This is the first in a series by Eric Zimmett called “In the Field,” in which he covers stories happening around town through field photography, field notes, and observations, focusing on how people, organizations, and businesses connect in the community.
The big tree overlooking the lawn on Old Boalsburg Road provided shade on May 17 for the first concert in a summer series, Music On The Lawn, sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. Rock Hill Revival brought the music. And a lawn full of Boalsburg residents, families and pets, lounged in their chairs, on blankets and in the bare grass.
Zion Lutheran supplied a cooler full of water so everybody was hydrated on the hot spring afternoon.I captured photos of the band tuning their instruments as they got ready to kick things off. Families, young and old, continued to fill the lawn. It was nice to see a mix of what makes up Boalsburg.
The atmosphere was of a front-porch concert, like a neighbor with a guitar on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd was relaxed and listened to the music. Some recorded the band on their phones, but for the most part, few phones were in sight, and conversation spread across the lawn throughout the evening.
Rock Hill Revival played a variety of genres stretching vintage rock, country, blues and jazz.
I was lying on the grass with my legs crossed, Perrier seltzer in hand, listening to the tunes of Rock Hill.
One particular line from a song I’d never heard before stood out to me: “Time don’t wait on nobody, just keeps moving on,” from a cover of “Time Don’t Wait” by Marty Stuart.
“Time don’t wait on nobody, just keeps moving on…” a timely line for this moment, and a signal for what’s ahead with this town, blending Boalsburg’s history with its future.
Music on the Lawn continues on June 14 with Tussey Mountain Moonshiners. Sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church, Music on the Lawn is part of a broader Grounded in Boalsburg community initiative to host events for young families, local Boalsburg residents, and the entire Centre County community, and bring people together in Boalsburg and celebrate the community and history of the town.
Upcoming Grounded in Boalsburg events include Music on the Lawn on June 14, from 4- 6 pm, with Tussey Mountain Moonshiners; with additional historic tourism and community initiatives expected to be announced, including History Tours from Local Historia (TBD); and a Fall Bike Safety check with the Bike Roost (TBD), a follow-up to their Spring Bike Safety Check held on May 2.
Stay up to date on Grounded in Boalsburg online at www.groundedinboalsburg.com.
Eric Zimmett is helping Zion Lutheran Church with the Grounded in Boalsburg initiative through his Fieldwork & Advisory with Braden Social.
