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Shade Tree Pickin'& Grinnin' Concert Series
A
few years back, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored it's initial Shade
Tree Pickin' and Grinnin' concert at historic Salem Depot Park. Over that time,
lovers of acoustical music have been treated to some of the finest music around.
Event founder and local musician Fred Zinn , described the experience as "an
informal group of pickers playing in a small group. It's just a fun thing."
Initially, the Chamber held that "fun thing" from March through September. Since
that first year, much has happened. The popularity of the performances have
steadily
grown. Zinn said, " With the restoration completed on the Depot and the
attendance growing, it just made sense to do this year round. I have been in
other parts of the country where something like this grew so much that local
merchants stayed open late on the evening of the music because of the large
following attracted. " The concept of this type of
performance evolved from
groups of guitar players sitting under an old shade tree playing music.
Attendees describe it as an acoustical jam. Zinn added , " Any acoustical
musician, amateur or professional, is invited to
come out
and play. The only format followed is to deliver great music. " The musicians
in
attendance range in skill from beginner to seasoned veteran and could be playing
one of many different instruments including guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle,
dulcimer, and mandolin. The only requirement is that everything is acoustical. A
musician in attendance, or even a member of the audience , selects a song for
everyone to join in on. Various musicians will share the lead and singing. This
event is open to the public has no admission charge. It
is held at
6:00 PM in Salem Depot Park on the first Thursday of each month. Weather
permitting, the musicians play outside the Depot, often under the new
pavilion at the park. Refreshments are available on a cash basis. Due to
the 2008 fire at the Salem Depot, cold weather concert dates will be
held at Salem City Hall.
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