The PennWest California Drumline helped set the stage for country artist Gabby Barrett’s recent hometown performance in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Under the direction of Dr. Frank Stetar, the drumline from Pennsylvania Western University opened Barrett’s show at Timber Rock Amphitheater with a performance that started inside the venue and led to the main stage.    

“This was a tremendous opportunity for our students to showcase their talent on a big stage,” Stetar said. “They put in a lot of hard work, and to perform in front of a hometown crowd alongside an artist like Gabby Barrett is something they’ll never forget.”

The opportunity came via PennWest California equipment manager Ben Hilborn, who has remained friends with alumnus Ryan Whelpley, now with Red Light Management in Nashville. When Barrett’s team expressed interest in adding a local drumline, Whelpley reached out, and Hilborn helped connect him with Stetar to make the collaboration possible.  

Barrett has a history with PennWest California, having performed on campus in May 2019 as part of the President’s Backyard Celebration.