It’s the first time Charlie and Kathy Clarke have done this sort of thing. But it may not be the last.

Last Saturday the Clarke’s hosted folk duo Reilly and Maloney – featuring singer/guitarists Ginny Reilly and David Maloney – for a free concert in their Auburn home’s backyard.

Charlie Clarke said he and his wife jumped at the opportunity to host the duo.

“We’ve followed them for about 35 years,” he said. “We’ve seen them many times and saw them at the Auburn Avenue Theater a couple of years ago and talked to them after the show.”

Clarke explained that after perusing Reilly and Maloney’s website, they found out that the duo often played house shows between engagements.

“The website said where they were going to be and which dates they had open,” he said.

After contacting the duo’s associate Wes Wendell, the Clarkes were informed that Reilly and Maloney would be able to perform on July 30.

“So we just emailed all of our friends and invited them,” Clarke said. “And all of the people in the community that appreciate music.”

Close to 50 people packed in their lawn chairs into the Clarke’s back yard to watch Reilly and Maloney, backed by Wendell on the mandolin, perform several original songs and covers.

“We’re very pleased with it,” Clarke said. “The weather was great. It couldn’t have been nicer really. The songs were great.”

Clarke added that if the opportunity arose, he’d love to host the duo again.

“We would love to do it again in our backyard,” he said. “It was the best party we’ve ever had.”