Acton Memorial Library’s summer music season kicked off on June 12 with a concert by singer-songwriter Rodney Mashia. Mr. Mashia, who was raised in rural Louisiana but now lives in Maine, entertained a small but enthusiastic audience on a gorgeous summer evening.
Mr. Mashia played a variety of songs, including many Sam Cooke covers, some Stevie Wonder pieces, and a few of his own compositions, which he accompanied with stories from his life.
One song, “Miss Emily”, was written for his grandmother, who had dementia; another was written from what he called a “past life experience” of being on an auction block, waiting to be sold.
Mr. Mashia tends to sing well-known songs at a slower tempo, allowing his voice to soar and the listener to hear the lyrics clearly. His version of Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang” was especially poignant.
All in all, it was a lovely evening. This is the first in a series of free summer concerts on the library lawn. The next concert, on July 17, features the Squeezebox Stompers. Bring the family, bring a picnic, and enjoy!
Miriam Lezak is an associate editor for the Acton Exchange, an Acton Memorial Library Trustee, and an occasional writer for the Exchange.