Banjos and fiddles come to Honesdale’s Central Park

HONESDALE, PA — Two string groups will take the stage over the coming week at The Wayne County Creative Arts Council’s series of concerts in Honesdale’s Central Park, one a 20-year veteran of the event, the other a newcomer.

At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16, the Keystone Banjos will make its first appearance at the concert series.

Keystone Banjos, known as Pennsylvania’s premier banjo group, showcases the only native instrument of America: the banjo. Their performances feature music styles such as ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, Dixieland, novelty and Roaring ‘20s. They also bring back the music of the banjo sing-along establishments of the ‘60s and ‘70s such as “Red Onion,” “Your Father’s Mustache” and “Shakey’s Pizza Parlors.”

On Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m., local favorites the Old Time Fiddlers, who have graced the concerts for many seasons, will take the stage. Under the direction of award-winning fiddle player Steve Jacobi, the fiddlers focus on promoting and preserving the musical traditions of our area. The group features at least a dozen players, usually more, of all ages and levels of experience, playing a range of music from Appalachian ballads to down-home footstompers on fiddles, guitars, mandolins, harmonicas and other traditional instruments.

In case of rain, the concerts will move to the cafeteria of the Lakeside Elementary School. There is no charge for the concert, but a free will offering will be taken. Pizza, hotdogs, soda, water and ice cream will be available.