Former Employee To Headline Next Parks & Rec Dickinson Park Concert

“I find it refreshing that Newtown Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a free concert series when so many such programs are falling victim to the economy. It makes me proud to have worked there,” says Shawn Taylor, who, along with his band Wandering Roots, will headline the finale in the 2009 Newtown Parks & Rec Concert Series.

Performances are at 6:30 on Thursdays this summer, and Mr Taylor and friends will be at the park on Elm Drive on August 20.

(Those who would like a preview of the performance can visit McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook on Sunday, August 16, when Mr Taylor and two friends will be performing for the afternoon. Call 426-1533 for details).

Shawn Taylor & Wandering Roots performs modern American roots inspired music. The band blends blues, rock, country, folk and rockabilly, through Mr Taylor’s original songs about the modern American experience, from job loss and outsourcing to homelessness, overworking and wandering. The band also performs covers of music by the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Grateful Dead to the Beatles, Bob Marley, Keb’ Mo’ and U2.

Wandering Roots is a network of local musicians backing Mr Taylor’s body of work. The project began in February 2008 with the release of Mr Taylor’s solo debut CD, Wandering Roots. The band takes its name from Mr Taylor’s own wandering roots. The former Parks & Rec employee (2002-05) left his job four years ago to pursue his music and follow his love of being a long distance trail hiker. His first project after leaving Parks & Rec was to hike The John Muir Trail, a 300-mile trek from Yosemite to Kings Canyon in California. He and wife Amy, who teaches third grade at Sandy Hook Elementary School, spent four weeks hiking that trail.

“For me a long walk is the best way to really see the country. It really allows time to take in the land and the people,” said Mr Taylor.” Living out of a backpack also helps one to appreciate the little things in life through deprivation and the sheer physical/mental struggles of such a trip.”

The lineup for August 20 will be Shawn Taylor, acoustic guitar (finger picker) and vocals; Jim McKeeman, an acoustic (flat picker) and electric guitar player who has been performing with New England based bands for more than 30 years; upright bass player Billy Bileca, who teaches bass and guitar and has toured with Jeff Pitchell and others; and drummer/percussionist Nick Longo, who has performed played with Duke Robilard.

Admission to the Parks & Rec Dickinson Park concerts is free. Attendees will need to bring their own seating.

Picnic dinners are welcome, and light refreshments are available for purchase. Parking is available in the Elm Drive parking lot as well as the in the larger parking lot off the Brushy Hill Road entrance.

For additional information contact the Parks & Rec Department at 270-4340.