That’s Clark Farm and Forest of Bliss. In collaboration with Andrew Rodgers, Clark Farm owner and manager and Amanda Leahy, CSA manager, we’re honestly super excited to announce the first of two concerts at the farm this Summer.
Pot Luck Picnic & Outdoor Concert*
Rob Flax & the Boom Chick Trio
Supper: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Concert: 6:00 – 8:00 pm-ish
* Weather permitting. If rain is certain, we’ll all move into the barn.
Make this the first, best picnic of the summer!
If you heard this trio (more below) at our house, you’ll know why we wanted to bring them to a larger audience. These three inventive, endlessly energetic, often original, sometimes goofy musicians blast through the boundaries of music genres. Here’s more about the band. You might glimpse their energy level in the example below, but in person, there’s so much more.
Tickets
As of May 28, Sold Out
See this announcement for the next Farm and Forest Concert, Sat Sept 13
All of the ticket income goes to the artists.
Consider making a donation to support Clark Farm as well. You can do that at ticket checkout. It’s a simple way to say thank you to Andrew and Amanda for their hospitality.
We chose this ticketing service because of its competitive, low fees.
Clark Farm is located at 185 Concord Street, Carlisle MA 01741
Pot Luck: We need you
This is an experiment, friends and neighbors. You are the key to its success. Please, sign up, commit to attend, bring (or make) something that you’re happy to share.
When you buy a ticket, I’ll send you an online form. Let us know what you’re bringing. We’ll aim for a balance of foods and and hope to address some dietary preferences.
Get to know Rob Flax & the Boom Chick Trio
“Hotshot swing, crackerjack instrumentals, superb harmonies & hysterical stagecraft” —The Folk Project
Rob is an award-winning violinist who is classically trained but known for his jazz and improvisational pyrotechnics, irresistible grooves, and a deep knowledge of American fiddle traditions. He’s also a powerhouse vocalist, capable of silky crooning a la Nat King Cole or visceral Chicago blues shouts, and a consummate songwriter with lyrical depth to complement his instrumental virtuosity.
“Way more fun than squirrels in a bag of nuts… Smokin’ great” —Patrice O’Neill, Wintergrass
Rob is joined by Boston-based Slava Tolstoy (guitar, vocals), also a composer and producer who calls his original songs energetic pop-rock with tight arrangements, virtuoso soloing, and deep and meaningful lyrics in the best traditions of Russian rock. On bass and vocals, Noah Harrington is also a composer, bandleader, and educator from Lexington, MA. Since 2019 Harrington has led the band Acoustic Nomads, blending music from North and South America. Harrington also performs regularly with singer-songwriter Lindsay Foote, fiddler Mari Black, and with his band High Horse.
Some of you will recognize that the bass player in this video is Max Ridley. Noah Harrington recently joined the band. He’s a perfect fit! We wish Max success in whatever comes next.
Answers to Questions… you haven’t asked yet
Parking: In the farm lot. If the lot is full, park on the farm side of the street only. Do not park across the street. Be respectful of neighbors and other parkers.
Seating: General admission. If the weather is good and the concert is outside, bring your own chair. The ideal seat is a low beach chair or you could sit on your own blanket on the ground. If your chair is taller, please set up your seat behind people in low chairs.
If we move into the barn, chairs will be set up for you. You may not use your own chair in the barn. Beach and lawn chairs take up more space than those we have. We want everyone to fit.
Tickets: We’re managing ticket sales online platform. See the link above. All tickets are one price, regardless of age.
Refunds: All sales are final. If you can’t attend, give them or sell them (at face value) to a friend. Try offering them on City in the Woods or Carlisle Connected (a Facebook group). If you can’t get them to someone else, the artists will appreciate your donation.
Prepare for summer outdoor conditions: Bring your own bug spray, sun screen, sun glasses, and maybe a hat. It may be hot when we sit down and cool by the time we leave. Keep in mind that dusk is the mosquito hour. Be prepared. Changeable forecast? Rain jacket? Maybe.
Pot luck: what to bring. Assume that we’ll need you to bring a dish to pass. When you buy a ticket, I’ll send you a link to an online form to make it as easy as possible to sign up and tell us more.
Everyone: Bring your own dishes and silverware. Consider bringing a full water bottle, too. See also, BYOB below. This cuts down on waste and trash.
You could also bring some extra plastic utensils, cups, and paper plates. Most of us have a stash left over from birthday parties, etc. If you are willing to share, let us know and bring them with you. Thanks in advance.
BYOB: Yes, you can. Really. Don’t forget to bring your own unbreakable glasses, corkscrew, or bottle opener.
Farm and Forest? Tell me more
You can thank Amanda Leahy, Clark Farm CSA Manager, for these concerts. After hearing musicians in our living room, she asked if we thought we could offer concerts at the farm together. We loved the idea from the start.
What’s so generous about Andrew and Amanda’s offer is the intention to give folks like you and me a place to gather. So we urge you to do anything you can to support the farm: a CSA membership, donation, patronize the farm shop (different from the store down the road), sign up for a workshop or kids program. Just imagine what Carlisle would be like without Clark Farm.
In 2024, Laurelyn and I started hosting house concerts. All of the proceeds go to the artists. They are intimate, often thrilling afternoons with outstanding musicians. Our idea simple: this is one way we can support musicians who are some of the hardest working people we know. But we think we get much more from our time together than they do.
The most satisfying feature of the day is the company – musicians, of course, but also friends, neighbors, music lovers, open-minded listeners, and amateur musicians who come to hear and be inspired. But our living room limits the size of the group that can gather, so we’re happy to go bigger thanks to Clark Farm this summer.
If you think an outdoor meal with good company and good music is your idea of a fine summer night, we’re happy to call you neighbors no matter where you come from.
We are happy to acknowledge our fellow townspeople.
This program is sponsored in part by the Carlisle Cultural Council.
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