Audience members set up seats in front of the historic home on the Barclay Farmstead for the July 29 concert.
The finale of the annual Music Under the Stars concert series at the Barclay Farmstead took place on July 29, after the first of the outdoor shows set for earlier in the month was postponed by threatening weather.
The last of the free series – a second show was performed on July 22 – featured the American Soul Band and was heard by residents and visitors who set up blankets and camping chairs or settled on one of the property’s benches. Room was made for a dance floor.
Band members played covers of music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, along with songs that reflected Philadelphia and its artists.
Connie Borman was in attendance. Her work ensures she always knows what concerts are happening throughout the region.
“I’m an HR person and I check all the concerts going around,” she said, “and I post them at work for everybody, so I know where the concerts are … I send it out to all the employees … And then I tell them like, ‘I’m going.’”
Several community organizations and area businesses set up booths and tables around the historic farmstead to engage with the community. Food trucks and snack stands were on hand to sell lemonade, popsicles, barbequed food, beer and liquor.
Despite the heat, attendees walked around with their dogs and children played along the walking paths and grassy patches at the farmstead.
Cara Jaye is a member of American Soul Band.
“It was amazing,” she noted of the audience. “The crowd was so interactive. We had such a great turnout despite the heat.”
Stacey Goldberg is the artist representative for the band.
“It was hot, but these are troupers and they did their stuff,” she said of attendees who got up to dance. “The crowd loved them and it was a great night for all. I think everybody danced; they had a great time.”
The band played tributes to Gladys Knight, the Temptations and the Four Tops and donned a number of shiny, sparkled costumes. For some songs, members asked the crowd to wave paper, hats, rags and bags. They ended their show by descending to the grass to line dance with attendees.
Lisa O’Neil is a resident of the Barclay Farm area.
“We all love to come out here,” she enthused, “because what’s better than free music?”
