CIRCLEVILLE — Where to start in describing the outstanding entertainment package coming to the 2025 Pumpkin Show? Should we focus on featured acts like McGuffey Lane and Travis Brown, or call attention to Logan Elm High School students Brycen Blair and Jacob Brown, or first time performers like KaTanya Brewer? But we also love the returning regulars like Brian Weiskittle and his Water on Fire Band, Trace Hawkins Music, Studio One, X-perience Music … and the list goes on and on! We’ll start with Tuesday night and then proceed in no particular fashion to cover as many of the entertainers as we can.
But first, some good news about seating at Pumpkin Show Park. This year, there will be bleachers installed at the park for the Tuesday night preview party featuring McGuffey Lane and the Wednesday night Miss Pumpkin Show contest. However, the seating will not have enough space for everyone, and for the Queen contest, the bleachers will be reserved as VIP seating for the families of the contestants. So, bring a chair and guarantee yourself a seat! And bring a jacket or wear some layers, because the temperature drops rapidly as the sun sets at about 6:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
“We’ve played preview night a whole bunch over the past 20 years — it’s a great thing,” said John Schwab, lead singer and guitarist. “It’s kind of like the worst kept secret I think about the Pumpkin Show — that it really doesn’t start on Wednesday — it starts the day before. Someone was recently telling me that the Pumpkin Show starts on Wednesday, and I was like OK … whatever you say!”
Wikipedia lists McGuffey Lane as an American country rock band from Athens, Ohio, home of one of the original members, Steve Reis. The band was named after a street in Athens. They toured with the Charlie Daniels Band, the Judds and the Allman Brothers Band.
“Of the six original members, 3 have passed away, but we’ve been lucky to find some really great players to surround ourselves with,” said Schwab. “I just want to make people happy … man, I know it sounds cliché but you know at this point in our career — after 50 years of playing, when someone you know in the crowd is happy … I look at our shows as a 90 minute escape … to feel good at the end of a day — that was kind of our mission statement.”
Becky Hammond, a volunteer with the Circleville Pumpkin Show, recalled listening to McGuffey Lane when she was younger when speaking with the Herald last year.
“Growing up here, McGuffey Lane was always my favorite. One of the members, Bobby McNeely, went to the same church I did. I used to go up to OSU campus all the time with my friends. And when you hear John Schwab now, he’s still awesome,” she said of McGuffey Lane.
Schwab explained his roots to Circleville, saying, “My sister and brother-in-law moved down to Circleville, and my niece and nephew and their husband and wife both live there. One of the first gigs I ever played was a place called Jack’s — I think it was called Jack’s Tavern in Circleville. It was one of the first places the band ever played, and several of the members lived down there back in the 70s, so playing in Circleville is kind of like coming home.”
According to music reviewer Greg Cielic, “From the mid 70s until the early 80s, McGuffey Lane simply was Ohio’s best band. Based out of Columbus, their popularity extended south through the Ohio River Valley and throughout towns and college campuses through the Midwest. When the band was at full strength it was loaded with talent, easily besting other popular country rock bands of the time, such as The Marshall Tucker Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Outlaws, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. McGuffey Lane might not have been as popular as any of them, but they were better than all of them.”
Schwab has already checked the weather forecast for Tuesday night, and was pleased that the temperature is expected to be a “beautiful 75 degrees when we start to play at 6:30 p.m. But, it’ll probably start getting cool right about halfway through our show — but people sit out and watch football when it’s colder, so bring a jacket!” suggested Schwab.
STUDIO ONE with RACHEL LYNCH
- Tuesday, October 14 at 5:00 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
Studio One owner Rachel Lynch is very excited to be opening for McGuffey Lane. “We have 12 different bands made up of different combinations of the kids that take lessons at the studio, and they’ll all be performing different classic songs. All 12 of the songs are the songs that they’ll be performing in the 12 parades. In each of the parades, we play two songs and we swap back and forth, but this concert is just showcasing all the songs we’ll be playing.”
The Studio One musicians will be playing a wide variety of instruments, including piano, drums, guitar, bass, and on a couple songs “we have some violin and we have a banjo player. So, we’re very excited and they’ll be playing a wide variety of music, including one modern song that came out about two years ago and then a bunch of classic rock songs. There’s something everybody will know.”
Lynch explained how she organized the performers, saying, “We’ve picked songs that we think everyone will like, and then we, the teachers, organize the groups, saying this kid would be good at this genre, or this kid is better at this, so let’s put him on that. And they all just kind of swap different roles. Some of them are playing multiple songs, but all of the groups are different. I’d like it to be known that they’re all kids, ranging in age from 7 to 18,” said Lynch.
Studio One is filled with players that breathe life into music from their pure joy of playing. With the added benefit of the bleachers this year, you’ll have a seat for them and McGuffey Lane who plays afterward!
X-PERIENCE MUSIC with MARTY HAYES
- Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
“I’ve been teaching music in the Circleville area for 28 years now,” said Marty Hayes, Director of X-Perience Music. “I’ve been on my own for five years now.”
Explaining the vision that inspires his business, he told the story of him winning the QFM-96 Columbus Rock Idol award years ago, and that allowed him to go to a rock and roll fantasy camp. “And we kind of run X-Perience Music like that — we go out and perform like a rock and roll fantasy camp … but we do more than rock. We play country and jazz, whatever our students want to play … but it seems to be more of a rock oriented show this year. We’re doing a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne since he just passed away.”
“What happens is I teach all the students involved and everybody that helps out is also a former student, or they’re still taking lessons,” said Hayes. “And we’ll put groups together and go up and play songs. After these students reach a certain level in their lessons, they’re able to get with us and play in the band.”
“All ages, too!” said Hayes. “I think my youngest is probably eight years old this year — my oldest is like 80!”
Marty Hayes is also the lead guitarist for the Gypsy Kyngs, one of the more popular groups that play at the Eagles ‘Boogie of the Blacktop.’
“Don’t get me wrong … I love the Gypsy Kyngs,” said Hayes, “but something brings out the 12-year-old Marty when I play with all these kids and we do all this stuff. They pick the songs and we put the groups together … but like I said, the inner 12-year-old Marty in this is just having a ball.”
Hayes expressed gratitude to the Pumpkin Show’s Entertainment Committee Trustee Heidi Rogols, saying “I am extremely honored and grateful for Heidi and all the powers that may be at Pumpkin Show
to give these kids a wonderful opportunity to go out and showcase their abilities. It’s fantastic.”
- Thursday, October 16 at 12:15 p.m.
- Friday, October 17 at 11:00 a.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
Brycen Blair, a junior at Logan Elm High School, has been making moves in the music scene. He’s moved into the drum major role in the marching band as well as creating a name for himself.
“I’ve really been branching out when it comes to music, I’ve been playing in a lot more venues. I’ve got a lot more experience — really just working to try and get my name out there as much as I can. I’ve been doing some gigs in nursing homes and stuff as well,” Brycen shared.
He also plays the baritone, trombone, trumpet, some piano, saxophone, and more! If he plays so much, he probably listens to a lot too… and you’d be correct in thinking so.
“I love just about everything. I love R&B, I love country, I love blues, I love rock — especially any era of rock. I can go all the way back to the 50s and listen up through now. I like some of the alternative stuff that’s out there, especially when it comes to rock and some soul music. I listen to everything that’s out there but rock and country are my big two,” Brycen said.
Not only is Brycen playing twice in the Pumpkin Show, he is also kicking off Tuesday’s Preview Night at Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery at 126 West Main Street starting at 8 p.m.
Brycen is thinking past Pumpkin Show this year — he’s found a plan for his future career.
Brycen said, “Going out of school, I’m trying to make it into the United States Air Force or Naval Academy. From there, I’ll do my four-year degree in legal studies. I’d like to pursue going to law school. I would serve as a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps lawyer for a few years if I can do that. Once I’ve paid back my service, then I’ll work on going out on my own and joining a private firm from there, then possibly down the road, opening my own firm.”
- Friday, October 17 at 2:30 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
“Jacob’s played since he was a little guy. I raised him on that old music, and he’s loved it ever since. He started playing the guitar, bass, and drums — he plays every instrument,” Travis Brown said of his son.
“He’s 17 and he does his own videos and he’ll actually edit himself playing these songs, classic rock songs and country songs, you name it. He’ll actually edit himself, and he’ll go and record, say, bass guitar, piano, organ, drums, vocals, guitar, and he’ll edit it all together where it looks like there’s four or five of him together playing. He’s unique with that,” Brown continued.
The Browns reside in the Logan Elm School District, but Jacob has been attending Pickaway-Ross with his study being construction technology. Not only is he musically talented, but he’s also doing well in school — his dad shared he recently was awarded student of the month.
Despite being able to play so many instruments, he cannot play them all at once. Jacob will be playing acoustic guitar during his set at the Pumpkin Show before hopping on the drums in his dad’s band when they play later that day.
- Friday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
“We’ll go from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to Led Zeppelin,” Travis Brown said, describing the kind of music his band plays.
The Travis Brown Band has played in a variety of places, for many people. They’ve opened for groups such as the Charlie Daniels Band and the Georgia Satellites.
“I recorded my own album in Nashville probably about four years ago or so. It’s called Get Tough or Die,” Brown added.
“We love to play music, and I hope everybody enjoys it and comes out to have a good time with us,” Brown concluded.
The Travis Brown Band also plays at Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery during Pumpkin Show week. His time is from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday, October 17. Then on Saturday, the Travis Brown Band takes the patio at Watt Street Tavern at 115 Watt Street, beginning at 7 p.m. That’s a total of three chances to go see the local guys play.
KATANYA BREWER of SIDEWALK SERENADES
- Wednesday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m.
- The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
KaTanya Brewer is a first-time performer of the Circleville Pumpkin Show, which will give her two performances during the week an interesting touch to everything else happening around Downtown Circleville.
She began in Columbus, after being laid off from a corporate job just before COVID came, changing everything. In that uncertain time, she and her husband created Sidewalk Serenades.
Brewer elaborated, “At that time, bars had been shut down. Places where people would go to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or promotion or something like that, they had nowhere to go — or grandparents that they would want to go visit and stuff were most at risk for COVID. What ended up happening was people began to call on me, and I began going around the city of Columbus and the outside suburb area, surprising people with serenades.
“I’d go knock on the door and kind of surprise someone. There’d be family members sitting in the driveway or on the lawn. I’d do a 20-minute concert, maybe happy birthday or happy anniversary.
The family wanted to see you so bad, but they didn’t want to come in and see you. It was a wonderful way to surprise someone. It was a wonderful way to show a unique way of how much you cared about that outside of having a party or taking them out to dinner. Neighbors would come out, take video, and they’d feel so special,” Brewer ended.
Her music extends beyond genre. She can sing Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and Amy Winehouse, plus a variety of other songs and bands. She enjoys singing things that anyone walking by can recognize, whether they are 6 or 96.
To Brewer, “no audience is too small.” She enjoys the one-on-one experience of interacting with her audience, which makes Sidewalk Serenades so successful.
“Music is the only thing, I would say, that can get to your subconscious mind without your permission,” Brewer added.
We could run on forever about the entertainment this year, but alas, we only have so much space. The Herald would like to extend their thanks to Heidi Rogols and Tiffany Pickett for gathering incredible musicians for the 2025 Circleville Pumpkin Show.
Other musical entertainment during Pumpkin Show:
The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park
- Tune Stone Production — DJ Music at 10:00 a.m.
- Brian Weiskittle Acoustics at 12:30 PM
- Tune Stone Production — DJ Music at 10:00 a.m.
- Creative Arts Center of YMCA at 11:00 a.m.
- Boot Up with Michelle and Friends Line Dance at 4:30 p.m.
- Tune Stone Production — DJ Music at 10:00 a.m.
- Charmion Performing Arts Center at 12:30 p.m.
- Open Highway Bluegrass Band at 6:30 p.m.
- Trace Hawkins Music at 10:00 a.m.
- Water on the Fire Band at 1:00 p.m.
- The 5th Degree Band at 3:00 p.m.
- Dynamic Mention Drum Corp at 6:00 p.m.
- Poverty String Trio at 6:30 p.m.
- Roundtown Radio DJ Service at 5:00 p.m.
- Roundtown Radio DJ Service at 5:00 p.m.
- Brian Weiskittle Acoustics at 1:30 PM
- Roundtown Radio DJ Service at 5:00 p.m.
- Poverty String Trio at 12:00 p.m.
West Franklin Street Stage
- The Big Woozoo at 12:00 p.m.
- The Big Woozoo at 12:00 p.m.
- The Big Woozoo at 12:00 p.m.
- The Big Woozoo at 12:00 p.m.
East Franklin Street Stage
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 5:00 p.m.
- Boot Up with Michelle and Friends Line Dance at 6:00 p.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 10:00 a.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 5:00 p.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 10:00 a.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 5:00 p.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 10:00 a.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 5:00 p.m.
- X Audio Music — Jonny Warner at 10:00 a.m.