I can’t believe I am saying this but the Hormel Historic Home has capped off its summer concert series with music from Austin native Sena Ehrhardt and her guitarist husband, Cole Allen.

Six musical acts shared their talent with hundreds of people in the lovely Peace Garden this summer, and one played indoors due to Mother Nature’s tendency for surprises.

We intentionally planned to have Sena and Cole here during this special week leading up to the fifth annual ArtWorks Festival. Austin has created an event that provides a platform for many gifted artists from various disciplines to share their talents. The Hormel Historic Home wants to be a part of that platform so we give musical artists a stage whenever we can. Sena and Cole wowed an audience of nearly 200 with their gifts this week and now the summer concert series is finished … for now.

As you probably know, supporting musical opportunities for the community is part of the Hormel Historic Home mission. We are carrying out the legacy of the Hormel family by inviting people to enjoy their home and property. They shared it with friends and family and often included music. We consider those who participate in our concert events to be family and friends of the HHH, so thank you to those who have joined us.

Although our planned summer series is complete, we have added two more nights of music to our calendar. Fall is a beautiful time of year, and we want people to continue enjoying the garden. On Thursday, Sept. 15, JCA (Jamie Braaten and Cody Yost) will provide their classic acoustic sound for a Happy Hour event. On Friday, Sept. 16, Alonzo Steele will entertain with his Caribbean sound and clear, rich vocals for one more soiree in the garden. These events will be casual reminder that summer isn’t over yet. Even if Mother Nature rains on our parade, we will move the happy indoors.

An event at the Hormel residence in 1906 was attended by nearly 200. The Austin Daily Herald reported that “One of the most pleasing features of the day was a delightful musical program which was given informally. Not only were some of Austin’s favorite singers heard but a number from away whom it was joy again to hear.” It seems in 2016 we continued the tradition with our own musical series.

Join us in September to keep the tradition alive.

 History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m. Social; 6 p.m. Presentation

Stories of Veterans of Wars of the Past, presented by Journalist Al Zdon. Mr. Zdon has collected oral histories from Minnesota Vets which has resulted in the publication of two books on the topic. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and the Friends of the Library. $5 for non-members.