy instructor and coach Debbie Smith Wagner.  Please contact the Gallery to RSVP. More information:  Kids’ Classes link above.

A fun and spirited class designed for children and pre-teens that teaches the basics of improvisational acting. Our class meets monthly and will include puppets, warm-up exercises, creative performance with games, and an improv skit using simple costumes and props.

Conga Drumming: Basics and Intermediate  Ages 14 to Adult.

Mondays, 6-7:30pm, September 16-October 21. $90 for 6 weeks includes use of drums. 

Explore the exciting world of Afro-Cuban and Latin Rhythms in a fun and friendly atmosphere. A 6 week, fully interactive class designed for beginners and experienced drummers alike. We will cover: Technique, Clave, Tumbao, Calypso, Rumba, Guaguanco, Abakwa and Practice Methods. $90 for 6 weeks, includes use of drums. Taught by experienced drummer Bryan Fazio. Reservations required as the class is limited in size.  More information:  Adult Classes and Kids/Teens Classes  links above. Last day to sign up: September 16.

The Rowan Cunningham Band

Harmony’s second annual Bluegrass and Beyond Music Festival has arrived! Two days of music starting Friday evening 9/6 at 6:30 (gates open at 5:30) and continuing all day Saturday, 9/7.

R&B musicians Danny Kalb and The Billy Price Band will play Friday night.

Saturday’s line up in order of performance: Tiger Maple String Band, Well Strung, Midnight Rooster, The Allegheny Drifters, Border Ride, Midnight Ride, The Rowan Cunningham Band, and headliners The Honeycutters.  Complete information, schedule of bands, online ticket sales, lodging and more on the festival web page, www.concertsinharmony.com.  The Gallery will be open for the entire festival. The weather forecast is stunning– clear with highs in the 70s. Stop in and see us– support local art and music!