It is that time of year when you look at your calendar and plug in all the great things you want to do this summer.  My calendar is filled with soccer and baseball games, a little golf, and a couple short vacations.  Of course I do have a few dates filled in when I will be enjoying some wonderful entertainment at the Hormel Historic Home. As a part of our Music Appreciation mission, we have four concerts scheduled as well as a couple educational opportunities. Won’t you plan to join us for one or all of them?

I am calling June 17 Charlie Maguire Day. Charlie is a noted folksinger and songwriter with a bluesy Woodie Guthrie sound. He is described as “something of a legend in the Midwest. He commands respect far beyond his years with his stories and songs of the heartland of America and the people who live there.” Charlie performed at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center a few years ago and I am pleased to bring him to the Hormel Historic Home. He will be conducting three events on the 17th:

•10 to 11 a.m. — Charlie will share favorite tunes and stories from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s. Participants will create a special song based on their own memories. This is a free program geared to those 50 and over. Coffee and a treat will be served. Limited to 30 participants so please call 507-433-4243 to register.

•1 to 2:30 p.m. — Charlie will conduct a Jaw Harp Workshop called Twang. The jaw harp is an ancient instrument with a distinctive sound that can be taught in three simple steps. This is for fourth-graders through adulthood. Limited to 30 participants. Must register through Community Education by calling 507-460-1706. Cost is $7 per person.

•6:30 p.m. — Free Peace Garden Concert.  Join us for the first of four concerts in the garden.  Those who participated in the programs during the day are invited to join Charlie for a special appearance that evening. His set will include songs that feature our beautiful state.

•July 1, 6:30 p.m. — You will want to start the month of July off right with an entertaining night of jazz performed by the Austin Community Jazz Band. Led by Brian Koser, this group will entertain with traditional jazz favorites and patriotic standards.

•July 21, 6:30 p.m. — Bring the family and be ready for some kid-friendly rock ‘n’ roll performed by Twin Cities duo The Bazillions. They bring songs to life through illustration, animation and activities.

•Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m. — Speaking In Tongues. Four astonishing musicians from four different cultures will offer a unique musical experience for the community. Austin native, Marc Anderson, is featured on percussion. This concert is partially funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board.

All the concerts will be held in the beautiful Peace Garden. However, if the weather happens not to cooperate, the concerts will continue inside our banquet facility-Carriage Hall.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy these great musical events. The Hormel Historic Home continues to be blessed by a generous donation from MarySue Hormel Harris which allows us to bring these concerts to you without charge.

Refreshments will be sold during the evening events.