By Clark Judge
(September 14, 2024) — People often ask if Pathfinders, Inc., the non-profit that owns Deer Lake, is continuing to raise funds to support the property, but the answer is right in front of them. In fact, it’s there for all to see … and hear … on Saturday, September 14, 2024 when the Second Annual Deer Lake Music Festival is held at … where else? … Deer Lake.
A litany of musicians – twenty-one at last count – will appear there from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a $25 admission charge for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds go to Pathfinders to protect and enhance the 253-acre property it acquired two years ago this month.
So there’s that. But there is more.
“It’s a chance to hear original music that you won’t hear anywhere else,” said Steve Azzaro, one of the musicians appearing Saturday. (Photo above, Azzaro, center, with organizers Mike Doraz, left and Tom Feiner, right) “Plus, you’ll be supporting Pathfinders, which has done a wonderful thing for the community (by saving Deer Lake). And, third, there’s an opportunity to come and see what Deer Lake is all about.”
Unlike last year when heavy rains accompanied the event, the weather will cooperate. Sunshine and 80-degree temperatures make it an ideal day for listening to music, enjoying a lawn picnic or exploring a locale that U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal has described as “a treasure.”
Now, if you still have questions, let’s see if we can answer them.
Q: The cost of admission is $25 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Where can I buy my tickets?
A: You can find them online by going to deerlakeoutdoors.org or pay at the Deer Lake gate Saturday. There will be someone there to assist you.
Q: Are tickets good for all day?
A: Yes. You will be issued a green wristband that allows you to come and go as often as you please.
Q: What about parking? Must I pay?
A: No. Parking is free, with attendants ready to help.
Q: Are these local musicians?
A: Yes and no. Almost all are from the Northeast, though there are a few from elsewhere.
Q: Will there be food and drink?
A: It’s limited. There will be a barbecue trailer, run by a vendor who twice has been named Connecticut’s barbecue champion. He appeared at Deer Lake for Earth Day when sales were so good that he said “I basically sold out of everything I had.” Nevertheless, organizers encourage anyone interested in bringing food or lunches to do it. Also, water will be available. Soft drinks will not.
Q: You mentioned the music will be in Clifton Hall. Can I sit outside and hear it?
A: Yes. The music will be aired outside the building, so that those who want to picnic on the lawn, sit at tables or walk the surrounding areas can hear it.
Q: Can I bring food inside the building?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there more than one stage?
A: No. All musicians play on one stage at one end of Clifton Hall.
Q: How long will each play?
A: Anywhere from 20-25 minutes. No more.
Q: How would you describe the music?
A: Tom Feiner, who helped to organize the event, calls it “Folk Americana.” Attend the event, then you make the call.
Q: Who’s playing and when?
A: Good question. Here’s the updated list of artists and times, in order of appearance:
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Anything Goes (Steve Azzaro, Marian Bairstow, Bob Lee) (photo above from Artisans Fair at Parmelee Farm, Lee not pictured)
Bob Gotta
Jill Thompson
Carl Wolfe
Lisa Aranci
Bill Last with Pete Laffin.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marty Brennan and Chris Eddy
Ric Page
Diane Battistello
Tod Purcell
Tom Maynard
Inner Groove (Denise Jones)
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Catman Bill (Bill Katz)
Ronnee Stolzberg
Marc Lendler
Terri Lachance
Christian Aja
Lisa Walker
David Coller (with Dian Chadkowski)
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The Martin Girls (Anne Marie Menta, Shannon McMahon)
Erick von Koniger
Q: Do you have sponsors?
A: Yes, and we’re proud to name them:
- The Wayfinder Society.
- Essex Savings Bank.
- Liberty Bank.
- Take 5 Cookery.
- American Distillers.
- The Lee Company.
- Dave Cutillo Law,
- Copper Skillet.
- Killingworth True Value.
- Running Brook Farms.
- Shipwreck Tavern.
- DaVinci Pizzeria.
- Big Y.
- Killingworth Dunkin’ Donuts.
Q: Anything else?
A: Nope. See you there.
Photos by Clark Judge
