Jul
27
Sat
The Lowell Folk Festival @ The Lowell Folk Festival
Jul 27 @ 4:00 am – Jul 29 @ 5:00 am
The Lowell Folk Festival @ The Lowell Folk Festival | Lowell | Massachusetts | United States

The Lowell Folk Festival strives to present the very finest traditional artists from across the country. Festival stages reverberate with the sounds of traditional music more often heard in homes, social clubs, dance halls, and annual celebrations.

You’re invited now to place Lowell Folk Festival 2013 on your calendar. The dates are Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 in downtown Lowell.

Last Dance Productions is thrilled to be part of the production team for the festival.

Apr
6
Sun
The Last Waltz Live @ Regent Theater
Apr 6 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

The Last Waltz LIVE is a re-creation of the Band’s classic 1978 concert film, The Last Waltz, featuring The Rev Tor Band and an all star cast of Boston-based musicians. The show includes renditions of all the hits by the Band featured in the film, such as “The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” as well as songs by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton and many more.

For Tickets Click Here.

The line-up of artists includes the Rev Tor Band, Gary Backstrom of Jiggle the Handle, Vance Gilbert, Chris Fitz, Jim Infantino of Jim’s Big Ego, Chris Nemitz and Charlie Carrazzo of Sun Jones, Regie Gibson, Adam Michael Rothberg, Emily Grogan, Todd Mack, Marina Evans, Vinny Serino of Boston Baked Blues, Nikki Howard, Les Sampou, Vykki Vox, and Richard Cambridge.

 A diverse array of local, regional, and national artists perform the songs of the film’s original special guests, making the show a unique all-star experience showcasing the finest talent from the local music scene and beyond. All profits from the Last Waltz LIVE benefit Music in Common, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen, empower, and educate communities through the universal language of music.

The Last Waltz. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, the legendary rock group THE BAND performed The Last Waltz, their “farewell concert appearance” at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco CA. The concert saw The Band joined by more than a dozen all star special guests, many of whom were and are considered the living legends of their time. This historic event was captured by director Martin Scorsese and made into a concert film of the same name released in 1978. The performances captured on film that night were magical and the movie has achieved a cult classic status amongst many musicians today. It continues to be a major source of inspiration to all who see it.

DSC_4651a2

The Last Waltz Live

Some of the profits from this concert benefit Music In Common, whose mission is to strengthen, empower, and educate communities through the universal language of music. The Last Waltz supplies the perfect soundtrack to bring musicians together and strengthen that common bond. The Last Waltz LIVE is a celebration of that spirit.

Tickets Here

Produced by Last Dance Productions.

Jun
5
Fri
Patty Larkin, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion and Tumbling Bones @ The Regent Theatre
Jun 5 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Patty Larkin, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion and Tumbling Bones @ The Regent Theatre | Arlington | Massachusetts | United States

PATTY LARKIN

Patty Larkin redefines the boundaries of folk-urban pop music with her inventive guitar wizardry and uncompromising vocals and lyrics. Acoustic Guitar hails her “soundscape experiments” while Rolling Stone praises her “evocative and sonic shading.” She has been described as “riveting” (Chicago Tribune), “hypnotic” (Entertainment Weekly) and a “drop-dead brilliant” performer (Performing Songwriter).

“Larkin’s shows are celebrations of song, guitar and voice coming together in perfect unison with a perfect blend of skill and humility. Patty Larkin would never tell you that she’s a great guitarist, but she’ll show you all night long.”_CityBeat

Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion

“Moves seamlessly from Beck-meets-Beatles rock to soundscapes, folk-roots and Beach Boys summertime rock… [with] a sincerity that is undeniable.” (RELIX)  “baroque folk with a quietist edge” (Nashville Scene)

Tumbling Bones
Tumbling Bones is a trio of young men inspired by old music. They play a mix of original compositions and traditional material drawing on bluegrass, pre-war folk, and a bit of the contemporary rock ‘n’ roll the guys were reared on.

“Take one listen to Loving a Fool and you’ll feel like you’re front and center at the Grand Ole Opry.  Yes, they’re that good.”
– Kathy Sands-Boehmer, (No Depression)

FOLK New England
Founded by Betsy Siggins in 2009, FOLK New England’s mission is to document, preserve, interpret and present the ongoing cultural legacy of folk music in all its forms, with emphasis on New England’s contribution to the enrichment of North American life.

FOLK New England creates a dialogue between the history of folk music and the future of folk, through robust collections development, multi-disciplinary education, and engaging entertainment programs for the public.

Produced by Last Dance Productions.

Jun
7
Sun
A Tribute to Paul Simon: The Gary Backstrom Band @ Mile Marker One Restaurant, Bar and Function Hall
Jun 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
A Tribute to Paul Simon: The Gary Backstrom Band @ Mile Marker One Restaurant, Bar and Function Hall | Gloucester | Massachusetts | United States

Rhythm of the Saints: A Tribute to Paul Simon

Mile Marker One Restaurant, Bar and Function Hall
75 Essex Ave
Gloucester, MA 01930

Sunday June 7th, 6pm

More Info Click Here

What a way to enjoy a perfect Summer evening, in the outside tent at the beautiful Mile Marker One restaurant in Gloucester MA.

Gary Backstrom and friends present, Rhythm of the Saints: a tribute to Paul Simon. Featuring members of Jiggle the Handle, Max Creek, Heavy Metal Horns and The Grass Gypsys – Rhythm of the Saints present 2 sets of material spanning Simon’s eclectic career.

The Gary Backstrom Band is a high energy, innovative original act featuring the infectious licks and songwriting of nationally recognized guitarist Gary Backstrom.

Jul
24
Fri
The Lowell Folk Festival @ Lowell, MA
Jul 24 @ 5:00 pm – Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm
The Lowell Folk Festival @ Lowell, MA | Lowell | Massachusetts | United States

The Lowell Folk Festival. There’s so much to eat, play and discover at this year’s 29th Annual Lowell Folk Festival! This year’s festival features five stages of traditional music, authentic crafts demonstrations, ethnic foods, art and children’s activities.

The Festival is always the last full weekend in July. We look forward to seeing you July 24-26, 2015 in downtown Lowell!

Sep
30
Fri
The Last Waltz Live: A Special Benefit Concert for “Mended Little Hearts of Boston” @ The Regent Theatre
Sep 30 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Last Waltz Live:  A Special Benefit Concert for “Mended Little Hearts of Boston” @ The Regent Theatre | Arlington | Massachusetts | United States

The Last Waltz LIVE is a re-creation of the Band’s classic concert film featuring The Rev Tor Band as The Band (accompanied by a full horn section) and one dozen or more local, regional, and national artists as special guests.

Not a tribute show, but rather a powerful community event, each LWL concert features a local lineup of guest artists making it a unique, all-star experience.

Tickets here:
http://www.regenttheatre.com/details/the_last_waltz_live
or call (781) 646-4849

Most of the profits from the Last Waltz LIVE will be donated to Mended Little Hearts of Boston

Info on Mended Little Hearts of Boston Here:
http://boston.mendedlittlehearts.net/

Did you know that about 1 in 110 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year?

Mended Little Hearts, a nonprofit organization, works nationally and in communities to empower children with congenital heart defects and their families through support, education and awareness.

Special guest artists for this performance will be announced soon.

“I lack the language to express the simply fantastic music, the awesome spirit, the camaraderie of the musicians, the MAGIC of last night’s Last Waltz LIVE production!! Some things are felt in the heart and in the soul, and this evening was one of those moments for me! Thank you all so very much for a Night of Magic!!” – Helen S., Last Waltz LIVE audience member

http://www.regenttheatre.com/details/the_last_waltz_live
or call (781) 646-4849

Presented by Last Dance Productions

Nov
11
Fri
Rhythm of the Saints w/ Gary Backstrom: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The Regent Theatre
Nov 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Rhythm of the Saints w/ Gary Backstrom: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The Regent Theatre | Arlington | Massachusetts | United States

Paul Simon is, without a doubt, one of music’s most important voices.


He wrote some of the most significant, generation-defining songs of the ‘60s (“Mrs. Robinson,” “The Boxer,” “The Sound of Silence”), he filled the world with some of its most infectious melodies in the ‘70s (“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”), he redefined the sound of popular music in the ‘80s (“Graceland,” “You Can Call Me Al,” “The Obvious Child”) and has remained a compelling and important musical presence to this day.

Now Gary Backstrom (of rock band Jiggle the Handle) and Rhythm of the Saints—a talented seven-piece band—will perform a tribute concert featuring a career-spanning catalogue of Paul Simon’s timeless songs. Gary Backstrom and friends… present, Rhythm of the Saints: A tribute to Paul Simon. featuring members of Jiggle the Handle, Max Creek, Heavy Metal Horns and The Grass Gyp

 

 

 

Jul
26
Fri
33rd Lowell Folk Festival @ Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts
Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm – Jul 28 @ 9:00 pm
33rd Lowell Folk Festival @ Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts

33rd Lowell Folk Festival

The Lowell Folk Festival continues to provide the finest in traditional music, craft, foodways and more in downtown Lowell. This annual celebration is the best in traditional folk music, artisan crafts and ethnic foods, and will be returning to downtown Lowell with a full lineup beginning with the traditional parade of nations from Lowell’s City Hall Plaza to Boarding House Park. The free festival offers something for people of all ages all within the heart of Lowell National Historical Park.

 

Nov
20
Sat
Gary Backstrom and Friends Present: Rhythm of the Saints: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The District Center for the Arts
Nov 20 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Gary Backstrom and Friends Present: Rhythm of the Saints: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The District Center for the Arts

Gary Backstrom, founder, and frontman of the legendary Boston-based Jiggle The Handle, brings you Rhythm Of The Saints – an all-star tribute to Paul Simon. This seven-piece band featuring members of Jiggle The Handle, Max Creek, and The Heavy Metal Horns flawlessly navigate the musical library of Paul Simon’s solo carrier. The show features all the hits you would hope to hear, including “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”, “Still Crazy After All These Years,” “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes,” and so many more!

Sep
24
Sat
Gary Backstrom The Rhythm of the Saints: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The Courthouse Center for the Arts
Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Gary Backstrom The Rhythm of the Saints: A Tribute to Paul Simon @ The Courthouse Center for the Arts

Gary Backstrom’s The Rhythm of the Saints A Tribute To Paul Simon

TICKETS HERE

Gary Backstrom, founder, and frontman of the legendary Boston-based Jiggle The Handle, brings you Rhythm Of The Saints – an all-star tribute to Paul Simon. This seven-piece band featuring members of Jiggle The Handle, Max Creek, and The Heavy Metal Horns flawlessly navigate the musical library of Paul Simon’s solo carrier. The show features all the hits you would hope to hear, including “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”, “Still Crazy After All These Years,” “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes,” and so many more!

GARY BACKSTROM Singer/guitarist Gary Backstrom has been a staple of the northeast music scene for nearly a quarter-century. He is co-founder of the legendary Jiggle The Handle and has enjoyed a long post Jiggle solo career fronting The Gary Backstrom Band and many other projects. Gary has been called “One of the most underrated, fluid and melodic players in the North East

Paul Simon is undoubtedly one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. After his initial success with Simon and Garfunkel, he emerged in the ’70s as a solo artist with such hits as “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” and “50 Ways To Lose Your Lover”. Ever-evolving musically, Simon had great success in the ’80s with his South African influenced “Graceland” album that featured the hits “You Can Call Me Al” and “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.” The 1990s brought the Latin influenced “Rhythm of the Saints” and “Songs from The Capeman” that features doo-wop, rock ‘n’ roll, and Puerto Rican rhythms. Simon continues to record and perform today.

About the Courthouse Center for the Arts

The Courthouse Center for the Arts is the perfect venue for weddings, corporate events and parties, fundraising events, networking, social events, and more. We offer music from all genres, a traveling chorus to entertain you, summer day camps for local schools, senior day centers, and groups, which include an art or music class, and a tour of our historic building.

For more Last Dance Productions events, click here.