"Live from Riverfolk" series continues each Thursday, will replace summer Gazebo concerts

Manchester's own Natalie Palms will lead off this Thursday's "Live From Riverfolk" concert on Facebook Live at 7:30 pm. She will be followed by local roots music artists Annie & Rod Capps at 8:30 pm.

There is something about the feel of a live concert. Whether on a stage in a huge auditorium, an outdoor venue, or in a more intimate environment, it provides a connection between the artist and the audience that is hard to ignore.

How about watching a concert in the comfort of your living room?

In these days of social distancing, quarantine, and isolation, the Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization has created a way for Manchester audiences to continue to enjoy the feel of a live concert without having to violate the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order. "Live from Riverfolk" has now streamed four weeks' worth of concerts on Facebook Live, and has three more Thursday night concerts planned on May 14, 21, and 28.

This week, May 14, Natalie Mae Palms will be live at 7:30 pm. Natalie is well known to Manchester audiences--not only as the daughter of Carol and Mark Palms of The Raisin Pickers, but as a talented singer, instrumentalist, and songwriter in her own right. After moving to New Orleans in 2005, she fell in love with the culture and soul of the South, and has released three full-length albums and an EP. She blends intricate melodies with dynamic but relatable lyrics that evoke vivid memories and warm the heart. Natalie Mae performs regularly year-round in New Orleans and frequents the Midwest when the weather beckons her to cooler winds.

At 8:30 pm, hear songs about broken things and poignant little ponderings, delivered with a roots-y vibe, a touch of twang, and a soulful groove. Annie and Rod Capps are on a musical journey that began in 1982, culminating into a symbiotic sound that reflects their deep and intuitive understanding of each other. Annie’s disarming, earthy voice and solid command of her guitar are punctuated by Rod’s effortless accompaniment and beautiful solo work. "Together, they weave unforgettable melodies that are at once intricate and sparse – musically completing each others’ sentences."

You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch streaming performances on Facebook Live. This link explains how to stream these concerts on your own television set.

Just like the Riverfolk Gazebo Concert series, there is no "admission" charge to watch these live concerts. However, donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated. All donations help support both the artists and continued Riverfolk programming. Eighty percent of donations made during these concerts goes to the performers; the other 20 percent remains with Riverfolk to help this series, and other Riverfolk programming, continue for years to come. To date, the streaming concerts have raised more than $600. In addition, Detroit Performs has taken notice of this series and will feature one of Riverfolk's performers on May 31 for their 11 am Brunch Series on Detroit Public Television.

Due to the ongoing Stay Home orders and the uncertainty of holding public events into the summer, it has been regretfully decided that the Manchester Gazebo Concert series will be suspended this year, with plans to continue in 2021.

In addition, Summer Day Camp for youth ages 5-12 and the Riverfolk Jam Camp for teens through adults are being moved to online sessions, that will be available in August. Registration will be available by June 15.

Riverfolk has also received an emergency grant of $1,000 from Creative Washtenaw Aid to cover operational costs. Started by The Arts Alliance, CREATIVE WASHTENAW AID is a campaign that hopes to raise $100,000 in aid for arts and creative organizations shuttered as well as artists and creative workers out of work and without pay in the greater Ann Arbor area due to COVID-19.

Finally, Riverfolk plans on continuing the online "Live" series through the summer months, but artists are still being contacted for summer bookings. The group also hopes to develop a traveling neighborhood concert series where people could come out on to their porches to listen to musical performances. Both plans are pending additional grant funding, sponsorships, and/or donations.

To make a donation to support Riverfolk and the concert series, visit the website. Look for the green "DONATE" button in the upper right corner of the home page. You may also click the "donate" button on Facebook while watching the concert live.

Thursday, May 21 will feature Rollie Tussing (hot jazz, country blues) and singer/songwriter Jen Sygit at 7:30 and 8:30 pm, respectively, and May 28 will be a reprise of Ara Topouzian playing traditional Armenian music at 7:30, followed by Cary Kocher on the Vibraphone at 8:30 pm. Don't miss these great concerts and the ones to follow!

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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.