Lock Haven Fringe Festival Returns for Two Days of Free Performances
Lock Haven Fringe brings free music, spoken-word poetry, and stand-up comedy to multiple venues across the city on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17. Organized by Absolutely!
Festival founder Brady Carnahan stated that the international Fringe movement focuses on bringing diverse artistic performances directly to communities. The 2020 lineup spans rock, blues, ukulele, guitar, poetry, and comedy. While admission to all performances is free, organizers note that participating venues offer cash bars and dining options, with reservations recommended for attendees planning to eat.
Friday Night Music Lineup at Local Venues
The festival kicks off Friday, Oct. 16, with a performance by Chris Hull at The Broken Axe Brew House, located at 1 East Bald Eagle Street, from 7 to 9 p.m. Hull is an Americana musician, singer, producer, guitarist, and writer from Southampton, Pennsylvania, whose style blends power pop, new wave, rock, and reggae with blues influences.
The music continues Friday from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at Hangar 9 Restaurant and Lounge, located at 208 Bellefonte Avenue. Steve Marchion, a rock ukulele musician, singer, and 2000 graduate of Lock Haven University, takes the stage. Organizers describe Marchion as a prominent performer at coffeehouses throughout the Philadelphia region.
Saturday Poetry and Stand-Up Comedy Performances
Saturday, Oct. 17, begins with spoken-word poetry from Amira Jenna between 2 and 4 p.m. at Avenue 209 Coffee House on Bellefonte Avenue. Jenna draws on her upbringing in North Carolina and Philadelphia to write about love, loss, advocacy, social norms, personal growth, racism, sexism, mental health stigma, and equality.
The evening shifts to stand-up comedy at 8 p.m. inside the Fraternal Order of Eagles Trackside Room, located at 433 East Clinton Street. Harrisburg-based comedian Lennon Free opens the night. Free is a regular performer at the Harrisburg Comedy Zone and has toured nationally with other comedians.
Headliner Joe Ohrin brings more than 20 years of comedy circuit experience to the Lock Haven stage. Ohrin has performed at Dangerfield’s, The Comic Strip, Stand-Up NY, and the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. He has opened for Chris Rock, Jeff Dunham, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Beatlemania, worked as a writer on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and earned the title of “Best Area Comedian” in northeastern Pennsylvania. Organizers note that Ohrin’s performance contains material intended for mature audiences.
Event Sponsors and Community Support
Local businesses and organizations fund and support the Lock Haven Fringe festival to keep events free for the public. Sponsors include The Brigandi, Glenhorn & Haffley Insurance Agency; Chatham Run Feed Mill Inc.; the Clinton County Democratic Committee; Croda Inc.; Dunkin’ Donuts; Fraternal Order of Eagles #4298; RMW Accounting; Lea Ann S. Plessinger, CPA; Sons & Daughters of Italy, Giosue Carducci Lodge #146; and Woodlands Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lock Haven Fringe
Do I need to buy tickets for Lock Haven Fringe events?
No tickets or cover fees are required. Absolutely! Theatre and Fundraising Inc. waives all admission fees so that performances remain entirely free and open to the public.
Where can I get food or drinks during the festival?
Participating venues such as The Broken Axe Brew House, Hangar 9 Restaurant and Lounge, Avenue 209 Coffee House, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles offer cash bars and dining. Organizers recommend making reservations if you plan to eat at these locations.
Where can I view the complete schedule and updates?
Detailed performance times, venue locations, and artist biographies are available through the official website at lockhavenfringe.com.
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