One of the region's wineries, well known for its music and concerts, is The Vineyard at Hershey in Dauphin County.
The winery began as an idea by four friends in 2008, and in 2009 they opened a 40-acre historic farm on Route 283 with stunning views and a scenic natural spring pond. I grew up to the point where I planted grapes in the area.
The winery opened in 2012, and a few years later, the owners hired a brewmaster, created additional facilities in their portfolio, and changed the name to The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey.
The winery remains one of central Pennsylvania's largest destination wineries, thanks to a music series called Decked-Out Live! that takes place on Friday nights from May through September. In addition to summer concerts.
Includes a luxurious live performance! With a May 3 start, I felt it was a good time to check in with Lynn Day, a resident of The Vineyard in Hershey, about her plans for the summer.
Q, Decked Out Live is back…is anything different this year? Are the performers all from central Pennsylvania or from further afield? What is a rolling grill?
Ah, what a flashy live show! Friday night marks our 12th anniversary! Believe it or not, many of the season ticket holders have been coming for all of his 12 years. Last summer, as we continue to invest in our experience, we privately contacted longtime season ticket holders to find out what changes are in store beyond the patio expansion that debuted last summer. We conducted a survey. We heard loud and clear that our regulars love the local artists and relaxed atmosphere, but would also like to see a high energy 4+ band each week.
We couldn't be more excited about this year's lineup. We listened and put together our best lineup yet. For example, this week we welcomed back Crossing Abbey Road, the first local Beatles tribute band. Start your Memorial Day weekend with local favorite Jellybricks. Throughout the summer, guests will jam to Honeypump, Courty Byron Band, Luv Gods, Smooth Like Clyde, Velvita, and more. All of our acts are local names that we all love.
The Rolling Grill food truck will also return every Friday. Featuring Chef Steve, this local truck changes its menu weekly so there's always something new to try. He might offer classic favorites like burgers and pulled pork one week, and lobster rolls and shrimp cocktails the next. Chef Steve has become a staple at our events. Of course, if your guests would like to enjoy his live out deck, he can also provide a picnic basket. Friday night.
Doors open every Friday at 5:30 and music starts at 7 p.m. A detailed schedule and other information about the event can be found at this link. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Q: Is this your first time working with Palmer? Please tell us how you came to implement it and what excited you about it. Also, Marc Roberge is coming back, right?
While performing lively! has been a staple of our summer program for his 12 years, but we're also celebrating his 10th anniversary of the national music artist coming to the winery, and we've got a fun lineup.
- OAR's Marc Roberge (with special guest): June 15th
- Parmalee: June 22nd
- River 97.3 Birthday Bash: August 3rd
- Merlot Day Featuring Boat House Row: August 17th
As you may have guessed, Marc Roberge, frontman of the multi-platinum selling alternative rock band OAR, is returning for his annual performance on the Patio. Our friendship with Mark began in 2018 when he brought a full band to Merlot Day.
Since then, it has become standard for him to perform solo acts (with special guests from OAR). Live at OAR Unlike his shows, Marc's Vineyard Patio Show simply plays OAR fan favorites, along with carefully selected cover songs. His charm in The Vineyard remains high with his impromptu, warm and candid conversations with the audience, resulting in the best showcase of Roberge's deeply personal yet instantly resonant storytelling. Fun fact — Mark’s first post-COVID show was on our patio.
The week after Mark takes to the patio stage, we welcome country music sensation Parmalee for the first time. Known for her unique family harmonies, charming melodies, and sure-fire radio favorites, including Billboard's 2022 Most Played Country Song, “Take My Name,” Parmalee is quietly one of the genre's most played country songs of 2022. She has become one of the undeniable modern country hit makers.
The group is comprised of brothers Matt Thomas (guitar/lead vocals) and Scott Thomas (drums), their cousin Barry Knox (bass) and lifelong friend Josh McSwain (guitar). Three No. 1 hits, including their breakthrough hit “Carolina,” which has amassed more than 1 billion on demand, “Just the Way,” a collaboration with Blanco Brown, and “Take My Name.” 1 hit song was streamed. Parmalee's current single “Girl In Mine” is a Top 10 hit and on the rise.
And then comes hot August in the vineyard. Events kick off on August 3rd with the first-ever River 97.3 Birthday His Bash featuring great local artists like Jet Silver, Jerry Brix, and the Martini Brothers.
Of course, we've built a reputation for bold Merlot, and even bolder parties releasing new Merlot. And it continues this year, as yacht rock band Boathouse Row will highlight Merlot Day 2024 on August 17th! Boat House Row offers a unique yacht rock experience with the silky sounds of late 70's and early 80's soft rock.
Information about this summer's concert series and tickets can be found at this link.