Music returned to Kempton this past weekend at the newly created Kempton Music Center.
The Mickey Hart Band, which includes a member of the Grateful dead, began the concert series with openers Mysterytrain and African Showboyz.
‘We are doing all of this to help raise money for the Community Center,’ said Kempton Community Center Board of Directors member Rob Hunt in an earlier interview.
Fans turned out for the show, despite the at times miserable weather, set to have a good time and many decked out in tie-dye and Grateful Dead shirts.
‘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,’ said Hunt.
Fans of all ages found a place in the newly restored pavilion and enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with old ones before and between the acts. The number of people dancing grew as the night went on and by the end of the set by African Showboyz, the crowd was eagerly awaiting the Mickey Hart Band.
‘We have a long night ahead of us and we’re all waiting for Mickey so you’re not the only ones,’ said a member of Mysterytrain toward the end of their set.
Fans were packed rows deep as the Mickey Hart Band took the stage and joined in with the last song by African Showboyz. Cheers could barely be heard over the sound of the music as lights flashed across the stage.
Hart was surrounded by percussion instruments during the more than two hour long set that included some Grateful Dead favorites. Crystal Monee Hall was on vocals.
‘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,’ said Hunt.
The Hunt Family of Muhlenberg Township renovated the rooms for the entertainers including a private bathroom for each room and volunteers power washed and painted the pavilion’s exterior which had not been done for 57 years. The renovation process began early this year.
Hunt established Flagship Music Production in 2011 which books the acts for the venue.
‘Plusvibes’ provided security for the fenced in pavilion.
The Kempton Community & Recreational Center provided homemade food dishes for patrons. Beer and wine stands were also available.
Fans were able to park without a fee. Overnight camping was also an option that a large number of attendees took advantage of with campers and tents set up with various products.
For more information and a list of events, visit www.kemptonmusiccenter.com.
