One of my favorite things about summer in the Ithaca area is how music has a way of bringing people together. Whether it's a vineyard, a park, or a neighborhood gathering, live music creates a sense of community that's hard to find anywhere else. That's exactly why I'm excited to be performing at Music in the Hollow on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00 PM at the Ellis Hollow Community Center.
Best of all, it's completely free.
Music in the Hollow has become one of those summer traditions that reminds us how fortunate we are to live in a place where communities still gather simply to enjoy an evening together. There's no pressure, no complicated plans, and no ticket required. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in with your neighbors, and enjoy an evening of live music in one of the most beautiful corners of Tompkins County.
As a local musician, these community concerts mean a lot to me. They give me the opportunity to perform for people who may have never heard my music before, while also reconnecting with familiar faces I've met at other shows throughout the Finger Lakes.
If you've never been to one of my performances, my music is rooted in folk traditions and storytelling. I love songs that paint pictures, introduce memorable characters, and capture moments that feel both personal and universal. My influences come from traditional American folk music, country, and Americana, but every song I write reflects my own experiences and observations.
Many people know me from my YouTube channel, where I create videos about cowboy boots, craftsmanship, and Western culture. While I love making those videos, performing live has always been at the heart of what I do. Writing songs and sharing them with an audience is where everything began, and every performance reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place.
One of the things I enjoy most about outdoor community concerts is the atmosphere. Kids dance in the grass. Families spread out picnic blankets. Friends catch up after work while neighbors introduce themselves to one another. It feels less like attending a concert and more like spending an evening with your community.
That's something we could all use a little more of.
Live music has a unique ability to slow us down. For an hour or two, we put our phones away, stop thinking about tomorrow's schedule, and simply enjoy being present. I think that's one of the reasons community concert series continue to thrive, they remind us that some of life's best moments don't require elaborate plans. Sometimes all you need is a beautiful summer evening and a few good songs.
I'll be bringing a mix of original music along with some familiar favorites, and as always, I'll be sharing the stories behind many of the songs. Storytelling has always been one of my favorite parts of performing because it allows audiences to become part of the journey. Every song has a reason it was written, and I enjoy inviting listeners into those moments.
If you've been looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday evening, this is a great opportunity to experience live local music without spending a dime. Whether you're a longtime folk music fan or simply curious to hear something new, I hope you'll stop by and spend part of your evening with us.
Community events like Music in the Hollow don't happen without the volunteers, organizers, and neighbors who dedicate their time to making them possible. Supporting these events helps ensure they continue for years to come, giving local musicians a place to perform and local families a place to gather. It's one of the many reasons I'm grateful to be part of this series.
Summer always seems to pass faster than we'd like, which is why I try to make the most of evenings like these. There's something special about watching the sun begin to set while music fills the air and people enjoy one another's company. Those are the moments that stay with you long after the season ends.
I hope you'll join me on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00 PM at the Ellis Hollow Community Center for Music in the Hollow. Bring your family, invite a friend, pack a picnic if you'd like, and come enjoy an evening of stories, songs, and community.
I can't wait to see you there and share another wonderful summer evening together.