With the arrival of August, your thoughts may be turning to fall. But there are still opportunities to enjoy the last lingering days of warmer weather and sunshine. Case in point: a summer concert under the stars. We love ending the summer at Heritage Farm, Seed Savers Exchange headquarters, with our annual benefit concert. It’s the perfect chance to bid farewell to summer, while enjoying the outdoors, music, and great company. All proceeds from the August 27 concert will go to support the mission of Seed Savers Exchange, including a special project, which will be announced at the concert.

This year, we are excited to welcome Mason Jennings as the headline performer. He is an American singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who released his 13th album, Wild Dark Metal, earlier this year. He has toured the world for close to 20 years, played on talk shows, been written about in magazines and newspapers and on blogs. A noted accomplishment: Jennings recorded his 2009 album, Blood Of Man, on Garage Band (playing all the instruments himself) and received a 4-star review in Rolling Stone. The Hawaii native now calls Minnesota home.

Jennings will be joined by The Pines, a folk-rock group from Minneapolis. The group’s strong Midwestern roots are reflected in their soundscapes, which are driven by the dynamic styles of the group’s frontmen, Benson Ramsey and David Huckfelt.

Before the concert, you’ll find plenty to do earlier in the day. We’re hosting a “Cooking with Heirlooms” workshop led by Justin Scardina. He is the sous chef of the culinary team at nearby Luther College and is owner of Salt/Water, a Decorah-area pop-up restaurant that sources items locally. After the workshop, take a tour of the newly redesigned Evaluation Gardens. The workshop starts at 11am with the tour to follow at 12:15pm. General admission is $5. Seed Savers Exchange members can attend for free.

And of course, Decorah has an endless number of things to do and places to see. Biking, hiking, and fishing abound with plenty of trails and waterways to explore. Plus you’ll find shopping, museums, galleries, and places to eat around the area.

Concert Details:

What: Performances by Mason Jennings and The Pines to benefit the nonprofit mission of Seed Savers Exchange

When: August 27, 2016, gates open at 5:00 p.m., Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Seed Savers Exchange 3074 North Winn Road | Decorah, Iowa 52101

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at gate

Tickets: Online or call (563) 382-5990 (wristbands purchased on or after August 22nd will be held at will call under purchaser name)

Food & Beverages: Available for sale, including beer from Decorah’s nano-brewery, Toppling Goliath.

Parking: General parking will be available at the upper campus of Seed Savers Exchange at 3094 North Winn Road (second driveway on the right, north of Visitors Center entrance). Parking at the visitors center will be limited to campers and attendees with limited mobility.

Note: Please remember, smoking and bringing outside alcohol onto the Seed Savers Exchange campus is not permitted.