Artisan Marketplace – 2-11p
WaterFire Sharon prides itself on striving to bring professional art market vendors and high-quality works of art to our marketplace. Our talented artisans are natural creatives who make amazing handmade fine art. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass or fiber art, painting, photography, or mixed media piece – we have it all, in all price ranges – we know you will find the perfect item while walking the streets of beautiful downtown Sharon during WaterFire.
During our event, you’ll find artisan tents full of beautiful and unique items. Talk to the artists to learn more about their processes, watch their live demonstrations and support our artists by selecting a handmade original piece to add to your home or give as a gift. You will love the spray paint art of Charli Cupan! Stop by her booth on the corner of Chestnut and State St. for demonstrations of her talent all day.
Want to sell your handmade art items at WF in 2023? Applications are open through Zapponline: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=11156 . Contact Jenn at jenncrisan@gmail.com or artistinfo@waterfiresharonpa.org with any feedback or questions. We are looking forward to a great selling event in the artisan marketplace!
Food Court – 2-11pm
Stop by the food court to enjoy a variety of delicious treats. You will know you are headed in the right direction as you pick up the aromas of ribs on the BBQ! There will surely be a sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and funnel cakes. You can cool off with a milkshake! So much savory, so much sweet – you can’t go wrong with a visit to the food court. Just a few of the delicious food options: pulled pork, mac & cheese, hot sausage, philly cheese steak, fries, gyros, nachos, corn dogs and so much more!! Have lunch, dinner or take a snack to take home from the WaterFire food court.
Children’s Fun Zone – 3-7pm
Be sure to bring the kids to the Children’s Fun Zone, located at the corner of Shenango Ave. and State St., directly under the American Flag. There will be lots of interactive projects, crafts, games, giant legos, music wall, robotics and so much more. Parents need to stay with their children. This is a non-smoking zone.
The Gaming Plaza sponsored by Infinite Consortium Gaming (ICG)
Do you enjoy playing games and a little friendly competition? We have just the place for YOU!! The Gaming Plaza is for visitors of all ages! Take your turn playing Life Size Games, like JENGA, CONNECT 4, and CHESS. These amazing Life Size Games will be alongside an impressive lineup of Traditional Tabletop Games! All this fun will take place between Water St. and Main Ave! Be sure to stop by this new attraction and enjoy playing games and making new friends!
River Festivities – 8:30pm
Our evening will begin with the Native American Blessing of the Shenango River by Leon Briggs followed by the lighting of the WaterFire Sharon PA orb along with 55 floating bonfires filled with pine on the river between Connelly Blvd. and E. Silver St. Enjoy the aroma, live entertainment and music on the river until 11pm. Be sure to bring a chair and stay awhile!!
Leon Briggs:
Leon Sam Briggs, is an enrolled Tonawanda Seneca whose native name is H oya’degay hus, “he helps always” hawk clan. In 2004, he was ordained as a spiritual leader of the American Metis Aboriginal Association. He works in traditional Arts of beading, quill and leather work. He speaks on his traditional teachings in herbology, (focused native uses of plants), and works as a cultural consulting. He has made annual trips to Little Eagle, South Dakota to meet with the community and government leaders as a cultural lea son, participate in events and ceremonies, such as Peace Place powwow to support local efforts to start building the Little Eagle Community Center. He has participated as guest speaker on Native American culture, storyteller, environmental impact on indigenous plants at various events including Native American Awareness Week at the University of Dayton, and Sunwatch Village, since 2007.
Making Relations another gathering of communities for the exchange of cultures (Little Eagle and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, since 2009) and Native Peoples Celebrate the Peacemakers, University of Dayton. Leon is a consultant/ speaker with the Red Bird Center whose mission is to support the Healing and Unity of Native Families in Ohio. The Center specializes in assisting families in recovery from trauma and loss. Leon is a presenter at the Red Bird Center’s Annual Native Unity Gathering which focuses on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within Native Communities. The Red Bird Center has been in operation since 1997 and is a Native non-profit organization. Making Relations another gathering of communities for the exchange of cultures (Little Eagle and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, since 2009) and Native Peoples Celebrate the Peacemakers, University of Dayton. He is a consultant/ speaker with the Red Bird Center whose mission is to support the Healing and Unity of Native Families in Ohio. The Center specializes in assisting families in recovery from trauma and loss. Leon is a presenter at the Red Bird Center’s Annual Native Unity Gathering which focuses on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within Native Communities. The Red Bird Center has been in operation since 1997 and is a Native non-profit organization.
Jimmy Pyro:
Jimmy Pyro has always been drawn to the power and sound of fire, which he uses to captivate his audience with explosive and dramatic performances. Jimmy is a born thrill seeker and a natural entertainer. He is completely self-taught and enjoys learning new skills and adding new and exciting stunts to his repertoire. Jimmy Pyro has been professionally performing for 10 years and has entertained over 270,000 people. He will leave you talking for years to come and a memory you will never forget. Jimmy Pyro will perform several times throughout the evening. Watch for Jimmy on a boat on the river, the bridge abutment and on the State St. bridge.
Aaron Shaw:
After defending his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, Aaron Shaw’s star took off after successful performances on Great Britain’s The X Factor where European audiences saw Simon Cowell praise him for his “GREAT voice.” These performances would then lead to numerous opportunities in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, but also in some of the most beautiful opera houses across the United States where audiences heard his “easy, ringing tenor soar to the heavens”, as one critic put it after being “mesmerized” by his consistently perfect performances of Pirelli’s impossibly difficult passages in Sweeney Todd at the Nevada Opera. Not long ago Aaron left the Broadway and Opera worlds behind and committed himself to his one man show, and in doing so, has gone on to headline some of the most luxurious cruise liners and concert venues around the globe where he delivers some of the greatest hits from every genre of music imaginable as only Aaron Shaw can, with a mastery of multiple styles and more importantly…an ability to connect with every audience member by consistently dazzling them with his boundless voice, captivating them with his unbelievable stories, and charming them with his straight off-the-cuff humor.
Orb Lighters (click each image to read details):
Main Stage Entertainment
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Qwister! Reggae and JamRock – 2:30-4:30pm
With two feet solidly in Reggae. Seamlessly juggling elements of Roots, Dub, Rock, and a taste of Pop. Always sharpening an ever-evolving musical arrangement of Vocal Melodies and improve jams that can go any direction during any song on any given night. The music and lyrics are catchy and upbeat, with ever changing and flowing setlists of medley’s galore. Attending a live show guarantees not just music for your ears, but also a high-energy, powerful experience you’ll never forget. Qwister promotes positivity and spreads a conscious message while still having a good time and keeping the party going !!!!
Qwister is a Reggae, JamRock band based out of Jamestown, NY. Focusing on Goodtimes and Connecting with other like minded local folk. They are regional/national touring as well. Making their way around the US one show at a time!!!! Give us a like on Facebook via our link here… www.facebook.com/qwister . Come out and #getqwistered with us!!!!!
2nd Avenue Project 5:30-8pm
2nd Avenue Project is one of the premier bands in the PA/Oh region for over 16 years. Featuring two outstanding vocalists, John Rindy and Christylee Roose, the band performs with talented musicians Buddy White, guitar, Terry McDonald, bass, Jeff Sweigard, drums and an outstanding horn section of Doug Butchy, saxophone, Bill Forester, trombone, Andy Erb, trumpet and keyboard. Their amazing music sounds of Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Santana. Stevie Wonder and so much more will provide a remarkable concert experience for listeners.
JOHN RINDY, Lead Vocalist – Dr. Rindy has been performing rock and roll for more than 35 years and has been the male vocal lead with 2nd Avenue Project for the past 16 years—his first lead vocal spot. John studied voice under Dr. David Starkey at YSU’s Dana School of Music, and has performed in the area as a keyboardist, trumpetist, and support vocalist with iconic acts such as Graphic Pink and Sugar Fuzz Orchestra. By day, John serves as an assistant vice president overseeing career and academic progress at Slippery Rock University.
CHRISTYLEE ROOSE, Female Lead Vocalist – Christylee has had a terrific career as a soloist and on backing vocals. She is part of musical collaborations in various genres of music from country to Motown. She is grateful and proud to be enjoying her musical time in the outrageously talented bands 2nd Avenue Project and with the Ohio based band Full House.
BUDDY WHITE, Guitar – Buddy has been playing the electric guitar since he was 15 years old. He has played with a variety of bands, in many different styles, including ElRay Johnson and the Rolling Thunder Blues Band, The Gordon James Blues Band, The Organizers, The Don Burns Orchestra and Brass Taxi. He has had the opportunity to back artists including The Mamas and the Papas, The Fifth Dimension, Manhattan Transfer, The Impressions and many more Grammy winning artists. Buddy has been the lead guitarist with 2nd Avenue Project for 16 years. He also plays in the Mercer Community Jazz Band, and The Buddy White Trio + One. Buddy is a retired and recovering academic but can still be heard discussing philosophy once a month on the “Ask the Philosopher” segment of the Ron Errett show on WPIC.
TERRY MCDONALD, Bass – Terry is the bass player for 2nd Avenue Project. His talented groove extends to the Max Schang Band with whom he also plays. He also performs with the Greenville Symphony. He has been with 2nd Avenue Project for 16 years. Terry is from Greenville and works at St. Paul’s Homes.
JEFF SWEIGARD, Drums – Jeff has worked with hundreds of artists in both live and studio settings. Jeff’s performance credits include shows with The Manhattan Transfer, Fifth Dimension, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and many Grammy winning artists. Jeff has been with 2nd Avenue Project for the last 16 years. Jeff prides himself on being dependable, showing up early, and being easy to work with. Jeff is super cool!
BILL FORRESTER, Trombone –Bill is the former Band Director at Hubbard High School retiring in 2011 after 36 years of teaching. Besides 2nd Avenue Project, Bill is a member of the W.D. Packard Band and teaches trombone privately.
ANDY ERB, Trumpet, Keyboard, Vocals –Dr. Erb is a multi-talented musician in demand. He has been with 2nd Avenue Project for 16 years as a tremendous trumpet player, keyboardist and vocalist. He is the Band Director and Professor of Music at Grove City College. He also performs with multiple bands in the region including the Greenville Symphony.
DOUG BUTCHY, Saxophone Doug is a music educator, professional musician, and conductor. He is an alumnus of YSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He has studied saxophone – with recording artists James Umble, Kent Englehardt and Joshua Redman. Doug has also performed with many artists including The Manhattan Transfer, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, The Mamas and Papas, Wayne Newton, Marie Osmond and Jazz artists Conrad Herwig, Kenny Burrell and Maynard Ferguson. Doug also serves as a guest clinician and soloist throughout the region and performs regularly with 2nd Avenue Project and his jazz groups The Doug Butchy Big Band and the Doug Butchy Trio. He is currently the Director of Bands at Shenango Jr.-Sr. High School in New Castle and Assistant Director of the Mercer Community Band.
ANGIE PALUMBO, Manager, Sound Tech, Background Vocals –Angie retired from the PA Department of Labor and Industry after 34 years of service. She continues to be actively involved on many boards throughout the area, but the best part of retirement is promoting 2nd Avenue Project as a premier band in the region.
The Labra Brothers – Latin Funk & Soul 9:30-11:00pm
The Labra Brothers have established themselves regionally, not only as the standard within their core genre of Latin Funk & Soul, but also as a dynamic and diverse juggernaut of musical presentation. With three-part sibling vocal harmonies at the forefront, their versatility has become more evident with each new original studio recording they have released. The Brothers had an eventful 2022, during which they played a direct support role for Average White Band, released their 6-song EP, Waiting, and were voted “Best Latin” by the Cleveland Music Awards.
A Labra Brothers event is an adrenaline anchor performance that includes high-energy Latin percussion, funky rhythms, sax and smooth vocal harmonies. In April 2023, the Brothers released their Latin Funk single, “Be Cool”, which is accompanied by a music video filmed in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Be on the lookout for the next Labra Brothers release, and don’t miss your next opportunity to see this band live.
Ally Grande – State St. Bridge 8-8:30pm
Ally Grande has been performing in community theater since she was nine years old, beginning with the production of Les Miserables, where she portrayed Young Cosette. Ally has participated in shows throughout Western PA and Eastern OH. She has played principal roles in Aladdin (Jasmine), Mamma Mia (Sophie) and West Side Story (Anita). Ally has also performed at the new venue in Downtown Sharon, 40 Below. Ally has been a featured soloist at Waterfire Sharon for the past five years and is involved in the New Castle Playhouse as a Mini Star and in their Annual Stars of Tomorrow show. She is also an active member and performer for the Chrysalis Stage Performing Arts Conservatory in Sharon. She also sings regularly at the Peter Allen Inn in Kinsman Ohio. Ally is a 2022 graduate from Sharon High School and will be entering her sophomore year at Gannon University this fall.
Downtown Art Installations:
Take time to visit all the inspiring art installations throughout downtown Sharon. You can walk your way from the Literary Garden at the Shenango Valley Library, to Random InterFace Alley, to Floral Garden Gallery located on Connelly Blvd. to Riverview Gardens Park to enjoy Willow Way and five wood cravings from ash trees. A must see is the HopeCAT Mural located along State St. World renowned mural artist, Joel Bergner, HopeCAT students, local artists and Park Inn by Radisson employees came together to create this one-of-a-kind work of art!
Ready to Volunteer a few hours?
Have you seen enough to make you want to join in? We welcome new volunteers! Come alone, in a group, whatever works for you! Whether you want to help in the preparation and planning, help set up vendors, work at the information center, tend to the braziers during the evening, or a variety of other areas to lend a hand, WaterFire Sharon would be happy to have you join in. Our volunteers are known to say things like “I met so many new people and made so many new friends” and “It’s fun to be a part of something so big!” and of course “I’m always proud to see so many people come to our area and witness what we have going on here.” Maybe you’ll feel just that same way after experiencing WaterFire as a volunteer. Sign up for the next WaterFire event at the Souvenir and Information center located at the corner of West State Street and S. Water Avenue – in front of the food court. Ask questions and see what you may enjoy the most! If you can’t visit the booth, call our volunteer coordinator at (724) 301-1868 and Karen will be happy to fill you in on all the opportunities available to be a part of WaterFire.
Downtown Sharon History Walk – 12, 2 & 4p
Join the Sharon Historical Society for our Downtown Sharon History Walks during WaterFire Sharon. We will focus on part of North Sharon, an area not covered before! Stops to include the Sharon Country Club, Dum Dum Golf, Buhl Farm Park, Thornton School, Thornton-Hall Bowling Alley, North Sharon Firehall, Sharon Little League field, several homes and the former trolley park, Deweyville.
Rare photographs and interesting stories will be printed in our collectible booklet! Walks will begin at 12:00 pm/Noon, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 during WaterFire Sharon. These are FREE and OPEN TO ALL!! Donations are appreciated! The meeting location will be announced closer to the date.
