Host Jim Colbert is an award-winning songwriter from Bellefonte. Dubbed “the Poet Laureate” of the Local Groove radio show, Colbert has performed his original songs across the country, playing venues and festivals from New England to Texas, including Godfrey Daniels, Court House Concerts, Borderline Folk Club, and at The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. He is an advocate for local performing singer songwriters and has organized and hosted numerous musical events throughout the past twenty years. Colbert was a Folk Radio DJ for over 18 years, and a board member of the Acoustic Brew Concert Series for nearly two decades. www.jimcolbertmusic.com

Mary Madigan has been playing her guitar since her first talent show in 6th grade. She began singing with her 5 siblings & her father as soon as she could speak! A large upright piano in the family foyer was always in use. Her early guitar skills were formed by watching her older siblings play & a gifted guitar from her big sister, with a chord chart, sent her on a wonderful musical life journey. She enjoys playing all types of music & also has become a part of State College’s singer songwriter community. She is grateful for all the support shown by her musical colleagues & so very happy to be returning to State College First Night to share her original music with all!

Doug Irwin hails from Bellefonte. He bought his first guitar a little over 20 years ago. He taught himself a few chords, learned himself a few tunes & soon decided to try his hand at writing some songs of his own. He reasoned; how hard can it really be?
He’s come to realize that the creative process of song writing is what interests him the most. Constructing or channeling something that wasn’t there before, striving to touch on the personal or the universal. That’s what keeps drawing him back in. In his spare time, he fronts the itinerant Americana band, Granma Ben.

Joe Pillot was strongly influenced by the storytelling, singer/songwriters of the 60s and 70’s, such as Guy Clark, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin and James Taylor. Passionate about meaningful song lyrics, he crafts his songs about love, life, nostalgia, the passing of time and road travel. Born in central Pennsylvania, the self-taught musician and lyricist performed at festivals, wineries, listening rooms, and the occasional county fair and carnivals perched upon a dusty flatbed trailer on a hot summer.

A First Night Button is required for this performance.