About Scenic Songs: A Hiking Concert with Vance Gilbert
Calling all hiking enthusiasts and music lovers!
The Trustees is pleased to announce a new season of “Scenic Songs” hiking concerts taking place at properties across the Commonwealth in 2024. Join us on the trail with some of your favorite performing artists for a guided hike and intimate live music experience like no other. These unplugged and acoustic shows are unique opportunities to enjoy live music in community and nature.
On September 21st, join Vance Gilbert on the trail at Rocky Woods!
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert”, says Richmond Magazine.
30 years into his career, the songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the contemporary Folk and Americana realm as he has helped pave the way for many BIPOC artists who have followed his work.
Vance was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. Hoping to be an R&B and jazz singer once at college, he discovered his affinity for the storytelling sensibilities of the acoustic singer-songwriter world. Word spread like wildfire about Gilbert’s stage-owning singing and playing, and Shawn Colvin invited him to be special guest on her 1992 Fat City tour where Vance took much of America by storm and by surprise. “With the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god.” wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Vance’s new album, “The Mother of Trouble,” the 14th release for this acoustic stalwart, features Grammy winner Lori McKenna on background vocals, Juno award recipient and Bonnie Raitt Grammy hit song co-writer Joey Landreth on guitars, and Americana-Roots master mandolinist Joe K. Walsh. Considered by many to be an integral part of the national folk scene, Vance’s previous record “Good Good Man” features an eclectic roster of musical types including rocker Mike Posner, world renown Celtic harpist Aine Minough, bluesman Chris Smither, and Al Green’s organist Stacey Wade.
Rocky Woods Trail Details – Moderate
For this program, we will be hiking a loop of just under 2 miles. Our route includes uneven terrain and moderate uphill climbs to the Cedar Hill Vista where Vance Gilbert will play a fully unplugged acoustic set. We will meet in the Rocky Woods parking lot. Parking fee is included in your concert ticket and restrooms are available onsite for this program.
Trail snacks provided. We recommend that guests bring a portable camp stool or blanket for seating during the live music set. We will also have a limited number of camp stools available for use.
Please note, audience size for this intimate offering is limited and pre-registration is required.
In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been held for this program on Sunday, September 22 from 3-6pm. Any scheduling changes will be communicated to registered guests via email.
Interested in more live music on the trail? Be sure to check out the series lineup for Scenic Songs!
- May 25th at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard with Alisa Amador
- June 1st at World’s End in Hingham with Erin McKeown
- July 13th at Ward Reservation in Andover with Seth Glier
- August at Notchview in Windsor – details coming soon!
