Honey Brook Borough’s next Concerts in The Park Summer Concert Series features Spirit Wing on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Honey Brook’s Summer Concert Series is in it’s sixth season and continues to offer a variety of musical genres.
A finalist for Native American Music Awards in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010, Spirit Wing’s ‘music comes from a strong folk/acoustic music tradition along with traditional Native songs.’ They perform at Native American festivals, coffeehouses and folk and acoustic music festivals, including Musikfest, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Nassau Community College Folk Festival, Delmarva Folk Festival, and Two Moons Memorial Powwow, according to the band’s website www.spiritwing.org.
‘I first learned about Spirit Wing from their concert at Rose Tree Park in Media,’ said Honey Brook Borough Park and Recreation Chairperson Jeanne Jenzano. ‘What interested me was their use of the Native American flute. I have a great respect for Native American culture and find Native American flute music peaceful and relaxing. They utilize the flute in both their acoustic and electric music. Where one would typically hear the harmonica in traditional blues music, Spirit Wing substitutes the Native American flute.’
‘Once you hear one of Spirit Wing’s impassioned performances you will not soon forget their intense respect for their people and the history of Native Americans or that they have become one of the most popular Native American acts in the Middle Atlantic States,’ touts the band’s website www.spiritwing.org.
‘They also tell stories of the Native Americans who inhabited Southeastern PA,’ said Jenzano. ‘Each summer I attempt to showcase a variety of musical genres, hoping to expose people to all different types of music.’
Spirit Wing includes Barbara Gregg Andrews-Christy; vocals, flutes, percussion, Barry Lee; vocals, guitar, expertly backed up by Chris Hawley; bass, percussion and Doug Penglase, bass,percussion. All have performed in various types of bands and ensembles that feature Rock, Blues, Bluegrass and Country music.
‘I am encouraged by the fact that our audiences seem to be growing in size and that folks are coming into our town from other areas,’ said Jenzano. ‘They are experiencing a wonderful evening of music in the park as well as the rural charm of the Honey Brook area.’
This summer, bands perform in the new borough pavilion that was constructed by a volunteer work crew in time for the first concert of the season. Honey Brook Borough Council supported the project financially.
‘During the past five seasons the Park and Recreation Committee used a large borrowed tent and a make shift plywood stage to accommodate the bands. It was evident, after a few years of increasing attendance at the concerts and the inefficiency of using the tent, especially in foul weather, that a permanent structure was needed,’ wrote Jenzano.
The Summer Concert Series will continue with Rizzetta’s Tones, an American Celtic World band on Sunday, Sept. 7, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Food, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at each concert courtesy of the Honey Brook Lions Club.
‘In the event of inclement weather a decision will be made by 1 p.m. the day of the concert whether to cancel. A recorded message will be placed on the Borough office answering machine, 610-273-2020. The borough and the performers will make every effort to reschedule cancelled concerts,’ wrote Jenzano.
Visit Honey Brook Borough’s website at honeybrookborough.net for information on other park events and details.
