LIVERMORE — An afternoon of lively music and homemade pie on the rolling green grounds of the historic Norlands museum, is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. 

Proceeds from the afternoon concert will benefit the fund to reconstruct the Norlands barn, lost to a fire in 2008.  Admission is $5 admission.

The Merry Plinksteers kick off the event at 1 p.m.  A newly formed group of ukulele players, led by Mike Burd of Industry, began in 2010 as part of a Uke 101 enrichment class through RSU 9’s adult education program. In response to some participants wanting to continue beyond the initial four-week class, the idea for an ongoing instructional and fellowship group was formed. Group members include Loraine Norton, Elaine Wells, Pam Moore, Becky Errington, Pauline Barr, Becky Sweeney, Dora Plancon, Chrissy Miner, Marcia Cook, Debbie Bliss, Melanie Farmer and Sarah Otley. 

At 2 p.m., the local band, Off the Hill,  offers a little bit country, a little bit pop, a touch of bluegrass and a little bit rock. The band started in 2003. Paula Kaiser, band leader and founder, says the band is fulfilling her original vision by offering a broad variety of music and an uplifting program that fully entertains. “We want to make people smile,” she said. Kaiser is a singer/songwriter who lives in Fayette. She has won awards for both her vocals and songwriting. She plays bass guitar for the band. Longtime member Alan Rich  plays guitar, mandolin, banjo and sings. Al is from Livermore, where he operates Underdog Recording Studio.  He provides sound and technical support for the group. He says that working with Off the Hill is the most rewarding and plain-old-fun band he’s played with in his more than 30 years as a guitarist.

Robin Hakala of East Livermore joined the group two years ago and is a longtime friend of the Norlands. Hakala is a seasoned actor, published author, musician and songwriter. She adds much to the band with her lovely vocals and quick wit. Robin plays guitar and the spoons. Returning to the band this year is founding member Alan Hakala. Alan plays guitar, lap steel and a bit of violin. Having left the band to get his degree in computer information systems at the University of Maine at Augusta, his return to Off The Hill is welcome. For more information about Off The Hill, visit: www.reverbnation.com/offthehill.

At 3 p.m., enjoy the sounds of Racket Factory.  This group of friends and neighbors has been playing and singing together for years and produce the  reels, jigs, waltzes, hambos and polkas. Racket Factory plays at weddings, dances, festivals, and other celebratory functions. The group takes its name from the former factory in New Sharon, as well as the lively racket that can be made with three fiddles, guitar and bass. For more information about Racket Factory, visit: www.starleft.org/racket. Music is their racket!

Homemade pie will be served up by the slice for a small donation. The concert will be held rain or shine. In case of cold or damp weather, the event will be held in the  Meeting House on the museum grounds.

The Norlands is located at 290 Norlands Road. For more information, visit www.norlands.org or call 207-897-4366. Don’t miss this premier musical event at the Norlands, with all the fixings!

For more information on the group or classes, contact Mike Burd through the Adult Education office at 778-3460.