ParkFest to feature traditional style

The fair is over, the Fourth of July is becoming a distant memory and school is just around the corner.

With this in mind, residents may be wondering -- is anything left on summer's plate?

The answer is an resounding -- you bet!

The final show of the summer concert series, as presented by the Greencastle Civic League (GCL), is set to spotlight two musicians who honor the old ways of music history.

With the 4-H Fair taking place last week, the GCL decided to postpone its concurrent show in interest of allowing residents to focus on the festival at the fairgrounds. However, the organization still has one show planned before the leaves begin to fall and the corn comes down.

With roots firmly established in various genres, both Dominick Rivers and John Bean will present their choice selection(s) Tuesday, July 28 at Robe-Ann Park. The Putnam Inn will again be the food vendor.

Although the artists differ slightly in their respective catalogues, both show an emphasis for the appreciation of musical-originality and authenticity.

Dominick Rivers

Originally from Crawfordsville, Dominick Rivers is a 21 year-old aspiring musician whose interests are "all-encompassing."

With a focus in several areas of music, Rivers' self-proclaimed favorites consist of the folk, pop and blues styles with inspirations derived from popular artists like Bob Dylan, Syd Garrett and the Beatles.

Already receiving recognition for his prowess, Rivers has been presented the Mike Lane Horizon Award for Excellence in Poetry from the Songwriter's Association of Mid-North Indiana for his song titled "The Widow's Son."

This wunderkind will be taking his career to the next level soon, as he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in creative writing at Wabash College.

Having just returned from Brooklyn, N.Y., Rivers will bring with him the experience of not only becoming lead guitarist for a local group, but the know-how of what it means to pursue a solo career in a musically hostile environment.

John Bean

As a teen growing up in Iowa in the 1960s, John Bean's musical mentality focuses on authenticity.

Bean, who comes from a musical family, learned the styles of his father at a young age. Hailing from Virginia, his father would often sing ballads of minstrel songs taken from early recordings.

The result of such a background forms a catalogue that reflects various traditions of American-roots music, while leaning toward the music specifically learned by his family and friends.

With an early interest in ballads (songs that spell stories) Bean discovered he also enjoys playing instruments in supportive roles, such as the guitar (both six and 12-string verions), banjo and fiddle.

In fact, his love of the fiddle inspired him to take up violin-making, an example of which is presented in the above photograph.

From string bands to jug bands, Bean will feature a selection of music with roots in the 19th and 20th centuries on Tuesday, July 28 at Robe-Ann Park.