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Musicians Create the Beat at the Farmers’ Market

July 11, 2017 By marketeditor

 

By Courtney Kramer

Running the River Photo by Pattie Garrett
Running the River
Photo by Pattie Garrett

On a recent Wednesday at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Jack Powell and his three-man band the Zucchini Brothers were performing. Powell grinned as a mother and child began tapping their feet to the beats.

Then, as the child started to waddle in rhythm with the music and the mother began to video the moment on her cell phone, Powell asked for the name of the child. He received the answer, began improvising and within seconds was singing lyrics interspersed with the lilting syllables of Gi-o-van-ni.

Moments like this are part of what make making music at farmers’ markets meaningful to such performers as Powell. For him, the people keep bringing them back.

“The calendar books six months in advance,” says market director Julia Howard. “I’ve been booking bands for nearly 15 years and most musicians are all about the money – not so at the farmers’ market. They get so much more.”

Howard says that market musicians are generally not paid in cash. Their income comes from tips from customers and donations by market vendors.

Singing for one’s supper is rarely seen as a sustainable salary. Still, the musicians call playing farmers’ markets one of the best gigs around. For them, it’s about being a part of a community of healthy eaters as well as a chance to promote their art.

Take a typical Saturday morning.

As shoppers enter the summer market pavilion at High Rock Park, the sounds of fiddles and male voices harmonizing fill the air. The three-man band Running the River is performing its monthly market gig. A small crowd emerges and soon heading start bobbing, bodies start swaying, and feet start tapping to the down-home country/folk cadences.

The crowd disperses to continue shopping, but then another forms. The ritual continues till the market’s end.

About a half hour before the market’s close, interns or staff start pulling wagons through the pavilion, collecting donations. Soon, a feast surrounds the musicians: lettuce and cabbage, carrots and squash, cheeses, honey, milk and savory pastries.

“The market is all about community and music ties it together,” says Marcie Place of the Chocolate Spoon.

Adds Carl Deppe, of Row to Hoe Farm. “It lifts the spirits.”

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

RiverJackZ: http://www.riverjackz.com
The Zucchini Brothers: http://www.zucchinibrothers.com
Running the River: http://running-the-river.webs.com


Market Beet Salad

Adapted from recipe by Mark Bittman featured in the New York Times
Serves: 4
Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

• 1 pound beets*
• 1 large shallot*
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoons honey mustard, or to taste*
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil*
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or other good strong vinegar
• Minced parsley, dill, chervil, rosemary or tarragon*

PREPARATION

1. Peel the beets and the shallot. Combine them in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and pulse carefully until the beets are shredded; do not puree. (Or grate the beets by hand and mince the shallots; combine.) Scrape into a bowl.

2. Toss with the salt, pepper, mustard, oil and vinegar. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Toss in the herbs, and serve.

 

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: High Rock Park Saratoga, Music at the Market, Saratoga Farmers' Market Recipes

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Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest S Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest Schroon Moon spreadable cow's cheeses yet? Go for savory or sweet with 5 different flavors. Pick some up at this Saturday's market - we'll be open 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #saratogany #wilton #518 #518eats #farmfresh #nofarmsnofood #dairy #cheese
We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies

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