Cultural District brings back McKean Street celebration
McKean Street in the City of Butler came alive with music, performances, activities, food, libations and more Friday evening, Oct. 16, for the second rendition of A Taste of McKean.
“McKean Street is such a beautiful street,” Leslie Osche, project manager for the Cultural District through Butler Rotary Club PM, said. “(The event) gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy McKean, particularly the library and Maridon Museum.”
The event gave many locales on McKean Street the opportunity to shine. Butler Public Library and Maridon Museum hosted many of the event’s activities, while homes and businesses along the street were given the opportunity to participate in a fall and Halloween-themed porch decoration contest.
The event served as just a taste of the culture in Butler, but another course came right after.
A “Dueling Pianos” performance pitted two master pianists in a fun musical showdown at 7 p.m. at The Penn Theater. Half an hour later, the Musical Theatre Guild of Butler kicked off its first performance of “Side Show,” a musical centered on conjoined twins.
Along McKean Street, guests viewed decorated porches while Nic Landon shared music from his button box accordion. Landon said he hopes he can bring smiles while exposing people to some unique music.
“I came here last year and had a good time,” he said. “(My music) is a little off the beaten path but this is the sort of instruments that used to be played around here.”
Food from the Monroe Hotel and local libations were available by purchasing a $15 wristband or a digital ticket to either of the night’s performances.
In Butler Area Public Library, strolling magician Steve Haberman treated guests to quick tricks while caricature artist Adam Walmsley drew guests in his unique style for free.
Over in the Maridon Museum, guests were given the opportunity to make Halloween-themed origami creations such as ghosts and pumpkins while enjoying a live jazz performance from Gary Kleeman.
Dottie Vogt, an attendee of Friday’s event, said she is a big fan of the arts scene all across Butler. She said she will be attending a showing of “Side Show” on Saturday.
“I try to go out to it all. I just love to support the arts, the music — especially the symphony,” she said.
