Live Music Events In May At THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX presents several live music events this May at the downtown Franklin venue, beginning with a Decades Series cabaret show on Saturday, May 12. The musical tribute to the ‘70s will feature some of the most memorable songs from that decade. Celebrate unforgettable moments from an era highlighted by tumultuous times, technological advances, and music ranging from progressive rock to disco. Two performances will be presented at 7:00 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $24 (adults) and $20 (students/seniors). The Decades Series concert is sponsored by 1776 Financial.

"The Gershwin-Porter Songbook" featuring vocalist Cindy Jones

On Sunday, May 13, THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents "The Gershwin-Porter Songbook" featuring vocalist Cindy Jones. This special Mother's Day Brunch will showcase American music by two of the most prolific composers of the 20th Century, George Gershwin and Cole Porter. Their music remains as fresh and irresistible as it did during the Jazz Age. Cindy Jones, along with special guest Alan Mercer, will be joined by a nine-piece band of some of the area’s finest musicians, conducted by Bill Jones. Brunch begins at 11:30, with music starting at noon. Tickets are $20 for the show only, with a $45 combination ticket for brunch and music.

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. With barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano, stinging Fender guitar, and a red-hot horn section of trombone and alto, tenor, and baritone saxes, The Love Dogs also showcases a swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business” and a charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around. Based out of Boston, the septet recently celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll, The Love Dogs have played juke joints, festivals, and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve released four CDs. Many of the cuts have been blues radio favorites and several of the Dogs’ signature original songs have been used in feature films and on television. Voted “Best New England Band” by Blues Audience magazine, The Love Dogs is part Rat Pack party, part 20th century musical encyclopedia, and part revival meeting. Tickets are $20.

On Friday, May 25 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The DayBreakers. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have earned their stripes over four years of consistent gigging throughout New England. The band has played many of Boston and Cambridge's most revered rooms, sharing the stage with some of the region's best roots rockers, such as Entrain and the Silks. The group has also performed as an opener at Indian Ranch for three years running, opening for Three Dog Night, The Beach Boys, and Bret Michaels. Their music tells timeless stories of happiness, heartbreak, rejection, and redemption with rhythm that keeps audiences dancing. Combining rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door.

The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.