Carmel Retreat Begins Season's Concert Series

Just in sight of the New York City skyline and only a few minutes outside the congestion of Passaic and Bergen County lines is a place of tranquility in Mahwah off of Ramapo Valley Road – the .

Starting this week, the retreat will be offering “house concerts” with folk musicians and acoustic guitars. According to Brother Thomas Murphy, who organized the concerts, the premise of the event is to keep life simple, and enjoy the fellowship and harmony of musicians and music lovers.

“I was inspired to begin this after hearing the music of [Indie-Folk band] Jayber Crow, and thought it would be great to create an environment for people who enjoy music,” he said.

Each of his house concerts is expected to bring in less than 50 people, to keep it an intimate atmosphere for all music lovers.

“The Carmel Retreat works to be a gentle place and we want the music to reflect that,” he said.

According to Murphy, one of the purposes of the house concerts is to introduce the retreat to the rest of Northern Jersey, who may have been unaware of the its presence. While it is sponsored and operated by the Catholic Church, the retreat welcomes people from all faiths and organizations.

“This is just a nice place for people to get away and have time to reflect,” said Murphy.

Off the main section of the lodge house and to the left, is a hallway of rooms similar to those seen in a motel. Each is equipped with beds, desk, a telephone and a Bible to give persons a chance to just “turn off” the outside world.

“All are welcome,” said Murphy.

Originally, the 32 room mansion had been built in 1910 by a family from New York City. In 1954, Father Brice Riordan, of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church, was seeking a home for a radio station, but found the house and it was turned into a retreat center.

Today it features, “three houses (each of which can be rented) which provide a comfortable and reflective atmosphere for individuals and groups. The accommodations include 31 bedrooms, 70 beds, private baths, meeting and conference rooms for up to 75, chapel, library, elevator access, handicap accessibility, and a menu which provides groups with a variety of home-made meals.”

The first show is May 22 with the group Slight Imperfection, a Celtic Harp Guitar; on June 12 singer-songwriter Tony Pileggi, singer and guitarist on July 17; Martin Swinger, singer-songwriter on August 14; Roia Rafieyan on Sept. 18; and Kathy Moser on Oct. 16.

Tickets for all shows feature dinner and music for $30. Music only tickets are $15 and groups of four are $100.

For more information, visit the Carmel Retreat’s web site here.