Lock Haven Alum Returns for Fringe Fest

Steve Marchion, a 2000 graduate of Lock Haven University with a BS in secondary English education, is a featured ukulele artist at the upcoming Lock Haven Fringe Fest scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, at various venues downtown.  

Marchion plays original and cover rock songs on the ukulele and has original music on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, and Bandcamp. Marchion, who resides outside of Philadelphia, noted he originally chose Lock Haven University because of its proximity to his childhood home, and his high school English and Theatre teacher recommended the campus.   

“I fell in love with the city because in the spring of 1998, I pledged Alpha Chi Rho and had the opportunity to explore Lock Haven and all of its nooks and crannies. It’s what brings me back a few times a year,” said Marchion. “I played guitar for decades. Following a major back surgery, I found it easier to get up and walk around as I was singing because of the necessary breath control. However, my guitar proved too heavy for my condition at the time, and was too big to navigate the area in my house where I would walk. I happened to have a ukulele I bought a few years earlier and said to myself I am going to learn to play it.”

His first performance is Friday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Avenue 209 Coffee House and a second new set is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Broken Axe Brew House. "I’m really excited to see the other artists on the bill.  It’s always so inspiring to see folks share their art.”

Fringe Fest is organized by ABSOLUTELY! Theatre and Fundraising. Board officers include John Gradel, Assistant Director of International Student Service, and Dr. Rick Schulze, Professor, Department of Health and Exercise Science, both at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.

For additional information and a full schedule of performances, visit www.lockhavenfringe.com. All events are free, but restaurant dinner reservations are strongly encouraged.