Hawthorn Hollow is proud to announce the lineup of the 2023 Pike River Concert Series, presented by Once Upon a Child & Stein’s Aircraft Services, and supported by M3 Insurance/The Trottier Insurance Group, Festival Foods, and Educator’s Credit Union!

Friday, June 23:  Yves Francois is a jazz trumpeter and an esteemed artist award recipient from DCASE. His Rocambu Jazz project draws on influences of his family’s connection to Tunisia and North Africa and also explores world jazz genres including retro Afro-Caribbean grooves, congas, high life, rumbas, soukous, and New Orleans jazz. Yves honed his skills on the south side of Chicago, by playing alongside jazz legends such as Paul Bascomb, Odie Payne Jr, Eddie Johnson, and his mentor, Franz Jackson. He is a Delmark Records recording artist, and has played at Hawthorn Hollow multiple times.

Friday, July 28:  KR Bluegrass is a group of musicians from southeastern Wisconsin. The band members were regulars at weekly jams where friendships  developed because of their mutual love of old time gospel and bluegrass music. KR Bluegrass’ music is influenced by the Stanley Brothers, Carter and Cox families and Ricky Skaggs.  Their style is simple and true, with the close harmonies of Rose and Kathy and the “Earl Scrugg” style banjo playing of Mike.

Friday, August 18:  Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Wisconsin. With soulful lyrics and a diverse range of musical inspiration, Ben’s music has a storytelling quality that is both unique and familiar. Whether alone or with his band, he brings high energy, engaging with his listeners and sharing his heart through his music.  Ben released his debut EP, “Wano Naawe”, in June 2019; and his most recently released Single, “Home”, is available on all streaming platforms. Ben is set to release his next project in May of 2023.

The Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented by Once Upon a Child & Steins Aircraft Services and supported by M3 Insurance/The Trottier Insurance Group, Festival Foods, and Educator’s Credit Union, has become a SE Wisconsin music staple, showcasing some of the best local groups while helping to support Hawthorn Hollow.

All shows start at 6pm in the Hawthorn Hollow Amphitheater, with gates open at 5.  Admission is $10 per person at the gate.  Food and beverages such as soda, wine, and craft beer will be available for purchase, as will produce from the Heritage Farmstead at Hawthorn Hollow (while supplies last).

The Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented by Once Upon a Child & Stein’s Aircraft Services and supported by the M3 Insurance/Trottier Insurance Group, Festival Foods, and Educator’s Credit Union, is also sponsored in part by:  Equinox Botanical Boutique, Mindful Yoga, Peacetree Originals, Kessler’s Clock Co., Modern Apothecary, Studio Moonfall, Impact Networking, Design Partners Inc., and Creative Design Custom Signs.

Here’s a look back at some of our past concerts!