10th annual Budstock music fest to take place Saturday in Renovo
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RENOVO -- Budstock, the annual free all day music festival will be celebrating a milestone this year as the group presents its 10th annual show starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5. The event has the perfect setting on Industrial Park Road, with the stage set up under the shadow of the coal tipple on the western end of Renovo.
Named originally as a tribute to Bud Hallberg, likely Renovo's most well-known musician whose career spanned decades before his passing, the event now serves as an honorary event to Bud and all of his fellow former band mates. Many of those that played with Hallberg have also passed on through the years, but a few still find their way on stage every year to jam and have a great time.
In addition to holding the yearly event, the group also awarded Kedda Bissman a scholarship as the 2026 Bucktail senior graduated. Bissman had been a participant with the Bucktail Band, opening up Budstock, which had her playing at the event each year.
As always, this show will boast a lot of talent and musicians, with something for everyone at the concert, which will run well into the darkness, perfect for a lighted stage, before ending at 10 p.m. Many of these groups and performers have people traveling considerable distances to hear them play and watch their performances, but the organizers of Budstock have them lined up for free, right here in western Clinton County.
Featured acts this year will include:
-- 11 a.m.: The 2026 version of the Bucktail Bucks Band.
-- 11:30 a.m.: Phil Reeder; Phil has played with the best musicians that central Pennsylvania has to offer. Phil moves flawlessly between genres, bringing his unique sound quality to every song. Seeing a seasoned, multi-talented artist like Phil, who has masterfully shaped his craft over a 50 plus year career, is indeed a rare, magical experience.
-- 12:30 p.m.: Unhinged; A Renovo based Unhinged has become a Budstock favorite and staple. The group is known for taking popular hits, often with a hard rock edge, and cranking out well-known hits with their own distinctive spin on every song. With a powerful sound, unstoppable energy and the ability to make each track their own, they'll have you tapping your toes, singing along and dancing throughout their set.
-- 2 p.m.: Bud's Friends; Over the years, Bud's Friends have brought together musicians who share more than just a love of music. They share friendships, memories and a deep appreciation for the man and the musical legacy behind Budstock. While the line-up may change from year to year, the spirit remains the same -- friends making music together in honor of Bud and the community that continues to support live music. Bud no doubt looks down and smiles at this group doing what it does best every year at Budstock.
-- 3 p.m.: Leo & Kristen with Family Tradition; Music isn't just a passion for siblings, Leo Wheeland and Kristen Gonzalez, it's their birthright. Fronting the powerhouse group, the dynamic vocal duo brings a lifetime of harmony and a rich, three generation musical heritage to every stage that they take. Every performance is defined by their authentic crowd interaction, tight instrumental grooves and soaring vocal harmonies that routinely gives the audience chills.
-- 5 p.m.: Kenny Lee Hawkins; A former metalhead turned country musician, Kenny Lee combines soulful melodies with down-home story telling that reflects Americana's rugged landscape and honors the musical heritage that has influenced generations. A gifted songwriter and performer, Kenny Lee Hawkins writes and performs his own original material, bringing a genuine and heartfelt quality to every song.
-- 6 p.m.: Western Range; A Centre County four-piece band who performs foot-tapping Texas Swing, Honky Tonk and vintage rock music across Pennsylvania. At each gig you will hear and enjoy hearing the band's fresh takes on music created by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Dwight Yoakum and Asleep at the Wheel. Vintage rock tunes from Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Allman Brothers and REM will blend into songs that inspired the honky tonk genre, as this group is as diverse as they get.
-- 8 p.m.: OutRAGE; Hailing from the Williamsport region, this group has built a dedicated local following by sticking to a simple promise -- delivering authentic, hard-hitting rock-n-roll. The group specializes in unforgettable sounds of the 1970's and classic rock eras. The group carefully crafts each set with the promise to make you say, more than once, 'I love that song.'