Music resonated from the Meeting House on Milton Road on the cold night of March 1, leaving the audience mellow, happy, warm, and wanting more.

By Georgetta L. Morque

 

Music resonated from the Meeting House on Milton Road on the cold night of March 1, leaving the audience mellow, happy, warm, and wanting more. Gary Adamson, leader of Back to the Garden 1969, a Woodstock tribute band, teamed up with percussionist and band member Fred Wolcott for “A Winter Evening of Acoustic Music,” a benefit for the Meeting House and Bird Homestead.

 

Showcasing his versatility, Adamson alternated between three guitars and keyboard, while singing his original songs – some from his first CD plus newly created compositions – all inspired by family, travel, life, and love in ’60s and ’70s genre. Wolcott, well known in the Manhattan music scene, was accompanied on three Latin percussion drums and a bongo, offering a special blend of rhythm and beat. The duo plans to produce a CD of their new sounds soon.  

 

For those who haven’t ventured there, the Meeting House was once a one-room schoolhouse, which was relocated to Milton Road in 1867, soon after became an Episcopal Chapel and, later, a Meeting House for the Religious Society of Friends. Next door is the former home of Henry Bird, who along with his two sons, made significant contributions to the world in science and archaeology. Large pictures of the family and the buildings grace the interior of the quaint Meeting House, which proved to have excellent acoustics, making it ideal for intimate musical performances.

 

The Committee to Save the Bird Homestead manages both properties. The mission of the nonprofit is to restore the buildings, safeguard habitat for shore life, and produce educational programming. The group will hold an organic gardening program for children from the Carver Center this spring, and has hosted a number of lectures by gardening and nature experts. Visit their Facebook page (Meeting House-and-Bird Homestead) for upcoming events.

 

Back to the Garden 1969 has a full lineup of spring and summer concerts. Visit backtothegarden1969.com for upcoming dates.