The Wholly Rollers to Play Final Concert at Canterbury Shaker Village
“It feels fitting to be playing our last show at Canterbury Shaker Village,” said singer and multi-instrumentalist Dick Bennett. “Music was such an important part of the Shakers’ life. Plus, we’ve consistently played there over such a long period of time we never fail to get an enthusiastic audience.”
Education Manager Kyle Sandler expressed gratitude for the many years The Wholly Rollers brought music to the Village. “We are honored to host The Wholly Rollers’ last concert,” he said.
In addition to Bennett, The Wholly Rollers currently include Brian Roff on vocals and guitar, Jeff Fetter on vocals, fiddle, and mandolin, Gary Schroeder on vocals and bait bucket bass, and Craig Whitson on vocals and guitar. Vocalist Tom Fredenburg was a member of the group until his passing in 2019.
With roots in bluegrass, old time, and gospel, The Wholly Rollers have performed in venues from northeast Massachusetts to the White Mountains. They have played for churches and many nonprofit events.
“We decided early on we were going to do this without charge for nonprofits,” explained Bennett. “And when we started landing paid gigs, we donated our pay back to nonprofits.”
Bennett looked back fondly on the many memories the group made together. “We have thoroughly enjoyed doing this,” he said. “No one ever has more fun at a Roller concert than The Wholly Rollers.”
He did acknowledge, however, that this last concert will be bittersweet. “Everything in the universe has an arc of existence, and The Wholly Rollers really shouldn’t be any different,” he said. “We decided we’d rather go out with a bang than a whimper.”
Held outside in a natural, intimate setting, Music on the Green features various types of music for all ages and runs on Sundays July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18, and August 25. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $20.
Music on the Green is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Lifestyles, New Hampshire Dance Collaborative (NHDC), and Kathleen Belko, Trustee. This event is rain or shine (except in extreme weather conditions).
About Canterbury Shaker Village
Featuring 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement, the Village is designated as a National Historic Landmark with 25 restored original Shaker buildings and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings. In addition to tours, exhibits, and programs, Canterbury Shaker Village provides wonderful, relaxing, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings.
Canterbury Shaker Village is a member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.