5 things to do in Westmoreland County this weekend: June 30-July 2
Jun. 29—Big bang
The pre-Fourth of July weekend starts with a bang at Cannons and Cocktails, from 5:30 to 7:30 Friday at Fort Ligonier, routes 30 and 711 in Ligonier.
The casual outdoor event will feature artillery firings, music by fiddler Andy Bronkaj, appetizers by Carol and Dave's Roadhouse and spirits, including an 18th-century-recipe cocktail made with a Wigle Whiskey rum made exclusively for Fort Ligonier.
Cannons and Cocktails will be held rain or shine. Fee is $35, or $25 for Fort Ligonier Association members. To register, call 724-238-9701 or visit fortligonier.org.
The fort is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including July 4.
Rockin' the park
The Willie Nile Band brings its gritty rock 'n roll to SummerSounds, with a show at 7 p.m. Friday in St. Clair Park in downtown Greensburg.
Starting in the late 1970s in Greenwich Village clubs such as the famed CBGB's, Nile built a reputation for high-voltage performances of streetwise rock songs, building a blue-collar fan base a la Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky.
Nile, 75, has performed with The Who, Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, Ian Hunter, Tori Amos, Lucinda Williams, Barenaked Ladies and The Boss and his E Street Band.
Tom Maroon will play pre-show music starting at 6:15 p.m. Food will be available.
Donations are taken to support the annual weekly free concerts running Fridays through Aug. 25. For information, visit summersounds.com.
Marital mayhem
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre presents another of its signature madcap farces this weekend.
The curtain rises for Ken Ludwig's "Moon Over Buffalo" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Performing Arts Center of the Robert S. Carey Student Center on the Unity campus.
The action centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. On the brink of a split due to George's infidelity, they might just have one last shot at stardom by impressing the famous film director Frank Capra.
Performances are followed by the Cabaret on the student center patio, weather permitting. For $5, patrons can enjoy hot dogs, popcorn and beverage options.
Tickets are available at the box office before performances, by calling 724-537-8900 or online at stvincent.edu.
Music and movie
Music and a movie are on tap this weekend at The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin.
—Nightrain: The Guns 'N Roses Experience, 8 p.m. Friday. The tribute act strives to replicate the vintage GNR concert vibe, playing venues such as The House Of Blues, Club LaVela, stadiums and festivals, sharing bills with acts including Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Buckcherry. A ticket is $25.
—Free movie night, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday. "The Goonies," Steven Spielberg's PG-rated 1985 adventure comedy, will be screened as part of the theater's free summer programming.
Movie tickets are available in Irwin at the theater box office, John Gdula State Farm Insurance Agency, Feathers Artist Market, Norwin Chamber of Commerce, McFeely's Gourmet Chocolate, Junque Genius, Palarino's Gift Basket World or Interiors by Woleslagle.
For information, call 724-367-4000 or visit lamptheatre.org.
Sweet rides
Bring your sweet ride to Bushy Run Battlefield for the 11th annual classic car cruise, set for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the historical site on Route 993 in Penn Township.
Attendees can vote for their favorite vehicles to be awarded trophies.
Event also will feature music and entertainment, food and beverages, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a variety of Bushy Run Market vendors.
The museum will offer free admission and a book sale will be held in its Stone Room.
For information, visit bushyrunbattlefield.com.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
