The sound of music returns to Kempton starting May 11.
National and regional acts will play at the newly created Kempton Music Center at the Kempton Community Center. The Mickey Hart Band, which includes a member of the Grateful Dead, kicks off the music season May 11.
‘We started doing all of this to help raise money for the Community Center,’ said Kempton Community Center Board of Directors member Rob Hunt.
‘We’ve had Willie Nelson here four times,’ he said. ‘We’re on the list. So, yes, you will see Willie Nelson here again, I don’t know when.’
The Board not only hopes to raise more funds for the Community Center, but also to bring people back to the Center.
‘With all the hustle and bustle of today’s life, this is a place that people can still come to, have a picnic, walk their dog and teach their kids to ride a bike,’ said Hunt.
He hopes that the Center can offer residents the opportunity to see national acts right here in Kempton.
‘Music is the communication of life. No matter what kind of mood you’re in or what kind of people you’re around, music brings a smile to your face.’
Hunt stood on the stage of the open air pavilion, finishing renovations to the Kempton Music Center. With a background in construction, he and Hunt family of Muhlenberg Township renovated the rooms for the entertainers, which each have private bathrooms. Volunteers also power washed and painted the pavilion’s exterior, which hadn’t been painted in 57 years.
‘A lot of touch up work, running electric lines, running sound equipment lines and just getting everything ready,’ said Hunt.
The process for creating the Kempton Music Center began early this year.
Hunt also established Flagship Music Production in 2011, which books the acts for the Kempton Music Center.
‘We are a family run business with one goal in mind – to have our patrons leave our music events with a smile and a desire to return,’ he said. ‘At Flagship Music Production we strive for professionalism in arts and entertainment at all our events.’
Production/stage manager Larry Levin has more than 30 years of experience touring with many national music acts. He also is an acclaimed studio engineer with many studio recordings to his credit.
The lighting director Chris Kratz has been in the business for 15 years. His top-notch lighting equipment is very compatible for major artists’ specific needs, according to Hunt.
‘PlusVibes’ provides security. The area surrounding the pavilion has also been fenced in for added security.
There is free parking and overnight camping. The Kempton Community & Recreational Center will have their homemade food dishes available through out the event and will offer patrons beer and wine stands, such as wine from Pinnacle Ridge Winery in Kutztown.
Kempton Music Center events: May 11 Mickey Hart Band
May 18 Marshall Tucker Band June 8 Spring Blossom Family Music Festival
July 5, 6 & 7 Jambalaya Music Fest
July 13 Summer Jam Sept. 13,14 Pinnacle Jam
To purchase tickets, visit www.kemptonmusiccenter.com.
