Vance Gilbert is a versatile and influential acoustic singer-songwriter, performer, and coach. He has released 14 albums and performed at prestigious festivals and venues, and he’s performed at the Rose Garden probably a half-dozen times over the years. His latest album, “The Mother Of Trouble”, showcases his storytelling skills and diverse musical influences. Vance is the perfect musician to inspire our trio of songwriters participating that night in our 32nd Performing Songwriter Competition.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert”, says Richmond Magazine.
Vance’s new album, “The Mother Of Trouble”, features Grammy winner Lori McKenna on background vocals, Juno award recipient and Bonnie Raitt Grammy hit song co-writer Joey Landreth on guitars, and Americana-Roots master mandolinist Joe K. Walsh. With 4 bullies, 4 deaths (3 of them murders), 3 moms, 2 accidents, 2 Black people, 2 dogs, 1 dog ball, 1 gay kid, and 1 missed flight thanks to gas station sushi, this album benefits from the gifts of time and experience honing songwriting skills that put this most vital of acoustic storytellers at the top of the game.
Oh, and Management wants to make sure to tell you that this is the 14th release for this acoustic stalwart.
30 years into his career, the songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the contemporary Folk and Americana realm as he has helped pave the way for many of the BIPOC artists who have followed.
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Kathy Mattea. Hailed by The Washington Post as “one of Nashville’s finest song interpreters,” Kathy Mattea has enjoyed much success and acclaim during her 35-year career in Country, Bluegrass, and Folk music, including 2 Grammy wins, 4 CMA Awards, four #1 country singles, and five gold albums (plus a platinum Greatest Hits collection). Her latest album is “Pretty Bird,” produced by her old friend, roots music wizard Tim O’Brien. The wide-ranging collection of songs chronicles a period of rededication to singing, digging back in with a vocal coach and emerging with a poignant and eclectic CD. In addition to creating and recording music and performing live on tour, Kathy is increasingly involved with public broadcasting, consulting and contributing on screen in Ken Burns’ 2019 documentary for PBS “Country Music,” and recently replacing founder Larry Groce as the host of the long-running NPR show “Mountain Stage.” For more Last Dance Productions events, click here.
Singer/songwriter Robin Lane will open the show. She began her musical career singing with Neil Young on the Everybody Knows This is Nowhere album. In 1979, she formed the renowned band Robin Lane & The Chartbusters, whose hit single “When Things Go Wrong” was the eleventh video broadcast on MTV’s debut day.
Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation. That description is not hyperbole. Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity, and the unwavering respect of her peers. Karla has seen her songs become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt. Many of Bonoff’s ballads are classics. Karla has continued to record and tour extensively, playing sold-out shows worldwide.
Hearing Karla’s moving vocals on her rich, expressive songs is like standing beneath a sparkling waterfall–refreshing, exhilarating, and restorative. Experiencing them live can be transformative. Fans and critics agree that Bonoff’s songs, as are her recordings, are timeless. Many prefer her versions, live with instrumentation that is clean and spare, giving Bonoff’s voice room to work its emotional magic.
“Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today. Billboard Magazine.
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Barry Goudreau, formerly of Boston, recently announced the release of his new CD, “The Road” from his band Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. Barry’s blues/rock ensemble includes his former RTZ bandmates Brian Maes on lead vocals and keyboards, as well as Tim Archibald on bass. Both Maes and Archibald were members of Peter Wolf’s House Party Five, playing on two of his records and touring the world extensively. The band is rounded out with “Old” Tony DePietro on drums and Mary Beth Maes, Terri O’Soro and Joanie Cicatelli on background vocals. Expect some favorites like “Smokin” and “Long Time” in their live set, alongside songs from the new CD as well as tracks from “Full Steam Ahead”, the 2017 release from Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room.
Join us on Saturday, October 5th from Noon – 6pm on Coddington Street from Quincy High School to Thomas Crane Public Library and at the Coddington Building for our Food Truck & Music Festival!
Piano Men, The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel. Joe Boucher and Chris Eastburn are proud to present a truly dynamic and highly acclaimed concert that combines a four-piece classic rock band featuring Joe on piano/vocals backed by a string quartet led by Chris.
The performance is a tribute to the exhilarating music of Elton John and Billy Joel…and the concert could be unlike any you’ve seen before! It will combine a five-piece rock band featuring Joe Boucher on the piano singing lead vocal, backed by a four-piece string orchestra section arranged by Christopher Eastburn.
The music of “Piano Men” concentrates heavily on the recordings by John and Joel during their 1970’s heyday, when their many hit albums featured lush orchestrations. The concert opens with Billy Joel’s thrilling Prelude / Angry Young Man and works its way through a veritable hit parade alternating songs between the two composers.
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Barry Goudreau, formerly of Boston, recently announced the release of his new CD, “The Road” from his band Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. Barry’s blues/rock ensemble includes his former RTZ bandmates Brian Maes on lead vocals and keyboards, as well as Tim Archibald on bass. Both Maes and Archibald were members of Peter Wolf’s House Party Five, playing on two of his records and touring the world extensively. The band is rounded out with “Old” Tony DePietro on drums and Mary Beth Maes, Terri O’Soro and Joanie Cicatelli on background vocals. Expect some favorites like “Smokin” and “Long Time” in their live set, alongside songs from the new CD as well as tracks from “Full Steam Ahead”, the 2017 release from Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room.
Divas with a Twist is a group of five powerful female vocalists backed by Grammy-nominated musicians. They’ll perform classic holiday songs with fresh new arrangements and harmonies. Get in the holiday spirit with selections including a rocking “Drummer Boy,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” Aerosmith’s “Rocking on Top of the World” from The Polar Express, “O Holy Night,” a beautiful a cappella version of “Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas,” and some of their regular rock songs that you’ll recognize! Don’t miss out on this rocking holiday show!
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Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were best of friends, some would even say brothers. The fact that they were two of the biggest stars of the 20th century was beside the point. One For the Road pays homage to these “brothers” and to a bygone era of swagger and living life to excess.
Patrick Tobin and Jimmy Mazz come together to bring you the ultra cool personalities of “The Chairman Of The Board”, and “The King Of Cool.” Patrick’s look and sound of Sinatra is amplified as he belts out hit after hit while his dry wit is sure to strike your funny bone. Jimmy portrays Dean’s signature look, swagger and smooth vocal style as he sings the hits while delivering the one-liners and jokes that made Dean a phenomena.
In addition to Sinatra and Martin classics, the show will sprinkle in holiday favorites, like “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Happy Holidays,” “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “The Christmas Waltz,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” and many more!
Together these two bring back old Vegas, with a new twist or two as they’re sure to wow you with their wit and classic style entertainment.
Ring a ding ding baby!
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Ash & Eric, a married duo from Worcester, are known for their genuine storytelling through music. Their songs navigate the intricacies of love, capturing both its triumphs and tribulations. Their album, “Sure,” touches on love’s dynamics, offering both solace and reflection. Having been a team since 2012, their knack for transforming life’s challenges into lyrical narratives stands out. Their beautiful harmonies, acoustic guitar work, and warm stage presence have led them to perform alongside folk stalwarts like Livingston Taylor and Mark Erelli. Their latest album, “Sure,” was entirely produced by Eric, and a visual album based on “Sure,” called “A Song for Every Sadness,” was released June 2024.
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