The first of a monthly concert series in Fennimore took place on March 18 at the Fenway House Hotel, as Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Kenosha played to 50 people at the series’ inaugural show.
        The officially named Grant Valley Concert Series is organized by musician and new Fennimore resident Sam Ness.
        Ness, who moved to the area in December, has been a performer for 10 years, playing what his social media describes as music “mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with a new-age Alternative Indie feel.”
        Sam has shared the stage with artists such as America, Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, and many others.
        Sam was based in the Sauk Prairie/Baraboo area before making the move here to Fennimore.
        “After six years on the road, I was looking for somewhere, a quiet community where I can kind of be a hermit but be close to people,” Sam explained.
        He also explained he is a strong believer in “local music,” and “third places” which refer to social spaces outside of home (first place) and work (second place) that foster community, social interaction, and informal public life, like cafes, parks, or libraries, according to a Google search.
        With that belief, Sam had previously organized concert series in the Sauk Prairie/Baraboo area, as well as in Madison before the move to our little town.
        “I had an interest in starting a concert series here, but thought maybe I’d wait a year before starting it,” Sam explained.
        But upon a stop into The Lemon Door (which caters the concert event) and speaking with owner Melodie Betts, who also shared Sam’s ambition of bringing more live music to town, got the ball rolling a little earlier than planned.
        “Melodie took me over the Fenway House and when I first saw it, I was sold for our location. It’s such a beautiful place,” Sam explained.
        Sam went on to say he also liked the location because it was a “listening room.”
        “I want the focus to be on art and the musicians,” he explained. “Some places the food and drinks take over, so we tell people to bring their own beverage and we’ll provide some snacks, so everyone can just enjoy the music.”
        Sam said he was impressed with last Tuesday’s turnout for its inaugural show with Ben Mulwana, who sings about love, loss and everything in between, has been described as Afro-soul rock that takes on a unique storytelling quality.
        “Great momentum at our first attempt,” Sam declared. “We have nothing but positive feedback with lots of love on social media.”
        He also had people telling how much Fennimore has wanted more live music.
        “Hopefully the community will come together and we can keep this going,” Sam stated.
        Sam himself will play the Oct. 21 show, with next month’s show on April 15 featuring the trio of Fox and Bones, based out of Portland, Oregon, who describe themselves as “recklessly, optimistic folk.”
        “We’re lucky to catch them on a night off from touring,” Sam stated.
        The Grant Valley Concert Series is the third Tuesday of every month with performances lined up through the end of the year. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with music at 6 p.m.
        There is a $15 charge at the door (cash only). The Lemon Door will provide hors d’voeurves and attendees are asking to bring their own beverages.
        A portion of the proceeds of the series will go to the Fennimore Chamber of Commerce. “The community is supporting us, so we need to support them as well,” Sam explained.
        Additional information, as well as the concert lineup can be seen on the “Grant Valley Concert Series” Facebook page.