A statewide concert series celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary kicked off Saturday night with country stars and the U.S. Army’s oldest band performing in a sold-out Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State.
Headliner Cole Swindell was joined by Pennsylvania native Gabby Barrett and the West Point Band for the launch of the Commonwealth Concert Series. Tickets for the show were free, but were sold out within hours of being made available in April by America250PA, the official commission for Pennsylvania’s celebration of the semiquincentennial.
While all five shows in the concert series — featuring different performers at each stop — are being held to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, the Memorial Day weekend premiere at the Jordan Center also was “A Salute to Service and Sacrifice” honoring service members, veterans, first responders and their families.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American democracy, and there is no better way to kick off our 250th milestone celebrations than by bringing communities together through the universal language of music,” Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA, said in a statement. “Seeing the Bryce Jordan Center packed with families, neighbors, service members, and first responders was a powerful reminder of the pride Pennsylvanians have in our Commonwealth and the heritage that connects us. This concert was just the first stop on an epic statewide journey of celebration.”
The Commonwealth Concert Series continues with four concerts in June at locales around Pennsylvania.
• June 6, Erie, Erie Insurance Arena: The Fray with special guest First to Eleven (Sold Out)
• June 13, Hershey, Hersheypark Stadium: The Avett Brothers featuring Mike Patton; Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; special guest Chloe Flower
• June 20, Wilkes-Barre, Kirby Park: Lady A with special guest En Vogue, special appearance by Carson Kressley
• June 27, Pittsburgh , Point State Park: Nelly and Third Eye Blind with special guest Frzy (Sold Out)
For more information regarding upcoming stops or to check ticket availability, visit Concerts.America250PA.org.
