Mile Twelve Headlining Sylvester Manor 2018 Concert Series Kick-Off

While the Sylvester Manor grounds are closed until April, the Educational Farm’s programming will launch with the 2018 Concert Series on Saturday, January 13.

“Sylvester Manor Education Farm is dedicated to offering programming that is both informative and entertaining, while also supporting our mission to cultivate, preserve and share this special place on Shelter Island by honoring its historic commitment to the arts,” Kim Folks, Director of Programs & Community Outreach at Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, explained. “We are continuing our year round concert series for 2018 with an incredible line up of talent.”

Mile Twelve is headlining the kick-off concert, which will take place at the Shelter Island School Auditorium.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mile Twelve to the stage for this year’s annual January Bluegrass Show,” Folks shared. “This young, dynamic group are the recipients of the 2017 International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award and we are fortunate to have them performing here on the East End.”

The band is made up of Evan Murphy, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Nate Sabat, BB Bowness and David Benedict, who seamlessly blend original and traditional bluegrass. Founded in the fall of 2014, Mile Twelve has toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. They’ve played at major festivals, including Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, FreshGrass Festival, Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, and Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, and have been featured on the Bluegrass Junction Sirius XM channel, and a Spotify “Fresh Bluegrass” playlist. The band released their debut full-length record Onwards, produced by Stephen Mougin, in October 2017.

Grammy award winner Tim O’Brien lauded the band saying they’re “a group of five accomplished bluegrass musicians who write, sing, and play like the wind. Serious players who have serious fun, Mile Twelve is a group to watch in the coming decade.” Banjo luminary Tony Trischka praised, “Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity.”

Looking ahead – to when there isn’t a foot of snow on the ground, spring will bring more unmissable bluegrass shows. “Coming up in April we will have New England based Bluegrass trio Cold Chocolate and in May, the New Moon Acoustic Blues Band,” Folks said. “Each will perform two shows in the Manor House music room at 6 and 8 p.m.”

Sylvester Manor has several East End favorites lined up for the summer. “On Sunday, July 15, ‘lettuce turnip’ the local volume with the unmistakable ‘beets’ of Inda Eaton, The Nancy Atlas Project and Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, playing back to back on our Creekside lawn,” Folks noted. “And in August Bennett Konesni & friends will open for Flatt Lonesome, a band nominated in for both Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year at the 2017 IBMA Awards. We will wrap up the evening and the concert series that night with a traditional contra dance.”

If you’re interested in the series kick-off concert, make sure to pick up tickets soon. “This January show is consistently a sell out show, so head to www.sylvestermanor.org to purchase your tickets,” Folks added.

Shelter Island School is located at 33 North Ferry Road in Shelter Island. For more information, call 631-749-0626 or visit www.sylvestermanor.org.