Worcester County Wonders: Summer isn't quite over for Webster's Nashville of the North

WEBSTER — Nestled within the pines along the shores of Webster Lake sits a one-of-a-kind music venue, now more than 75 years old, Indian Ranch has hosted a handful of musical legends like Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Pat Benatar and last weekend, Brett Young.

Also hidden within the trees this past week was a brand-new apple-red Corvette, complete with customized bow, ready and waiting to surprise its new owners.

"Everyone is different," said Samuel Slater Restaurant general manager Julie Welch, adding the car is a gift for a bride and groom set to walk down the aisle at the venue on Saturday night. "But we do the best we can to make every experience here unique and unforgettable."

Weddings are just one of the many things happening at Indian Ranch outside of its concert calendar. The once country-centric music venue has come leaps and bounds since it first began welcoming acts to the stage in 1946.

Comedy shows, corporate functions, fundraisers, holiday-themed boat tours and class reunions are just some of the things happening off the main stage.

Taking the stage this past weekend, Young performed to a sold-out crowd, dazzling the audience with his hits like "In Case You Didn't Know" and "Lady," but also played a cover of Noah Kahan's "Stick Season."

Carmen and Katie Santos couldn't contain their excitement as they waited in line to get inside the gates. It's the second show at Indian Ranch for the mother and daughter.

"This was our first summer discovering this place," Carmen said. "It's such a hidden gem! This is our second concert of the summer, it just makes sense, for us it's only a 45-minute drive and the music is great."

The pair had seen country artist Tyler Hubbard a few weeks before and it had rained during the show.

"I brought reinforcements this time," Carmen said, holding up a pair of jackets.

"But even if it rains, it's still totally fine, we'll have a great time," Katie added with a smile. "There really isn't a bad seat in the house."

Across the crowd at the back of the amphitheater, it's Jordyn Steir's first concert. She's just 15 months old and dancing along with her mom, Hannah Steir of Grafton.

"This is just such a great place," Hannah said, handing Jordyn another french fry as the infant signed for "more" in American Sign Language. "In fact, last year was my first time here. My mom and I came to see Cole Swindell, it was actually my first trip away from the baby. Fast forward and here we are."

Jordyn isn't the only little one in attendance. The venue is clearly family-friendly with dozens of toddlers perched upon their parents' shoulders in the crowd, complete with neon orange earbuds to keep their little ears safe.

Suzette Robert and her family have owned the venue for the last two decades and it's easy to see her passion for not just the venue but for the experience as a whole.

"I remember when Phil Vassar played and I really didn't know country music yet," she said. "He came onto the stage, and I was like 'Oh, I like this!' There have just been so many incredible artists over the years, and it's been a wild ride."

Her father, Chris Robert, can still be found at most concerts, despite being mostly hands-off when it comes to the business. Outside of Indian Ranch, the businessman has donated more than $200,000 to UMass Memorial Health to build a new emergency department at Harrington in Webster and helped pay for a rescue boat now used by Webster Fire and Rescue. It isn't just Webster he's helping. Several years ago he helped build a hospital in Tanzania and is now working to create a 15,000-acre farm to help provide food for rural communities in Tanzania.

A few years ago, Robert launched the Samuel Slater Experience, offering visitors more than 20 immersive exhibits comparable to that of the Hall of Presidents at Disney theme parks. Those visiting Indian Ranch will get a teaser of the experience, with an interactive exhibit in the entryway of the restaurant, just next to a statue of Charlie Daniels, who holds the record for most concerts played at the ranch.

Throughout the summer, there are roughly one to three shows a week, bringing country artists, tribute bands, comedy shows and more to the stage just a few hundred feet from the lapping water.

"Just wait, as soon as the music starts, the water will be full of local boaters, all here to have a listen," said Adam Klein of the CK Communications Group, which handles publicity for Indian Ranch, standing on the beach.

Sure enough, several boats could be seen making their way toward the ranch across the lake as the opening band began to play.

Directly to the left of the beach floats the Indian Princess, a modern replica of the riverboats that once paraded up and down the Mississippi River in the late 19th century. The boat had just returned from a preconcert cruise and would soon transform into the cocktail reception venue for the night's wedding.

The lower floor of the boat offers a dining-style room, complete with full bar. Heading upstairs, an open-air deck offers 360-degree views of the surrounding green space. In the center of the room hangs a large bell, a small rope hangs, tempting anyone who passes by with a quick pull.

"There is one rule about the bell," said Capt. Russell Talisman. "Whoever rings the bell first buys the boat a round of cocktails."

Talisman, or Captain Russ as his uniform reads, has been at the helm for the last seven years and worked as a sailor for more than two dozen years prior. It's easy to see he loves not just his job but the Indian Princess too.

Back on solid ground waits campground manager Pete Marleau, who runs the campground during the spring and summer before spending the winter in Florida.

"What's not to love?" Marleau asked over the rifts of Young's band. "There is no place like this place, it never stops and that's just one of the reasons I love it."

Right now there is about a two-year wait to be a "seasonal camper," one who rents a spot from May through October. Part of the rental includes concert tickets throughout the summer, with many attending every single show.

"Just this morning, a couple members of the band wanted to go kayaking," he said. "Unfortunately, the campgrounds don't own their own kayaks, but our residents do, and they definitely delivered, letting the band borrow a couple of boats for a quick trip ahead of the show. I mean, Aaron Lewis, you know, he goes fishing before every show he plays here, what other venue offers that!

"And when it gets really hot, the audience usually swims at the beach in between sets," Marleau added. "It's just such a wonderful experience whether you're here for camping, the music, the lake or the restaurant."

The Samuel Slater Restaurant opened in 2018, serving up sensational food and offering takeout, not just to those dropping by on car or foot but also by boat.

"A lot of locals will call ahead, place an order and then drive their boat over to our dock. We run the food out to them and they're on their way," said Welch.

Heading back to the amphitheater, Young invited his stage crew to swap roles with his band, telling the crowd, "Lots of artists say they've got the best crew in the world, but not many of them will turn around and prove it."

Through the screaming crowd, the proof was in the music, loud and clear.

T&G engagement editor Sarah Barnacle is getting to know Central Mass. by exploring some of the best places to go and things to do in Worcester County. If you have an idea or suggestion, please email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: New England's 'Nashville of the North' is here in Worcester County