Although Pennsylvania isn't the first state that comes to mind in terms of having a wealth of country music, the tradition of bluegrass in the Appalachian region as well as mainstream and traditional country music has produced a wide variety of local country acts. Abilene, a stalwart of rock/country that formed in the 1970s, has enjoyed success playing with acts such as Ricky Skaggs, Lynard Skynard, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Alli Gillis, a 14-year-old artist hoping to achieve the success of Pennsylvania native Taylor Swift, can be seen performing throughout the state as well as mainstream country act the Front Porch Country Band.
As the birthplace of John Coltrane and Nina Simone, jazz roots run deep in the state. A wide variety of jazz performers can be found, ranging from modern jazz trios to larger ensembles performing tradition Dixieland jazz. The Moonlighters, the Parade Street Dixieland Jazz Band and the Boilermaker Jazz Band are but a few of the jazz bands that frequent Pennsylvania festivals and concert halls.
An eclectic mix of traditional R&B acts and modern hip-hop artists perform in many regions of Pennsylvania. The continued success of The Roots has paved the way for other modern hip-hop acts. Pittsburgh's The Hood Gang uses a variety of different genres such as rock, hard-core, funk, as well as humor, mixed with a predominant helping of rap to entertain audiences. Philadelphia area band Squalor Folk uses 1990s influences to promote a positive message of hope in face of struggle.
The success of 1990s bands Live, Nine Inch Nails, and Rusted Root paved the way for an eclectic blend of rock artists to seek an audience in Pennsylvania and abroad. Other notable Pennsylvania bands include The Bloodhound Gang, The Ocean Blue, and Primitive Radio Gods. Current acts such as The Jellybricks, a radio friendly alt-rock band that may be seasoned for mainstream success, and Veritas, a hardcore band influenced by Nine Inch Nails, among others, continue to make Pennsylvania a hotbed of rock music.