Saturday JUne 27 4PM

The dynamic Peter Karp opens the 2026 Summer Concerts Series on June 27.

Considered one of the finest contemporary singer/songwriters of Americana and blues/roots music working internationally today, Peter Karp has carved out his own unique niche. Known by reputation as a forceful singer, a searing guitarist, a powerhouse pianist, a passionate performer, who writes with an unmistakable lyrical style that reflects tales of life’s journey. Spawned by passion and personal experience, blues, folk, Americana, and rock and roll all find common ground within his musical bag. His propensity for dynamic performances and has made him a remarkably rare talent in American roots music.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and coolers and join us in this wonderful pristine setting. Pets on leashes are permitted. Music begins at 4pm, gates open at 3pm. Parking is limited, so please arrive early. Gates open one hour before showtime.

The concert is made possible with generous support from the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of the Department of Land Preservation, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Thanks also to Blue Ridge Lumber, First Hope Bank, PNC Bank, Mama’s Pizza/Cafe Baci (hospitality) 
Mountain Ledge Music.

The Ramsaysburg Summer Concerts are presented by The Friends of Ramsaysburg, a group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours to produce each event.

Don Elliker and his band “Me & My Big Ideas” has been cancelled. Don is a songwriter focusing on what is typically called Americana, however other styles get in the mix.

The songwriter / singer performs his own music as a solo artist or with his band, “Me and My Big Ideas”. Don has performed at The MusikFest in Bethlehem PA, The Blues Bash / Centenary College in Hackettstown NJ. The Black Potatoe Festival in Clinton NJ, the WNTI Music Festival in Delaware, NJ and Roy’s Hall in Blairstown, playing in support of such artists as Bill Payne, David Bromberg and Chris Smither and sharing the stage with many others. Don is also a past winner of the MTV Beach House Band Search competition, a nation-wide original music and performance competition. Learn more about Don at Reverbnation.

July 24: Plein Air Painting.

Potluck lunch and bucolic scenery, 10 am.

July 31: Moss Henry & the Bryophytes.

Country Western swing in the amphitheater, 6pm.

August 21: The Lion King.

On the Big Screen outdoors in the amphitheater, dusk.

September 25: Riverside Rhythm.

Big band in the amphitheater, 6pm.

November 6-7: Explore Warren History Trail.

A self-guided county-wide excursion.

Your friends and neighbors at the Knowlton Township Historic Commission wish you well at this difficult time. While we shelter in place, protected by Knowlton Township’s generous open space and access to nature, the inconveniences in our lives are negligible compared to the suffering borne by others during this pandemic. As heroic doctors, nurses and health care workers risk their lives to save others, social distancing seems a small burden indeed.

When society emerges from isolation our cultural institutions will change, creating new opportunities that will require more public involvement. Volunteer contributions of time, talent and energy will be critical to organizations large and small. Here in Knowlton, sustaining the beauty and character of our community’s historic resources and scenic treasures, as well as those throughout the region, will present new challenges. Consider joining the Knowlton Township Historic Commission when we resume our work together as neighbors. We look forward to that moment with hope and enthusiasm, knowing that our best work is ahead. 

Until then, many events and performances at the Ramsaysburg Historic Site won’t occur as planned, including the annual Memorial Day Flag Ceremony and Picnic and the annual Summer Concerts in the Barn series, normally presented on the last Saturday of June, July and August. Just as organizations around the world postponed programs and closed public spaces, we must also pause to allow time to recover with hope that other annual events, including the Fall Riverside Festival and Christmas in the Country, will take place later this year. 

Even as these events are put on hold, the important architectural and planning work for the full restoration of the historic Ramsaysburg Homestead will proceed. New grants awarded in 2019 will enable ongoing improvements to resume as we emerge from this difficult time.

While we will miss the solace that art, music, dance, cinema, drama and other cultural pursuits bring to our lives, know that all of us who volunteer on the Knowlton Township Historic Commission will work to provide the anchor that our heritage provides. With your help and support, we pledge to bring back the community-enriching events, exhibitions and concerts that you enjoy as soon as possible. Stay in touch, stay well and consider joining as a volunteer. Your talents and energy are crucial to our continued success.