What to do this weekend in Butler County
Since the weather outside is frightful, I’ve been trying to engage with entertainment that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
No, I don’t mean Christmas music. I’m talking about a new artist I’ve been listening to who’s bringing a classic jazzy sound back to the modern day. That artist is Olivia Dean.
Originally from England, Dean has been touring the United States (she was in Pittsburgh in October) showing off her sultry vocals for a few months now. Her songs “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” have skyrocketed to the top of the charts because they strike a chord so nostalgic it spans generations.
While her voice has a smoothness like Adele’s, her use of horns and bass in the backtrack reminds you of Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday’s love songs. And that’s what Dean writes: longing, heartfelt love songs.
This return to simplicity in songwriting, and the fact that audiences of all ages are eating it up, tells me one thing: people like what they like and they seldom change. And what’s more, they especially like what makes them feel warm and fuzzy. They like songs about love and seeing love played out.
If all of that is true for you, you’re going to love what’s going on in and around Butler this weekend. There are plenty of opportunities to give back, hear music, and more.
Friday
Help the Lighthouse Foundation clean out its food pantry in advance of the holidays. Join YMCA volunteers at the pantry, 116 Browns Hill Road in Middlesex Township, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday. For more information, visit bcfymca.org/events.
Try your hand at the Herman Volunteer Fire Company’s Ham and Turkey Party on Friday night. Doors open at 7 p.m. and dealing starts at 8 p.m. Play poker to win a ham or turkey, and participate in the raffles as well. Food and drinks will be available. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Saturday
Support Portersville Christian School when you attend Basket Bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the school gym, 343 E. Portersville Road. Join them for a silent auction, basket raffle and more. Admission is free, and food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Penn Christian Academy is hosting a Fall Fest from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at 199 Airport Road in Penn Township. There will be games, food and family-friendly fun. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Children and their families won’t want to miss “Tortoise vs Hare 2” at Hobnob Theatre Company’s studio, 134 S. Main St., this weekend. See the hilarious sequel to the classic “tail” at 3 or 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 a person. For more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.
Sunday
Children in grades 1 through 8 can practice their reading skills and socialize the cats at Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road in Connoquenessing Township this Sunday. Time slots are available by calling 724-789-1150.
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
