On Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m., Whately’s Watermelon Wednesdays will present its first concert of 2017 – and it is going to benefit local social justice groups.
The summer concert series is performing the special winter concert, “In It Together,” to build community, as well. The concert will be held at the Academy of Music in Northampton.
Chris Brashear and Ben Demerath will perform. They have been described as having a “combination of experience, raw talent and formidable vocal duets … in tradition of the Stanley Brothers or Rice and Skaggs.
The Wisteria String Quartet, with cellist Wayne Smith, violist Delores Thayer and violinists Sarah Briggs and Kaila Graef will also perform. The quartet brings new and classical works to the Pioneer Valley.
Mister Sun, comprising three generations playing an American string band repertoire, and the Charles Neville Quartet – Charles is of the famed Neville Brothers – will also play. The Valley Jazz Divas will be there, as well.
Typically, Watermelon Wednesdays relegates itself to summer concerts in the Whately Chapel. Musicians have been performing there for 17 years.
The concert will specifically benefit the Markham-Nathan Fund, which has grassroots social justice groups throughout the Pioneer Valley.
Tickets are available through the Academy of Music online and at the Box Office, 274 Main St. in Northampton, or by calling 413-584-9032. Visit: www.aomtheatre.com