Keeping Company with the Wayfarers

Although periods of sprinkling precipitation dominated the day, there were enough clearings to allow The Eastburg Community Alliance to hold their weekly Music on Mondays event at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA on Monday July 6^th. A small number of vendors populated the outside of the depot which included Baarda Farms www.facebook.com/pages/Baarda-Farms-and-Denises-Design/176947865664075?fref=ts, Shady River Designs www.facebook.com/shadyriverdesigns?fref=ts, and the Soap Muffin www.soapmuffin.com along with Pink Zebra Sprinkles www.facebook.com/sprinklesbydiane?fref=ts and Our Heart's Desire www.facebook.com/Ourheartsdesirehome which were both represented by Diane Chandler. I roamed among these vendors until the sprinkling conditions of the day returned and the sounds from within the depot signaled that the musical performance was about to begin.

I arrived to take my seat within the venue just as Wayfarers and Company were completing their preparations for the concert. The group consists of Bob Mallalieu, Norm Williams, John James (whose exquisitely created watercolors hung upon the depot's wall), Amanda Parker, and Carol Lehrman with each member playing a variety of instruments touched with fingers filled with love. This love translated into the presentation of each composition the group shared as the concert proved to resemble a microcosm of the human experience. This was due to the embodiment of joyous tunes along with a number of solemn and thoughtful pieces that brought a fullness to the evening. Introductory stories were shared by various members of the company which not only enhanced the understanding of the piece but a furtherance of the love that permeated the performance was also seen in the attentive eyes of the group who listened with their heart as one of their friends shared their tales. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in Keeping Company with the Wayfarers Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154016450378761.1073741866.91146283760&type=3.

Wayfarers and Company began over 20 years ago when Bob Mallalieu and Norm Williams met at a quiet lakeside in Analomink, PA while attending a neighborhood Bible study picnic. According to the band's Website, the conversation got around to music to which Mr. Williams stated, “I’ll play with anyone, anywhere, anytime.” They began playing and recording with the Christian band known as “Pure Water Supply.” Wayfarers and Company evolved from their experiences as other like minded musicians such as John James, Amanda Parker, and Carol Lehrman became part of the good music and friendship prevalent in the company. You'll be able to learn more about Wayfarers and Company by exploring their Website at Www.wayfarersandco.net.

The Eastburg Community Alliance was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fund raising, memberships, and local contributions. The next Music on Mondays concert will feature Jordyn Albanese on Monday July 13^th. The Farmers' Market and other merchants will have their wares available to be purchased beginning at 5:30pm while the music is scheduled to begin at 7pm. In addition to their Music on Monday Series, The Eastburg Community Alliance presents a number of events to delight and entertain the overall community. These include their Fall Octoberfest scheduled to take place on Saturday October 10^th and a Winter Holiday Celebration which is scheduled to take place Saturday December 12^th at the Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance or their Website at Www.eastburgalliance.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.