Westbound Situation to headline at Gazebo this Thursday

It should be a much warmer day this Thursday than the last time Westbound Situation came to Manchester.

Last winter in the midst of the polar vortex, the group warmed hearts with a lively concert at the Blacksmith Shop on Main Street as part of Riverfolk’s winter concert series. This week, the weather reports are more favorable; predicted to reach into the 80s, mostly sunny skies, and–hooray!–a low chance of precipitation. Perfect weather for a gazebo concert in Wurster Park–and Westbound Situation will be ready to share their music with us again, as part of the culmination of this week’s Riverfolk Jam Camp.

Jam Campers are invited to join in a song at this week’s concert, so even if you haven’t seen Westbound Situation yet, it’s likely that there will be some performers you know on stage this Thursday.

Described by fellow musicians as a “power quartet,” Westbound Situation blends the precision of classical chamber music, the rhythmic drive of bluegrass, and the colorful expression of jazz into their own style of chamber music—”chambergrass.” Comprised of Grant Flick on violin, Matt Davis on banjo, Zach Brown on cello, and Jacob Warren on bass, the quartet mixes composition and improvisation seamlessly into their entirely memorized arrangements.

This is the third concert for our 30th-anniversary season of the Gazebo Concert tradition. As always, these concerts are free, but we do “pass the basket” during intermission and you’re welcome to participate. If you come with empty pockets, don’t worry! You can donate from home online by visiting www.riverfolkarts.org, and using the “donate” button at the top of the page. No matter how much or how little, please know we appreciate your contributions!

Our gazebo concert season is also generously sponsored by grants and donations from Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization, the Manchester Wellness Coalition, LaRock Dental, Jody Flowers–Edward Jones, and Frank’s Place. We also again thank Tom Kladzyk for lighting the trees in Wurster Park, which adds extra charm to concert nights!

Concerts go on, rain or shine. With thanks to St. Mary Parish, who has been on call for us the last two weeks–in case of rain, we now return for the rest of the season to our usual rain location at the Emanuel UCC sanctuary.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.