The Wagon Shed Concert Series in New Freedom, PA is a well kept secret. Not only does this tiny barn host folk and acoustic acts from across the country, their open mic nights featuring talented locals are legendary. Besides great acoustics in an intimate setting, every Wagon Shed concert includes an intermission potluck between sets, an opportunity to meet the performers and sample a range of amazing home cooked delicacies. Did I mention these concerts are BYOB? Yay.
Last night, The Honey Dewdrops plied Wagon Shed audiences with soulful, twangy harmonies layered over banjo, guitar and mandolin. Beyond a tight, lovely sound, the due has become known for original lyrics that come off simultaneously as contemporary poetry and traditional apalachian folk songs. In their words, last night, they like to play “Lots of sad songs… There’s something about a sad song that just makes you feel better.”
The husband and wife team of Kagey Parrish and Laura Wortman have been steadily touring for the past six years and can include appearances on NPR’s Prarie Home Companion and venues across the country. The two decided in June to be new Baltimore residents (!) and even played a brand new acoustic serenade to their new neighborhood titled, appropriately, Remington, and a Caleb Stine cover that was spot on.
Although it’s an adorable treat, it’s also ridiculous to drive an hour into PA to see this gem of a performance. We need a small BYOB space for acoustic music in Baltimore! I am hoping that The Honey Dewdrops will become a regular musical feature in Charm City. More info on The Honey Dewdrops here.
Author Cara Ober is Founding Editor at BmoreArt.
