Leaves rustle in the breeze as birds chirp and insects hum. The light strumming of an acoustic guitar adds a steady rhythm to nature’s melody. As a voice rises above the rest, all the sounds merge into one harmony of nature and music.

This unplugged show is part of Scenic Songs, a series of guided hikes with musical artists leading to a live acoustic performance within the landscape of Trustees special places. The result is a deeply personal and unforgettable experience connecting artists, audiences, and the land.

“From the very beginning we knew the blend of live music and hiking would connect people with nature in a unique way,” said Catherine Shortliffe, Trustees Associate Director of Public Programming and one of the creators of Scenic Songs. “The hope was that it would also connect people with each other, and it’s been amazing seeing that vision become reality and create such magical experiences.”

Crafting an Iconic Performance

It all started at Fruitlands Museum—in more ways than one—with Tunes on the Trails in 2021. This National Trails Day event brought student performers from the Groton Hill Music Center to play at certain intervals along the winding trails for visitors to stumble upon as they hiked.

“Art, nature, and history were embodied all in one place at one singular event,” said Shortliffe. “I knew from that moment that looping in performing arts to nature experiences was something we had to continue.”

But that idea was put on hold until late 2021 when Erin McKeown—an artist Shortliffe has been a fan of for decades—performed on Fruitland’s main stage and afterwards approached her with an idea to “play music and hike.” What came next was Scenic Songs, now entering its fourth year running.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without Erin,” said Shortliffe. “Their passion and perspective as an artist took the concept to a whole new level, and helped Scenic Songs flourish into the staple it is today.”

Erin has participated every year and will be performing with Matt the Electrician and Natalia Zukerman this summer at Notchview in the Berkshires on Sunday, July 13.

Lifting the Barriers of Live Music

Most of the time when walking into a live show you’re greeted by a raised stage with bright lights and towering amplifiers. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, a barrier is created between you and the artist. Scenic Songs is one of the rare instances when that barrier crumbles and everyone is left on the same level.

“Where else do you get to crack jokes and chat with the performer as you hike through woods and fields before their show?” asked Shortliffe. “An intimate, genuine connection is built between you, the artist, and your other audience members…It’s truly one-of-a-kind.”

When you get to a break in the trees and the performance begins, another key connection begins to unfold with nature. The artists’ backdrop becomes another player as the sound melds with the breeze as it bounces off rocks, trees, and water. Slowly the environment sculpts a distinctive performance you can’t get anywhere else.

“Whether it’s Tall Heights performing their song ‘The Mountain’ on a literal mountain top, or Heather Maloney and High Tea using rocks from Buzzards Bay as percussion, being intertwined with nature during these shows creates a magical experience,” said Shortliffe.

Adapting for Better Accessibility

This summer brings a new format to the traditional hike and unplugged concert of Scenic Songs. Instead of trekking up a hillside or walking quite a distance to reach a secluded spot before settling to play, a few of the artists’ hikes and performances will be two separate experiences.

“Bringing people to the outdoors and connecting them with nature is at the heart of the Trustees mission,” said Shortliffe. “Scenic Songs is such a unique way to achieve that, so we want to even more people to share in that experience.”

By separating the two portions, the unplugged concerts can take place in an area more physically accessible—usually closer to the parking lot or along an accessible trail—and be offered at a lower price point. However, those looking for that deeper connection to the artists will still be able to participate in a guided hike with them before the show.

While not every Scenic Songs will be separated into two portions this summer, opening the variety of options allows for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate a chance to enjoy the magic of these unique events.

Grab your Scenic Songs or other summer concert tickets before your favorite performances sell out.