By Judy Delperang
Music is as much of a staple at the Clear Lake Farmers Market as is seasonal produce, locally-raised meat, baked goods, and handmade crafts. And like other market offerings, you have to get there early to take the best advantage of it. While the market runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the music is over at 11.
Market-goers on June 22 were treated to the music of Desiree Castillo, 21, of Mason City.
Desiree said she’s been doing music since age 11, serving on the worship team at Agape Christian Family Church in Clear Lake.
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 5 or 6. I’ve been singing my whole life.
Her dad and 18-year-old brother are also on the church worship team. I’m obviously used to doing worship music, she said about the kind of music she plays.
Oddly enough, I’m not the greatest fan of country, but that comes pretty easy. I’ll do anything that sounds good with guitar. I think I do it well.
She was listening to country music when I was figuring out my voice around age 10 or 11, but she also heard oldies music (1950s and ’60s) growing up.
My dad is into it. It’s easy to do and fun.
Putting her touch on the music she performs is a bit of a challenge in a two-hour set like the market’s.
Going with the flow changing it around – kind of comes naturally to me with worship music.
If I like it, make it my own.
You have two more chances to catch Desiree at the market: Aug. 10 and Sept. 28. Don’t miss it.
The schedule for the rest of the season:
Bill Wolf, July 6; Jim Thornton, July 13; Abby Smith, July 20; Kristy Neidlinger, July 27; Jim Thornton, Aug. 3; Desiree, Aug. 10; Spencer Rahm, Aug. 17; Dave Sappenfield, Aug. 24; TBD Aug. 31; Kristy Neidlinger, Sept. 7; Jim Thornton, Sept. 14; Dave Sappenfield, Sept. 21; Desiree, Sept. 28; Harvest Fest, Oct. 5; Dave Sappenfield, Oct. 12; Betsy and Tom Kirby, Oct. 19.
The farmers market is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 19 in the Surf Ballroom parking lot.
For information, visit www.clearlakefarmersmarket.com, and follow the market on Facebook and Instagram.
Special thanks to sponsors who make this weekly live music possible: CDI, CLTel & The North Iowa Board of Realtors
