Saturday, July 8, 2023

Scenic Songs: A Hiking Concert with The Nields

Charles W. Ward Reservation
Andover
Register
the nields

About Scenic Songs: A Hiking Concert with The Nields

Calling all hiking enthusiasts and music lovers! The Trustees is pleased to announce a full series of “Scenic Songs” hiking concerts to take place at properties across the Commonwealth June through October of 2023. 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 July 8th join The Nields on the trail at Ward Reservation.

As the work of the Everly Brothers or the McGarrigle Sisters has amply demonstrated, there are few sounds as sublime as close harmonies rendered by siblings. In the case of western Massachusetts folk rockers the Nields, the siblings are sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields, and their inimitable vocal blend is a disarming mix of clean folk harmonies and clenched Generation-X angst.
-The Chicago Tribune

The Nields have carved out a singular style that combines pop craftsmanship, folk sensibility, ‘60’s classic rock and ‘90’s alternative––always with an intelligent (occasionally humorous) take on the curve balls that life continually serves up. It’s a sound Apple Music describes as “equal parts The Beatles, the cranberries and Joni Mitchell.” With their finely tuned melodies and the natural exuberance, 21 albums, major and independent record and publishing deals, performances with 10,000 Maniacs, The Band, James Taylor, and the Indigo Girls, the Nields have indeed paid their dues, to answer the question they pose in their most beloved song “Easy People.” (“Haven’t I paid my dues by now? And don’t I get the right to choose?”)

With the release of their latest album, Circle of Days (June 2023), the Nields offer their most ambitious yet familiar collection to date. During the pandemic, Nerissa and Katryna took their dogs on a daily walk to a lake in the woods near their homes in Western Massachusetts. Katryna, a photographer, took a picture of the lake in the same location every day. As they walked, they talked about the new album they wanted to make. What if there were a song for every month in the calendar year?

In that spirit, Circle of Days was born. Some of the songs are clearly linked to a specific moment in the calendar, such as “Darkest Day of the Year,” for the winter solstice. “Brigid” is an Imbolc song, and “Death and Resurrection” has Easter, as well as all sorts of Pagan spring rituals, written all over it. But others are more abstract, like “Angel on the Roof,” which mentions empty silos and the need for a harvest. Musically, the songs run the gamut from “Magnificat,” a folk-country ballad reminiscent of Patty Griffin or Nancy Griffith, to the joyful 70s pop of “That’s What We Do,” to the roots rock of “Comic Books and Movies.”

“I can’t believe we get paid to do this!” says Nerissa. “I think the audience picks up on our gratitude pretty quickly, that we are so happy to be singing for them.” Katryna adds, “A lot of people say to us that they came in depressed and they left full of joy and hope. And there’s really nothing better than that.”

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.

The trail to the top of Holt Hill is an easy hike with the round trip being about 1 mile. There are no restrooms on site and parking is limited so please carpool when possible.

Please note, audience size for this intimate offering is limited and pre-registration is required.

Looking for more? Be sure to check out the full series lineup for Scenic Songs!

Register
Explore Events Like This