Join the Fun for Jammin’ at the Mansion

Published 6:50 am Wednesday, July 8, 2020

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Jammin’ at the Mansion will present a unique live music opportunity  in the garden of the Hormel Historic Home in Austin.

The Ventura Highway house band, familiar to fans from jam sessions at the Austin ArtWorks Center and Bandshell Park, will host two Thursday night events on July 16 and Aug. 20, from 7-9 p.m.

The Peace Garden at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will come alive with music in July and August as Jammin’ at the Mansion kicks up. Herald file photo

Admission is free and family friendly.

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Organizers are working with the Hormel Historic Home on social distancing and other COVID-19 safety precautions and wearing facemasks may be required. There will be exceptions when performing on the designated stage area.

Social distancing guidelines will limit the number of people who can set up their own lawn chairs or blankets in the garden to about 75. HHH will not provide any chairs and requests people to be patient with social distancing seating instructions.

It will also be helpful for musicians and singers to bring their own microphones if feasible; however, extra mics will be available as needed to prevent contamination problems.

Scott Anderson, bass player for Ventura Highway, is enthusiastic about adding more live music to the HHH schedule.

“We had one Jam in the Garden last summer and it was a great time for everyone,” Anderson said in a press release. “This is such a wonderful space to perform plus it has the added appeal of being able to move inside if the weather does not cooperate. We are happy to be working with Hormel Historic Home on Jammin’ at the Mansion.  Ventura Highway will kick it off with a few hits from the 70s and then be ready to be the back-up band for singers and other musicians.”

All are welcome to perform two songs before turning the stage over to the next act. There will be a sign-up sheet near the stage area to add names to the performer list. If time allows, musicians and/or vocalists can perform again later.

The Ventura Highway band members include Scott Jasmin, Scott Anderson, Pete Wangen, Mark Conway, and John Steffel.  Wine, beer, and soft drinks available for sale. No outside drinks will be allowed.

Like and share the Jammin’ at the Mansion Facebook page to help spread this good news and be sure to visit the Hormel Historic Home Facebook page and website for details on their summer schedule.  The Hormel Historic Home is located at 208 Fourth Ave. NW in downtown Austin.