Reminder: FPAC to present Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star - Jan 5 - 7, 2024

 The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to present the musical Bright Star January 5-7 at THE BLACK BOX. Featuring the Tony-nominated bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past.

 

(L-R) Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, and Kyle Dalsimer

The production stars NYC actors Ali Funkhouser as Alice Murphy, Robbie Rescigno as Jimmy Ray, Kyle Dalsimer as Billy Cane, and University of Tampa Musical Theatre Junior Kelsey Breslin as Margo. Boston Conservatory Voice Professor Dan Callaway (The Phantom of the Opera) appears as Daddy Cane/Dr. Norquist. The cast also features Shenandoah Conservatory Musical Theatre student Tzintli Cerda as Lucy, NYC’s Brennan Stefanik as Daryl, and FPAC’s Nick Paone as Mayor Dobbs, Kellie Stamp as Mama Murphy, and Tim Ayres-Kerr as Stanford. 

Rounding out the cast are Emiliano Morales (NYC), Gia Chessa (Dean College), Blas Cerda (Ballet Teatro del Espacio, The National Classical Dance Company of Mexico, Ohio Ballet), Xochitl Tejeda-Cerda (Mexico National Ballet, Ohio Ballet), Takaaki Matsumoto (Boston), DJ Ormond (Boston), Julia Ormond (Dean College), Hannah Rezendes (Salve Regina University), and Lindsay Tomas (FPAC). Joining them are FPAC Student Apprentice performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Elena Baker, Hannah Connors, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, and Mason Sanford. 

With beautiful Bluegrass melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell, and choreography by Hannah Rezendes.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, Kyle Dalsimer, and Dan Callaway are all members of Actors’ Equity. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

Tickets for FPAC’s Bright Star and other shows are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

FPAC to present Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star - January 5-7, 2024

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to present the musical Bright Star January 5-7 at THE BLACK BOX. Featuring the Tony-nominated bluegrass score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past.

 

(L-R) Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, and Kyle Dalsimer

The production stars NYC actors Ali Funkhouser as Alice Murphy, Robbie Rescigno as Jimmy Ray, Kyle Dalsimer as Billy Cane, and University of Tampa Musical Theatre Junior Kelsey Breslin as Margo. Boston Conservatory Voice Professor Dan Callaway (The Phantom of the Opera) appears as Daddy Cane/Dr. Norquist. The cast also features Shenandoah Conservatory Musical Theatre student Tzintli Cerda as Lucy, NYC’s Brennan Stefanik as Daryl, and FPAC’s Nick Paone as Mayor Dobbs, Kellie Stamp as Mama Murphy, and Tim Ayres-Kerr as Stanford. 

Rounding out the cast are Emiliano Morales (NYC), Gia Chessa (Dean College), Blas Cerda (Ballet Teatro del Espacio, The National Classical Dance Company of Mexico, Ohio Ballet), Xochitl Tejeda-Cerda (Mexico National Ballet, Ohio Ballet), Takaaki Matsumoto (Boston), DJ Ormond (Boston), Julia Ormond (Dean College), Hannah Rezendes (Salve Regina University), and Lindsay Tomas (FPAC). Joining them are FPAC Student Apprentice performers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Elena Baker, Hannah Connors, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, and Mason Sanford. 

With beautiful Bluegrass melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell, and choreography by Hannah Rezendes.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Ali Funkhouser, Robbie Rescigno, Kyle Dalsimer, and Dan Callaway are all members of Actors’ Equity. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

Tickets for FPAC’s Bright Star and other shows are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

CHE APALACHE at Orpheum Theatre - May 9

CHE APALACHE

at Orpheum Theatre

Thursday, May 9, 7:30 PM

Che Apalache is an exciting four-man string band based in Buenos Aires with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. Their "Latingrass" style mixes South American music and Bluegrass., and their repertoire ranges from vivid Latin rhythms to a cappella mountain gospel songs sung in four part harmony. 

The group's founder is Joe Troop (fiddle), a North Carolina-born multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer who moved to Argentina in 2010. While patiently carving out a niche in the local music scene, Joe taught bluegrass and old-time music for a living. That's how he met Pau Barjau (banjo), Franco Martino (guitar) and Martin Bobrik (mandolin), his most dedicated students. They quickly became picking buddies and in 2013 formed Che Apalache and hit the stage.

Che Apalache began as a bluegrass band, but eventually incorporated Latin American styles into their repertoire. Combining instrumental prowess with tight vocal harmonies, they have created an authentic blend of genres to reflect the nature of their lives. Evoking images from Appalachia to the Andes, their debut album, "Latingrass," is a testament to a powerful cultural and musical exchange.

In 2017 the band received grants from the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities to tour the United States. Everywhere they went on their five-week ramble, they were met with enthusiasm and praise. At the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, WV they were awarded first place in the Neo-Traditional band competition. 

In 2018 the band expanded their touring coast-to-coast, performing extensively throughout the United States, which generated a feature on All Things Considered which highlighted their ability to overcome boundaries, both musically and geographically, and inject a sense of social justice into their songs. Their impact on audiences has been revelatory.

While on their third US tour the band was discovered by legendary banjo player Bela Fleck, who offered to produce their next record. In February 2019 they traveled to Nashville TN and spent two weeks in the studio. Their new album, "Rearrange My Heart," is the fulfillment of their plan to reveal the group's music in all its vocal and instrumental power and social relevance. It will be released in August this year. 

2019 will be a very busy year for Che Apalache. They will be touring throughout the US three more times, in April/May; July, and September/October/November. Whether it is clubs, concerts, festivals or Fine Arts booking conferences, Che Apalache continues to generate excitement as their reputation expands. The momentum is growing, and the promise for the future of Che Apalache burns bright.

See their website https://www.cheapalache.com/
and see them on YouTube 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytvslh5KzMrcaEQxDVrmAA

Tickets are $20, available at the Orpheum Theatre box office, 508-543-2787, or online at Orpheum website. All tickets are reserved seating. For more information, call 508-543-2787 or email boxoffice@orpheum.org.

CHE APALACHE at Orpheum Theatre -  May 9

In the News: 34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival; "Bring it on the Musical"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival 

"A Massachusetts bluegrass legend will be honored when a long-running musical festival returns to the city over President’s Day Weekend. 

The 34th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival will be back at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel next Friday until Feb. 17, featuring acts such as the Gibson Brothers, Seldom Scene, and Sister Sadie, as well as regional bands. There will also be opportunities for classes, lessons, and the Kids Academy where kids can learn about creating their own music. 

“Some people call it folk music on overdrive,” said Gerry Katz, of the Boston Bluegrass Union, on the genre. 

The festival’s namesake, the late Joe Val who was born in Everett, was recently inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame. Joe Val, a pioneering bluegrass musician, is credited with spreading the popularity of bluegrass in the Northeast. Throughout his career, he worked with big names in bluegrass, such as the Lilly Brothers, Joan Baez, the Charles River Valley Boys, and Bill Keith."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190207/bluegrass-festival-back-in-framingham

For more info about the Festival, schedule, tickets, etc.
https://www.bbu.org/events/joe-val-festival/schedule/

For more info about the Festival, schedule, tickets, etc.

“Bring it On The Musical”

1 The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Musical Theater Department will present “Bring it On The Musical” with an all-student cast this weekend at The Black Box in downtown Franklin. 

2 FSPA student productions are directed, choreographed and music directed by FSPA’s faculty, but “Bring It On the Musical” also required some outside coaching for the cheerleading stunts central to the musical’s plot. FSPA brought in alumna Brooke Collins to work with the students and turn a group of musical theater students into convincing cheerleaders.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190206/bring-it-on-musical-to-be-staged-in-franklin/1

Mile Twelve Bluegrass Concert at OCC Coffeehouse in Wrentham, Jan. 12, 2019

OCC COFFEEHOUSE

OCC COFFEEHOUSE

Original Congregational Church

1 East Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Phone: 508-384-3110

OCC Coffeehouse Website

MILE TWELVE

BLUEGRASS CONCERT

at OCC Coffeehouse

Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30 PM

Only a little more than a week to go before Mile Twelve's performance in Wrentham. 

Don't miss this great group! The winners of IBMA's 2017 Momentum award are now nominated for 2018 Emerging Artist of the year, and they show no signs of slowing. 

Their debut full-length album Onwards, produced by Stephen Mougin, was met with critical acclaim and earned the band time at the top of the bluegrass charts as well as an IBMA nomination for 2018 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year. John Lawless of Bluegrass Today says, "The Boston-based group has been making noise in bluegrass with their virtuosic approach to the music, clever songwriting and arrangements, a nose-to-the-grindstone attitude, and a youthful energy that appeals to all age groups. All of that shows on their new release, Onwards."

Mile Twelve is a fresh, hard driving young band beautifully walking the line between original and traditional bluegrass. Band members are Evan Murphy on guitar, David Benedict on mandolin, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on fiddle, Nate Sabat on bass, and BB Bowness on banjo. Fast gaining recognition for their outstanding performances in bluegrass and folk circles, the band members write and perform captivating songs and daring instrumental pieces from diverse influences. Banjo luminary Tony Trischka says, "Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity."

Paul Schiminger, President of The IBMA says, "What I and so many others love about Mile Twelve is their musicianship, material, and energy. Their sound is fresh and innovative, yet rooted in a solid foundation of bluegrass. They move easily among traditional bluegrass classics, terrific original material, and interpretations of pop music classics, while knocking you over with their strong instrumentals and harmonies." Tim O'Brien calls them "a group to watch in the coming decade."

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street. For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.

UPCOMING SHOWS

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AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE (Tickets now available for all shows on website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.):

Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, Don White, a must-see storyteller-comedian-author-troubadour-folk singer-songwriter. With Mike Agranoff opening.
Saturday, March 2, 2019, Fellswater, Boston's Celtic Music Ensemble. Back by popular demand.
Friday, April 5, 2019, Tom Rush, folk music icon, with Matt Nakoa.
Saturday, April 27, 2019, Bill & Kate Isles, an acoustic singer/songwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Audiences feel they are listening to stories of the own lives, told by two of their best friends.

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See website for complete OCC Coffeehouse season schedule, more details, and for ordering tickets.

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Southern Rail at OCC Coffeehouse on Saturday, Dec. 8

Southern Rail's Bluegrass Christmas concert is back by popular demand. Their mix of Christmas, Gospel, and Traditional Bluegrass is just the thing to usher in a season of joy and celebration.

Southern Rail's performances are high-energy exuberant fun, with riveting harmonies, irrepressible humor and sparkling banjo, mandolin, and guitar solo work. 

Over the years, Southern Rail's recordings, featuring their prolific songwriting, have graced Bluegrass Unlimited's Top Thirty Singles Chart for a combined total of 32 months, climbing to #11. One of Southern Rail's earlier CD's, a special Bluegrass Gospel compilation entitled Glory Train, was nominated for Best Gospel Recording of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Southern Rail at OCC Coffeehouse on Saturday, Dec. 8

The quartet is composed of Jim Muller, guitar and lead vocals, his wife, Sharon Horovitch, acoustic bass and harmony vocals, Rich Stillman, banjo and harmony vocals, and John Tibert, mandolin and harmony vocals. Press review quotes from Texas, California, Canada, Ireland and elsewhere include: "The best Gospel CD I've ever heard", "One of the most original and exciting groups in bluegrass", and "The vocal harmonies are exquisite and the musicianship is impeccable." See some of their videos on YouTube and on their website.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. Children 12 and under free with an adult. 

The event will be in the sanctuary of the church, accessible from the side door on Dedham St. (Route 1A). Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street. For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.

UPCOMING SHOWS

---

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE (Tickets now available for all shows on website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.):

• Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, Mile Twelve, one of the outstanding bluegrass groups of the Boston area, touring worldwide.
• Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, Don White, a must-see storyteller-comedian-author-troubadour-folk singer-songwriter. With Mike Agranoff opening.
• Saturday, March 2, 2019, Fellswater, Boston's Celtic Music Ensemble. Back by popular demand.
• Friday, April 5, 2019, TBA, popular performer to be announced in December.
• Saturday, April 27, 2019, Bill and Kate Isles, an acoustic singer/soungwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Audiences feel they are listening to stories of the own lives, told by two of their best friends.

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See website for complete OCC Coffeehouse season schedule, more details, and for ordering tickets.

Southern Rail Bluegrass Christmas Concert - Dec 9

Who: Southern Rail Bluegrass Christmas Concert
When: 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 9
Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093
Description: This mix of Christmas, Gospel, and Traditional Bluegrass is expected to be a sellout as the last event of OCC’s 325th anniversary celebration. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult.

For more information and tickets, go to http://www.musicatocc.org

Southern Rail Bluegrass Christmas Concert - Dec 9

Bluegrass Worship Service at Franklin Federated - Sep 17 - 10:00 AM

Franklin Federated Church is having a special Bluegrass Worship Service Sunday, Sept. 17, at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street.

Worship will feature Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, with Dave Dick on banjo, his brother Bob Dick on guitar, Dan Nowlan on mandolin and Ken Taylor on upright bass. 

This same lineup has been together since 1998. Find out more at: www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com/. 

All are welcome at Franklin Federated Church! A staffed nursery is available for babies and toddlers, and Sunday school is offered for children in preschool through middle school. 

Activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during worship. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church. 

Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Bluegrass Worship Service at Franklin Federated - Sep 17 - 10:00 AM

Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band - April 30 - 2:00 PM

Bring the family, young  old and come on out to see this highly acclaimed band who are one the most sought after bluegrass bands in New England. With powerful three and four part harmonies and fast but tasteful picking, these musicians are blazing new ground throughout the Blackstone Valley and beyond. 

If you want to hear some great bluegrass music, come on out and see Blackstone Valley Bluegrass!

Franklin Public Library, 25 Kenwood Circle - 2:00 PM
Sunday, April 30, 2017

Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band - April 30 - 2:00 PM

For more about the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band
http://www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com/

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/120023

Keep on the Grass - Concert Sunday Mar 19, at the Franklin Library

"Keep On The Grass provides traditional and old tyme Bluegrass Music for all occasions in the Boston area. We play private parties, corporate events and music festivals. 

The band is Joe Rebeiro on acoustic guitar and vocals, Brian Sargent on mandolin, acoustic guitar and vocals, and Ted Mello on upright bass and vocals. 

With 3 part harmonies and a groovin rhythm section these boys will get you on your feet dancing and singing along with familiar bluegrass songs!"

Keep on the Grass - Concert Sunday Mar 19, at the Franklin Library

Find out more about the band on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Keep-On-The-Grass-860586850684972/

or on the web   http://www.keeponthegrassband.com/

or at ReverbNation  https://www.reverbnation.com/keeponthegrass

In the News: Pond St permitting underway; Joe Val Festival

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town has been moving forward in its permitting process of a proposed 96-unit condominium development on former town property on Pond Street. 

Bryan Taberner, the town's director of planning and community development, said the Planning Board held a public hearing on the matter at its Feb. 6 meeting. A Conservation Commission meeting had been scheduled on the project, but was canceled due to Thursday's snowstorm. 

Taberner said the commission might have voted on the project at that meeting, noting that it must give its approval before the Planning Board can take action. He said it was possible that the developer - Baystone Franklin, LLC - would be free to move forward on the project in the near future."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/franklin-pond-street-project-in-midst-of-permitting

"The bluegrass music scene is alive and well in New England and the MetroWest area, thanks in part to one of the largest festivals in honor of one of the genre's pioneers. 

The 32nd Joe Val Festival, scheduled for Feb. 17-19 at the Framingham Sheraton, honors Joseph Valiante, an Everett native who helped bring the blend of folk, country, blues and jazz to the region. 

...

According to Gerry Katz of the Boston Bluegrass Union, the organization sponsoring the festival, there will be over 40 artists on two stages over the three-day festival, featuring "some of the top bands" in the genre. Including Jerry Douglas and the Earls of Leicester, named the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/joe-val-bluegrass-festival-set-for-framingham-feb-17-19

Joe Val Festival

Visit the Festival webpage for additional info including tickets
http://www.bbu.org/events/joe-val-festival/