There’s a new hum in the air over in Centre County—and it’s not coming from your neighbor’s leaf blower. It’s the buzz of guitars, bass lines, and beats shaking the walls of a brand-new venue dedicated entirely to the magic of live music. Meet The Brass Factory, Central Pennsylvania’s newest home for original music, national touring acts, and community creativity.
At Tone Tailors, we’re all about helping musicians and fans alike find their sound, their gear, and their people. And anytime a new venue opens up, especially one that’s designed for the music first, we’re listening—and we think you should be, too.
A Venue Built for Music, Not Margaritas
Let’s be honest—live music options can be hit or miss in Central PA. You’ve either got the big-name arena shows at the Bryce Jordan Center, a night at The State Theatre, or you’re catching tunes at your favorite dive bar in between drink specials. But what if you just want a show? No cover bands. No sticky floors. No last-call announcement cutting your favorite song short.That’s exactly what Colleen Cassarly and her partner Tyler Wirtz set out to fix when they launched The Brass Factory.
After years in the corporate world, Cassarly wanted more than a 9-to-5. She wanted to build something for the local community—a place where musicians could thrive, and fans could experience the kind of shows you’d typically drive two hours and book a hotel for. Together with a collective of artists and talent buyers, they turned an old 1915 metal plant into a one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of Bellefonte, PA.And they didn’t just build a stage. They built a space for the music and for everyone who loves it.
The Mid-Market Venue Centre County Needed
The Brass Factory isn’t your typical bar with a band playing in the corner. It’s not a place you go for the $4 beers and just happen to hear music in the background. It’s the opposite—it’s music-first, drinks second (if at all).
The venue soft-launched in August 2024, and since then has already started making waves with local and regional acts. From intimate showcases to full-blown parties hosting up to 900 attendees, they’ve quickly positioned themselves as Centre County’s go-to spot for original live music.
Cassarly summed it up perfectly: “There’s nothing really mid-market, mid-tier, for music [here]. For this level of show, you’re looking at probably traveling to Harrisburg, to Philly, to Pittsburgh.”For local music fans and artists alike, that kind of travel gets old (and expensive) fast. The Brass Factory gives State College and surrounding communities something that’s been missing—a local option for real, ticketed shows, not just another night out at the bar.
More Than a Venue — A Platform for Local Talent
One of the coolest parts about The Brass Factory is their focus on local artists. While they’re bringing in national touring acts and bigger names, they’re just as passionate about giving regional and up-and-coming musicians a place to launch their careers.This isn’t a club focused on ticket sales and bar tabs. The Brass Factory is designed to build the scene—whether that’s through live shows, music festivals, art shows, workshops, or good old-fashioned community gatherings.
Their location inside Titan Energy Park isn’t just a cool industrial backdrop—it’s part of a larger entertainment hub that’s primed to support creativity and collaboration in Centre County.And while they aren’t serving up cocktails or burgers, they’re working with local vendors to round out the experience. At past events, you might’ve seen Bees Knees Coffee slinging drinks or other pop-up vendors creating a mini-market vibe alongside the music.
All Ages, All Genres, All Community
The other thing that makes The Brass Factory stand out? It’s an all-ages venue—a rare find these days. That means whether you’re a college kid, a young professional, a parent with a music-obsessed teen, or just someone looking for something to do on a Thursday night, you’ve got a place to go.And it’s not genre-specific, either. From electronic dance music to emo nights, from indie rock to hardcore punk—Cassarly and her team are open to hosting it all. Their only focus is making sure every show delivers a full, immersive musical experience.As Cassarly puts it: “We’re open to everything. It doesn’t matter the genre or the size. This is what we love and what we’re passionate about, and we want to bring that to others in the area that are looking to experience live music.”
Looking Ahead
The Brass Factory is still in its early days, but the response has already been overwhelmingly positive. The community is excited. The artists are excited. And the possibilities are wide open.Looking ahead, Cassarly and her team are already eyeing potential expansion within Titan Energy Park, with hopes of hosting even larger events and bringing in more touring acts.For those of us who live, breathe, and play music—whether on stage, in the crowd, or behind the scenes—it’s refreshing to see a venue that puts the music first. No gimmicks, no pretenses. Just real, live, loud music, right here in Central PA.If you’re local and craving a new spot to catch a show, or if you’re an artist looking for a new stage to step onto—The Brass Factory is officially open for business. And here at Tone Tailors, we’re all about supporting places that keep the local music scene alive and well.
Want to see what’s coming up at The Brass Factory?
Check out their upcoming events and learn more at www.brassfactorypa.com.
