Music By The Vines
Photo by Mary Hamel
Here in Hampshire County, we really know how to kick back, relax and enjoy the greener side of life—with just a few modern frills, like music and wine added for your enjoyment. Black Birch Vineyard’s Summer Music Series combines some of Hampshire County’s most stunning views with live music and locally made wine of course!
The series continues this Friday, June 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. in celebration of the Summer Solstice with The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra. Founded in 2009, by musical director Peter Blanchette, the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra is a true avant-garde community orchestra, comprised of more than 20 talented, enthusiastic, acoustic and electric guitarists from widely varied traditions. The group creates new and beautiful music that could only come from such an eclectic mélange, inspiring musicians to work together who might otherwise never collaborate.
Ed and Mary Hamel with Ian Modestow and Michelle Kersbergen opened Black Birch Vineyard’s tasting room in Spring 2012. Housed in the woodshed on their Southampton property, Black Birch offers a classic New England setting for tasting its locally made wine. And did we mention the views already? True to its description, Black Birch is perched on a sun-drenched hillside in Southampton overlooking the Mount Tom Range that stretches from Easthampton to Holyoke. Black Birch is open regularly for tastings and tours Fridays 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. You can also catch them at the Tuesday Market in Northampton should you need to stock up sooner!
For the series and other special occasions, Black Birch welcomes another Hampshire County local business to the party: The Laughing Tomato Mobile Wood Fired Pizza. On concert nights, you can enjoy a fresh pie in just minutes from this mobile operation that’s somewhere different every day (except you can also find them at the Tuesday Market in Northampton). Laughing Tomato is owned and operated by local pair Sue and Armando, who with their specialty oven, have three major goals: to earn a simple living while making delicious fresh pizza, to provide a friendly and engaging food experience, and last but not least to have as much fun as possible!
So, join these Hampshire County locals in having as much fun as possible this summer! Visit the vineyard, grab a bottle and pie, and enjoy some music on quite the picturesque stage.
Black Birch Vineyard Summer Music Series Schedule
Friday, June 21 (Rain date: June 22)
The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cover charge: $10
Saturday, July 13 (Rain date: July 14)
The Lonesome Brothers
6 to 8 p.m.
Cover charge: $10
Saturday, July 27 (Rain date: July 28)
JMPT Quartet
6 to 8 p.m.
Cover charge: $5
TIPS: Bring your own lawn chair. No outside alcohol allowed.