by Kirby Lindsay, posted 3 June 2011
This Sunday, June 5th, from 2p – 4p, the first concert of the annual Music In The Sculpture Garden (MITSG) series will take the stage in the courtyard of History House (790 N 34th St.) Throughout June and July, local, acoustic musicians will perform – for free – as the seventh season of this entertainment offering.
The concerts cost nothing to attend, which also means that the musicians agree to perform for, well, nothing. Yet, the concert producer, John Nordstrand, and other volunteers, do solicit coupons, gift certificates and other swag to present to the performers as tokens of thanks from area businesses and organizations (this year, so far, Anita’s Crepes, B.F. Day Elementary School, Blue Moon Burgers, Free Range Cycles, Fremont Brewing Company, KeyBank – Fremont Branch, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Roxy’s Diner/Backdoor @ Roxy’s, The Ballroom, PCC Natural Markets, U-Park System and Brown Bear Carwash have all donated items.)
‘It’s Awfully Fun’
For a third year, the duo of Burgundy Pearl has agreed to perform at the Sculpture Garden, this year on Sunday, June 19th, at 2p. When asked, the duo of Ron Dalton and Peggy Sullivan, explained that they continue to show up simply because they like the event. “It’s awfully fun,” stated Sullivan. “I like what John [Nordstrand] is doing there,” explained Dalton, “he’s such a support of the arts, and trying to pull community together.”
“We tend to like those things that are community-based,” Dalton elaborated, “that support the community. I think that is what John has built there.” Sullivan explained, “Community based on the people that come and watch, and the people that play.”
In fact, it was through their community – the ambient music community – that the talented duo (now also a married couple) came together in 2006. Paired up as back-up behind a mutual friend, Sullivan and Dalton discovered their strong vocal blend, and their mutual love of harmonizing, plus something far stronger.
Yet, as Burgundy Pearl, “we’re a mish-mash,” admitted Sullivan. She contributes her affinity for singing, and background in piano and old-time music. Dalton, a singer-songwriter, provides a background in vocal jazz as well as folk and pop. “Vocally,” Sullivan explained, “we’re very strong together.”
‘A Great Quirky Space’
Burgundy Pearl will return for their third MITSG show, although Dalton has performed in the concert series since its first year. Coincidentally, he also performed, years ago, in a song circle held at Wit’s End Bookstore, a previous tenant of the storefront next door to History House (where Milstead & Co Coffee Roasters will soon open.)
“It’s such a great quirky space,” admitted Sullivan. She enjoys the surroundings in the courtyard with the old fire engine, whimsical art gate, and “a lot of eye-catching things.”
Dalton agreed, and acknowledged that, “sonically, it’s not the greatest.” The courtyard roof can make it a most excellent outdoor venue, on both rainy and hot, sunny days, but the roof also invite difficult acoustics especially, according to Dalton, when outside noise bounce around inside, like on Fremont Fair weekend.
‘Pick and Choose’
The show featuring Burgundy Pearl will take place on Father’s Day, as well as Dad’s & Dogs Day at the Fremont Fair, although the serious outside noise will most likely take place on the day before.
For Saturday, June 18th, Dalton has helped Nordstrand organize ‘Victory Music Day in the Sculpture Garden.’ This day-long concert series will feature two musical acts (Eric Miller and Down the Road) performing before the Solstice Parade – and two (Hounds@Bay and the Kayser-Beck Band) appearing after.
Victory Music, a membership organization for musicians, supports an appreciation of acoustic music – often by organizing opportunities for established and aspiring performers to play. Dalton, a past president for Victory, arranged this showcase, although even he acknowledged that combatting the outside noise may cause difficultly for some of the musicians.
As an experienced performer, Sullivan admitted that she will, “pick and choose,” her play list differently when faced with difficulties, and “let the quieter, more delicate pieces fall away. We like jazz sounds,” Sullivan said, “but some venues don’t respond.” Rather than groaning over what they can’t play, the duo focused on the audience – and providing a quality performance. “Many venues,” Dalton explained, “you have to choose the pieces wisely. As the performer, you like to know the audience is responding.”
See them perform, and the audience respond, at History House on Sunday, June 19th, and check out ‘Victory Music In The Sculpture Garden’ which starts at 10a on Saturday, June 18th.
This Sunday, June 5th, however, hear THE Other Band and Hounds@Bay from 2p – 4p, and be ready for the vast collection of acoustic musicians (see the roster on the website or the Facebook page) all appearing this summer at History House!
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©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.