Annual Bluegrass Concert Celebrates St. Joseph House of Hospitality

 The 14th Annual Bluegrass Concert for Catholic Charities’ St. Joseph House of Hospitality will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at Synod Hall, 125 N. Craig Street in Pittsburgh. 

The concert kicks off a year of festivities commemorating  St. Joseph's 75th anniversary of outreach to the homeless. Founded in 1937 by Father Charles Owen Rice at a time when  one third of Pittsburgh's employable were unemployed, St. Josephs'  provided meals, rooms, and other necessities. At one time, both men's and women's shelters were also operating.

Today, St. Joseph's is located on Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh's Hill District in the former Roselia Foundling and Maternity Hospital where  59 men ages 50 or older receive a room, three meals a day and supportive services.  In addition to celebrating the 75th anniversary, administrator Paul Dvorchak enters his 25th year
with St. Joseph's. He and his son, Paul Jr. will once again be performing  at the bluegrass concert with the group, Fern Hollow Boys.

"The concert has become a family affair as my son and I have played in every one," Dvorchak said.  "My wife and daughter are integral to helping plan and carry off the event that is just plain fun for all involved, the musicians who donate their time, and the audience who enjoy the music."   

In addition to Fern Hollow Boys, Mac Martin & the Dixie Travelers, Allegheny Drifters, Midnight Drive and Mon River Ramblers will also perform. Tickets are priced at $20.00 and festival seating is available.

For more information about St. Joseph’s or to purchase tickets, call 412-471-0666 ext. 227, or pdvorc@ccpgh.org.