Judge says drug bust means no jam band concerts for Pa. ‘music church’

Pa. ‘music church’ barred from holding concerts

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge says a southwestern Pennsylvania church that claims “jam band” concerts are its services cannot hold four planned concerts this summer.

U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose found that evidence of pervasive drug use at a concert on Aug. 1 violated a settlement between the Church of Universal Love and Music and Fayette County.

Ambrose issued a preliminary injunction Thursday, but stopped short of granting the county’s request for a permanent injunction. She will hear arguments on that issue at a later date.

The church sued in 2006 after the county prohibited the concerts under zoning rules. The parties reached a $75,000 settlement earlier this year that allowed the church to hold 12 concerts provided they ban drug use.