Goshen Farm Kicks Off Summer With An Acoustic Concert Series

It’s time to break out the lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Goshen Farm’s acoustic concert series begins on Friday, June 28.

The series will continue every other Friday through August 30 with two performances each night at the farm, located at 1420 Cape St. Claire Road. Each set of performances will last about two hours and is free to the public.

Scott Powers, who coordinates the acoustic series at Goshen Farm, was looking for musicians who may not play regularly but who collectively represent a variety of styles and genres. The concert series is entering its third year.

“I've been part of the Goshen Farm Preservation Society for about 10 years, mainly serving as the historical research chair,” Powers said. “I'm also a musician and always thought that the grounds at Goshen Farm would provide a great atmosphere for acoustic concerts. It's a great way of reaching people in the community who may not otherwise be aware of the GFPS and our activities, and it's a great way for some local musicians to reach a new audience.”

Here’s what audiences can look forward to during the first two concert nights.

Aaron Hawkins of Loose Ties
June 28 at 6:30pm

Loose Ties normally consists of five members, but on Sunday, Aaron Hawkins will play in place of the entire band. Hawkins said the band’s sound is hard to describe. “We are not too attached to anything; we play all kinds of music and all kinds of lineups,” Hawkins said, adding that the band leans toward rock and soul music.

He plans to play a stripped-down version of a normal Loose Ties set, which consists of many cover songs that the musicians have made their own. Hawkins said it will be easier to engage with the audience with the acoustic set. “As long as they are having a good time, that’s all you can ask for,” Hawkins said.

Michael Kelly
June 28 at 7:40pm

This singer-songwriter started his music career as an opening act at shows in a club in Washington, D.C. There, he worked alongside blues acts. Kelly is not restricted to one genre of music, as his performances range from rock to bluegrass.

Kelly wants “to weave tasteful, melodic acoustic guitar playing, soulful vocals, and poetic storytelling in every song and keep your foot tapping,” according to his website.

Patchwurk
July 12 at 6:30pm

Four members from this band will perform on July 12, the second Sunday in the acoustic summer series. Terrance Pounds and Eric Shermer, members of the band, met in high school and began playing music together. After reconnecting years later and realizing they had the ability to create their own music, they found more musicians and started Patchwurk.

Pounds said the band members come from different musical backgrounds and listen to different music, so their sound is unique.

The band will mostly perform its original songs for the concert with one cover song at the end of the set. As they are normally not an acoustic band, Pounds said they are modifying their arrangements to decipher what sounds best. “I’m hoping [the audience] can tap their feet to the beat and enjoy what they hear,” Pounds said. “There is no particular message or agenda. I just want them to enjoy the music.”

Julie and Diane
July 12 at 7:40pm

The second performers of the evening are part of a singer and pianist duo. Julie Kurzava and Diane Kinsley met 15 years ago and both studied at the Peabody Institute, according to Kurzava. The pair does freelance performances together, from operas to concerts and weddings. Most of the music they perform comes from the American Songbook. “It’s very familiar to people,” Kurzava said. Some of their favorite songs to perform are by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer.

The duo formed their set with the goal of performing music that is fun and happy. “There is a lot of negativity in the world, and this is our chance to leave it behind,” Kurzava said.

More information about the concerts can be found at www.goshenfarm.org, and weather-related updates can be found on the “Historic Goshen Farm & Educational Center” Facebook page.