Concert: Pharis & Jason Romero

We’re excited to be bringing back another season of evenings filled with some exceptional classical, traditional, folk, roots, world music, and acoustic blues talents as we welcome performers in the heritage gardens near our 1877 waterwheel-powered flour mill. We’re only a half hour drive from Penticton, OK Falls, Oliver or Osoyoos–come visit one of the most charming concert venues in the South Okanagan and Similkameen!

ARTIST INFO

Pharis and Jason Romero are pure craftspeople and top-notch musicians. They’ve won four Juno awards and seven Canadian Folk Music Awards, connecting with audiences through their music, lifestyle, and the sense of joy and ease that comes from this small-town renaissance couple. They live in the wilderness town of Horsefly, British Columbia where they write songs, learn old music, and work as renowned banjo builders J. Romero Banjos.

Their newest record Tell ‘Em You Were Gold was released on venerable folk label Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in June 2022. Made in an old barn Pharis & Jason spent years slowly restoring, and recorded in six days by a wood stove under northern lights, it’s a testament to the musical value and significance of their work. It’s built around the beauty of their banjos and the pair’s deep psychic and artistic connection, with conviction and delicacy – and stunning singing.

They play their own songs with the traditional music they have always sung, weaving guests John Reischman, Grace Forrest, Trent Freeman, Patrick Metzger and Marc Jenkins on mandolin, fiddle, bass and pedal steel between the duo and solo pieces. Their songs seem to come from easy and forthright places about traveling and rural life, but in their openness the songs are deeply moving and give the listener space for a unique and personal experience. There’s time to become absorbed in Jason’s solo banjo meditations, to move with the deep pulse of their guitar playing, to reflect on life’s beauty and knottiness, and to let the songs lift you into a state of well-being. They frequently bring out a desire to play banjo, to sing with another person, and to dig up the oldest, scratchiest record you can find and write a song just like it.

KEY CONCERT SERIES INFO

Through the summer of 2023, we will be hosting a variety of exceptional artists May through September for an evening concert series in our picturesque Historic Site. Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 6:00PM and concerts start at 7:00PM.

You are encouraged to bring your own blankets and low-rise lawn chairs; taller chairs are also welcome, but you may be asked to sit in the back to avoid obstructing the view of others. You’re welcome to bring your own water bottles (reusable or factory-sealed) but outside food or drinks are prohibited on site. The Grist Mill & Gardens will be operating a concession at each show.

You can purchase tickets on this page now or at our front desk beginning on June 1st, 2023.  Some tickets may also be available at the door on the night of the event, depending on availability, but a small additional surcharge will apply. Grist Mill 2023 Site Season Pass holders get a 10% discount on any tickets they purchase.