NILES — When Anna Hagen was 8 years old, she announced to her parents with all the determination that a child can muster that she was going to play the harp.

Unconvinced, her parents said they would consider getting Hagen a harp if she could commit to piano for one year and show that she could practice without being told. Hagen demonstrated her passion for music from day one of this challenge and when one year rolled around, she began playing the harp and has not put it down since.

Hagen, 24, of Goshen, will be the next to perform for the Summer Concerts in the Park. She will play from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday on the amphitheater stage, at Riverfront Park. The concert is free and open to the public to attend. The community is invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for sitting on the grass.

The Summer Concerts in the Park series will take place every Thursday through Sept. 6. Each concert seeks to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is chosen each week. This week’s concert will support the Old Rugged Cross Foundation. The nonprofit organization seeks to raise money to restore the Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont St. in Dowagiac.

For Hagen, the Old Rugged Cross Foundation is particularly special. During the frigid winter months, Hagen braved the cold to perform the song “Old Rugged Cross” and shoot a video inside the historic church. She first performed the “Old Rugged Cross” song seven years ago and it remains a popular request.

Hagen is well-known around the Niles community and has created her legacy performing in a number of venues from the Niles District Library to local senior centers, churches and more. Across Michiana, she has had the opportunity to play with the Elkhart County Symphony and opened for the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana. She has also sold more than 3,000 CDs.

Hagen’s musical style doesn’t stick to one genre and she can play everything from classical Bach pieces to the rock and roll songs. 

“One of my favorite things to do is when I’m in a public venue go from some classical piece to Led Zeppelin,” Hagen said. “People stop in their tracks and turn around and stare at me.”

For Thursday’s concert, Hagen said she will be playing an “entertaining variety of music.”

“I love to surprise people, with all the different things one can do on the harp,” Hagen said. “I will play a variety of genres including jazz and Celtic.”

In between songs, Hagen said she will also relish the opportunity to tell stories about performing and talk about the harp. For Hagen, the chance to share how music can touch the lives of others is an important part of her chance to perform.

Hagen said she doesn’t remember exactly why she was drawn to play the harp specifically, but she does remember being fascinated by a harpist at an outdoor concert her parents took her to in Syracuse, New York.

“After the concert, my father dragged me up and introduced me to the harpist, because I was far too shy,” Hagen said. “This wonderful lady let a grubby 8-year-old touch a beautiful harp. I never forgot that sound.”

Now, Hagen hopes to inspire a similar attraction in other aspiring young musicians.

“I’ve gotten to see the impact and see how excited people get about music,” Hagen said. “I think if more musicians got to see that there would be a lot more enthusiasm for music.”

Hagen owns five harps, each with a distinctive voice, which is perhaps why she has chosen to name each of the instruments. For this performance, she will bring her harp Claire — an amplified harpsicle that she can strap to her should and walk around as she performs. Hagen will also bring Jocelyn — a portable pedal harp with 42 strings.

Hagen encouraged people to visit the park and take a listen this Thursday.

“It’s an opportunity to hear amazing, unusual live music in a beautiful venue of a public park right there on the river,” Hagen said. “Enjoy the outdoors and great community fellowship, all in support of a local landmark.”