Dauphin County winery’s summer entertainment schedule includes a mix of old and new

One of the area wineries well-known for its music and concerts is The Vineyard at Hershey in Dauphin County.

The winery grew from an idea among four friends in 2008 to the planting of vines on a 40-acre historical farm within view of Route 283 in 2009 on a property that featured gorgeous views and a scenic natural springs pond.

The winery opened in 2012 and a few years later the owners hired a brewmaster and created an addition to its portfolio that would change the name to The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey.

It remains among the biggest destination wineries in central Pennsylvania, thanks to the Friday night May-to-September music series called Decked-Out Live! in addition to its summer concerts.

With Decked-Out Live! having started on May 3, it felt like a good time to check in with Lynn Day, resident of The Vineyard at Hershey, to see what the plans are for this summer.

Q, Decked Out Live has started again … anything different this year? Are the performers all from central Pa., or come in from farther out? What is the Rolling Grill?

A, Decked-Out Live! Friday nights are now celebrating 12 years! Hard to believe, but many of our season ticket holders have been coming for all 12 years. Last summer, we informally surveyed our long-time season ticket holders to find out what changes beyond our patio expansion we debuted last summer as we continue to invest in the experience. We heard clearly that our regulars loved the local artists and a relaxed atmosphere, but would love to see high-energy, 4+ piece bands every week.

We cannot be more excited about the lineup this year. We listened — and have our best line-up yet. For example, this week, we welcomed back the premiere local Beatles tribute band, Crossing Abbey Road. Memorial Day Weekend will kick off with local favorite Jellybricks. Throughout the summer, our guests will be jamming to Honeypump, Corty Byron Band, the Luv Gods, Smooth Like Clyde, Velveeta and more! All of our acts are local names that we all love!

We also are bringing back the Rolling Grill Food Truck every Friday. This local truck, featuring Chef Steve, has a changing menu every week to ensure there are always new things to try. He may be serving classic favorites like burgers and pulled pork one week to lobster rolls and shrimp cocktail the next week. Chef Steve has become a staple at our events. Of course, our guests are welcome to pack a picnic basket if they’d prefer for Decked-Out Live! Friday nights.

The doors open every Friday at 5:30, with the music kicking off at 7 pm. You can find the detailed schedule in addition to other information on the events at this link. Tickets are available online or at the door.

Q, Parmalee’s first visit? Tell me about how you landed on bringing in and what has you excited about that? Plus I see Marc Roberge is returning?

While Decked-Out Live! has become a staple of our summer programming for 12 years, we are also celebrating 10 years of national music acts coming to the winery and we have a fun line-up in store:

• Marc Roberge of O.A.R. (with Special Guests): June 15
• Parmalee: June 22
• River 97.3 Birthday Bash: Aug. 3
• Merlot Day featuring Boat House Row: Aug. 17

As you noted, Marc Roberge, the frontman for multi-platinum-selling alt-rock band O.A.R., returns for what’s turning into an annual performance on our patio! This friendship with Marc kicked off in 2018 when he brought the full band for Merlot Day.

Since then, he has become a staple doing a solo act (with special guests joining from O.A.R.). In a departure from the O.A.R.’s live show, Marc’s Vineyard patio shows find him delivering stripped-back renditions of O.A.R. fan favorites, along with a carefully curated selection of covers. His appeal remains high at the Vineyard because of his off-the-cuff and warmly candid conversations with the audience, the result is a prime showcase for Roberge’s deeply personal yet immediately resonant storytelling. Fun fact— Marc’s first post-COVID show was on our patio.

The week after Marc hits the patio stage, we welcome for the first time country music sensation Parmalee. Known for their distinct family harmony, irresistible melodies, and sure-fire radio favorites, including Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022, “Take My Name,” Parmalee has not-so-quietly become one of the genre’s most undeniable contemporary country hitmakers.

The group — comprised of brothers Matt Thomas (guitar/lead vocals) and Scott Thomas (drums), along with their cousin Barry Knox (bass) and life-long friend Josh McSwain (guitar) — has accumulated more than 1 billion on-demand streams and three No. 1 hits including their breakthrough hit “Carolina,” the Blanco Brown collaboration “Just The Way” and “Take My Name.” Parmalee’s current single, “Girl In Mine,” is a Top 10 hit and climbing.

And then comes a hot August at the Vineyard. We kick things off on August 3 when we host for the first time River 97.3 Birthday Bash featuring several great local acts: Jet Silver, Jellybricks, and the Martini Brothers.

Of course, we have built a reputation of bold Merlots and even bolder parties to release the new Merlot and that continues this year on Aug. 17 with Boat House Row, a Yacht Rock band, highlighting Merlot Day 2024! Boat House Row is a Yacht Rock experience like no other as they will bring the silky sounds of soft rock from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Information on the concert series this summer and tickets can be found at this link.