The Magic of Mugs and Music

One of my favorite events of the season is coming up--Mugs and Music--Saturday, March 13th at the Kennett Flash. This multifaceted celebration of community involves functional pottery, beer, local food, music, a great venue, and two worthy causes--Chester County Buy Fresh,Buy Local and the Chester County Food Bank. Mugs and Music is part of this greater concept of Down to Earth--exploring the connections between functional art, local food, and community. It was the brainchild of potter, activist and now great friend Lyla Kaplan. We have been organizing Down to Earth events together for the past 3 years, she has all the amazing pottery connections and I handle the food.

Our mission is the following:
The mission of Down to Earth is to display functional art that is intended to enhance the culinary experience: to celebrate the intrinsic value of eating locally grown food using handmade art, and to build community by introducing people to their local farmers and artists. To produce food and nurture growth requires farmers’ diligence and attention to the earth - artists create forms that contain, present, and enhance food. Farmers and artists transform what the earth provides, which in turn nourishes our bodies and our souls. - Lyla and Claire

All of the logistical information can be found on the website--including a link to buy tickets. Basically the evening involves an opportunity to buy a handcrafted ceramic mug made by a local potter (the cost of the mugs varies in range from $15-$30, and is not included in the ticket price). The ticket price ($20 in advance, $23 at the door) DOES include a Victory Beer tasting, a local food reception feature light fare from Harvest Market Natural Foods and cheese from Highland Farm, Birchrun Hills Farm, and Amazing Acres, and a fantastic concert with performances by Annachristie Sadler of the Sisters Three, the Spinning Leaves, Hezekiah Jones, and Chris Kasper. The reception starts at 7PM and the music will begin at 8PM.


The locale of the Down to Earth events often set the tone for the entire program--in the past locations included the Art Scene, the Chester County Historical Society, and Restaurant Alba in Malvern.

This year the event will take place in Kennett Square's premier music venue, the Kennett Flash. I think this is why I am so particularly excited for this year's event--in a demonstrable illustration of our mission--we will be celebrating the bonds and connections that we have forged around our wonderful and vibrant local food community. It is fitting that the Buy Fresh, Buy Local project the Mugs and Music proceeds will be benefit is the 2010 version of the local food guide. We have personal ties to everyone involved--many of the potters, and all of the musicians and the food vendors have participated in the Kennett Farmers Market. So I leave you with a collage of photos featuring our market ties with the participants--a photo esssay of connection and support. What better way to usher in a new season.