By John Katrina
For 27 years, the Summer Solstice Concert and Beer Garden Festival at Gorgas Park has featured local resident Ben Arnold as its headline act.
This year was no different — other than the freshly growing crowd — as throngs of loyal and newly minted roxboroughites descended upon the lush gardens of John Boyce’s volunteer-led fastidious labor, to relax, revel, and submit to the sonic regalia of the storied troubadour and friends.
The festivities kicked off at 3 p.m. amid scrambling volunteers, and the melodious musings of “Speeding Arrow” hailing from Phoenixville, PA, and self-described as offering “cosmic sounds from planet Earth.”
New Ridge Brewery was anchoring the beer garden with their hyperlocal offerings including “Roxborough Gold,” and guava lemonades that having been making a splash since the community favorite’s re-emergence at Springfest.
Speeding Arrow put the crowd in the right mood with an opening set showcasing a galaxy of influences from blues, rock, folk, and psychedelia. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
Richard Bush brought energy and fashion to the summer festival leading ‘The Peace Creeps’ in a set with a unifying spirit. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
State Rep. Tarik Khan and partner in crime Sarah Hammond were delighted to be part of the Gorgas Park music scene. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
All ages shared the fun and flavors of the almost three decade event. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
Ben Arnold and his 48 Hour Orchestra, a mainstay of the concert series, closed out the evening with a rousing performance. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
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Speeding Arrow put the crowd in the right mood with an opening set showcasing a galaxy of influences from blues, rock, folk, and psychedelia. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
After Speeding Arrow warmed up the eager crowd in the perfect summer weather, “The Peace Creeps” took the stage led by Richard Bush, founder of the 80’s local fame “The A’s,” and upped the ante with their stirring rock-infused americana stylings that evoked an era of imagination of us at our best.
Park favorites Dekes Barb-B-Que and Frios frozen treats were on hand to keep the appetites satisfied as the spirit and numbers grew.
New Ridge Brewery made the beer garden a welcoming gathering place. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
All ages seemed to find their zone whether it was children’s hide-and-seek, young adult playful flirtations, or middle age reminiscing, there was dancing and socializing for every age — even 102, as Sylvia Myers, and John Boyce, Sr., 98, park regulars, made their grand entrance.
Community icons John Boyce Sr. and Sylvia Meyers have been avid fans of the summer concert series since its beginning. (Photo courtesy of John Katrina)
From local business owners to regular working folks to State Representative Tarik Khan, it was a who’s who of neighborhood fixtures.
The evening crescendoed with Ben’s local “48 Hour Orchestra” performing a set, followed by his European touring lineup “US Rails.”
When asked, Arnold spoke from the heart: “Friends of Gorgas Park and John Boyce took a gamble on my music and my music community, fans, and friends 27 years ago – and we’ve turned it into neighborhood event we all look forward to every summer. Weather permitting, it’s one of my favorite days of the year. Better than Christmas morning.”
Thank you Ben, thank you John, and thank you Roxborough … for helping us remember … the United States of America started here, in this city, with an idea that we can do something better … and keeping that spirit alive is a noble calling that was well on display.