Tommy Trader, Vice President of the Paden City Park and Pool Commission, has been organizing and running the ‘Music in the Park’ each summer for the past 11 or 12 years. Last month he announced there would not be music this year due his health issues. However a couple of weeks ago he decided to continue with the event and started organizing the dates and bands for the summer.

“I just decided to continue lining up the bands and getting donations to pay them. I have secured $5,000 from the Wetzel County Commission to help with the cost and others have also pledged support,” said Trader.

“I will be releasing the names of the sponsors at another time and thanking them for their continued support for this worthy venture.”

So far Mr. Trader has the following Bands and dates decided for 2026. There will be four evenings in June, five in July and one in August. Rain dates for the season will be held in August.

June 4th from 6-8 pm will be the Carriers, the area’s premier Gospel Group. It’s a show you don’t want to miss.

June 11th will feature the Foggy Meadow Band from 6-8 pm, another of the area’s favorites, playing gospel, country and bluegrass.

Rodney Sands will take the stage on Thursday, June 18th from 6-8 pm. Sands has been performing in the local area and beyond since the early 1960’s. He does old time rock and roll, some newer stuff and a whole lot of country classics. Make a request and chances are he’ll know it.

Paul Smokey Robinson, from Follansbee, WV has been a favorite at the Paden City Park for several years. He’ll be back again on Thursday, June 25th with another big show. Don’t miss it!

On July 9th, the great Barbara Lynn and the Silver Eagle Band will take the stage to give you a taste of the best in country music. Barbara and her band have been a favorite at the Fairs and Festivals for many years. They are a talented group with fantastic vocals.

On July 16th, from 6-8 pm your hometown favorite Rock and Roll band, ‘The Remedy’ will fill the air with high energy entertainment. If you like 70’s rock or newer this is the show for you. They have performed all over the valley and beyond and the positive reviews keep them coming back.

The Matt Van Fossen Band will keep you on your feet as they take the stage Thursday, July 23rd from 6-8 pm. The band will be back for another performance after entertaining the area at several other venues in the past few years. Don’t miss this show!

Local entertainer Talon Chambers and his band Crossfire will be here on Thursday, July 23rd for a two hour show.Chambers is a talented musician and singer who has performed at the county fair and other area events. He is a past participant in the local talent shows as well. Come out and support him from 6-8 pm.

Last on the schedule, but not least is Ben Tharp! We all know Ben’s talent, he’s been performing since the early 1960’s when he was a member of local rock and roll bands, in particular ‘Those Guys’ one of the top bands during those early days. Today he performs with his band Shortline Junction who will accompany him on Thursday, August 6. They put on quite the show. Ben is a member of Wetzel County’s Music Hall of Fame. Don’t miss this one!

Rain dates will take place if needed on August 13th and 20th. See ya all at the Park.

Tommy Trader has been working to bring talented musicians to Paden City Park since 2014. He volunteers his time so that music lovers can come to the Park on Thursday’s during the summer and enjoy an evening of free entertainment. Refreshments will also be available. Bring a lawn chair, pick out a good spot under a shade tree and listen to the area’s best entertainers. Enjoy a cup of coffee, cold drink or a snack. Visit with neighbors and friends and have a good time without having to travel out of the area. You won’t regret it!