Mokelumne Hill was once a sleepy little hamlet but that was decades ago. It is now a bustling hamlet with lots going on; especially about music. On Wednesday, July 16, Calaveras Arts Council brings Music in the Parks to Moke Hill’s Shutter Tree Park and the music will be cranked up with folks dancing, Lion’s Club members selling pies and ice cream, and with much more going on. Music starts at 6:30pm but folks come early to set up camp with their picnic dinners and low back chairs.
Grover Anderson performed last year for MIP but it was one of those summer days when the thermometer read 102 degrees in the shade. This year the temperature will be cooler but the music will be hot. Grover is an amazing, singer-songwriter based out of Murphys with an intellect and style in the prolific traditions of the folk-rock pioneers of the 60s and 70s. Grover says the industry requires a genre so he is all about folk but he prefers to known as a story teller. Regardless of his genre, the crowds will be engaged by his music and storytelling. Grover is accompanied by foothill musicians Kevin Bernido on bass; Josh Certo on drums; and Chris Stevens on lead guitar.
Anderson just released his third album, The Optimist, which follow his two other two albums, Innocent Insinuations and Tourniquet. All albums showcase a diverse array of musical styling and chart his growth as an artist and storyteller. Musical influences range from Josh Ritter to Garth Brooks, Jason Mraz to Creedence Clearwater Revival. When he is not in the studio, Anderson can be found sharing his music across the western US, in intimate venues in the Bay Area and in his beloved Sierra Foothills.
Shutter Tree Park is in Mokelumne Hill. Take Highway 49 North towards Jackson. Make a right turn onto Main Street, Mokelumne Hill. Shutter Tree Park is located at the corner of Main and Center Street. The next Music in the Parks concert is July 23 at the Cedar Center in Arnold. Cowboy entertainer and yodeler Sourdough Slim performs with banjo playing Robert Armstrong. For a downloadable schedule of Music in the Parks and other events presented by the Calaveras Arts Council, go to www.calaverasarts.org or call (209) 754-1774.
The non-profit Calaveras County Arts Council operates The Gallery Store at 22 Main Street in San Andreas. Hours are Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The store offers free parking both in front and in back and is handicapped accessible. Become an Arts Council member and receive a 10% discount on all your gallery purchases. For more information, call the Calaveras Arts Council at (209) 754-1774 or visit www.calaverasarts.org. END
