Riverbend Farm, from the tow path
The thing about the Massachusetts Walking Tour is that they, well, walk from town to town, kind of like those troubadours of old, only these talented musicians are not that old.
Park Ranger Kathryn Parent and Yoga Bob to greet the Walking Tour as they arrive at Riverbend Farm
We headed over to Riverbend Farm the afternoon they were arriving for a concert that night,
We found them!
and caught up with them heading north on the tow path towards the farm, an easy walk, indeed.
Lots to do, so they’re headed on toward Riverbend Farm
Instruments are strapped to their packs, tents and other gear are on their backs as well.
Great blue heron fishing in the canal, alongside the tow path
There were smiles as we greeted them on the trail,
Nearly there
but don’t expect them to slow down too much–they have things to do once they arrive at their destination.
The Walking Tour has arrived, ready to get on with the tasks at hand
They took a moment to get a group photo on the wall just outside the visitor’s center, then it was on to the tasks still waiting to be taken care of.
Setting up tents
Each afternoon the group strolls into town and gets set up for another concert in their ten-day tour of the Blackstone Valley and Upper Charles watershed. Tents needed to get set up. Hiking clothes are set aside and concert clothes are donned, hair brushed, instruments tuned, community performers organized, and they grab snacks prior to the show.
View from the upstairs of the Visitor’s Center
The weather was iffy, so a decision was needed–indoors or outside? Because of threatening clouds, and hungry mosquitos, plus better acoustics indoors, they opted to head into the upstairs of the barn at Riverbend Farm Visitor Center.
A packed house greeted the Walking Tour during their visit to Uxbridge
Park personnel stood out in the field to point folks to the indoor venue, and before long the building was full.
Mark Mandeville accompanies young musicians from the Blackstone Valley Music School, where he teaches
Another young students sings out on the Walking Tour stage
Community music, musicians from the community, what the Walking Tour is all about
Every slot was filled by local musicians, ready to entertain a receptive audience
Improvisation is what community music is all about
And another musician
Mark and Raianne work really hard to provide venues for local artists to get a chance to share their music. The concert in Uxbridge was no exception–one musician after the next stepped up and shared music they cared about. Family members cheered the young musicians on.
Each concert begins with the Walking Tour sharing a piece accapella (no instruments)
The rain held off, and the Walking Tour musicians presented yet another evening of great music,
Guest musicians liven up some tunes
stunning harmonies and just plain fun.
And with instruments! (No shoes needed)
I met the group the next morning as they headed north toward Upton, via the tow path and onto the east bank of the Blackstone River from Rice City Pond.
At the stone arch bridge at the top of the Riverbend Farm tow path, on the way to Upton
We stopped for yet another photo near the stone arch bridge at Hartford Avenue,
The crew poses for just a moment before heading north
a great spot for photos any time of year.
My brother stopped by from California, via the Tall Ships, to join the Walking Tour for a short hike
Amy adds a little more exercise to her day, in the woodland path along the east bank of the Blackstone River, near Rice City Pond
After carefully crossing the bridges to Rice City Pond, we headed up the east bank of the Blackstone River, and they headed north, while I turned back for my car. Tonight–Upton Kiwanis Beach 6PM, tomorrow Hopedale–concert at the Unitarian church–once again, 6 PM. And the Walking Tour just keeps on walking…
Marjorie Turner Hollman
Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 
What a wonderful report! It is still my dream to join that troupe one summer!
And what luminous photos! Thank you!
Wouldn’t that be fun for you to join this event! You would fit in, for sure. More music tonight, madrigal singers tomorrow night–