End the Month of July at Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks

– by Guest Writers

Celebrate community and authentic local flavor with live performances on July 21, 25, 27, and 28 at Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks. Enjoy great food, great ale, and original music in Millheim's beloved brewpub.

Elk Creek Cafe Outside

It all began in 2007 with a vision Tim Bowser had for a small town, community gathering place – a brewpub/ bistro/ music venue that was truly focused on authentic, local, and flavorful. A place rooted in Millheim, where friends, neighbors, farmers, musicians and artists could come together around good conversations supported by great food, great ale, and original music.

“It’s about community. Our team at Elk Creek. The people that come to Elk Creek from all over. The farmers we work with. The musicians that come through. It’s really a cool, convivial scene that meshes on a lot of fronts. Truly the Elk Creek Community.” Said Tim Bowser, Proprietor of Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks.

“It’s about community. Our team at Elk Creek. The people that come to Elk Creek from all over. The farmers we work with. The musicians that come through. It’s really a cool, convivial scene that meshes on a lot of fronts. Truly the Elk Creek Community.”

- Tim Bowser, Proprietor of Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks

July 21 - Eric Ian Farmer - 5 PM

Born in State College, PA and raised in North Carolina, singer/songwriter Eric Ian Farmer has returned to his birthplace sharing his songs about relationships, social awareness, and finding one's path in life while keeping alive classics by artists like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Bob Marley. Joining him on this trek back out the Valley will be Eli Christopher Byrne (sax/flute), Mare Cleary (vocals/ukulele), Mickey Klein (electric bass), and Urie Kline (drums).

Eric learned how to become one with a song from Bonnie Carter and David Williams, singers in the church of his childhood just across the North Carolina state line in Danville, Virginia. Eric also draws inspiration as a singer from popular artists like Bobby McFerrin, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. And his guitar playing is inspired by the percussive stylings of rock legend Bo Diddley.

Elk Creek Cafe

July 25 - Richard Sleigh and Dusty the Kid - 7 PM

Richard Sleigh is well known in the known in the global harmonica community as a pioneer of high-performance customized harmonicas. He is also a high-octane performer who has played onstage with Paquito D’Rivera, Bo Diddely, Taj Mahal, and many others.

The Last Footloose Wobbly of the West, Dusty The Kid hails from the mountains of Western Montana and brings politically charged folk with grim determination and idealistic hope. A multi-instrumentalist, The Kid weaves stories with the sounds of olde time mountain songs, rowdy pub sessions, and coal covered folk punk!

July 27 - Keystone Big Band - 1 PM

Keystone Big Band is an 18-piece big band comprised of jazz musicians from central PA. Featuring Penns Valley High School music teacher, Marcia McCole!

July 27 - Stillhouse Junkies - 6 PM

A jammin' trio from the hills of Colorado, Stillhouse Junkies absolutely tore it up at Creekside two years ago! They share the kind of strangely charmed chemistry that elevates both artist and audience alike. Since forming in 2017, the Durango-bred band has offered up a hypnotic and high-energy form of roots music anchored in the free-flowing interplay among the three lifelong musicians (Fred Kosak on guitar and mandolin, Cody Tinnin on upright bass, Alissa Wolf on fiddle).

Elk Creek Cafe

While they’ve gained major traction in the bluegrass world in recent years—including winning the IBMA Momentum Band of the Year award in 2021—Stillhouse Junkies ultimately inhabit a genre-blurring and subtly inventive sound informed by everything from blues to classical to Texas swing. When matched with their nuanced songcraft and soul-stirring harmonies, the result is a one-of-a-kind musical experience that immediately transports the listener into a more enchanted state of mind.

With their fourth album due out in 2024, Stillhouse Junkies have now achieved such triumphs as touring in the UK and Europe and taking the stage at leading festivals like MerleFest and Grey Fox. Whether they’re performing at house concerts or playing to crowds of thousands, the band balances the dizzying intricacy of their musicality with plenty of freewheeling improvisation. “We make sure to leave a lot of wide-open spaces for group improv at our shows,” says Tinnin. “We’re not that interested in playing it safe; the goal is always to connect and play off each other as best we can.”

July 28 - Miss Melanie - 4:30 PM

Miss Melanie brings her acoustic soul trio to Elk Creekside! Come out and enjoy some Vintage Neo-Soul!

Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks

What about food?

On Sunday, July 28, you can experience the ultimate culinary extravaganza at Elk Creekside - Ramen on the Hill!

Treat yourself to delectable ramen creations accompanied by house craft beers. Featuring locally sourced pork, vegetables, and vegan options, there's a taste sensation for everyone to savor. Join us for an unforgettable evening of oishii ramen and delightful company.

Summer Hours

  • WED - FRI 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • SAT 12:00pm - 8:00pm
  • SUN Brunch 11:00pm - 2:00pm
    Check for Live Music events

Support Local Business

And please do whatever you can to support local businesses in your community. They are there when you need them. And now they need you. More than ever.

Interested in learning more about Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks? Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events