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![A Conversation and Performance with Bill Staines @ The New England Folk Music Archives | Somerville | Massachusetts | United States](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/staines300dpi-192x300.jpg)
Anyone not familiar with the music of Bill Staines is in for a special treat.
Last Dance Productions is pleased to welcome Bill Staines to one of the great listening rooms in town, the New England Folk Music Archives. The event takes place on on Wednesday, July 17th at 7pm. We’ll have a conversation with Bill recording his thoughts about the Folk Scene in New England over the past years that will be deposited into our growing oral history collection.
After the conversation we’ll be treated to a performance by Bill Staines.
For more than forty years, Bill Staines has traveled back and forth across North America, singing his songs and delighting audiences at festivals, folksong societies, colleges, concerts, clubs, and coffeehouses. A New England native, Bill became involved with the Boston-Cambridge folk scene in the early 1960′s and for a time, emceed the Sunday Hootenanny at the legendary Club 47 in Cambridge. Bill quickly became a popular performer in the Boston area. From the time in 1971 when a reviewer from the Boston Phoenix stated that he was “simply Boston’s best performer”, Bill has continually appeared on folk music radio listener polls as one of the top all time favorite folk artists. Now, well into his fifth decade as a folk performer, he has gained an international reputation as a gifted songwriter and performer.
![Deborah Holland and Cidny Bullens In Concert @ New England Folk Music Archives | Somerville | Massachusetts | United States](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Cid-pic-273x300.jpg)
The New England Folk Music Archives is thrilled to have Deborah Holland and Cidny Bullens perform this special benefit concert.
Produced by Last Dance Productions, only 40 tickets will be sold for this performance.
DEBORAH HOLLAND was introduced to the world as the lead singer and songwriter of Animal Logic, (with Stewart Copeland of The Police and jazz bassist Stanley Clarke). She went on to record 4 solo albums, 2 with the folk-Americana “super-group” The Refugees, scored 5 films, and wrote and performed dozens of songs for film and TV. Her new solo album, VANCOUVER, was released on June 4th, 2013 and is already getting airplay on over 75 US and Canadian radio stations.
CIDNY BULLENS began a music career touring with Elton John and in the studio with mega-hit songwriter/producer Bob Crewe. A 30+ career includes the breakthrough hit “Survivor”, (Grammy nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance), three lead vocals as part of the Grease movie soundtrack album (also Grammy-nominated), and 6 critically acclaimed albums featuring a who’s who of Americana artists including Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Bryan Adams, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris, and Delbert McClinton. In 2007, Cidny formed the super-trio The Refugees.
![Les Sampou @ The River Club Music Hall | Scituate | Massachusetts | United States](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/new-les-200x300.jpg)
Les Sampou is a blues/rock musician, who got her start n the Boston folk scene and now has moved on to national prominence and acclaim. She has just released her new record “Lonesomeville”.
ur previous efforts.
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.
![The Last Waltz Live DSC_4651a2](http://lastwaltzlive.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_4651a2.jpg)
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.
Produced by Last Dance Productions.
![Peter Yarrow: A Night of Conversation & Song @ Regent Theater | Arlington | Massachusetts | United States](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Peter-Yarrow-199x300.jpg)
A Benefit for FOLK New England.
Peter Yarrow. “We all know the music of Peter, Paul and Mary—folk classics that remain the soundtrack for generations. But our patrons were thrilled to experience the relevancy of that music, and how it resonates through today’s headlines, when Peter Yarrow brought his solo show to the Tower Theatre. It was so much more than a nostalgia show. Peter connected with the sold-out audience in ways that went well beyond a normal concert: he encouraged sing-alongs and audience participation; he signed autographs at intermission; he personally greeted each and every one of our VIPs and members; he even auctioned two personalized guitars to raise money for our educational outreach programs. Peter turned our theatre into his living room. He created an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging each of us to change our part of the world. It was a memorable evening rooted in the historic milestones of his past, yet focused on the current issues that continue to call him to activism. We all know how all the songs of Peter, Paul and Mary sound; what a rare treat to hear what Peter thinks of them. “
–Ray Solley, Executive Director, Tower Theatre Foundation, Bend, Oregon
Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist—both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer—are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done”, “Light One Candle” and “The Great Mandala.” As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous GRAMMYs.
Over the years, many issues have moved Peter to commit his time and talent: equal rights, peace, the environment, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care, and education. All have utilized his skills as both a performer and an organizer. Peter Yarrow’s life and work – culminating in the founding and leadership of Operation Respect with its “Don’t Laugh At Me” initiative – is based on his passionate belief that music, with its power to build community and catalyze change, can be a particularly powerful organizing tool.
“Yes, it will be nostalgic for many. But on another level, it will bring them a sense of what is still possible. Yes, they will sing ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane,’ and I will give them a sense of the current history of what this music is doing, and why it’s important. So it will be a history lesson, it will be a singalong that inspires, but it will also assert the importance of the continuation of this kind of music in people’s lives today. And where we’re going from here in those terms. It’s not necessarily a big lecture — it’s inherent in the music. They’ll get it. I know it, ’cause that’s what I do.” – Peter Yarrow
Very special guest Michaela Anne will open the show.
Information and Tickets: Click Here
![Carolyn Waters Cafe Concert @ Somerville Armory | Somerville | Massachusetts | United States](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Carolyn_Door_resized-197x300.jpg)
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.
![A Tribute to Todd Rundgren @ Regent Theatre](https://lastdanceproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Todd-271x300.jpg)
A Tribute to Todd Rundgren, Gary Backstrom’s Road to Utopia, comes to the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, MA on Friday, June 7, at 8 pm. Tickets here.
Todd Rundgren
Considered by many to be the “Ultimate Rock Cult Hero” Todd Rundgren has maintained a legion of fans through four decades. Todd’s searing guitar work reached a nationwide audience in his role as lead guitarist for the blues-psychedelic band Nazz. He wrote and arranged almost all of the work that went into the three albums the group produced.
His first big solo success was in 1971 with “We Gotta Get You a Woman” and in 1973 from the double album “Something/Anything?” He scored big on the charts with “I Saw the Light” and a revision of a Nazz song, “Hello, It’s Me.”
Rundgren has scored huge as a music producer, most notably on Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” opus. In the late 1970s and through the 1980s Todd formed the group Utopia, each member an accomplished musician and vocalist. He has also been called on by films and TV for his musical scores and sometimes tours with Ringo Starr as a member of his All-Star Band.
Gary Backstrom
Gary is the founder and frontman of the acclaimed Jam Band “Jiggle The Handle.” The Gary Backstrom Band is a Boston-based Band that mixes Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock and Latin grooves blended into a unique sound. Their sound features exciting, unpredictable improvisation that can only be heard in the best live acts on the scene today. Gary is considered “one of the most underrated, fluid, and melodic players in the Northeast.”
Some of the proceeds from this concert will go to
The project brings personalized iPods to people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, helping them reconnect with the world through the music they love.
This will be a quite the night for a great cause.