Mill Park Music Series leaders reflect on 5 years

For many of us who have been missing live music, its return is one of the highlights of the summer. When the strains of fiddle or guitar music are floating on an evening breeze scented with flowers in a park surrounded by friends and neighbors, the experience is truly magical.

JT Tompkins, one of the committee members responsible for creating the Mill Park Music Series, said that his favorite part is “bringing this Norman Rockwell painting to life.”

Tompkins and his fellow committee members Joanne James, Michelle Menter, Laura Brown and Joyele Irons recently released the much-anticipated 2021 lineup for the Mill Park Music Series. Now in its fifth year, this summer’s series will feature returning artists starting with TOiVO on July 14 at 6 p.m.

“TOiVO was our very first band back in 2017. They played on the grass next to the gazebo,” Tompkins said. “We really didn’t have the sound or stage figured out yet, and I feel like they didn’t get a fair shake.”

A seven-piece band from Trumansburg, TOiVO has Finnish and Tex-Mex roots. Featuring Richie Koski on the button accordion, TOiVO plays down-home music that is, according to its website, “good for dancing, good for listening, good for love.” As Newfield’s Finnish population knows, toivo means hopeful, and hopes are high that this will be a great opening performance.

On July 28, popular local band Kitestring will play on the Mill Park stage for the first time. Its scheduled appearance in 2019 was moved to the rain venue at Stella’s Barn.

“Kitestring played a great show, but the crowd wasn’t there because of the weather,” Tompkins said. “This is our chance to right some of the wrongs of the past seasons. Kitestring’s second CD [Seven Years Good Luck] was released just before the pandemic, and they couldn’t tour to promote it. Come out and hear some of their new tunes.”

Josh Ross is the lead singer, guitarist and main songwriter for Kitestring, a four-piece alt-rock band that plays mostly original music. Some of you may remember Ross as a favorite substitute teacher at Newfield who walked the hallways with a friendly smile and a guitar slung over his shoulder. He hasn’t lost either one and he’d be thrilled to see some former students at the show.

Janet Batch is next, playing Aug. 11. Hailing from West Danby, her fans in “Batch Nation” lovingly call her the “The Voice of the Hills.” Tompkins simply calls her amazing.

“She plays hardscrabble country, the good stuff,” Tompkins said. “Plus, she is pressing a new vinyl album, and you know I love that. I’m really excited to hear her new music.”

Rounding out the season Aug. 25 is Erin and the Backwoods Blues Project, a Delta blues band with a modern twist. Listening to front-woman Erin Mulrooney sing the blues, you’ll think you’ve been transported to New Orleans. She encourages everyone to “shake your hips,” and it is hard not to when you hear Danny Paolangeli’s guitar licks and Lisa Bloom’s bass beat.

“Erin features Newfield’s own Town Supervisor Mike Allinger on keys, so it’s kind of nice to have them come back to commemorate this special year,” Tompkins said.

The series consists of just four bands this year, though Tompkins said that it will likely go back to the expanded schedule in the future.

“Last year, we only held three shows and limited attendance to 50 people,” Tompkins said. “We didn’t want to fade away entirely. When we planned for this year, things were still a little iffy. The summer shows are always the most well-attended anyway.”

Though the committee members do the heavy lifting when it comes to booking artists, coordinating the event and publicizing shows, Tompkins said they couldn’t do it alone. In addition to funding from sponsors like Tioga State Bank, the Masons and Staples, it is volunteers from the community who make it happen.

“The town crew mows on the day of the event, the Girl Scouts keep up the flower gardens, [and] the library provides lawn games for the kids,” Tompkins said. “It’s a little gem of a park, and we’ve literally put it on the map.”

Tompkins is referring to the fact that Mill Park didn’t used to appear on Google Maps, so band members would drive right by when searching for the venue. That’s not the only hiccup this little music series has had to deal with. For example, the ice cream truck got stuck on the hill.

“Dennis got a new truck, so he shouldn’t have any problem pulling the trailer up the hill this summer,” Tompkins said. “We’ll have Dennis’ Handmade Ice Cream at every show.”

Be sure to come early to get a good seat and check out the new Harvest Farmers Market to run on the same nights as the music series. Starting with the concert on July 28, fresh and free local produce will be offered in front of the school from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All are welcome!

In Brief:

Louella’s Space open house Aug. 1

Amy Gaines is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting/open house at Louella’s Space on Aug. 1. Stella’s On Wheels will be set up in the parking lot to “pass the torch.” In addition to delicious food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Stop in to tour the new space, mingle with friends and enjoy live music by Rachel Beverly. DarlingCake will provide complimentary desserts for everyone who drops by between 1 and 4 p.m.