Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 2, 2024 Music at the Iron Works The sounds of Motown and reggae and a sideshow featuring ducklings and barn swallows entertain the crowd By Laura Eisener S weet Soul Sounds brought a lot of Motown and a bit of Reggae to Saugus Iron Works on the final evening of July. The songs were clearly favorites of the audience, as people frequently sang along, and several couldn’t resist dancing. “Mustang Sally” had a few people dancing under the pine tree and another group dancing near the sugar maples. The tunes ranged from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – written in 1966 – to “Shallow” made famous by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper just a few years ago. The crowd was clearly delighted to hear Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Bob Marley’s iconic song “Three Little Birds,” which assures us “every little thing gonna be all right.” The rough count made by the park rangers showed about 170 people attended. The show was briefly stolen by a mother duck and her Sweet Soul Sounds brought Motown to Saugus at the Iron Works on Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) John Prudent filmed the concert for Saugus Cable TV. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) The barn swallows put on an aerial performance during the concert. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) four fluffy ducklings, who waddled along the fence on the upper lawn as they made their way to the river. Above the crowd, flocks of barn swallows swooped as they kept the area free of mosquitoes. A few dragonflies also made the rounds of the lawn, undeterred by Concert of the Week Husband and wife folk team Atwater~Donnelly perform at Saugus iron Works on Wednesday night A twater~Donnelly, an American folk music group from Rhode Island consisting of the married musicians Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, will perform next Wednesday (Aug. 7) at 6 p.m. in a free concert at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. The highly acclaimed husband-wife duo will present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a cappella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks and offer surprises, including Appalachian clog dancing and French-Canadian footwork. Their performance is appealing to all ages, and with humor, audience participation and a relaxed stage presence, Aubrey and Elwood explain song origins to create a deeper understanding of the music and its cultural history. And, because they have such an extensive repertoire, special programs and workshops can be tailored for festivals, schools, colleges, libraries, women’s history, plays and holidays. Aubrey and Elwood met as volunteers at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Providence in early 1987. Within just a few months, these selftaught musicians from Rhode Island formed a duo. Married since 1989, Aubrey and Elwood perform throughout the United States and, on occasion, abroad. Their 14 recordings receive international airplay. Highlights include airplay on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” Fiona Ritchie’s “Thistle and Shamrock” and the nationally syndicated “Midnight Special” out of Chicago. Atwater~Donnelly have performed and researched traditional folk music and dance in Appalachia, the Ozarks, New England and other places in the United States, as well as Ireland, England and Prince Edward Island. They have perthe crowd. The rain held off, and the final song, “ Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” – originally performed by Sly and the Family Stone – had Gene Decareau up and dancing before everyone headed home for the evening. WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT: Atwater~Donnelly will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) formed with or shared festival billing with folk legends Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger and Doc Watson. That’s four down and four more Wednesday nights to go in the program cosponsored by the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Iron Works. The concerts at the Iron Works were organized by Saugus Public Library and will continue each Wednesday evening through the summer from 6 to 8 p.m. Here’s the remaining performances of the 2024 lineup: August 7: Atwater~Donnelly (Traditional American & Celtic Folk & Dance). August 14: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s). August 21: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop). August 28: JumpStreet (Rock, R&B, Blues & Jazz). The concert series celebrates musical talents and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site during evening hours. There will be a free concert at the park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. through August 28, weather permitting. The concerts will be held on the upper lawn located at 244 Central St. in Saugus. Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the Iron Works.
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