Acoustic rock duo Hops & Vines are getting their musical friends together for a good cause once again this weekend.
Guitarist-vocalist Jonathan McVerry (‘Hops’) and vocalist Christie Clancy (‘Vines’) will be joined by a bevy of other local musicians for the fourth annual Hops & Vines & Friends benefit concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Big Spring Spirits 198 Match Factory Place in Bellefonte.
This year’s show will benefit Housing Transitions and its mission to provide housing programs and supportive services to those in need throughout Centre County. Past shows have benefited State College and Houtzdale area food banks, Centre County PAWS and Centre Safe.
‘We have a great relationship with Housing Transitions and we really think their mission is important for the Centre Region,’ McVerry said. ‘There is no science to choosing the organizations, but I think we try to cover a base each year, and hopefully over time our music can help cover all the bases in the Centre Region.’
The benefit concert started in 2016 as a way to celebrate Hops & Vines’ 100th show while playing with some of their favorite local musicians. McVerry said it ‘was only right’ to have it benefit a local nonprofit.
It’s only grown each year. On Saturday, Hops & Vines will be joined by Eric Ian Farmer, Anchor and Arrow, Doug Irwin, Brad Fey, James Miller, Angie Farrell, Kyle Schmid, The Wreckers, Denise Strayer, Josh Troup, Nate Cutshall, Cole Black, Glenn Walstrom, Jason Thomas, Kate Twoey, Christiana Athena and Tom Karnezos.
Clancy said there may be a surprise guest or two during the evening. McVerry added that it might be a record number of ‘friends’ joining in, but it’s definitely a record number of instruments they’ll have on stage, with guitar, bass, harmonica, cello, mandolin, accordion, drums, keys, and plenty of voices.
The number of musicians who have contributed to the show each year has been symbolic of the local music community, McVerry said.
‘It’s been nothing but supportive excitement. It’s pretty incredible. Vines’ mantra has always been ‘Let’s just ask,” he said. ‘It has helped us meet and play with so many talented musicians. It’s really an honor to share the stage with every one of these folks. They are giving their time and talent for the cause. It’s a testament to the community and the family of musicians here, which I can’t believe I’m a part of, but I love every second of it.’
For Saturday’s show, a $5 suggested donation for Housing Transitions at the door includes a complimentary tap drink. There also will be a raffle and the band will pass a hat, with everything collected going to the nonprofit. And Big Spring Spirits will donate 20 percent of drink and bottle sales during the show to Housing Transitions.
McVerry said Big Spring has been a supportive partner in helping put on the benefit show each year.
‘For the first event, we just wanted a space to make noise, but they’ve offered us extra time, special treats for donations, raffle items, promotion and a lot more. They even have a drink called the ‘Hops & Vines,” McVerry said. ‘They are a true partner in this and a wonderful part of our community, not to mention an integral supporter of local music.’
The response from the community, meanwhile, has been ‘awesome,’ with some telling the band they’re making sure to arrive early this year to get their tables.
‘We get support from Big Spring; the [nonprofit] organization; our local musician friends; Jim Thorn, our sound guy and friend; friends and family — the response has been overwhelmingly positive,’ McVerry said. ‘We are just so gosh darn thankful we are able to do all of this.’
As for what to expect with such a big collection of musicians getting together, McVerry said he anticipates moments of brilliance, chaos and a lot of fun.
‘There is a real ‘all-in-it-together’ feel and we are happy that Hops & Vines & Friends is becoming a staple in the music community, as well as a ‘can’t-miss’ event in the area.’
