In a project funded by Community Endowment of Lexington, we are joining two non-profit community partners – Lexington Historical Society and Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry – to co-host these backyard community concerts this spring in an effort to bring the community together and slow down, even if only for one hour.
The first of these concerts will take place at Lexington Historical Society’s Hancock-Clarke House (36 Hancock Street) on Saturday, May 18 at 2pm (with a rain date of Sunday, May 19 at the same time.) Lexington Historical Society’s Executive Director, Erica McAvoy, said, “Lexington Historical Society’s museums are from the 18th century, a time when the pace was slower and people really got to know their neighbors. It was also when chamber music became popular. We feel that partnering with Lexington Chamber Music for this performance will be an excellent opportunity, both to embrace music of the period and to slow down and get to know other members of our community. Partnering with other local organizations allows us to have a broader impact, and we look forward to this collaboration. ”
The second of these free outdoor community concerts will partner with the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry. Coordinator, Carolyn Wortman, said, “In this busy, sometimes hectic life, some never take time to stop and smell the roses. The Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry is honored to partner with the Lexington Chamber Music Center to provide this opportunity for our community to come together, to relax and unwind while enjoying beautiful music.” This backyard concert will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 2:30pm (rain date: Sunday, June 2 at the same time.) at Lexington’s Oak Knoll Farm, a 7 acre blueberry farm and the home of Ric Fulop and Jane Chen Fulop. Chen Fulop said, ““As supporters of the Community Endowment of Lexington, a vibrant classical music ecosystem in Lexington and food security for all, we are thrilled to host an event here on our old blueberry farm with local partners. Lexington is such a special community and events like this embody so much of why we love being a part of this community.”
This collaboration is being funded by a grant from Community Endowment of Lexington (CEL). CEL Co-Chair Nancy White explained, “CEL is pleased to be able to support this new community building effort, led by the Lexington Chamber Music Center. That so many organizations in our town are working together to support the arts and to find ways for our residents to connect with one another in a meaningful way is yet another reason why Lexington is such a special place.”
These backyard concerts will be informal gatherings. Everyone in the community is encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair (picnic baskets are welcome) and to enjoy the company of their neighbors, a glass of lemonade along with quality, live classical chamber music performed by teens from the Lexington community.
“We love the idea of bringing the community together,” said Randy, LCMC Executive Director. “And there’s nothing like an outdoor concert but the weather can wreak havoc on classical string instruments. We thought a covered front porch might provide the protection needed and audience members could spread a blanket on the lawn. It turns out there aren’t many covered front porches in Lexington with a lawn suitable for seating the entire neighborhood. So, the Front Porch Project became a series of backyard concerts and we partnered with our friends at the Historical Society and Interfaith Food Pantry.”
Challenging the assumption that fast is always better, Randy adds, “Our hope is to create a remembrance of a quiet, peaceful day in the community. For adult community members, this will add to Lexington residents’ store of memories of why they love living in this community. For the teens who will participate, they’ll not only share a musical experience with each other, but share a gift with the community. And as they grow and go off to college, they can look back on their experience of growing up in Lexington as a gift as well.”
About Lexington Historical Society:The mission of Lexington Historical Society is to be a premier interpreter of the events of April 1775, and the faithful steward of all of the town’s history through time. As an independent non-profit passionate about preserving Lexington’s history and sharing it with the public, the Historic Society provides tours of its fascinating historic sites. Visitors walk in the steps of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and George Washington. For membership or tour information, visit www.LexingtonHistory.org
About Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry: The Interfaith Food Pantry is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, including those from these supporting organizations: Temple Isaiah, Hancock United Church of Christ, Lexington United Methodist Church, Lexington Catholic Communities of Sacred Heart and St. Brigid’s parishes, First Parish. The Food Pantry serves all members of the community each Saturday morning. To receive information on volunteering, donating or receiving food items, visit https://lexingtonfoodpantry.wordpress.com
About Community Endowment of Lexington: The Community Endowment of Lexington enhances the quality of life for Lexington citizens. CEL awards grants to nonprofits and town agencies working in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, and community building; provides ways for donors to give back and leave a legacy; and encourages innovative and collaborative solutions to issues facing Lexington, MA. For more information, visit www.lexingtonendowment.org.
Email LCMC here with any questions.
