Sounds Local: Big names playing Tree House Brewing this summer

By SHERYL HUNTER

For the Recorder

Published: 06-14-2023 2:26 PM

Enjoying live music outdoors is one of the best things about summer, and this year the experience promises to be better than ever thanks to Tree House Brewing Company in South Deerfield. The popular brewery is hosting a summer stage music series that will bring nationally known touring acts to Franklin County. The shows will take place on the beautiful lawn of their facility on Routes 5 and 10 (in the former Channing L. Bete building).

In April, South Deerfield permitted Tree House to expand its outside capacity to 1500, allowing them to book bigger names at the venue.

Last week, they launched the summer stage concert series with a sold-out show with alt-folk rockers Deer Tick. Don’t worry if you missed that concert, or the Yo La Tengo show last night, as plenty of music is scheduled for the months ahead. Let’s take a look at what’s in store at Tree House.

On Monday, June 19, Tree House will welcome Wilcofrontman Jeff Tweedy for a solo show. Wilco is no stranger to western Massachusetts as they host their Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA in North Adams every other year. This is an off-year for the festival, and Tweedy has been busy touring with Wilco in support of their latest album “Cruel Country,” as well as a series of solo shows. Tweedy has released three solo albums and two books, with a third book scheduled for release in the fall. His solo shows consist of a mix of his solo material and some Wilco tunes thrown into the mix. The opening act will be Le Ren, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Canada whose music spans folk, bluegrass and country.

Also on the schedule for July is alt-rockers They Might Be Giants who will play on Thursday, July 6. The pair of John Linnell and John Flansburgh, who always put on a highly entertaining show, is on a tour that celebrates their 40th anniversary as a band.

On Friday, July 7, it’s Eggy, a band from Connecticut with a growing fan base. They are known for their infectious grooves and extended jams.

The month wraps up with Aimee Mann on Tuesday, July 25. Mann first made her mark in the ‘80s with the band ’Til Tuesday, scoring a hit with “Voices Carry.” She has since become an acclaimed solo artist. Her first big success as a solo artist was the soundtrack for the film “Magnolia” with the song “Save Me,” which was nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy. She has released ten albums, her latest being “Mental Health” and “Queens of the Summer Hotel,” which deal with serious issues such as suicide and depression.

August starts with Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, better known as the Tallest Man on Earth, who will take the stage on Thursday, Aug. 3. He played a sold-out concert at the Tree House Theater in April, and it was such a success they are bringing him back, providing more people with the chance to see him. The Tallest Man on Earth, who was previously the lead singer for the indie band Montezumas, plays indie folk music and is known for his captivating live shows.

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Then it’s the Americana pioneers the Old Crow Medicine Show on Wednesday, Aug. 23. This Grammy-winning string band from Nashville has been making music since the late ’90s and is best known for the song “Wagon Wheel.” Their performances are known for having the energy of punk shows.

The summer will be winding down when Trombone Shorty and New Orleans Avenue perform on Monday, Aug. 28. Trombone Shorty, whose real name is Troy Andrews, started playing trombone when he was four years old, which is where he got his nickname. He will bring the New Orleans sound and energy to South Deerfield when he and his band bring their mix of funk, rock, soul and R&B.

We should mention that Jose James is scheduled to play in the house theater on Wednesday, July 6. He will be singing the music of ErykahBadu. Tree House is hosting a fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 1, and local favorites Mind Left Body, who interpret the music of the Grateful Dead, will be playing at that ticketed event. Regional bands will continue to play in the taproom on weekends throughout the summer. Oh, and Tree House’s fine brews will be sold during the shows.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit treehousbrew.com. Keep in mind that at Tree House, all tickets are non-transferable and you must have a photo ID that matches the name on the ticket for entrance to a show. That means that if for some reason you cannot attend, you are essentially out of luck. The taproom is only open to those with concert tickets when a show is happening. Parking is on-site or at nearby Yankee Candle, where shuttles will be provided. If you have on-site parking it will be noted on your ticket. The venue opens at 5 p.m. on the day of show, and shows begin at 7 p.m. Please read the FAQs on the Tree House website for more details regarding the concert series.

One Roof Concert for the Homeless features Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms

Fans of ‘90s music will want to head to the Pines Theater at Look Park in Florence on Saturday, June 17, when the One Roof Concert for the Homeless takes place. The all-day festival features ‘90s favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms. Both bands were favorites on MTV; Toad the Wet Sprocket had the hit “Walk on the Water” and Gin Blossoms scored big with “Hey Jealousy,” The festival features other ‘90s acts as Marcy Playground, Kay Hanley of the band Letters to Cleo, Julianna Hatfield and Amy Rigby.

The Sighs, originally from Holyoke and known for the 1992 album, “What Goes On,” will reunite for this show. A collection of excellent power pop songs, “What Goes On” should have been a hit, but record company politics prevented it from getting the exposure it needed to reach a large scale audience – so don’t miss the chance to see this great band again.

Local groups Eavesdrop and The Glad Machine will also be part of the lineup. And it’s all for a good cause as One Roof provides services for unhoused individuals in the area. For tickets and more information visit onerootfestival.org

Meave Gilchrist and Bruce Molsky at Watermelon Wednesdays

I wanted to remind everyone that the Watermelon Wednesdays series, which takes place at the West Whately Chapel, is well underway. Next up is guitarist/fiddler/banjo player Bruce Molsky and Celtic Harp player/singer Maeve Gilchrist who will perform at the Chapel on Wednesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. The two have played the Watermelon Wednesdays series in the past, but never as a duo. Together they will create an evening of magical music, blending their two genres of old music and Celtic music. For tickets visits watermelonwednesdays.com

Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.

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