6/10/2010
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. – Visitors to historic Berkeley Springs will be able to enjoy bonus music performances this summer in addition to the traditional tourist attractions. The Morgan Arts Council is sponsoring free outdoor summer concerts at Berkeley Springs State Park in July and August.
“The Summer Concerts in the Park music series has become the local institution of community life that it is today, mostly because of the ideal setting of our park,” according to organizer Mary Hott, Executive Director of the Morgan Arts Council.
The performers set up near George Washington’s Bathtub with crowds seated on the east side of the spring channel. All concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend. If the weather is not concert friendly, the performances are moved inside to either the nearby Ice House or the Star Theater.
“The historic setting here at Berkeley Springs compliments the music. Attendees enjoy Saturdays in the park and music preformed in the early evening hours outdoors,” according to Park Superintendent Chris Hansroth. For 24 years the free summer concerts have entertained guests and visitors to Morgan County and the Berkeley Springs area.
Morgan Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) community arts organization with nearly 500 paid individual and family members. Funding for the concerts is provided in part by the National Endowment of the Arts, the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, and other sources. Additional information about the artists and performers is available from the event sponsor, Morgan Arts Council at 304-258-2300. For information about Berkeley Springs State Park visit, www.berkeleyspringssp.com.
The Summer Concerts at Berkeley Springs State Park
July 10 - THE WEBER BROTHERS
A nationally touring band groomed by Canadian-based rock legend Ronnie Hawkins performs their original music which is a blend of roots country, rockabilly, and pop.
July 17 – THE WOODSHEDDERS
Also known as “The Hot Club of West Virginia,” this acoustic quintet from Shepherdstown plays a mixture of Hot Club Gypsy jazz and American jazz as well as folk songs and inspired originals.
July 24 – THE DILL PICKERS
The Dill family plays Americana music, combining blues, bluegrass, Cajun, folk, gospel, Irish, and rock.
July 31 – THE DEBLOIS MILLEDGE BAND
This San Diego-based soulful songstress plays original music in the American roots music traditions. She is accompanied by noted blues guitarist Billy Thompson.
August 7 – SVIRAJ, BALKAN JAM
Ethnic Balkan musicians perform the music of the cultures of the Balkan region and Eastern Europe. Includes a pre-concert jam with any and all musician and instruments.
August 14 – BABATUNDA LEA
Drummer/percussionist whose music is steeped in the rhythms of the African Diaspora along with traditional Caribbean rhythms. Backed by a New York City jazz quartet.
August 21 – DOWN HOME ROOTS
Led by noted musicians Tari Hampe and Joe Herrmann, this super roots group includes several of the legendary musician families developed through the Music Census, including three generations of the Park family and two different Fleegle family bands.
Contact Information
Chris Hansroth
304-258-5860