Outdoor Wildflower Concert Series in White Mills runs through Aug. 12

Dorflinger’s 2023 Wildflower Concert Series continues through Aug. 12. The concerts are held in the spacious outdoor amphitheater surrounded by tall conifers and ferns on the grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, Wayne County.

Nationally and internationally known artists are featured, including a variety of music genres such as jazz, bluegrass, blues and some fabulous tribute groups. All concerts start at 6 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, concerts move to Wallenpaupack Area High School.

"We’ve worked hard over the winter to put together an exciting schedule of musical acts. Now that summer is here, we want to share them with everyone," Judi Mortensen, Wildflower’s chairman and artistic director, said.

"Dorflinger’s Wildflower Concert Series is a perfect place to enjoy the sounds of music while savoring a picnic and the company of your friends and neighbors."

The season kicked off on Saturday, July 1. The rest of the series includes:

July 19, free Wednesday show, Yankee Brass Band — This band will entertain audiences with 19th century American brass band music, using rare and authentic period instruments and costumes. This multi-talented group features music from the “Golden Age” of Bands from the mid-to-late-19th century. Wildflower is honored to offer this free concert to help keep historically accurate band music alive for modern day audiences to enjoy.

July 22, Soul Cruisers — This talented 11-piece choreographed band delivers a show that will have everyone on their feet, singing and clapping to the greatest hits of the Temptations, the Jackson Five, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and so many others. The Soul Cruisers perform with such energy and passion that they will bring the music of the Sixties back for those who know it so well and introduce it to a whole new set of younger fans. Take this musical journey from Memphis to Philly to Detroit, showcasing the iconic groups of yesteryear — then dance your way home.

July 29, Vanessa Collier — This young Texas gal and her band will be giving a head-turning, fiery, passionate performance that weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into every powerful performance. Her concerts combine soulful vocals with a voice that often recalls blues-rock stalwart Bonnie Raitt. A 2013 graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she’s toured nationally and internationally, released four critically acclaimed albums.

Aug. 2, Wednesday show, Bat Out of Hell PA — This tribute to Meatloaf prides itself on giving the audience a live concert experience based on the “Live Around The World” album. They play all of the hits including “Two Outta Three Aint Bad,” “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth,” “I Would Do Anything For Love” and the smash hit “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights.” Bob White stuns the audience with his voice and his “Dead Ringer” look along with Marissa Delfino Yaple on vocals. Backed by world class musicians S, Frank Gruden, Tom Theobald and Van White.

Aug. 5, Beo String Quartet — Equally comfortable with the classics and contemporary music, Beo String Quartet specializes in crafting concerts that illuminate the distinct genres within chamber music. This young group has already performed over 40 world premieres and recent collaborations with Richard Danielpour, Joel Hoffman, Gabriela Ortiz, and many other well-known classical performers. The quartet’s original works show the potential of a 21st century string quartet fully integrating with the classics.

Aug. 12, The McKrells — The McKrells' unique musical vocabulary of bluegrass and folk music are tied together by the original songs of Kevin McKrell, whose vocals wrap around the band with a “madman’s fervor and a lover’s tenderness ” according to Bluegrass Unlimited. Kevin pioneered American Celtic music beginning with the band Donnybrook Fair. Some of their albums include “Hit The Ground Running,” “Somethin’ Fierce,” “Better Days,” “Cosmic Hayride,” and “Big Old Broken Heart.” Their innovative sound and phenomenal instrumentation will definitely liven the night.

Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, as chairs are not provided. Picnics and beverages of your choice are permitted at all outdoor concerts. Parking is free. All performers and programs are subject to change.

General admission tickets good for any concert are $26; students 12 to 18 years are $13. There is no charge for children under 12. Contributors receive tickets and other benefits. Levels for annual contributors begin at $125. Those who contribute $550 or more may have their own chairs stored and set up before the amphitheater opens at any concert they will be attending. For more information about becoming a contributor, please call Dorflinger Sanctuary Executive Director Barbara Gilpin.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate the evening of the performance and in advance by phone, online or in person at the Dorflinger Glass Museum Gift Shop during regular open hours. Fees may apply.

The very first Wildflower concert in White Mills was held Aug. 13, 1983, and featured the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic.

For 2023, the Wildflower arranged with Flynn Crew BBQ and Catering to provide a delicious barbecue menu and a refreshing non-alcoholic drink selection at each of the outdoor concerts. Each week, the menu will be slightly different. They will have a limited number of items for you to choose from. If a concert moves to the rain location, Flynn Crew BBQ will not be in attendance.

In the event of inclement weather, the performance moves to the air-conditioned auditorium at the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Food and beverages are not permitted in the school auditorium but can be consumed in the school lobby or parking lot. If in doubt of the performance location on the day of a concert, call the Wildflower office after 12 p.m.

For additional information on the series, contributions, tickets, rain location and directions, please call 570-253-5500 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday), email music01@ptd.net or visit wildflowermusic.org.

Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Long Ridge Road in White Mills. The village of White Mills lies halfway between Hawley and Honesdale on Route 6. At the blinking light in White Mills, turn at the Dorflinger Factory Museum and go up the Elizabeth Street hill. Proceed for six-tenths of a mile to the stop sign. Continue for another one-tenth of a mile to the entrance of the Sanctuary on your right.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Jazz, bluegrass, tribute concerts set at wildlife sanctuary in Poconos