Thursday’s Gazebo concert features a world premiere with Aaron Jonah Lewis

Alex Belhaj (left) and Aaron Jonah Lewis (screenshot from YouTube).

After a one-week break, another great concert is on tap at the Manchester Gazebo in Wurster Park this Thursday night, July 28! Locally renowned banjo artist Aaron Jonah Lewis, who has been a popular guest at several Riverfolk events over the years, will be returning with a beautifully varied concert in two distinct parts.

The first half of program will feature Aaron on classical banjo, accompanied by a string quartet consisting of Angela Penrose and Daniel Winnick on violin, Carol Palms on viola, and Abigail Alwin on cello. The highlight of this half of the concert will be a premier of the Manchester Village Rag, written by Bruce Gartner and Mark Palms, which Aaron has specially arranged for string quartet. The quartet will perform five additional pieces Aaron arranged for the Ragtime Banjo Revival project.

Following the intermission, plan to enjoy Aaron on his “beautiful banjo” accompanied by Alex Belhaj on “groovy guitar.” Rehearsal video of Aaron and Alex practicing Frog Legs Rag for this week’s concert, filmed on Aaron’s front porch in Southwest Detroit, can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z5LzoYca2c

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic items. Also, you can enjoy great food from the St. Mary’s Ice Cream Social just across the street from the gazebo before the concert begins. And just in case of rain, there is a convenient rain location just kitty-corner from the gazebo at Emanuel United Church of Christ’s gymnasium.

As always, this performance is free and open to everyone. A freewill donation basket will be passed during the intermission of the concert. Any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated and helps support this long-time Manchester tradition. Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization also gratefully acknowledges Michigan Humanities for their grant funding for the 2022 program year.

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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.