Pennsylvania Governor Announces Concert Series Amid Sign Mishap

On Thursday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro revealed the lineup for the Commonwealth Concert Series, slated to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. During the event, a large backdrop fell unexpectedly, nearly hitting a reenactor portraying Benjamin Franklin and a woman depicting Betsy Ross.

The governor announced that five free concerts featuring notable artists will take place across the state leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations. Funding for the series comes from $675,000 allocated through Pennsylvania’s Marketing to Marquis Events Program.

As part of the announcement, Shapiro humorously suggested that state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski would be an excellent performer in Wilkes-Barre, before pivoting to discuss the concert schedule. “And on June 27th, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the newly renovated Point State Park,” he noted, just as the heavy backdrop crashed down, startling those on stage.

Shapiro, quick to check on everyone’s safety, asked, “Are you okay, Dr. Franklin?” to which Franklin retorted with a light-hearted reference to a similar mishap involving former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at an earlier event in Philadelphia in 2003.

Shapiro had just announced several artists, including Lady A, The Fray, Cole Swindell, and Gabby Barrett, before the backdrop incident interrupted. Once he confirmed that all were unharmed, he wrapped up by mentioning that Third Eye Blind would headline the final concert at the park where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers converge.

He also jokingly recounted a recent renovation of a fountain, mentioning that the lieutenant governor had raised it so high that it inadvertently splashed guests present that day. “Third Eye Blind and Nelly—sounds like it’ll be a good time,” he added, indicating enthusiasm for the upcoming events.