MONKTON — In the early 1970s, singer Utah Phillips bought a caboose to live in while he was periodically recording at Philo Records in Monkton. At “The Barn,” Utah recorded three record albums: “Good Though,” El Capitan,” and “The Telling Takes Me Home.” Utah’s son, Duncan, is now trying to move the 1890’s wooden flanger car to the Black Butte Center for Railroad Culture to restore it into a museum for his father.
As part of the fundraising efforts, there will be a concert on the site of former Philo Records on Saturday, June 17 from 2-8 p.m. Now a private residence, owners Stephen Pilcher and Deb Gaynor are offering their lawn so that people can sit back and enjoy the music.
“Bring a chair and a picnic, but because we have llamas, please leave your dogs at home,” Pilcher suggested. Parking will also be limited, so share a ride if you can.
Performers include Paul Asbell, Jon Gailmore, Pete Sutherland, Duncan and Brendan Phillips (Utah’s sons), Dan Schatz, a reunion of Bread and Bones, Rick Ceballos and Lausanne Allen, Phil Henry, New Economistas, Rik Palieri, The Young Traditions, and other special guests.
Rik Palieri commented that he’s “thrilled to bring together Philo Recording artists, people who played with Utah, and the next generation who can continue the tradition.”
Suggested donation is $20 per person or $35 per family. Rain or shine, the music festival will be held at 126 Covered Bridge Road in Monkton. For more info visit tinyurl.com/ConcertUtah or tinyurl.com/DonateUtah.