Lineup announced for ninth Newfield Music Series at Mill Park

J.T. Tompkins had some obstacles in preparation for the ninth Newfield Music Series at Mill Park.

The person who handled sound had retired, so Tompkins was in search of a replacement. Thankfully, Tompkins’ good friend Brendan Kuntz, of Stromboli Sounds, will man the sound.

Thus, Tompkins — one of the organizers of the series — officially announced the lineup this summer.

The lineup is as follows:

• July 16: The Moses Boys (featuring Max from the Cast Iron Cowboys)
• July 30: The 86ers
• Aug. 13: Amber Martin & The Fruit Stand
• Aug. 27: The Makers (featuring Nate Silas Richardson and Lydia Garrison)

“We’re scaling back a bit. We only have four shows since we had a couple of hurdles to overcome,” Tompkins said. “The thought process is to have a really fun ninth year, then come back strong for the 10th year.”

Tompkins said that there isn’t an overall theme to this year’s shows as compared to previous years, but he added that there will be a good variety of music.

Tompkins noted that he is looking forward to Max Moses playing with the Moses Boys at the July 16 show.

“[Moses] was a huge hit at the park last year [with the Cast Iron Cowboys],” Tompkins added. “They are well loved here. They also put together a show for the Newfield Food Pantry benefit I held recently.”

Tompkins described The 86ers as a honky-tonk, rock-a-billy band. The band features Josh Dolan, who used to assist with gardening and the gardening program for Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Tompkins said he is excited to see Amber Martin and the Fruit Stand play on Aug. 13.

“I like them a lot,” Tompkins said. “I think they’ll be great, and they’ll sound really good at the park.”

The Makers, Tompkins said, will bring a unique sound of music to its show. 

Garrison is from the Home Remedy duo, who typically plays with a handful of fiddle bands. Richardson is from the Sim Redmond Band.

“It’s really awesome, and this year they have filled it out with a rhythm section,” Tompkins said.

Each show will begin at 6 p.m., Tompkins noted.

“As always, the bands are super easy to deal with,” he added.

Tompkins mentioned that Stop, Pop and Roll Boba — a vendor at Mill Park last summer — will not be present this year because the owner is getting close to graduating from college.

“That was a huge hit because it was so popular,” Tompkins said.

However, Tompkins said, Covered Bridge Market & Pizzeria will be returning as a vendor. Tompkins noted that the business served sausages, hot dogs, mac and cheese and more last year.

Dennis’ Homemade Ice Cream will also be present at this summer’s shows.

Last year’s series faced less-than-ideal weather conditions, which caused many shows to be moved to different dates and even completely cancelled one. 

Tompkins said that there isn’t a plan in place when it comes to the weather, but the series will go with the flow.

“We never quite figured that out. We’ll just play it by ear,” Tompkins said. “Everyone is accommodating, so we try to do [each show] and see if we can pull it off.”

Tompkins is looking forward to getting the shows underway soon.

“Last year was fun because we felt like a lot more locals came to the shows. People know about it, and they come down,” he added. “I want to come out strong next year, so I’m excited to get through this year.”

Tompkins said he and other organizers are going through plans for the 10th anniversary of the Mill Park Music Series next year. One thing is for sure — merchandise will be considered that will highlight the past nine series.

For now, the ninth year of the series is less than two months away from kicking off.

“I hope people come out and enjoy themselves,” Tompkins said. “The weather should be good. It’s a good lineup. We appreciate the support, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone out there.”

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Yoga at the library held every Saturday

A yoga for beginners class will be held on Saturdays at Newfield Public Library from 10 to 11 a.m.

Phyllis KuanYin Chi, a yoga teacher certified through Yoga Farm in Lansing, will lead the class. The instructor has additional training in trauma-informed yoga.

The class is on the second floor of the library. It is suitable for people new to yoga or those with mobility issues. There is also an opportunity to deepen poses for those with more experience.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Participants must have their own yoga mat or blanket. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.

Reading with dogs event at the library on June 4

The Newfield Public Library will hold an event where children can read to volunteer therapy dogs on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m.

The library invites the public to read with dogs from Cornell Canine Companions, an all-volunteer organization that is sponsored by the Cornell University Veterinary College.

For more information, go to newfieldpubliclibrary.org.