Submitted photo
Singer Grace Fala performs at Ellen Chapel Church on Saturday.

LEWISTOWN — Grace Fala has brought the sound of music to a variety of stages during her many years of performing publicly.

The Belleville singer has performed at a lot of fairs and festivals, entertaining crowds with her unique brand of engaging and entertaining sound.

Fala also likes more intimate settings, like the Ellen Chapel Church in Lewistown, where she can connect with smaller groups, which she calls “true music lovers.”

“It’s a nice setting where people come to specifically listen to music,” said Fala, who is scheduled to appear Saturday at the Ellen Chapel Church Concert Series at 7 p.m. The Nittany Wranglers, which is a bluegrass band out of State College, are the opening act.

“At festivals and fairs, you play more to the crowd,” Fala added of larger venues. “At smaller places like Ellen Chapel, you can play to the audience.”

Fala certainly puts on a memorable show, performing with a variety of instruments including the guitar and harmonica.

“I do what I call fancy instrumentals,” Fala said of playing the harmonica during her show.

When Fala takes the stage, she performs coffeehouse-style music as well as singing with an arpeggiated sound. She puts her spins on everything from legendary bands like The Beatles to older classics, Broadway shows to movie themes and even popular songs.

“Really things that people can relate to,” she explained.

Music lovers beware: Fala could have you take a pop quiz during her show. (Hint: Ellen Chapel attendees might want to brush up on their movie hits.)

“I like to have fun,” Fala quipped. “I was thinking about playing some movie theme songs and seeing if the audience can identify them.”

She prides herself on performing a variety of music during her solo act. Fala also is one half of the duo FlipSide, with fellow singer and guitar player Rhonda Sweigart. FlipSide has been performing for 13 years.

With the arrival of spring, Fala might even throw in a few seasonal numbers, such as the Al Jolson classic, “When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along” from 1926.

“I do try to cater to the season,” said Fala, referring to the daffodils blooming and the birds chirping.

“I try to play to the specific occasion, which can be dinner music to dance music,” Fala added. “I think I have a good rich variety, especially in the style of music I play. That makes me and FlipSide unique.”

Nittany Valley Wranglers

Based in State College, the five-member Nittany Valley Wranglers perform their bluegrass music at venues across central Pennsylvania.

The Nittany Valley Wranglers are known for their traditional bluegrass music as well as some contemporary and gospel bluegrass. They also like to throw in a classic rock song or two every now and then.

“We’ve been playing in the State College area for about 20 years — or longer,” said Keith Miska, who plays five-string banjo and bass vocals with the group. “I’ve been in various bands over the years.”

Besides their stage performances, Nittany Valley Wranglers book weddings, parties, festivals, restaurants, bars, and churches.

The band has undergone some dramatic changes in recent years, adding Richard Auhl as its lead singer and rhythm guitarist. Auhl is joined by Miska; Charlie Rury, fiddle; Christine Schafer, vocals; and Mike Bratton, doghouse bass.

Miska and Bratton have been in three of those bands together, including the Allegheny Ridgerunners which have a CD available of mostly original songs.

“I started all of the bands myself,” said Miska, who is now retired from the working world. “I rounded everybody up. It’s a challenge to get everybody together for a show or get to practice, but we have seasoned musicians.”