Take some down time Sunday afternoon, June 17, and visit Harmony Hall in Sloatsburg for some soulful Summer Solstice celebration. The Great Lawn at the old Jacob Sloat House will be the setting for some intriguing music that preludes the approaching summer solstice this coming Wednesday, which will be the longest day of the year.

Known in olden times as Midsummer, solstice celebrations included harvest festivals and bonfire burns with village couples jumping over fires to promote crop growth. As old as Stonehenge itself, solstice celebrations occur worldwide in some form or other and mark the sun’s apex of light and the yin forces of nature.

Sloatsburg’s own solstice celebration takes place before a backdrop of the scenic Ramapo Highlands from 2 p.m. through 5 p.m., with composer Geoff Welch performing original compositions on his handy high-tech synthesizers. In addition to Welch, noted local guitarist and teacher Michael Kraynak will be making a rare live appearance — performing a 45 minute set at about 2:30 on the lawn. The day will include performances by other musicians and include a range of environmental displays and activities for all ages.

Charming handmade crafts created by the Friends of Harmony Hall will be on sale and refreshments will be available.

A signature, family-friendly event, the Harmony Hall Summer Solstice is presented by the Town of Ramapo in partnership with the Friends of Harmony Hall ~ Jacob Sloat House and is free to the public.

For more information, visit www.FriendsofHarmonyHall.org or call Geoff Welch at 845.712.5220.

Source: Photo courtesy of Geoff Welch.