In Honor of National Tortilla Chip Day

First, let me preface this by saying this is taken from my Tumblr. National Tortilla Chip Day was Monday, so I figured I would celebrate at a local eatery here in Johnstown, El Jalisco. If you want great Mexican food, excellent prices, and exquisite service, this is the place for you! Check them out next time you're in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Let the River Swell: not typical heavy metal musicians

The mention of "heavy metal" probably brings to mind long-haired, middle-aged "headbangers" screaming into a microphone. While this is true for many bands of that genre, Let the River Swell is an exception.

The Johnstown-born band formed in September 2012 when lead guitarist Tyler Litko had the urge to start playing again, according to vocalist and band spokesman Devin Kieta.

"It was one of those things where everyone was in the right place at the right time. (Bassist) Dan (Crowell) and I were about to move home from Florida," he said. "(Rhythm guitarist) Mike (Orletsky) worked with Tyler and, over the course of a couple weeks,...we got everything together and started writing our first songs."

Their first show didn't come long afterward. They played at Johnstown's Crucified Ministries Church that December. "It was a decent turnout. Johnstown shows are always the best shows," Kieta said.

"It's funny to think (of) now, but without us playing that show, we wouldn't have met any of the crucial people we did (who) helped throw us into the world of bigger shows."

One bigger show they played at was the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, where the band obtained a spot after winning a Battle of the Bands contest in Jeanette.

"We signed up for (the contest) and (performed in front of) Sumerian Records and Headbang for the Highway. We played a four-song set list just like every other band and, after our performance, we talked to the talent scouts. They were honestly excited about our performance."

Later that night, after the final band finished their set list, the judges announced LTRS was selected to perform on the Sumerian Records stage at Mayhem Festival in Burgettstown, Pa.

Playing at the Mayhem Festival was a dream come true for Litko. "I couldn't believe something I've dreamed about was actually about to happen," he said. "This is why you never give up."

Prior to the event, the band had a broad fan base with plenty of locals, youngsters, and even those of an older demographic, Kieta said.

"We had a lot of support after we announced that we'd earned the spot," he said. "I was humbled by the encouragement from everyone in the area. Playing (at) a festival like that gains you a lot of exposure.

"We love playing and what we do, but when you have people excited to come up and talk to you afterward...wanting pictures, t-shirts or anything of the sort, it's an amazing feeling. It's like a surprise bonus check from work you weren't expecting."

If you're wondering if there will be a repeat appearance at the festival next year, you may have to wait a while. "Out future schedule is still up in the air," Kieta said. "If we have the chance or get offered to play again, of course we will be there. The goal is to (perform at) one of those festivals for the entire length of (their) tour.

"We'd like to get into Warped Tour next year, but as far as large venues or shows go, when the opportunity comes, we will take it."

For more information and tour dates, visit the band's Facebook page or their Bandcamp website.

Great music for a great city

For two decades, Johnstown's hills have been alive with the sound of music thanks to the Johnstown Symphony Ochestra's Opera Festival. This year, organization members celebrated the festival's 21st year.

The festival first started in 1991 when the Pittsburgh Opera and their symphony performed in the Johnstown area. Since then JSO has taken over, and the festival has grown into something widely celebrated by not only opera aficionados in Johnstown, but the surrounding areas as well, according to executive director Brooke Welsh.

"It's always something new and fresh each year, and that's what makes is special," she said. "The theme changes every year. Last year was '20 Years of Opera.' Some other themes included 'American Opera,' 'Memories of Venice,' and 'An Evening in Vienna.' There may be variations in the programming, but the tradition stays the same."

This year's theme was "Great Opera for a Great City," tying in with the symphony's season theme "Great Music for a Great City."

The Opera Festival is more than dressing up in your best formal wear and listening to beautiful music. "You start by coming to the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on Pitt-Johnstown's campus at 7 p.m. and everyone gets dressed up. It's black tie optional," Welsh said. "You mingle before the concert, and then you...watch a spectacular show."

Afterward, attendees can drive to the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center downtown for dinner and an auction.

"Anyone can attend. It's open to the public," she said. "It's $60 for the performance only, and $150 for the performance and the dinner. People can also bid on silent auction items."

This year, the auction included tickets to a Pittsburgh Steelers game and a chance to conduct one composition next symphony season. A raffle was also held for a diamond pendant, a $750 Boscov's gift certificate or a $250 Harrigan's Cafe and Wine Deck gift card. Tickets were $10 each.

"The Opera Festival is our celebratory event for the season and out largest fundraiser. The money goes toward operating costs," Welsh said. "The neat thing is that you're supporting the orchestra, but you're also treating yourself to a night out, so it's a win-win for everyone."

This year's festival was held September 21, and showcased not only the symphony's talent, but four operatic soloists picked by none other than 30-year conducting veteran Maestro Istvan Jaray. For information on next year's festival, call the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at (814) 535-6738 or email them at info@johnstownsymphony.org.

Greater Johnstown YMCA is bulking up

Since 1869, the Greater Johnstown Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) has had an enormous presence in the Johnstown area. What started in a one-room library is now large and in charge in their newest location along Johnstown's Haynes Street. Over the years, the organization has undergone several moves and renovations, and members are gearing up for one more.

The organization's current home is turning 34 and, with age, comes repair needs. The building has a leaky roof and outdated temperature systems. A renovation and expansion project will fix those issues.

The expansion will add more room to the cardiovascular suite, add a therapeutic pool building and add a youth center. Renovations include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades and parking lot improvements.

The project is a result of a needs assessment completed by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. YMCA members were to do a similar assessment, but opted to adopt the United Way one instead, according to YMCA executive director Sharon Jones.

The assessment concluded that there were five priority areas for the Johnstown area, such as the need to help children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families and supporting vulnerable and aging populations. Jones said while every need cannot be immediately met, the Y has the capability to satisfy some needs.

"There's a lot we can do to meet some of those needs. We need to figure out what types of programs are needed and what facilities are needed," she said. "That's how the project came about."

The project, officially named the 3M Capital Campaign, will cost about $3.5 million to complete - a goal, Jones said, the organization has already completed one-third of the way.

"We're looking at three sources of funding. The first is from the community and local businesses. The second is through grants and various private foundations. The final way is the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program," she said. "It's a matching program. If we raise $1.75 million through the [other two sources], the program will match that if our application is approved."

While the campaign will benefit current Y members the most, Jones said new members are in the forecast.

"We'll be able to better meet the needs of the community. The youth center will provide a place for kids to hand out, and there will be a computer lab [as well]."

Jones said the project is to break ground March 2014, and is to be finalized December 2014.