MUNCIE, Ind. — Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter James McMurtry and his band will perform a free outdoor concert on Saturday, July 30, as part of the 2022 Muncie Three Trails Music Series.

The inaugural concert in the 2022 series will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Canan Commons, 500 S. Walnut St. Muncie native Mike Martin and the Beautiful Mess will open the show.

More than 30 years after his debut release, the critically acclaimed "Too Long in the Wasteland," co-produced by John Mellencamp, James McMurtry has become what’s known as a songwriter’s songwriter, according to a release. After his auspicious start, a Grammy nomination and five more albums followed. Taking a three-year break, he released his seventh album, "Childish Things,"in 2005, which went on to win Album of the Year at the American Music Awards, with “We Can’t Make It Here” capturing their Song of the Year award. In 2015, McMurtry released "Complicated Game," which became his highest charting record to date, reaching #9 on Billboard’s US Indie chart.

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"The Muncie Three Trails Music Series is proud to have James McMurtry and his band, Ronnie Johnson, Darrenm Hess, and Tim Holt, grace the Canan Commons stage," the release stated.

The next Muncie Three Trails concert will feature the Small Glories at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Canan Commons.

The Muncie Three Trails Music Series is a nonprofit partnership between Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Muncie Arts and Culture Council, and Rick Zeigler, series founder and organizer. The mission of the series is to bring critically acclaimed, national recording artists to perform at Canan Commons, Muncie’s premier outdoor performance venue, located in the heart of downtown Muncie. A second mission is to promote the many recreational, artistic, and cultural attractions located along, or in close proximity to, Canan Commons and Muncie’s popular “Three Trails”: The White River Greenway, Cardinal Greenway and Muncie Arts and Culture Trail.

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Information: munciethreetrails.com.

Interlock, Minnetrista partner on sensory-friendly 'Faeries, Sprites, & Lights'

MUNCIE — Interlock, a nonprofit organization that provides support, education and resources to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder, has partnered with Minnetrista to sponsor a special sensory-friendly day of the annual "Faeries, Sprites, & Lights" event noon-4 p.m. July 31.

"The sensory-friendly event is designed to welcome our Faerie friends with sensory sensitivities or disabilities to the Oakhurst Gardens to experience the magic in a calmer and welcoming environment," a release stated. "Join us for some quiet music, an optional live theatre show and character interactions, or just take a stroll through the beautiful flowers and decorations."

Individuals, close family and caregivers affected by autism and other sensory-processing disorders can reserve their free tickets by using the discount code available on the Interlock Facebook page. A limited number of free tickets are available. Additional tickets are available online or at the door for $12 each ($10 for Minnetrista members); kids age 2 and younger are admitted for free,

“Providing access to events like this for our families is critical. Even the smallest barrier can be enough for some of us to just sit it out” said Arrick Garringer, Interlock Board Secretary. “When Minnetrista reached out and offered to add an accessible judgement-free day to their event, we jumped at the opportunity to support it.”

Tickets are available at: https://www.minnetrista.net/events/faeries-sprites-lights-6fhjw or the Interlock Facebook Page.

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This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: First Three Trails concert to feature James McMurty