Framingham Harvest Concert blends audiences’ preferences

Andrew Brown – a.k.a. Brownie – is a maker. He works as a winemaker, performs as a music-maker and, in each regard, doubles as a tastemaker.

These expressions come together at the Framingham Harvest Concert, held on the courtyard stage at the heart of the Renwick winery. Saturday brings the 14th show over 17 years; it features Fiona & the Glow headlining, DJ Pete Green opening and closing, and a band of Brownie’s playing “curtain raiser” in between.

Before last weekend, he did not have a name for his group of mates from two previous bands. Framingham marketing manager Katie Covell used the placeholder TBD (to be determined). Brownie laughed and – far from committed – quipped, “It could be TBC!”

When it comes to music itself, though, he is as thoughtful about what Framingham plays as what its cellar door pours. The mantra is “out of the mainstream”: genres and performers that organically attract listeners. It applies to the songs the winery amplifies for guests and the lineups it assembles for events.

Brownie’s sensibilities carry weight, though within the Framingham team, “there are many people who have an opinion on who we might have here” – on the main stage and in The Underground performance space below the cellar door.

“For the harvest concert in particular,” he continued, “we realise it’s good to have a band out there that can resonate with everyone, but not necessarily household names. There are plenty of artists throughout the country.”

Eclecticism

Katie’s history with the Framingham Harvest Concert extends back further than her affiliation with the winery. Over her 20 years in Marlborough’s wine industry, she attended a handful of times.

She appreciated then and now how the late-summer showcase draws “a mix of attendees” comprising “new arrivals and Marlborough stalwarts.” Its origins – as a gathering for anyone involved in local viticulture – remain. Other community members have come into the fold.

The venue’s capacity is 500. Last year’s concert, featuring global eclectics Yurt Party and atmospheric artist Young Moon, sold out. For this year, Framingham got Fiona & the Glow to make Renwick a tour stop, in support of their latest indie album and acclaimed DJ Pete Green to expand the event’s palate with his beats.

Heading toward the show-week countdown, Katie said Framingham was “doing well” in the “Marlborough take-up” pattern of ticket sales. Unseasonably early harvest has vineyard staff less certain than usual about work schedules.

“Wine is artistry,” she observed.