A Musically Festive Day in Milford

I seldom have an opportunity to travel from my hometown of Stroudsburg, PA to Milford, PA. But, when I do, I’m never disappointed by my arrival to this quaint little town. Being present for second of the three day Milford Music Festival proved to be an enjoyable experience consistent with those visitations I had with the festival and other art related events in the past. The only regret I do have in regards to my visit to the festival is that I’ve missed a number of them in previous years.

However, my arrival to this year’s welcoming event banished such regrets as the harmonious flavor of the festival filled my ears and my heart. It was good to walk upon the sidewalks of the town to experience a variety of musical styles emanating from the porches and front entrances of the businesses who encouraged musicians to share their gifts with all who took a moment to pause before moving on to the next aural treat. It was a great way to spend my Saturday June 8th birthday.

My series of pauses began at a business called, “The Flying Tea Room” whose lawn was graced by the traditional sounds of Irish and Celtic melodies and reels performed by The Tara Minstrels. This group of hearty musicians transformed those who visited with their love for the musical style through the variety of instruments that individual expressed their communal joy. The crowd who gathered to adorn their hearts with the music smiled as their eyes danced to each beat of the musicians offerings. You can learn more about The Flying Tea Room by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/TheFlyingPigTeaRoom?fref=ts and The Tara Minstrels by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/tara.minstrels?fref=ts.

Although a part of me wanted to remain with the dance inducing melodies of The Tara Minstrels, the knowledge there was more wonderful music waiting for me to enjoy tugged at me like a Siren’s song. So, I reluctantly move my earthly vessel and entered into The Patisarri Fauchere which is one of the restaurants a part of the Hotel Fauchere. The aroma of freshly made breads and pastries filled the air as the relaxed atmosphere welcomed me by bidding me to sit in one of the establishment’s chairs.

It was soon after experiencing this comfort did the first smoothed chords of Jazz flow from the guitar of Glenn Heller become a part of my relaxations. Each note of every measure was played expertly from this gifted musician complimenting the flavor of the room while creating an ambiance of its own. Even as I write this article some time after the festival, the memory of Mr. Heller’s performance brings to me relaxed sensation. You can learn more about The Patisarri Fauchere by exploring the Hotel Fauchere Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/hotel.fauchere.3 and the talents of Glenn Heller by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MilfordJazzGuitar?fref=ts.

Again, as it soon became a common desire during the day, I wished to spend more of my time listening to Mr. Heller but the call of the musical adventures yet to be realized beckoned me onward. So, I traveled the length of the small town and met some street musicians and visited a spot where the Milford Quilter’s Guild were selling tickets to raise funds by raffling off a quilt. Eventually, I arrived at a destination that appeared upon a listing of the day’s offerings as it was presented in the Thursday June 6th edition of The Pike County Dispatch. The section of the publication was given to me by a wonderful woman whom I met at The Flying Pig Tea Room.

I arrived at the Harrington House Bed and Breakfast to find the band called, “The Merchants of Groove” beginning to perform. It wasn’t long before the first set of bluesy notes inspired those who gathered to rhythmically sway their heads while keeping the beat with the more than occasional utterances of “Oh, Man. Yeah” forming on their lips. The band not only performed on the lawn of the Bed and Breakfast establishment but they also played their songs upon the vast soulful expanse contained in the amalgamation of the human experience. In other words, it was groovy. You can learn more about The Harrington House Bed and Breakfast by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Harrington-House-Bed-and-Breakfast/119367203630 and The Merchants of Groove by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/McCallJazz?fref=ts.

Again, I reluctantly moved on to explore the festival’s offerings and found myself at the Upper Delaware GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bi sexual, Transgender) Center who also had their Open House event that day. A variety of snacks and beverages was as welcoming as those who greeted me when I entered the center since I was accompanied on my journeys by a slight sensation of thirst and hunger. Once these culinary yearnings of the flesh were quenched, I joined those who gathered at the center to enjoy the musical offerings of  a trio known as “In Spite of Ourselves” consisting of Anna, Michelle, and Quasi. Together, the presented a number of songs previously created by established artists but made each song their own through their definitive interpretations.

I was especially impressed by the trio’s rendition of the song, “Ode to Billy Joe” written in 1967 by Bobbie Gentry who was as one of the first female country artists to compose and produce her own material. The song is about the suicide of a man named, “Billy Joe McAllister” who did so by jumping off the Tallahatchie Bridge in Money, MS during the 1950’s. The song inspired a film to be made in 1976 on which Ms. Gentry collaborated with the screenwriter. The film reveals the reason for Billy Joe McAllister suicide was due to an incident involving gay sex. For me, recalling this information made the performance of the song at the Upper Delaware GLBT Center a very poignant one.

The Upper Delaware GLBT Center welcomes, supports and empowers the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) community living in and visiting the Upper Delaware region. The center is located in the Old School House in Milford, PA. The present a number of events throughout the year which will include a Pride Dance on Saturday June 22nd, a Family Picnic on Sunday June 23rd, and participation in the NYC PRIDE Parade on Sunday June 30th. You can learn more about The Upper Delaware GLBT Center by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Upper-Delaware-GLBT-Center/75258021683.

Although I immensely enjoyed my time at The Upper Delaware GLBT Center, I stayed true to my adventurous spirit and left to explore more of the festival. I met more street musicians until I ventured upon the duo, “They Know” who consists of Daniel Ehart and Lee Raden and was performing at Pike County Licensing. Playing before a magical piscine backdrop, the two men rendered their songs to a crowd eagerly awaiting to partake of the abundant catch of poetic symbolism brought ashore through their compositions. The songs not only allowed those who listened the fathom the depth of each piece but enticed each person to explore the caverns of their thoughts as well. You can learn more about They Know by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/theyknow1?fref=ts.

Again, I moved on to experience more music and found it at the Block Party which took place at The Jorgensons’ at the Dimmick Inn where a band was playing. The festival within a festival attracted a great number of people who enjoyed the music while consuming beer and sausage sandwiches as they danced. Some of the band members left the performance area in order to sing alongside those who were enjoying the show. You can learn more about The Jorgensons’ at the Dimmick Inn by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Jorgensons-At-The-Dimmick-Inn/123917469924.

I moved away from the spirited crowd and arrived at Davis Chant Reality whose porch offered the band known as The SaRon Crenshaw Trio. Their free flowing style was perfect for the bluesy tunes they performed. There was several times during the performance when guitarist SaRon Crenshaw moved into the audience to share his love for the music more intimately with those who eagerly partook of its properties. You can learn more about The SaRon Crenshaw Trio by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/groups/magicsaron.

As their set came to a close, I traveled to the Artisan Exchange to once again experience a performance by The Merchants of Groove. It was good to hear them again. You can learn more about The Artisan Exchange by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Artisan-Exchange-Milford-PA/111789235518623?fref=ts. I then went to The First Presbyterian Church of Milford and partook of a group who sang a number of songs relating to the Christian faith. Their performance struck a meaningful chord in many who heard them and the deftness of the musical skills were quite evident. As I left the church, I partook of the free lemonade and popcorn they offered. You can learn more about The First Presbyterian Church of Milford by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/First-Presbyterian-Church-of-Milford/116189901736460?fref=ts.

I then ventured to The Golden Fish Gallery where The Tara Minstrels where playing. It was good to see them once again especially since their number have grown to include additional musicians. Their sound maintained the joyous flavor I’ve heard earlier in the day but it was enhance by the presence of their friends. As I experienced this, my thoughts reminded me that love can never be divided. It can only multiply and this was made evident by the performance given by The Tara Minstrels. You can learn more about The Golden Fish Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Fish-Gallery-Pike-County-PA-Fine-Arts-and-Crafts/164248230348753?fref=ts.

There were, of course, much more music to be enjoyed throughout the day. However, being human and not being able to be in more than one place at a time, I did not experience it all. But, for what I did manage to take with me, I am thankful as it has enriched me. There were more music to enjoy along with some truly remarkable art as the day progressed. But, at this point in the article, I would like to share with you something else that made my birthday this year a truly memorable one.

As many of you know, I’m part of an art group called, “The Forwardian Arts Society” and we are a fellowship for people who love the arts. In the spirit of that love, we’re recently began a Photography Club known as “The Forwardian F Stops” and our first event was scheduled to take place during The Milford Music Festival on Saturday June 8th. The Photographic Shooting Spree invited interested photographers to capture images relating to the festival and the town of Milford itself.

Meeting some of our club’s membership was a wonderful gift as we shared conversations reflecting our love for photography and other topics close to our hearts. However, there were also some members of our club who did partake of our Photographic Shooting Spree in Milford whom I haven’t met in person and this was mainly due to my cell phone not receiving a signal. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet up with these individuals but I’m very happy to learn they were there. Thank you for letting me share this aspect of my adventures in Milford. You can learn more about The Forwardian F Stops by exploring our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-F-Stops/210338035772997?fref=ts.

The next part of my adventure occurred when I returned to The Patisarri Fauchere to partake an artist’s reception featuring the photographic work of Jennifer Doherty. The vibrant colors of her floral depictions contrasted well with her black and white images. There was a intricacy in her work that enticed the viewer to delve deeper into each piece very much like a flower entreats a bee to taste its nectar.

During the reception, a musical performance was given guitarist Linda Hadley. To say her approach and style was powerful would render the clichéd term “an understatement” meaningless. The experience of her music was so much more than powerful. It was “whoa-ly shit.” Every song she sang beat the crap out of the listener until the shear pleasure of it instilled in one the desire to be hit more times than a gambling addict at a Blackjack table. Even the second part of her set which might be considered by those who have a extremely well developed imagination as more docile had the teeth kicking ability as her first set of songs; only slower.

It was during this time did Maxwell Kofi Donkor who has gained a well deserved reputation as a teacher and practitioner of African Drumming approach Ms. Hadley to perform percussion alongside her. Together, they blended their talents until one voice spoke through the music which became enhanced by the lyrics Ms. Hadley sung. It was cool. The Jennifer Doherty exhibition at The Patisarri Fauchere continues to be on display until July 8th. You can learn more about Ms. Doherty and her work by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/jnndhrty while you can learn more about Linda Hadley and her music by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/hadleysmusic.

In addition to the music presented throughout the festival, a number of art galleries who are part of the newly named, “Milford Art District” held Artists’ Receptions in the evening as part of the town’s monthly Art After Dark event. The galleries included in this newly established district are The Artery, The Artisan Exchange, The BlueStone Studio, The Forge Studio and Gallery, The Golden Fish Gallery, Moon Gravel Arts, and The Highland Photographic Guild. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit all the galleries who held an Artists’ Reception but, if the ones I did attend were an indication, I’m sure the work the presented and the atmosphere the venue created to welcome its visitors proved to be an enchantment that will abide with many for a long time.

The first of the galleries I visited was The Forge Studio and Gallery who presented the work of Christine Griffin and her exhibition titled, “Cosmoscope.” The reception also presented the work of Elizabeth Garrison  featuring her exhibition titled, “Mandalas.” The universal energies as alluded to by the exhibitions’ titles enhanced the mood of anyone who entered the gallery through the bright and vibrant colors embodied in the majority of the pieces. It should be noted that the arrangement of the work and (what seemed to be) the freshly painted white walls as a sense that each piece was an island unto itself. This allowed each visitor to the gallery to put aside the distractions of the day and to bring their attention to each piece.

The Forge Studio and Gallery presents work created by contemporary artists in its gallery which is adjacent to the working studio of Phil Rachelson. Their current exhibitions are titled, “Cosmoscope” featuring the work of Christine Griffin and “Mandalas” featuring the work of Elizabeth Garrison. They will continue to be on display at the gallery until a closing reception takes place on July 7th. Please Explore The Forge Studio and Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/theforgestudioandgallery?fref=ts  for more information.

The Second gallery I visited was The Highland Photographic Guild who held an Artist’s Reception featuring the work of Julia Zimmermann for her exhibition titled, “The White Album.” The photographic work featured in the exhibition centered around a musical theme reflecting the festival. The images were imaginative and many contained a wicked sense of humor bound to delight those who allow themselves to partake of it.

The Highlands Photographic Guild was established in July 2006 as a cooperative gallery for contemporary photographers to exhibit and sell their work. The gallery also provides a gathering place for working artists and the public to share information with the photographic community in a creative environment. The current exhibition titled, “The White Album” featuring the work of  Julia Zimmermann will be on display until July 7th. Please Explore The Highlands Photographic Guild Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/HighlandsPhotoGuild for more information.

The third gallery I visited was The ARTery Gallery who held an Artist’s Reception featuring the work of Al Bialos. A celebration of life was depicted in each painting reflecting the culture and people in Latin America. It was mentioned to me that many people are surprised to learn the artist himself isn’t Hispanic which shows the artistic perception and imagination can bring a realness to any artistic endeavor regardless of heredity or experience. Music was presented by Jazz Pianist Eric Hedik whose sounds complimented the reception well.

The ARTery first opened their gallery in 1999 and continues to be owned and operated by a cooperative of successful and emerging artists and artisans from the Tri-State area. The current exhibition featuring the work of Al Bialos is presented alongside other artists of the cooperative and will be on display until July 8th. Please Explore The ARTery Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/groups/128865803875836/?fref=ts for more information.

The fourth and final gallery I visited was The BlueStone Studio which is a workshop and showroom presenting the works of potter David Greenbaum and artist Joann Wells Greenbaum. The gallery featured a number of ceramic item including their renowned Shohola Bells along with several vibrant and whimsical paintings and prints. Please Explore The BlueStone Studio Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BlueStoneStudio for more information.

After I left The BlueStone Studio, I left Milford to journey home after a full day. My sense of reluctance was stronger than ever. It was a wonderful day but it has come to a close and it was time to leave it behind so another day can begin. I realize while ending this article the fullness of the experience of attending the Milford Music Festival can never be expressed in words or in the images that accompany the written record of my visit to the town. But, here it is and I invite those who have attended the festival to share your comments relating your experiences and reflections. I look forward to reading them. You’ll be able to view more photographs I took during my visit to The Milford Music Festival in The Milford Music Festival 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151693475150421.1073741836.636000420&type=1.

The Milford Music Festival began in 2010 and has since become one of the areas definitive event for all lovers of the art of music. The most recent festival took place over the weekend which began Friday June 7th and concluded on Sunday June 9th. A variety of musicians, artists, and businesses participate in the free event every year. The schedule for the 2014 festival has yet to be determined.  Please Explore The 2013 Milford Music Festival Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Milford-Music-Festival/152081921522374 for more information.