Entertainment : Farmers Mercantile, a Hidden Gem in Downtown Garrison

I don't know about you, but it seems like sometimes it's just hard to carve out some time to sit and relax.

Sure, you can always turn on the TV, but it's not the same as hopping in the car going to a homey place to enjoy some live music.

Several years ago, the Fishers saw an opportunity to create such a place in Farmers Mercantile Hall in Garrison.

If you aren't familiar with Farmers Mercantile Hall, you're missing it.
For starters, Farmers Mercantile Hall hosts monthly concerts for a minimal fee. Pictured above is Bob Black & Banjoy which performed on St. Patrick's Day.
The upcoming events are listed below:

Awful Purdies, Sunday, April 14th,, 2-4:30 p.m.

Joe & Vicki Price, Sunday, May 19th, 2-4:30 p.m.

Annie Savage Trio, Sunday, June 23rd, 2-4:30 pm.

Rough & Tumble, Sunday, July 14th, 2-4:30 p.m.

Joe Newberry & Mike Comptom with Milltown, Sunday, August 25th, 2-4:30 p.m.

To follow the Farmers Mercantile Hall on Facebook, simply click here!

The Farmers Mercantile Hall also works with the Garrison Library who provides refreshments during the concerts. About halfway through the performance, there is a short break for folks to grab a bite to eat. The donations from this provide a little help to the library. "We have a long relationship with the Garrison Library. We became involved with them after the wind storm that destroyed the old library. They stored some of their shelving and equipment in the building until their new building was finished" said Fischer. "The Garrison Library furnished the refreshments for the Idiot Jam shows and that seemed to be very well received by everyone. When we started having shows we asked them if they would do the refreshments. They agreed and have been providing a wonderful selection of refreshments for every show since!"

There were several things that attributed to bringing live music to the areas. Nick Fisher said that he and his wife Charlotta enjoyed attending live musical events and went to see quite a few of them over the years. At the same time, Todd Frank was interested in using the building to hold an Idiot Jam in the building. Beginning in May of 2015, each month the building has been the home for talent from around the area.

"The building has great acoustics and its historic nature seems to make it a good music venue," said Fisher. " I try to have a show each month except January (and maybe February in the future). I enjoy looking for musicians that I like and that I think others will like. Old time music, bluegrass, Americana are among my favorites" he said.

Music festivals and other venues are always a good place to find talent, word of mouth from the musicians themselves is another good source for finding talent.

For a previous article about the Farmers Mercantile Hall, click here

The building is also available for rent. The location is perfect for reunions, graduation parties, bridal or baby shower events or birthday parties.

If you are interested in booking the venue, you can call 319 475-2277 or drop Nick a note at nfisher852@yahoo.com.