In the scenic splendor of the Allegheny-Clarion River valley, it was a glorious day of sunshine, music, family and friendship for an audience of over 300 people at stunningly beautiful RiverStone Estate on Saturday, July 25 as Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts (ARCA) presented a joyous and inspiring celebration of 250 years of music and the freedom that makes it all possible.
The sunshine and perfect weather for ARCA’s RiverStone Estate concert on Saturday, July 25 was miraculous after the previous two days’ predictions of scattered showers and overcast skies.
It was if Dr. Arthur Steffee, ARCA’s founder and former President who built RiverStone, was smiling down on the event he had hosted for more than 12 years before selling the estate to Saji and Shannon Daniel.
ARCA is grateful for the Daniel’s generous continuance of the tradition, opening RiverStone Estate for the annual ARCA members’s pig roast picnic and for this popular outdoor concert that brings so many from the region to enjoy the outdoor concert on the grassy lawns west of the H-Barns.
ARCA Board member Kathy Soroka introduced Saji Daniel, RiverStone Estate and Foxburg Hospitality owner, who welcomed the audience and acknowledged ARCA for all it does to bring exceptional music and art to Foxburg and the region, giving special thanks to everyone who had worked to produce the event.
Clarion County Commissioner Braxton White thanked ARCA and Saji and Shannon Daniel and reminded the audience that it is music and art that uplifts us and brings us together – transcending politics.
Bagpiper Jonathan Shegog – a member of the Celtic band Carnival of Souls that performs ARCA’s annual St. Patrick’s concert – marched in to open the concert.
The sound of bagpipes coming from a distance was like an echo through time – harkening to the Scottish bagpipers who performed in the Battle of Fort Duquesne in 1758 down river in Pittsburgh at the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers.
West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Fifes and Drums – led by professor and professional percussionist George Willis – marched in playing “Yankee Doodle” and performed it in its entirety in their set – one of America’s earliest protest songs played by the defiant Continental Army at the final battle of the Revolutionary War in Yorktown, VA.
As featured during the summer at historic festivals and national heritage events in the east coast region, the Fifes and Drums performed music from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and from 19th century Appalachia including the Pennsylvania Shaker melody, “Simple Gifts”.
An audience favorite was their arrangement of John Denver’s “Country Roads”.
Eight members of the Harrisville’s American Legion Post #852 presented the colors in full dress.
Their dignity honored the veterans and members of the armed forces whose service and ultimate sacrifice have protected our country and ensured our freedom.
Bringing a tear to the eye of many, young 14-year old Jacob Long of Kennerdel, PA, son of Ricky and Crystal Jean Long, sang the Star Spangled Banner with heart, passion, and touching musicality.
Thanks to Saji and Shannon Daniel for their generosity hosting this event at RiverStone and to their entire team for help in preparing the grounds.
Sincere thanks to ARCA’s staff, board and volunteers to produce the event – Doug Bell, Mickey Bell, Dennis Keyes, Marg Keyes, Kurt Crosbie of Foxburg Tour, Pat and Bob Beran, Tom and Nancy Hovis, Ashley and Nancy Sweda and John and Kathy Soroka.
Gratitude to all the artists and to the members of the Harrisville American Legion Post #852.
Thanks to Nick Katz and the RiverStone team for the drone footage, to George Willis and Crystal Jean Long for their videos and to ARCA Board member and professional photographer Kurt Crosbie for his video shorts and still photos.