The Deane Center’s Free Outdoor Concert Series will end with six members of Hot Rod Mule, based in York, Pennsylvania, giving the last free concert of the season on the Deane Center’s outdoor stage beginning at 6 p.m. next Friday, Oct. 2 at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. In the event of inclement weather, this concert will be moved indoors to the Gallery at the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue.

This “hard-driving” bluegrass and country string band, founded in August of 2017, is on tour celebrating its 10-year anniversary. One of their tour performances is the outdoor concert at the Deane Center.

The Hot Rod Mule musicians performing at Wellsboro are: band leader Jesse Greenwood on acoustic guitar, Mark Seitz on mandolin, Mike Munford on banjo, Steve Streett on upright bass, and Matt Miller on percussion. Lead vocalists are

Keri Miller and Seitz 

Hot Rod Mule delivers a high-energy bluegrass experience that blends tradition with a bold, modern edge. With driving banjo, tight harmonies, and standout musicianship on mandolin, acoustic guitar, and upright bass, this Central Pennsylvania band brings new life to classic Appalachian sounds while surprising audiences with inventive acoustic covers of well-known hits.

Over the years, they have uploaded a few individual tracks of traditional American folk songs and Appalachian fiddle tunes to platforms like SoundCloud but these have not been bundled into a formal album release. Some of their known recorded tracks include: “Cluck Ol’ Hen”, “Black Hairy Possum” and “Old Swingin’ Bridge,” which are hosted on the Hot Rod Mule SoundCloud Page. 

They also perform their versions of classic country and bluegrass covers like Eddie Rabbitt’s “Drivin’ My Life Away”, Merle Haggard’s “Livin’ With The Shades Pulled Down”, and unique adaptations like reworking The Byrds’ version of “Old Blue” into a personalized tune called “Old Roo.” During live shows, the band also plays popular country covers, such as songs by modern artists like Zach Top to rock covers like Alice in Chains.

Their performances are lively, engaging, and full of personality. Whether they’re tearing through a fast-paced instrumental or putting a bluegrass spin on a familiar favorite, Hot Rod Mule keeps crowds coming back for more.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and sit in the grassy area in front of the outdoor stage or on Central Avenue, which will be closed to motor vehicle traffic between the side of the Warehouse Theatre building and Main Street. 

This year’s free series of outdoor concerts has been made possible by sponsor UPMC Health Plan.

For more information, call the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 570-724-6220, email office@deanecenter.com or visit deanecenter.com.