Comanchero, one of the bands that will play at the fair. ~Photo courtesy of SAC

Country fair hits the city

By Ashley Troutman

Music, dancers, vendors, and all things “country” will come to Somerville with the Urban Country Fair on Saturday. The Somerville Arts Council and Truth Serum are producing the fair in Union Square.

Meagan O’Brien, of the arts council, said the fair will be, “complete, with hay bales, country music, and guaranteed to be a mighty fine time.”

Three bands are scheduled to perform. Sophia Cacciola and Michael Epstein make up the spy-themed rock duo, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. The name was inspired by the 1960’s British series, The Prisoner. Cacciola acts as both drummer and vocalist, and Epstein rocks out as the bassist.

The Pretty Pennies, a four-person band, plays Americana, soul, and roots music. Caroline Campbell McCormick, lead singer and only female member, plays the harp and percussion, giving the band a unique sound.

Several famous artists including Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash have influenced Comanchero, an Americana, country-rock, jam band. Their upbeat sound will get the crowd on their feet.

Vendors will be onsite, including First Root Farm, a small vegetable farm located in Concord and Whiskey Business, a vegan treat-making factory. JoJo Clothes will sell sustainable children’s clothing, GlamourPuss Creations will have vintage jewelry with a modern flair for sale, and various other artists will display their handmade work.

Boston Skillshare, aiming to share skills to help others live happier lives, will hold workshops for attendants. Aliza Shapiro of Truth Serum, said, “I’m so excited to see what they come up with. Last year they had balloon twisting, pickling, yogurt making. and knitting with plastic bags.”