The Allegheny River Monsters are again part of Warrenstock, which takes place today at Pellegrino’s.

The 14th annual Warrenstock, featuring the Allegheny River Monsters, will return to Warren today at Pellegrinos on Conewango Avenue. “We are more than a band of musicians, we’re a family” said soundman Scott Taylor, “it’s a family that has mostly known each other and played together for years.”

The River Monsters are made up of over two dozen musicians that gather together each year to play at Warrenstock. Some artists might be recognizable from other local bands. Some are Warren county natives that travel from their new homes in other states. Some are talented amateurs that play music for the love of playing music. It’s a volunteer crew of musicians who play for the joy of playing together and to create something special in the community.

While the group only plays this one show a year, they are in contact throughout the year, generating playlists and practicing tunes at home, wherever they make home.

The show will open with the national anthem, performed by children in second through seventh grade under the direction of Warren music teacher Patrick Neal. The children’s chorus will also join the larger band to sing songs by the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.

The show starts at 5pm at Pellegrino’s on Conewango Avenue and lasts about five hours. The band puts together a playlist of 45-50 songs from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s and then pulls together some impressive logistics to identify who plays what when and who is sitting out, though Pat Hackett, who is central to putting the event together, is known for playing through every tune.

The concert is free to the public, but t-shirts and other merchandise are available for sale, both at the event and ahead of time. The profits from shirt and merchandise sales at the concert and ahead of time benefit the Warren Area High School music boosters, according to Hackett. Young custom t-shirts will print shirts to order during the concert.

The River Monsters pointed out two people among the many that make this event possible. One is Pellegrino’s who have provided the ten acre venue on the Conewango Creek for Warrenstock. The other is Bob Volpe, the sound man that coordinates the set up of amps, drum sets, speakers, and microphones for 30 musicians and adjusts the levels during a 5 hour long concert. “There’s not a sound man in his right mind that would do this, we’re lucky to have Bob.” said Taylor. “We spend the day running cables and cords and wires to his design to make the sound come alive for this.”

There are a few things to keep in mind for Warrenstock 2025. Parking onsite is limited, so expect to park at the church next door or on a side street. There are some tables, but plan on bringing chairs or a blanket to sit on.

No coolers are allowed, but Pellegrinos will have a full menu, including burgers, pulled pork, roast corn, hot dogs, brisket, meatball or sausage subs and all the picnic sides. Pellegrinos will also have a full bar, ice cream, and non-alcoholic drinks.

This is a quintessentially Warren event, with hometown musicians playing for friends, family, neighbors and the rest of the community for the love of the music and the community atmosphere. Taylor said “Last year, we had kids playing a pickup football game over there and an informal class reunion in the pavilion. People come for the sense of community, camaraderie and friendship. That’s why everyone works so hard to put the show together and that’s why it works.”

The informal band gathers together for two eight hour long practice sessions in the days leading up to the event. They practice the songs, the transitions and just have fun. Join the Allegheny River Monsters for Warrenstock 2025 at Pellegrinos, 449 Conewango Avenue on July 2, starting at 5pm for their once a year, one of a kind performance.