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The Jim Kweskin Extravaganza

Maria Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur

The Jim Kweskin Extravaganza is a live concert that will honor and celebrate Jim’s legacy and his contributions to the music industry over the past 60-plus years.

February 4, 2024, 2:00 P.M. at The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St. Arlington, MA 02474

Tickets Here.

Jim Kweskin is the founder of the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman, and Bruno Wolfe. During the five years they were together, they successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances. Their imitators were legion, including a San Francisco jug band that became the Grateful Dead, a Los Angeles jug band that became the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a New York jug band that became the Lovin’ Spoonful. No other group attained their unique blend of youthful energy and antiquarian expertise, tight musicianship, loose camaraderie, and infectious swing.

The concert will feature songs from Jim’s soon-to-be-released recording on StorySound Records, Never Too Late:  Jim Kweskin, Duets with My Friends, which will be released on Friday, January 26, 2024.  The show will also feature artists and songs from Jim’s storied career, including the renowned and influential Jim Kweskin Jug Band.

Scheduled to appear along with Jim Kweskin, are Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Samoa Wilson, Annie Raines, Paul Rishell, Juli Crockett, Suzy Thompson, and Matthew Berlin.  Additional artists appearing will be announced soon.  Tickets Here.

More Last Dance Productions events here.

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Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room Returns To The Mass Arts Center

Barry Goudreau - Photo David Young

You won’t want to miss the return of Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room to the Mass Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

Goudreau was the guitarist and founding member of the iconic band Boston, and he has teamed up with his former RTZ bandmates Brian Maes and Tim Archibald to form this dynamic new band that delivers powerful vocals, guitar solos, and catchy melodies, with new songs and ones you’ll recognize from Boston.

Guitarist 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.

Information here.

For more events from Last Dance Productions, click here.

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A Healing Garden Benefit: Jamie Walker & Friends with The Gravel Project featuring Jen Kearney

Healing Garden Concert
A Healing Garden Benefit
Presented by Patio Records
Proceeds will go towards caring for the Pratt Family Healing Garden at Mount Auburn Hospital.
September 23, 7:30 pm at the Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA
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 events from  Last Dance Productions, click here.
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James Montgomery In Concert

James Montgomery

James Montgomery is coming to the Mass Arts Center for the first time to perform under the tent outdoors on Sunday, August 20, at 3 pm. Montgomery has rocked the blues scene for over four decades with his harmonica and vocals, earning a Grammy nomination. He has collaborated with stars like Johnny Winter, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Springsteen, and he is recognized as one of the finest blues performers in the country. He will be joined by his band, which features some of the best musicians in New England. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fantastic blues show under the tent at the Mass Arts Center next to the beautiful Norton Reservoir. Reserved tickets under the tent are $50, and VIP seating is available in the first two rows for $75, including a 2 p.m. meet-and-greet with James. General lawn seating is also available (bring your chairs and blankets) for $35.

Tickets Click Here.

August 20, 2023, @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Mass Arts Center
888 South Main Street Mansfield
MA 02048

James Montgomery and The Mass Arts Center, A Perfect Harmony of Music and Nature
The Norton Reservoir provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for this remarkable concert. As the music fills the air, bask in the beauty of the shimmering waters and the enchanting sunset. Settle into your chair, lay out your picnic, and enjoy a magical evening of music surrounded by the serenity of nature. This is a unique opportunity to combine your love for blues with the tranquility of the outdoors.

For more Last Dance Productions events, click here.

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On A Winter’s Night Returns

On A Winter's Night
On A Winter’s Night 2024 @ Regent Theatre, Jan 27 @ 8:00 pm

Presenting the Reunion Tour of “On A Winter’s Night” from veteran singer-songwriters that remain among the brightest stars of the singer/songwriter movement for the past three decades. In 1994 Christine Lavin gathered them together, along with folk and Americana artists, to showcase the music of the Winter Season on the now-classic On A Winter’s Night CD, followed by several years of touring collaborations. These artists have released dozens of recordings and toured steadily through the decades, with fond memories of their touring days together. The winter season is again celebrated by these unique and popular performers, back together by popular demand.

CLIFF EBERHARDT

One of the most original songsmiths currently on tour, Eberhardt is a highly intelligent, articulate artist whose penetrating and profound lyrics are sometimes overshadowed by his extraordinary guitar playing. Upon close listening, the Philadelphia-born singer’s gift for the English language is abundantly clear. A raspy yet deeply elegant voice frames the words that tumble from his mouth. Like John Hammond and Richie Havens, Eberhardt continues carrying the torch for traditional and contemporary folk music through solid live shows. Whether he’s out on tour solo or with a small band, Eberhardt’s guitar playing, singing, and original folk songs and blues make for a compelling, thought-filled, emotional roller coaster of a concert.

JOHN GORKA

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement,” John Gorka is perhaps the quintessential singer-songwriter of the 90’s folk scene. Originally from New Jersey, John served an apprenticeship at Godfrey Daniels coffeehouse in Bethlehem, PA, then the Greenwich Village Fast Folk scene. Winning the prestigious New Folk award at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1984, he was then signed to Red House Records, on which he released his landmark first of 17 recordings, I Know. Boston Globe penned Gorka “for the sophisticated intelligence and the provocative originality of his songs.” Recent accolades include 2016’s Indie Acoustic Project’s Best Singer/Songwriter CD of the Year for Before Beginning (Red House Records). 2018 brought his latest release and the 14th of his career, True In Time (Compass Records). True In Time (Compass Records).

LUCY KAPLANSKY

“A truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs” (New York Times). Blending country, folk, and pop styles, Lucy can make every song sound fresh, whether singing her own sweet originals, covering country classics by June Carter Cash and Gram Parsons, or singing pop favorites by Lennon/McCartney and Nick Lowe. Lucy’s iconic voice has been featured in film and television, including commercials like Chevrolet’s iconic “Heartbeat of America” jingle. A Billboard-charting singer and one of the top-selling artists on Red House Records, she has topped the folk and Americana radio charts. She has been featured on shows worldwide, from NPR’s Weekend and Morning Editions to BBC Radio to CBS Sunday Morning. One of the most in-demand harmony singers, Lucy has sung on countless records, performing with Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith, and Shawn Colvin.

PATTY LARKIN

She redefines the boundaries of folk-urban pop music with her inventive guitar wizardry and uncompromising lyrics and vocals. Acoustic Guitar Magazine 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). Recently an Artist-in-Residence at Berklee College of Music – and now on the faculty at Fine Arts Work Center – Larkin reflects, “I have been energized by the poets, writers, and artists I have met while teaching, and find myself on a journey to break down some of the predictable pathways that songs can travel.” Bird in a Cage, her 14th CD now available, puts poems from ten notable poets to song, including US Poet Laureates William Carlos Williams, Stanley Kunitz, Kay Ryan, Robert Pinsky, and Billy Collins, for a new and haunting collection that pulses with the magic of lyricism. Poems are made to be shared aloud, and with Bird, Patty takes up that tradition and sets it aglow.

You’ll undoubtedly be warm On This Winter’s Night.  Tickets Click Here.

More Last Dance Productions events here.

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