Music won’t stop at Houlden Farm, but bands will have less play

The owners of Houlden Farm agreed to alter how it handles live music after neighbors complained that the constant sound was ruining their weekends.

The family-owned farm on Old Westboro Road last summer opened the Sunflower Shanty, a beer garden offering locally crafted beverages, food, and weekend live music. It quickly became popular, but several neighbors tired of the amplified music and complained to the Select Board during a recent meeting.

“We’re looking for a little reprieve,” said neighbor William Rychilik, who has complained about the music several times. “Give us a day to enjoy our house, our yard.”

Last year, the Sunflower Shanty has live music on Friday nights, Saturdays from noon to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays. Both neighbors who were disturbed by the noise and enthusiastic patrons submitted letters and petitions about the business.

With music season starting this month, the Select Board suggested that they start with music only on Saturday and Sunday, giving them time to get feedback from neighbors. Sunday’s offerings will be acoustic only, with no amplification.

Music will also be shut down at 7:30 p.m., an hour before last call. 

Rachel Houlden, who runs the Sunflower Shanty, said she will be monitoring the noise level. The board also discussed re-orienting the musicians to divert sound and possibly erecting noise barriers.

The Houldens will return to the Select Board later in the month to discuss the remaining entertainment dates.

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