(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- The public is invited to celebrate local music and nature at a unique event on Thursday, March 4th. From 6:00pm-7:00pm the Sourland Conservancy will present the second of their monthly series of live virtual events held via Zoom featuring New Jersey artists with Pat Foran of Lambertville as this month's featured artist. “Sourland Mountain Happy Hour” tickets are on sale now for just $10 at www.sourland.org. Proceeds will benefit the musicians and the work of the Sourland Conservancy.

“We hope to share the spirit of the Mountain Fest with our friends and neighbors while supporting artists and businesses in our community,” said Gery Juleff, Sourland Conservancy Trustee. “It’s been a challenging time for all of us. Let’s get together safely and have a little fun!”

Sourland Mountain Spirits will create a bespoke cocktail for the occasion - and offer a 20% special for Happy Hour participants on all March 3rd and 4th purchases. Founder and CEO, Ray Disch said, “The Sourland Mountain has the largest uninterrupted forest in central Jersey. Between the forest, the fields, and the watershed, it provides us with magnificent well water that is the heart and base of all the spirits we make here.” 

The New Jersey Forest Service estimates that over one million trees in the Sourland forest will die within the next few years due to an invasive insect, the emerald ash borer. The Sourland Conservancy is working with volunteers and partners to restore the forest in the region. The first of five public plantings this year - on Earth Day - will be held at Baldpate Mountain in partnership with the Mercer County Park Commission.

“The Sourland Conservancy is partnering with public and private landowners to plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to support wildlife, protect clean air and water, and sequester carbon.” Board President, Dante DiPirro, said. “We all appreciate the tireless efforts of the Happy Hour volunteers  - Suzanne Parsons, Jennifer Bryson, Cliff Wilson, Gery Juleff, David Voorhees, and Michelle Baker - to raise funds to support this important work.”

The line-up includes a variety of New Jersey favorites. Pat Foran of Lambertville will be featured on March 4th.  Pat knew from age 8 that he wanted to be a songwriter. His passion for songwriting led him to study jazz and classical guitar as well as contemporary music, theory and voice. Pat developed into an artist who can sing a low-down, bluesy grit or a power-pop brightness with equal and impressive ease. He has become one of the foremost members of his regional musical community by establishing the Pat Foran Showcase, a weekly artist spotlight at Havana New Hope, PA. Pat is currently considering an Indie Record Label offer while hard at work on a follow-up to his “Foran Policy”. The new singles and two EPs slated for release throughout 2021 will incorporate more electric guitar than previous efforts, helping Pat to expand his creative horizons while remaining true to his songwriting roots.  www.patforanmusic.com

The line-up continues April 1, Jake Thistle; May 6, AS IS Jazz; and June 3, James Popik & Supernova. Danny Coleman of DannyColemansRockonRadio.com will emcee all shows. Visit www.sourland.org for more information about the event and artists.

Suzanne Parsons, Coordinator of the Sourland Mountain Happy Hours said, “Bruce Fredericks’ style of sing-along music at our first Happy Hour was enjoyed by all. I especially enjoyed John Cifelli’s short walking tour of Unionville Vineyards at intermission.”

Participants are raving: “woot woot. Sounds great! Anything can happen when you’re live! Thank you for the show, I support what you are doing. This is fabulous! Thanks, Mr. C and UnionvilleVineyards!! Thanks for organizing this, Really enjoyed it.  Looking forward to joining in again.  Let’s hang out for a while after the show.” Indeed, many attendees stayed online to enjoy each other's company for a half-hour after the first show. 

On March 4th, the Conservancy is planning to expand the “after-party,” so participants can meet each other and catch up. “We’ve all got a little cabin fever, and we’re looking forward to getting back outside,” said Jennifer Bryson, who welcomes musicians to perform live in her antique barn. “This is such a nice way to meet new people and check in with our old friends, and just relax.”

Tickets are on sale now online at $10 per show. In addition to music and fun, registered attendees will enjoy special deals and discounts on their Happy Hour take-out supplies ordered in advance from event sponsors: Sourland Mountain Spirits, Unionville Vineyards, and Flounder Brewery.

The Sourland Conservancy would like to thank event sponsors: The Belle Mead Co-op; Dandelion Wishes; Discover Central NJ; Flounder Brewery; Green Power Energy; Hegedus Law; Kilbourne and Kilbourne; Madsen, Kneppers and Associates; Princeton Records Exchange; Sourland Mountain Spirits; Stellitano HVAC; and Unionville Vineyards. If your business would like to support this effort, please contact Gery Juleff at info@sourland.org.

Sourland Mountain Happy Hours will be held via Zoom from 6:00pm-7:00pm on the first Thursday of each month, March 4 through June 3.  Tickets are available now: $10/person (all ages). Ticket holders will receive a link to the live online event via email. Proceeds will benefit the musicians and the work of the Sourland Conservancy. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sourland.org.