'So nice to hear.' Ernie's Bike Shop hosts free acoustic music on the porch

MASSILLON – Ernie's Bike Shop introduced a new theme this summer to help boost the spirts of folks using the Towpath Trail and Tuscarawas River on the weekends — "Let the Music Play."

Tim Darnell is part of a local acoustic outfit, Touch of Spring, which performs bluegrass , Celtic and gospel music, as well as Christmas and classic billboard tunes from yesteryear on Saturday afternoons on the front porch at Ernie's, 135 Lake Ave. NW.

Darnell, 64, has played the guitar for nearly 40 years and has the hammered dulcimer on his resume. He said Ernie's provides a pleasant atmosphere near the Tuscarawas River to play live music.

"They have a big back porch, and it's covered," said Darnell, noting that beginning musicians, amateurs and professionals are all welcome to join in. "We get a nice, small crowd with kids who show up, too."

Acoustic guitar player Joe Carrick of Zoar said performing at Ernie's provides a consistent reason to smile.

"It's so relaxing. I love it," he said.

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Live music typically begins around 3 p.m. and runs to about 6 p.m., said Darnell of Massillon , adding that showtime at Ernie's should continue at least through the end of August.

Some songs performed are "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Amazing Grace," "Water is Wine," "I'll Fly Away," "Drunken Sailor" and "I Can't Help Falling in Love (With You)," which was a popular Elvis Presley hit.

Ernie Lehman Jr. said the band is popular with the bike shop's clientele.

"We get phone calls asking if the guys are out there (on Saturdays)," Lehman said. "(The music) is a positive thing and so nice to hear."

Throughout the year, Touch of Spring also performs at other local venues, such as weddings, birthday parties, anniversary shindigs, church events and fall festivals, including the Atwood Fall Festival , Darnell said.

Starting in September, the band is slated to perform on weekends at Nickajack Farms , which is in Lawrence Township.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com . On X: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: 'So nice to hear.' Ernie's Bike Shop hosts free acoustic music on the porch