The Unlikely Strummers, one of the local musical groups, fill the stage of the Federated Church of Norfolk
Now that the Massachusetts Walking Tour has started, it feels like the pace has picked up considerably, even though it’s mostly a walking pace. But night after night we have great music, surprising stories, and sweet moments.
Hanging out before the concert, getting pizza and other treats, with our littlest fan, Dot
The group walk from Millis to Norfolk was well attended, with folks spending the entire day with the group. And one little person became the star for the day, Dot, who traveled with her parents for the entire walk from Millis to Norfolk, including the group Easy Walk to Stony Brook Nature Center. And she managed to stay awake for the entire concert that evening as well.
Raianne and Kristen Sykes, who traveled last year with the group for the paddler’s tour, get a few moments to enjoy each other’s company over dinner.
I heard of encounters at Stony Brook with huuuuge snapping turtles, glimpses of birds on their nests, and encounters with great blue herons. And we learned that Norfolk residents, whether Audubon members or not, are welcome to visit to Stony Brook for free, year round.
Pastor Scott welcomes everyone to the concert
The Federated Church of Norfolk offered a beautiful venue for the evening’s music. We heard occasional commuter trains sail past, and one fire truck with sirens blaring drove past just before the concert. But for the two hours of the concert, we took in the music.
I get a turn to join the musicians on stage
Each Walking tour’s concert has traditionally begun with an acapella number, and this year the group agreed to use the tune I suggested, “May the Light of love” by David Roth, for this first song. Since I was the one who (mostly) knew the lyrics, the musicians agreed to join me on the chorus. I am rusty performing on stage, but it’s getting easier, and such a joy to sing with such gifted musicians to sing.
Eli Go shared solo guitar music
Eli Go shared instrumental guitar music to start off the evening.
The “Strummers” warmed up downstairs just before the concert
Multiple ukuleles of every shape entertained us as the Unlikely Strummers opened our eyes to the versatility of this instrument.
Nick Noble joins the Walking Tour on stage to add his energy and passion for folk music to the event
And Nick Noble, of WICN Worcester radio brought his “Folk Revival” style music for all to enjoy. He explained that everyone who sings with him becomes a member of his group, “Wolfpen,” and the audience did not let Nick down, cheerfully joining in on his easy-to-sing along tunes he suggested.
Nick walked with the group the entire day, and has walked with them on previous tours as well. He was the emcee for the event’s program, and remained on stage throughout the program, earning him the trail name, “Peanut Gallery.” And yes, he had succinct, amusing comments to share throughout the night. Near the closing, he joined the Walking Tour musicians for yet more music.
And so another evening’s program wrapped up. Onward to Foxboro, through the rain. Thankfully the Foxboro Library’s roof has no leaks!
Marjorie
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: Finding the Sacred in Everyday (and some very strange) Places.
She has been a freelance writer for numerous local, regional, and national publications for the past 20+ years, has helped numerous families to save their stories, and has recorded multiple veterans oral histories, now housed at the Library of Congress. She is a co-author of the recent community history, Bellingham Now and Then.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 