Broadway’s Tyler Hanes In Concert Highlights April Events at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX presents an exciting line-up of live music and entertainment events this April, bringing Broadway star Tyler Hanes, popular local artists, a signature culinary cabaret, and more to the downtown Franklin venue.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 7th annual Culinary Cabaret on Friday, April 6, from 7-10 p.m. Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts, and dishes from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Tavolino, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, The Cake Bar, The Curry House, The Gavel, Organic Buzz, 19th Golf and Grill, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House, Teddy Gallagher’s, Acapulcos, Intermission, and David’s Tea. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth. Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer, and entertainment.

On Sunday, April 8, BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Dean Bank is the event sponsor.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Loomers on Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m. Two-time winners of the Berklee College of Music "Battle of the Executive Bands," The Loomers have performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Fenway Park, among many venues. They have released five albums and their songs have been played on CBS, Cinemax, The CW, MTV, NBC, and PBS. The Loomers songbook is a trip through the American musical landscape, infused with the classic sounds of driving rock, heartland folk, rock and  soul, and retro-1980s pop. Tickets are $20.

On Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. Tickets are $20.

Tyler Hanes

THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series presents Tyler Hanes in concert on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. Hanes performs a solo one-night-only show at THE BLACK BOX, following his starring role as Rum Tum Tugger in the highly acclaimed Broadway revival of Cats. Tyler Hanes' numerous Broadway credits include On the Town (2014 revival), A Chorus Line (Larry, original revival company), Hairspray (Fender, Link Larkin), Sweet Charity (Charlie, 2005 revival), The Frogs with Nathan Lane, The Boy from Oz with Hugh Jackman, Urban Cowboy, and Oklahoma! (Jake, 2002 revival). National tours include Fosse (first national) and The Will Rogers’ Follies (Will Rogers, Jr.). Tickets are $45 (general seating) and $65 (premiere ticket with reserved table seating and one drink voucher). Childs Engineering Corporation is THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series sponsor.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents pianist Diana Fanning on Sunday, April 29 at 4 p.m. Fanning has toured extensively as a solo performer and chamber musician throughout the eastern U.S. and Europe. Radio audiences hear her frequently over Vermont Public Radio, and she has performed live on "Morning Pro Musica" (WGBH-FM) Boston and on WNYC, New York City. Diana Fanning has performed on numerous occasions as a concerto soloist with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and she is an Affiliate Artist at Middlebury College. Tickets are $15 (students/seniors) and $20 (adults).

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.