Parkfest at Robe-Ann Park begins Tuesday

Van Terry, the folk duo of Mike Van Rensselaer (left) and Steve Terry, will be the first performers in the Parkfest series of outdoor concerts at Robe-Ann Park. The two, seen here at Relay for Life 2011, play a variety of instruments and perform their own compositions as well as traditional folk songs.

Parkfest, a homegrown concert series featuring local musical talent in a family-oriented venue, begins its 18th season Tuesday with a 7 p.m. performance at Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle.

Sponsored by the Greencastle Civic League, the long-running series offers free concerts for audiences of all ages picnicking, visiting with friends and watching children take advantage of nearby playground equipment at the Bob Flanigan bandshell.

Van Terry, the folk duo of Mike Van Rensselaer and Steve Terry, kick off this year's series, which will add an extra half-hour of music to each of the traditional hour-long performances.

For three decades the teacher-mail carrier pair has harmonized and picked banjo, mandolin and guitar at a variety of venues ranging from folk history/character education convocations at schools to its latest appearance at DePauw's Relay for Life this spring.

Drawing on the rich tradition of folk music from the English Isles and American roots, the duo intersperse the work of more contemporary artists such as Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and Credence Clearwater Revival to broaden the appeal of their performances.

They will also perform two of their own compositions, add verses of their own to traditional songs and tell stories, all of which characterize them as contributors to the folk process.

Parkfest will be staged on Tuesdays from June 14 to Aug. 23. After Van Terry's performance on Tuesday, the following performers will play at Robe-Ann Park:

June 21 -- Convergence -- Classic jazz trio

June 28 -- The Fret Set -- Traditional folk music

July 5 -- Brazil Concert Band -- Patriotic music at Gobin United Methodist Church

July 12 -- The Mongrel Dogs -- Folk/country blues

July 19 -- Lutherans on Bluegrass -- Gospel bluegrass

Aug. 9 -- Covered Bridge Country Women's Barbershop Chorus -- a capella

Aug. 16 -- Tony Harmless -- Original music

Aug. 23 -- Saturday Shoes -- Country rock

Parkfest attendees are reminded to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating for Tuesday's performance, which is co-sponsored by the Greencastle Park and Recreation Department.