Yonder Mountain is dubbed "An Appalachian Folk Operetta."

It is an allegorical tale set in Appalachia with an original libretto and score by local composer John Krumich.

Story centers around a father who places his teenage daughter, Ada, in a treehouse and suitors begin to arrive.

A mysterious creature, Flora Hawkins, offers a way for Ada to be free.

Bridgefest is this weekend and the first Allegheny River Music and Arts Festival is just around the bend.

​Bridgefest is back taking over Veterans Bridge on Saturday for the very unique music, arts and fun festival and it kicks off Friday on the Center Street bridge with a kid friendly event with games and more music.

It's a great way to cap off the summer before the kids head back to school.

​Then in September the first Allegheny River arts and Music Festival teaming up the Bridge LitFest seeks to bring even more fun to the city split in two by the river.

"I grew up in Pittsburgh and I grew up with the Three Rivers Arts Festival," said Stevette Rosen, the Moil City Main Street coordinator. "When I took this job, I (noted) we have this community that’s divided by this absolutely beautiful river and we have over 40 years of the arts growing here in Oil City."

​She noted the successful artist relocation program that has  been responsible for attracting artists from Orogan and California, New Mexico and Florida to come live and make Oil City their home and creative center.
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"The talent that has moved here and chosen to live here has just amazed me and I really want to brand Oil City as an art destination,  as well as an outdoor recreation location," Rosen added.

She said she hopes this is the first of many and hopes to incorporate the river itself as a featured venue for artistic expression, though this year will be up on the its banks for the most part with events on both sides of the river.

​She said there are still vendor spots open and is welcoming contact her at [email protected] if interested in participating.

LitFest, the Bridge Literary Arts Center's annual event will coincide with the Allegheny River festival where they will release their literary arts journal on Friday September 12 featuring artists and writers from the region.

The Community Playhouse will also be performing that weekend also in conjunction.

They will continue their outdoor movie offering by having a "kid's drive-in move" in Town Square. The Library is hosting a kid's workshop where they can make their own cars to sit in and watch Lily and Stitch that night.

Rosen emphasized that both the north and south sides of town will have plenty to do and there will be shuttles. An information booth will be set up at Town Square on the north side with flyers explains all there is going on and where.

The curb market is also expect to be packed during the weekend and plenty of food trucks around.

Every summer the Barrow-Civic Youth Theatre does something that is largely under appreciated by lovers of quality theater. They bring in dozens of area youth up to 16 years of age to teach them  what it takes to put on a shows from learning lines and choreography to lighting and all the things that happen back stage before and during a show.

The result - many go on to star in future Barrow productions as well as college and other community productions. Many come back to help.

​"To build up the theater you need to start young so they kind of learn the ropes," said Kelly Zerbe in an interview from a couple years back, the youth theater's choreographer. "Here, they learn all the different aspects (of putting on a show.)

Press relese

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​In a universe of infinite possibilities, what version of your story are you living?

“Rabbit Hole,” which takes to the little stage at the Barrow-Civic Theatre starting next weekend, offers an exploration of a part of the human experience that is difficult to discuss - how to move on from tragedy.
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Written by David Lindsey-Abaire, the play tells the story of Becca and Howie Corbett, a couple with everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves them drifting perilously apart.

​The play charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day.

Part of the Off-Barrow Series, “Rabbit Hole” will be performed in the Little Theatre which offers an intimate setting for the audience that draws them into the emotions of the show.

​The show is a mix of humor, grief, frustration and guilt with a touch of wine and a lot of baked goods.

“Those not familiar with the show might be surprised by the relatability of the characters and the connection they will feel to the story. Despite the small cast, each audience member is likely to find a reflection in the story,” said show director Jill Harry. “We can experience the same trauma and process it simultaneously but differently. ‘Rabbit Hole’ examines that journey and our need for healing when the unthinkable has happened.”
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Cast members include Elizabeth Williams of Franklin as Becca, Evan O’Polka of Franklin as Howie, Cindy Heffern of Oil City as Nat, Kachina Earhart of Franklin as Izzy, and Nate Boley of Cooperstown as Jason.

The show is produced by Nick Hess and Kristy Moore.

There will be five performances - 7:30 p.m. on August 8, 15 and 16; and 2 p.m. on August 10 and 17. (Note: there is no show on August 9.)

Victorian City Art and Frame is once again looking to celebrate our local work force with a Labor Day photography show. 

Visit their instagram page to see and hear from owner Kyla Parkinson as she describes her vision for the show.
​www.instagram.com/reel/DM0lxLAuNcO/?igsh=ZGN4OXA3ZjR3YzFt

"​I'm really looking for the nitty-gritty," she said. Her first show was two years ago with several top-notch entries and she is hoping for even more. 

"Anyone who enters will get a discount on prints," she said. 

​She also has a handful of sponsors this year to make the show even better.

​Read below for more information on the show and for the link to enter the show.

The top 20 images selected will be  printed, framed and on display in their downtown Franklin store during the month of September.
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To enter, complete the form found at: 
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA0YkfS_KG6qIzqBdH8g8GMVZ-uxcnEFLePAw41pudiwkQyA/viewform.

Those not chosen to be printed will still be displayed in a digital format during the show. And all who enter will receive a discount on prints during the month of September. 

All submissions must be received by August 15. You may submit up to three photographs. Fill out a separate form for each entry.