Needle & Bean, 320 Castle Shannon Boulevard, is launching the Cypress Sound Series in May, bringing live music outdoors to Sunset Hills. Inspired by Mt. Lebanon’s Final Fridays and other local events, owner Michael Butala hopes to create a neighborhood gathering spot to highlight local businesses and musicians.

“I think it’s natural to have live music at a record store,” Butala said. “But having it outside lets people relax and enjoy it in a different way.”

The monthly concerts will take place in the back parking lot of Needle & Bean, which opens onto Cypress Way behind Castle Shannon Boulevard. If it rains, shows will move indoors. The location is accessible by the T and on-street parking is available.

The series will feature local bands and artists of all genres, many of whom have supported the record store and coffee shop since it opened in August 2022. It kicks off Friday, May 30, with co-headliners The Garment District and Chariot Fade.

Jennifer Baron, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Garment District, grew up in Mission Hills on Parkway Drive. She remembers hanging out at Pub and Pizza, playing tabletop Pac-Man and Frogger after school. Lead singer Katie Tighe was also raised in Mt. Lebanon.

“Growing up, we had so many great local record stores and those places had a huge impact on my musical identity,” Baron said. “It’s really exciting to be a part of a new scene at Needle & Bean.”

Baron draws inspiration from 60s music, including psychedelic rock, free jazz, Jamaican, experimental electronic and early electronic music.

Jonathan Chamberlain, singer for Chariot Fade, also grew up in Mt. Lebanon and now lives near his childhood home on Cedar Boulevard. He connected with Butala shortly after Needle & Bean opened.

“When I saw that a new coffee shop and record store was opening up, I knew it was going to be my spot,” Chamberlain said. “Michael and I became quick friends, and when he mentioned wanting to host live music, I suggested Jennifer and The Garment District. Their music is incredible, and it felt like a perfect fit for what Michael was building.”

Chariot Fade blends live instrumentation with looping samples inspired by bands like Air, Stereolab and The Avalanches.

“We’re not a traditional band,” Chamberlain said. “We build our sound on top of samples in a live setting. It’s dance-driven and layered — more of a project than a straightforward band.”

Chamberlain said it’s a thrill to be part of something like this in his hometown.

“To have people interested in what we’re doing and to get to play live in a place where I grew up — that’s really special,” he said.

The concerts are free, with donations encouraged to support the performers and Butala is working with local businesses on discounted refreshments and food.

“I want people to feel comfortable dropping in for a couple of songs or hanging out all evening,” Butala said. “I want to create something that brings people together and makes Sunset Hills a destination.” He’s hopeful that the Cypress Sound Series will become an annual tradition.

The series continues June 14 with Brilliant Minds and Faintest Glow and July 19 with Giant Day and Buffalo Stance. All shows run from 7 to 10 p.m. and are open to all ages. Additional dates are in the works.

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