Local musician Phil Lynch plays at a past performance. This Friday, he launches his fourth album with a concert at First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba that will benefit Tri-County Safe Harbor. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA — Singer-songwriter Phil Lynch will debut his fourth album, “Growing, Older: Songs for the Second Act,” with a free album launch concert this Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (819 1st Ave S. in Escanaba). While the concert has no admission charge, a free-will offering will be collected to benefit Tri-County Safe Harbor, the local domestic abuse shelter serving Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties.

Lynch, whose music is characterized by piano-driven contemporary folk/pop and life-affirming songs about life and time, will perform the entire new album live. His music resonates especially with the over-50 audience, exploring both the joys and challenges of life’s second act, with an emphasis on gratitude.

The concert will also feature the Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of Ann Wood. The choir will sing a special musical setting of the Ecclesiastes passage “To everything there is a season,” in keeping with the album’s central themes of time and perspective.

The album’s inspiration came a year ago when Lynch realized he had multiple songs reflecting the experience of growing older. In a casual conversation, his friend and Escanaba resident, Jim Jankowski, remarked, “I’m not old… I’m getting older.” This became the conceptual anchor for the album and title song. Songs like “The Dairy Queen Waltz,” “Empty Nest” and “I Can Catch Anything” — inspired by the founder of major league baseball fantasy camps — complement the overarching themes of life, time, and reinvention. Fans can stream the album or purchase signed copies beginning Feb. 20 at phillynchmusic.com.

“Last January I had an epiphany after reading a biography of Taylor Swift, no joke. She sings back to her age group about their shared feelings and experiences. So I realized I could do likewise for people in their second act. With this album I’ve recorded songs that affirm and channel back our own experiences, joys, and, yes, not-so-joys, too,” said Lynch with a smile.

Tri-County Safe Harbor, the beneficiary of the concert, recently faced significant challenges. In 2025, the organization lost $70,000 in federal VOCA funding, resulting in the closure of its Schoolcraft County outreach office, the release of two part-time staff, and reduced hours for remaining employees. As a measure of its importance, in one recent year Safe Harbor served 140 women, 47 children, and five men, providing a total of 2,331 shelter bed nights. The organization continues to seek volunteers, donations, and board members to maintain its critical services.

“My family has a long history with Tri-County Safe Harbor and the cause of domestic violence prevention and support. Partnering with Tri-County for this album launch felt like the right way to celebrate life and give back to our community,” said Lynch. “These songs honor the experiences of growing older — the laughter, the loss, the learning — and supporting Safe Harbor helps ensure our neighbors have a safe place to rebuild their lives.”

Lynch’s career includes performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, opening for Curtis Salgado at the Marquette Blues Festival and years of regional touring. His previous work includes the albums “Comin’ Home” and “U.P. Love Letter,” the latter of which includes the seasonal single “Upper Michigan Christmas,” which enjoys local radio play every holiday season.