Mar
12
Thu
Carolyn Waters Cafe Concert @ Somerville Armory
Mar 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Carolyn Waters Cafe Concert  @ Somerville Armory | Somerville | Massachusetts | United States

Carolyn Waters…Socially Conscious Soul…

“Carolyn’s music is hypnotic, in a deeply soulful groove. You’ve heard it said that pure music seems to “flow” through a great singer? Go hear Carolyn to experience the real thing” – Pete and Maura Kennedy, The Kennedys.

Carolyn Waters is a performing singing/songwriter who fuses blues/roots/folk and other musical genres into a unique unforgettable blend of songs and sounds.

As a young girl growing up in Philadelphia, Carolyn Waters sang alone in her bedroom or out loud in the house when she was sure it was empty. It wasn’t by choice, but as the result of thoughtless teasing she got from her family. Even in her church choir, a place where many singers first get noticed and make early names for themselves, she mouthed the words to avoid embarrassment. She, however, never lost her love and passion for music and spent endless hours moving up and down the radio dial, and listening to albums from her parent’s collection.

A life changing event about a decade ago pushed Carolyn to take a voice lesson. This time she wasn’t teased. She was taken notice of, supported, and given a start in folk music, which highlights included opening for Judy Collins, Tom Rush, and Kate Campbell among others.

Oh, and have we mentioned the blues?

“Carolyn Waters is a force of nature. Some people are simply created to sing and bless those who listen, Carolyn is one of those people”. Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. Acclaimed Blues/Roots Musician/Blues Historian – September 2013

Carolyn can belt out barrelhouse and juke joint blues, or fuse them with a pinch of Gospel and roots. She has been featured in the Boston Blues Society’s Ladies Sing the Blues Events where she shared the stage with the late great Shirley Lewis “Regal Queen of the Blues”, Lydia Warren, Lisa Marie and the wonderful Diane Blue to name a few.

Recently Carolyn joined forces with Satoru Nakagawa, a Japanese-born blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and member of the Tokyo Tramps to record her first all blues ep. This powerful duo merged the Delta slide with soulful singing and produced a deep blues experience.

“Carolyn’s voice is amazing, captivating, compelling—any superlative will fit. I don’t believe I have heard such a rich, velvety, and yes—bluesy—voice locally in years” – Karen Nugent, Boston Blues Society – May 2010

Performing solo, and with various accompanying musicians ranging from an incredible single guitarist to fronting her new dynamic Carolyn Waters Band, she can and has performed at all sizes and types of venues including clubs, festivals, galas, coffeehouses, vigils, and intimate-private functions in New England, New York, Maryland and Virginia.

“Carolyn’s songs are personal and have an emotional quality that moves the soul. Her easy natural style communicates immediately with your heart. Her performance is calm but powerful, putting you at ease and making you feel that all is right with the world. I look forward to hearing Carolyn perform her wonderful creations in the future. The best is yet to come”. Charles Williams, Principal, Phillip Glass’ Einstein On The Beach (2012-13 World Tour)

 

A benefit for Folk New England.

Jan
27
Fri
Denny Laine of Wings “Band On The Run” Live @ The Regent Theatre
Jan 27 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Denny Laine of Wings “Band On The Run” Live @ The Regent Theatre | Arlington | Massachusetts | United States

Denny Laine celebrates the 40th anniversary of the “Wings Over America” tour with a live on stage performance of their greatest album, “Band on the Run”—complete and unabridged! Within a year of its release, “Band On the Run” had sold over six-million copies worldwide, having spawned three U.S. Top Ten hits-”Helen Wheels”, “Jet”, and the title track. The singles alone occupied the U.S. chart for forty-five (45) weeks, while the album stayed on the charts for over two (2) years. “Band On The Run” was in the Top-30 of the Billboard 200 as recently as 2010, when a remastered version of the album was released.

This special evening celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Wings Over America tour. The sold out U.S. leg of the “Wings Over the World” tour helped carry the’ “Silly Love Songs” single and “Wings at the Speed of Sound” album to number one on their respective charts. From the tour came the film “Rock Show” and the number one triple album set “Wings over America”.

By far the most successful album involving any of the Beatles following their breakup, “Band on the Run” was created by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney. The other members of Wings quit the group just prior to the departure to Lagos, Nigeria to begin sessions for the album, but out of adversity came advantage.  With Paul McCartney on vocals, piano, drums, guitar, bass, and keys, and Denny Laine contributing vocals, keys, acoustic, electric and bass guitars, and Linda McCartney on keys and vocals, Band On the Run transcended the era to become an album whose deep cuts such as “Let Me Roll It”,  “Picasso’s Last Words”, and “Mrs. Vanderbilt”  and “Bluebird” are better remembered-and played more often on classic rock radio-than most hits of the era.

Expect other Wings hits such as “Live and Let Die”,  and “Time to Hide” as well as Denny’s legendary lead vocal on the Moody Blues classic “Go Now” to round out this special anniversary show.

Tickets: Click Here

Sep
28
Sat
A Healing Garden Benefit Concert Featuring Mile Twelve @ The Regent Theatre
Sep 28 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
A Healing Garden Benefit Concert Featuring Mile Twelve @ The Regent Theatre

Patio Records presents The Healing Garden Concert, a live celebration to raise funds for the creation of a magnificent Healing Garden at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. Featuring Mile Twelve, J.P. Cormier w/ Bill Elliott and introducing Kelly Hill w/ Scott Neubert.

Mile Twelve

Although their sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass, Mile Twelve surveys a broader landscape on their newest album, City on a Hill. All five band members bring their own influences and observations into the music, resulting in a project that feels contemporary, thoughtfully crafted, and relevant. Produced by Bryan Sutton and engineered by Ben Surratt, City on a Hill follows significant recognition from the bluegrass community, including three IBMA Momentum Awards. With members based in Boston and Nashville, the lineup includes David Benedict (mandolin), Catherine “BB” Bowness (banjo), Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle), Evan Murphy (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), and Nate Sabat (bass, lead vocals).

J.P. Cormier

At the age of 5, JP began teaching himself to play the guitar. At 9, he won his first guitar competition against 30 other players 4 times his age. By his mid teens, he was playing a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. He recorded his first album of bluegrass instrumentals at 16, which led to 10 years of living and performing in the US. His time there included many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin and Vince Gill.

Since returning to Canada, JP has released over a dozen award-winning albums. His impressive body of work has earned him a loyal fan base and multiple award nominations and wins. He continues to dazzle and delight audiences while performing 250 shows a year

Kelly Hill

Kelly Hill was born and raised in Waltham, Massachusetts.  She began performing at an early age and continued to hone her acting skill throughout her high school and college years graduating from Brandeis University with a degree in Theater Arts.

After taking a break from performing for a number of years and raising two amazing boys, Kelly began thinking about the next chapter in her life.  Her good friend Terry Eagan suggested they do an album together.  Terry introduced her to Scott Neubert and the three of them embarked on her first album.

Tickets here.

Info on the Healing Garden

Find out about more great shows here.

 

 

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!

Mar
11
Sat
Peter Asher In Concert @ An Unlikely Story
Mar 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Peter Asher In Concert @ An Unlikely Story

PETER ASHER: A MUSICAL MEMOIR OF THE 60S AND BEYOND

Entertainment legend Peter Asher–whose voice, as one half of Peter & Gordon, “literally soared through Carnegie Hall” (Fox News)– brings his 4 piece ensemble to the event space of Plainville’s An Unlikely Story for a JUST ADDED 2 p.m. live performance in the book store’s first ever concert event.

“…as Mr. Asher regaled a delighted audience with stories… he conjured history in the making, before it was set in stone.” – Stephen Holden, New York Times

“…the exuberant Mr. Asher knew anyone who rocked and everyone who mattered.” –Wall Street Journal

“An all-around charming and delightful fellow — he reminisces about his whole career and it is highly entertaining” – Steve Martin

“Everybody should go and see it — I’ve seen it myself twice” – Linda Ronstadt

“The Man, The Myth, The Legend! …and a true friend! Great wit and music. A true storyteller! What more could you possibly want? Don’t miss this!”–Hans Zimmer

We first came to know him through the global smash “World Without Love” as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon. He returns–now a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire– in “Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond” which brings a multimedia experience to the stage of An Unlikely Story., hosted by the two-time Grammy winner for Producer of the Year. Peter Asher moved effortlessly from his role with Peter & Gordon to Music Executive with the Beatles’ Apple Records, then famously- (as in cover of Rolling Stone magazine level famous)- to Producer and Manager, handling the careers of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and a host of others. Books abound, documentaries with half-truths (and worse) are all too common, but, now, finally, Mr. Asher tells first hand his tales from the eye of the cultural hurricane in this intimate evening in Plainville, Massachusetts.

For more Last Dance Productions Events, click here.

Apr
29
Sat
Patty Larkin In Concert w/ Crys Matthews @ Maxwell Auditorium
Apr 29 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Patty Larkin In Concert w/ Crys Matthews @ Maxwell Auditorium
Patty Larkin in concert to benefit the Healing Garden at Mass General Waltham, MA.
PATTY LARKIN is a visionary of sound and wonder, a real deal version of artistry made of equal parts guitar wizardry, vocals shot through with soul and inventive lyrics that ripple across the terrain of the heart. Described as riveting (Chicago Tribune), hypnotic (Entertainment Weekly), and a drop-dead brilliant performer (Performing Songwriter), Patty has captured audiences for over 30 years with an imagination, enchantment, and technical artistry that has redefined the boundaries of the guitar driven singer songwriter.
Already being hailed as the next Woody Guthrie, Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality,” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews gift “a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.”
For more Last Dance Productions Events, click here.
Sep
23
Sat
A Healing Garden Benefit: Jamie Walker & Friends with The Gravel Project featuring Jen Kearney @ Regent Theatre
Sep 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:15 pm
A Healing Garden Benefit: Jamie Walker & Friends with The Gravel Project featuring Jen Kearney @ Regent Theatre
A Healing Garden Benefit
Presented by Patio Records
Proceeds will go towards caring for the Pratt Family Healing Garden at Mount Auburn Hospital.
JAMIE WALKER and Friends
Jamie Walker is the guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Swinging Steaks and has been the lead guitar player and vocalist with Susan Cattaneo. As another young kid inspired by the Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, Jamie Walker started writing songs on the school bus in 2nd grade. What do you do when you are obsessed with songs and the guitar in particular? You learn how to play and find some friends to play with!
Jamie fronted and fueled several Boston bands with his songs in the 1980s; the Lines, the Drive (V66 and MTV Basement Tapes), and finally, Swinging Steaks (Capricorn Records 1990 to present). A few of his songs became Boston radio staples on WBCN, WCOZ, WZLX, and WAAF in Worcester and have appeared in Hollywood movies and on tv. Jamie has made some friends over the years and has some old friends along too. So this is about more than just the music.
On this particular evening will be a veritable all-star cast, including:
Laurie Young (vocals, trumpet) brings the role of the goddess to the forefront and co-fronts the band
Joe Donnelly (drums) of the Del Fuegos, Swinging Steaks, and Wall of Grass
Pat Dreier (Keyboards, vocals) of the Lines and the Drive
Dave Weden (guitar/banjo) and Clayton Young (bass, vocals) of John Cate and the Van Gough Brothers
Dennis Semprebon (drums and percussion) of Craig Carter and the Hurricanes
Brad Kohl (saxophone) of Hot Acoustics and Group Therapy
They play roots rock music, that is, songs wrapped in elements of rock, pop, country, soul, R&B, and blues.
The Gravel Project featuring Jen Kearney
Initially created by Andrew Gravel (vocals, guitar), The Gravel Project is an all-star band of Boston music veterans, including brother, Jordan Gravel (organ, keys), Dave Fox (drums), and Eguie Castrillo (percussion). The Gravel Project’s live show blends rock, world music, and jazz with power and soul. Carrying the tradition of 70’s blues and psychedelic rock music, The Gravel Project embodies the spirit of Santana combined with the classic raw energy and moving songwriting of The Allman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band. With three studio albums, a live album, and countless past performances, the future is bright for Boston’s The Gravel Project, and as the title of their 2022 studio album suggests, there are “Many Miles Ahead.”
For more Last Dance Productions, click here.
Nov
18
Sat
The Kennedys @ The Rose Garden Coffeehouse
Nov 18 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Kennedys @ The Rose Garden Coffeehouse

The Kennedys, Songwriting duo Pete and Maura Kennedy make a strong return to the studio and stage after three years of weekly live-streamed lockdown-era concerts. They took the opportunity to explore classic songwriting in-depth, performing over a thousand songs during the pandemic. That vast overview strengthened and refined their own writing and laid the foundation for this new collection of original, socially-conscious songs.

“After such a deep dive into American roots music, we felt like we had a new set of writing tools. We were ready to create this body of work, and there’s just SO much to write about,” says Maura. “During our five-year hiatus from writing and recording, America changed in massive ways, divisive ways that have shaken our whole foundation. That has to be addressed by creative artists, those of us who have a voice to speak for others. Our love of the great things about this country, things that are under threat, is the reason we decided to make “Headwinds” the title track of the CD. Political and social headwinds are making it hard to get back “home’ to our greatness as a nation. We want to push back in a positive way against those winds.”

In addition to singing and writing, Pete and Maura are multi-instrumentalists. The thirteen songs are cast in a soundscape that draws from the classic canon of American roots, in keeping with the theme of getting back “home” as a nation. Acoustic and electric guitars, a vintage steel guitar, a gospel-inflected piano/organ mix, and even a slide ukulele all add colors to a song bag of sounds that have drawn us together during hard times. Pete and Maura believe that those sounds still have the power to pull us through again.

The Kennedys began their writing and touring life three decades ago as members of Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra, developing their own sound as a frequent support act on Nanci’s tours across America, Ireland, Scotland and England. Collaborations with Nanci continued, culminating in Pete and Maura producing her final album, “Intersections.” Along the way, they hosted a nationwide radio program, “The Dharma Cafe” on Sirius/XM, wrote and released sixteen CDs of original music, and have been core artists on folk radio, expanding their audience further with the inception of the AAA and Americana formats.

More Last Dance Productions events here.

Mar
24
Sun
Danielle Miraglia @ The Mass Arts Center
Mar 24 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Danielle Miraglia @ The Mass Arts Center

Danielle Miraglia comes armed with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson and an infectious stomp-box rhythm with tunes ranging from heart-felt to socially conscious that will move both your heart and hips. Her latest “Bright Shining Stars” debuted at #15 on the Billboard Blues Charts. Cascade Blues Association calls it “… tough as rawhide, but smooth as blended whiskey.”  Released Oct 2020 with Vizztone Label Group, it’s a solo acoustic folk/blues record that highlights the one-woman-band live sound she’s honed over the years, featuring guest appearances by talented friends Laurence Scudder, Peter Parcek and Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt. It includes originals as well as a collection of songs she covers at live shows, paying homage to influences like Big Bill Broonzy, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and more, plus the title track “Bright Shining Stars,” written by her husband, Tom Bianchi.

For More Last Dance Productions events, click here.