It is not often that small towns in Indiana bring in big names for concerts. 

Sylvan Cellars in Rome City is defying that with their Shepherd’s Summer Concert Series, which kicks off Saturday, June, 15, with country singer Drake White. Clayton Anderson will be an opening act, as will local talent Staci Stork.

The series will continue July 13 with Barenaked Ladies and Brothers Osborne on July 20.

Health scare

White broke onto the scene with his 2016 debut album Spark, which featured the hit singles “Livin’ the Dream,” “Makin’ Me Look Good Again,” and “It Feels Good.”

In 2022, he released The Optimystic, which was released after tragedy struck. 

Born with an arteriovenous malformation, White did not begin to be affected by it until he began getting horrible headaches. 

In 2019, he collapsed on stage in Roanoke, Virginia, suffering a hemorrhagic stroke due to his AVM. The chances of this happening were slim to none, and the chances of him surviving were just as small. Luckily, this situation took place near a Level 1 trauma unit. 

On his Instagram account, a post was created in August 2019 stating, “Drake is taking time to rest and recover due to residual effects of AVM. He is in the best hands possible and is going to take a break from touring for a while, in order to make a full recovery and get back to 100%. Please continue to keep the prayers and good vibes coming for our warrior. — Team Drake White.”

White has continued touring and making music. It took quite a few months for him to recover and regain full mobility, but it did not stop the country singer from getting back on stage and showing people the power of positivity and strength. 

He has said in multiple interviews that he persevered and continued with his career in case there was someone going through something similar, to show that there is a light at the end of a murky tunnel. 

If you build it, they will come

Sylvan Cellars is much more than just a concert venue. It’s a wedding venue, event center, craft bar, and kitchen. 

Rachel Schermerhorn and her husband, Nathan, purchased the property with a century-old barn in 2012. At the time of purchase, it was listed as “one of the top 10 most endangered historical landmarks in Indiana.” 

A renovation of the barn began that year, but the Schermerhorns did not want to make too much of a change.

“Staying in line with the rustic style and atmosphere of the barn while adding a touch of elegance, the space is equipped with 30-foot-high gabled ceilings, chandeliers, and the original salvaged stained wood floors,” their website says. “The barn officially opened for business as an event center in Spring 2015, then opened the Tasting Room in January 2016.” 

Rachel Schermerhorn absolutely loves having events like the upcoming shows in a town that she loves. 

In speaking with her, she talked about how these concerts feel like such home-grown events, even more so because her husband’s cornfield is right behind it. 

“I think, honestly, as I stood at the Lee Brice show last year, everyone was in a good mood,” she said. “Everyone was happy and electric. It felt like everyone was proud to have this happen in Rome City. 

“I’m super-excited to welcome them all and Drake’s story just has such a soulfulness to it. I’m just really excited for this show.” 

Keeping it local

This concert is an all-ages show, and doors open at 4 p.m. 

Sylvan Cellars will extend their outdoor bar and floor plan for more opportunities to purchase some of their offerings. 

There will also be food trucks, with all of them coming from within a 25-mile radius of Rome City. 

When thirsty, you can swing by the Unified Sports Team booth from East Noble for soft drinks to raise money for their programs. 

The Schermerhorns love to think of these events as way of bringing in business to their town as well as bringing the community together. A great example of this was last year when the Humane Society of Noble County offered pork burgers, an effort that was part of a campaign that raised $26,000 to help design and finish up local trails. 

Make sure you grab a blanket and a lawn chair and head out to Rome City for a night of some country music in a truly unique setting.