On a crisp autumn afternoon on October 11, about 200 nature lovers followed the sound of music up the Red Dot Trail to the top of Great Blue Hill. Waiting at the top were the welcoming sounds of classic cover band Retro Rockets, community partners, and plenty of picnic spots. It truly was a magical experience.
The event brought together hikers who arrived on their own or headed up the hill on one of the guided hikes led by volunteers Stan and Jannine from the Blue Hills Hiking Club and members of the FBH board of trustees Carina and Liz. All were eager to witness the fall foliage, picnic under the sky, and tap their feet to live music until the sun went down.
Some hikers looking for more altitude took tours of the Blue Hill Observatory and viewed sunset from the roof. Others connected with the community partners who set up tables nearby to share information about their missions and say hello.
Who Should Play at the Hilltop Concert Next Year?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on which local band should be part of it! Comment below with your ideas.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers Dorothy, Jess, Marlene, Pete, Skip, Sue, and Vivian, plus participating partners the Blue Hill Observatory, Brookwood Community Farm, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, and Orchard Cove Senior Living for welcoming hikers to the top of Great Blue with us! We especially appreciate funding provided by the Milton Cultural Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon around 5:45 p.m., the summit’s gentle breeze carried the band’s retro tunes across the hilltop while picnic blankets and hearty laughter filled the air. When the band launched into the Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline,” it brought people to their feet in the final moments of dusk to dance and sing their way over the ski hill or the access road for the descent.
What better way to celebrate the season than this blend of nature, music, and community?
⬇️ Be sure to click through the slideshow of photos from that unforgettable evening: the golden glow of sunset, the wide smiles of hikers, and the vibrant energy of the concert at the top.
Be sure to join us next year for this special event. We’d love to hear your thoughts on which local band should be part of it!
