Live music takes center stage at Autumn Fest

When the second annual ELF Autumn Fest returns to the Cheshire Fairgrounds in September, the sounds of live music will be part of the effort to bring people together for one of the region's early celebrations of fall. The Lake Effect Band and Daniel Wray Band are among the musical acts slated to perform at Autumn Fest, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey. Presented by The Keene Sentinel and ELF, the festival combines live entertainment with food trucks, a craft fair, classic cars and a variety of activities for families. Hayrides, an obstacle course, bounce house, rock wall and bungee trampolines are also among the attractions planned for the day. For Sean Lake, who has been involved with organizing the musical side of Autumn Fest, live entertainment is more than another item on the festival schedule. It is a way to showcase musicians while helping create a gathering place for people throughout the Monadnock Region. "It's been fun to have people come up and play and support that whole spirit in Keene," Lake said. "I've helped provide musicians and entertainment at the Autumn Fest. I've helped set up the sound system and coordinate, but this year we're hiring a professional sound tech crew." Lake will also have a personal connection to the stage when The Lake Effect performs. The band carries on a family tradition of making music in the region, one that stretches back several generations. Lake said his daughter and uncle play in the group, while previous generations of the family were also involved in music. The group's repertoire is designed to offer something familiar to a broad festival audience. "We do a variety of music and play a lot of sing-along songs as well," Lake said. That approach fits an event where the music is part of a larger afternoon of activities rather than a traditional sit-down concert. Festivalgoers can move between the performances and other attractions throughout the fairgrounds, including food trucks, the craft fair and classic car show. The Daniel Wray Band will also be part of this year's live entertainment, adding another act to a musical lineup that Lake said has become stronger as Autumn Fest has developed. For Lake, supporting events such as Autumn Fest is also part of a broader effort to encourage live performance in the region. He said he has seen live music continue to rebound following the disruptions that performers, venues and audiences experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community events can provide musicians with audiences outside traditional bars, clubs and concert venues while giving residents another opportunity to hear performers from the area. That community component is particularly important to Lake. While Autumn Fest offers entertainment and activities, he said events like it also give people an excuse to reconnect as summer winds down. That sense of gathering will extend beyond the stage. Autumn Fest is scheduled to feature food trucks and a beer tent alongside its live music. Families can also take part in hayrides and several children's activities, while the craft fair and classic car show provide additional attractions around the Cheshire Fairgrounds. The combination is intended to make the festival an event where visitors can spend several hours rather than arrive for a single performance or activity. Live music, in turn, provides a soundtrack as people make their way through the festival. "During Autumn Fest, we get to see a lot of people we wouldn't have seen otherwise," Lake said. "Everyone is busy during the summer, but people take time for these events and outings and spend time with one another." The second annual ELF Autumn Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cheshire Fairgrounds, 247 Monadnock Highway in Swanzey. For tickets, visit keenesentinel.com/autumn_fest.