This summer, the NEPA Philharmonic continues its celebration of America’s 250th birthday with two concerts by its brass quintet in the Back Mountain. The events are scheduled for Saturday, August 1, promising to bring an exciting blend of music and community involvement.
The first concert will take place at 1 p.m. at Misericordia University’s Lemmond Theater. This free 45-minute performance is part of the Philharmonic’s sensory-friendly series, offering an interactive and relaxed atmosphere with lively, jazzy tunes performed by the NEPA PHIL Brass Quintet. The event is designed to be accommodating, with fidgets, sensory headphones, snacks, and other resources available. Silent Sound System will provide headphones and haptic vests to enhance the experience.
Chason Goldschmitz, executive director of NEPA Philharmonic, shared, “It’ll have some things that’ll get kids very excited, but it will also be just a really great program that will be really exciting for adults as well.”
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The program and its accommodations have been developed with the help of local partners. Misericordia University’s occupational therapy department will be actively involved, ensuring the comfort of attendees. Additionally, there will be informational materials available about local autism-related resources. While online registration is recommended, walk-ins are welcome. For registration, visit nepaphil.org/#events.
This sensory-friendly concert series began last season with a concert in Pittston. Goldschmitz noted the collaboration with community partners like WVIA and the support from Autism Awareness NEPA, which provided a grant for this concert and the upcoming event.
Goldschmitz remarked, “We’ve had such great community support and interest in these programs.” The event marks the first of three planned concerts for the 2026-27 season, with future performances scheduled at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock on October 5 and in Clarks Summit in April.
Lakeside Brass Concert
Darren Elias Photography | Submitted Photo
The evening performance at 6 p.m., known as Lakeside Brass, will offer a unique experience with a brass quintet playing jazz and Americana favorites on the water at Harveys Lake. This one-hour concert is set at a private dock and is free for those with watercraft. Goldschmitz commented, “This will be the first time that we’ve done a performance like this.”
Highlighting the event’s uniqueness, Goldschmitz noted, “This will be a little bit unique in that, one, it’s a unique event to be held at Harveys Lake in particular, and number two, this is only going to be accessible on the water.”
While the concert is free for boat owners, online registration is recommended for precise water directions. For those without a boat, round-trip kayak rentals are available through Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe, with a guided tour starting at $80. The paddle to the concert is about a mile and a half each way, commencing at 4:15 p.m. from the lake’s northwest corner. The return journey offers a sunset view. For rental inquiries, call (570) 388-6107.
In case of poor weather, the concert will move indoors to Misericordia University’s Lemmond Theater, and kayak reservations will be refunded as gift cards. For more details or to register, visit nepaphil.org/#events or call (570) 270-4444.
