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New summer music series aims to fill void in Madrid

Posted 5/7/16

By MATT LINDSEY MADRID — Following the news that the Madrid Bluegrass Festival would be ending after 25 years, a group of volunteers has organized the Madrid Dam Summer Music Series. Series …

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New summer music series aims to fill void in Madrid

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

MADRID — Following the news that the Madrid Bluegrass Festival would be ending after 25 years, a group of volunteers has organized the Madrid Dam Summer Music Series.

Series organizer Anna Campbell says she walked into the town office and heard people talking about the end of the bluegrass festival, and wondering why they couldn’t have a music series like Norwood does.

Campbell said after talking with many in the community and local chambers, she reached out to musicians and performers to gauge interest and discuss talent fees.

“The community has been so supportive,” Campbell said.

Once she realized the interest, she brought her idea to Madrid Town Board members, who approved of the idea.

A committee was established through the parks and recreation department, which will cover venue and insurance obligations.

“The board asked me how this would be funded,” Campbell said. “I said…nothing from you.”

The series will not be funded by the town or through grants. All financial responsibility will come from donations from the community.

“The generosity has been amazing,” she said. “I am 100 percent sure we will be fully-funded by the end of the series this summer.”

“The series is meant to compliment the area in every form,” Campbell said.

Musicians and entertainers will take to the stage on Wednesday nights from June 29 through Aug. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.

All performance takes place at the Madrid Community Park with the rain location being the community building.

If the event is held indoors, the maximum capacity will be 150 to keep the “small town feel.”

“We have two care homes in Madrid and we need to get people out,” she said.

Campbell said the decision to hold the series on Wednesdays was because there are musical events planned on most Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights across St. Lawrence County already.

A variety of musicians are planned to perform in Madrid this summer. There will be a country concert, tropical rock musicians, Americana, ladies chorus, fiddler and more.

“There will be a little bit for most people,” she said.

A family night is planned to entertain children and their families.

A performer will take the stage for the first hour, followed by a local DJ family and a song about Madrid.

During intermission of each performance there will be a “Madrid Moment.”

“The Madrid Moment will be a chance to honor someone or an organization in our community,” she said. “The Madrid Fire Department will be turning 100 years old, so we will honor them…but the rest are surprises.”

Sticking to Madrid tradition, the annual ice cream social will continue at the United Church of Madrid on June 22. The Norwood Brass Firemen are expected to perform once again at the social gathering.

“We are following in the history of the festival to honor the Madrid community,” Campbell said.

To stay up-to-date with the Madrid Dam Summer Music Series, find them on FaceBook.