Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

A Dream Shared - an art exhibit & talk back 

When:  April 25, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM

Where: Franklin Historical Museum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/a-dream-shared-art-exhibit-talk-back-on.html

Should be a good event with art and conversation about art, a great way for me to begin my evening of reporting

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Meeting 

April 25 at 5 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/fps-comprehensive-facilities-planning.html

What is this latest redistricting effort going to bring forward? This may be the preview for the subcommittee before the School Committee gets to see it. Kinda a sneak peak! We should at least find out find out where they are in the process.

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting 

April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-special.html

Yes, a special committee meeting to interview the next school business administrator. Folks should recall that Miriam Goodman retired last year. Dr Bob Dutch has stepped in for this year. The meeting will help determine the next individual to fill this critical role.

BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School (free concert)

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/franklin-public-schools-to-host-btalc.html

Funded by the Franklin Cultural Council and MASS Cultural Council, a great way to close the day with some big band and jazz sounds

Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Public Schools to Host BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Superintendent Lucas Giguere invites community members to attend a free performance by the BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St.

WHAT: Franklin Public Schools is hosting a free concert featuring the BT/ALC Big Band.

 BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, the BT/ALC Big Band employs the traditional instrumentation of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul, hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles. The BT/ALC Big Band has created a unique sound they dub "Big Band Funk." Since 2011, the band consisting of five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones has released five full-length albums and five singles. Brian and Alex met at UMASS Amherst studying composition and arranging with Jeff Holmes. They travel the state committed to education and providing performances, clinics, and workshops for students focusing on confidence and creativity. 

"Franklin Public Schools stresses the importance of a strong music curriculum, reinforced by community events such as this concert," Superintendent Lucas Giguere said. "It should be a stellar performance!"

This concert is made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and Franklin Public Schools. The event was organized by Leighanne Rudsit, Franklin High School's Band Director. 

"I know Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark personally, both as educators and professional musicians," she said. "I jumped at the opportunity to share their unique sound with the rest of the community."

BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25 - free & open to the public

Thursday, April 25 @ 7:00 PM - Free and Open to the Public!

The BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles, the BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk.  Original repertoire encompassing funk, soul, hip hop, afrobeat, reggae and jazz styles, combined with a rotating cast of Boston’s heaviest hitters make each show special. 

BT/ALC Big Band

Brian and Alex met at UMASS Amherst studying composition and arranging with Jeff Holmes.  Committed to education, they travel the state providing clinics and workshops for students focusing on confidence and creativity. 

“Play the music you love, just in your own way.”

*Made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and the Franklin Public Schools*

Franklin Cultural Council

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder and/or to share->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9ynMNC7SsH6TglA9STvvxV0FX_9oQ7J/view?usp=drive_link

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch scheduled for Sunday, Mar 27 at THE BLACK BOX

BLACK BOX Jazz presents The 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. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon. 

Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee.

In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available. 

Tickets available online ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1552&month=03&year=2022

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch scheduled for Sunday, Mar 27 at THE BLACK BOX

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch - March 1

BLACK BOX Jazz will present The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 1 at noon. 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. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe includes assorted mini quiche, bacon, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, bagels, muffins, OJ, and coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

BLACK BOX Jazz will present The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 1 at noon. 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. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe includes assorted mini quiche, bacon, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, bagels, muffins, OJ, and coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

BLACK BOX Jazz presents Big Band Brunch - Nov 10

BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with The Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 10 at 12 PM. 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. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline or call the box office at 508-528-3370 for tickets and more information. 

BLACK BOX Jazz presents Big Band Brunch - Nov 10

THE BLACK BOX presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 26

On Friday, July 26 at 8 PM, THE BLACK BOX Jazz in July series closes with The 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. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Kenny Hadley is a resident musician at THE BLACK BOX and teaches Percussion at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Additionally he tours with Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band.

Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin

 

THE BLACK BOX presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 26

Jazz Ambassadors to play at FHS - April 1

Join the US Army Field Band, Jazz Ambassadors in Franklin, Massachusetts to hear the military's finest practitioners of jazz and swing. 

"The Army's official touring big band, this 19-member jazz ensemble has received widespread acclaim at home and abroad, earning the Jazz Ambassadors the title "America's Big Band". This concert is free and open to the public."

For tickets and information call 508-613-1650 or use this link 
https://armyfieldband.ticketleap.com/franklin/


Franklin High School Auditorium
218 Oak St
Franklin, Massachusetts

Jazz Ambassadors to play at FHS - April 1

Reminder - THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - March 3

The critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band returns to THE BLACK BOX for a Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 3. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Brunch provided by Intermission Cafe includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

Get your tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1236

THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - March 3

THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Nov 11

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin's theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band Sunday, November 11. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

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. Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich's band play live. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the Big Band tradition alive.

Tickets are $20 for the show alone; combination tickets for brunch and music are $45. 

THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

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

THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Nov 11

Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 7

As part of their New England Artists Series, THE BLACK BOX will present Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet on September 7 at 8 pm. As a composer, trumpet player, band leader, and educator, Alex always brings a childlike delight and fascination with music and what it can bring to the fore. He is the co-leader of the BT ALC Big Band, a group that's influenced as much by Duke Ellington and Count Basie as it is by Parliament and James Brown, and leads his own "jazz comfort food" ensemble, The 8tet, whose debut albums, "Live at the Lily Pad" and "The Big Lebowski Suite" are currently available at www.alexleeclark.com.

Along with his own groups, Alex has enjoyed working as a trumpet player with bands including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Nigel Hall, Lynard Skynard, BJ Thomas, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and others. An educator that's equally comfortable with an acoustic guitar in a kindergarten classroom as he is with a big band score in front of a college ensemble, Alex always finds ways to engage his audiences and help them walking away hearing more than they did when they entered the room.

Tickets are the concert are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students/Seniors and may be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com, by calling (508) 528-3370, or at the door. 

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 

Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 7

“Jazz In July” Highlights THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series

THE BLACK BOX third annual Summer Concert Series presents “Jazz in July,” featuring Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project on Friday, July 20, followed by the Kenny Hadley Big Band on Friday, July 27. Both shows begin at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin theatre, music and event venue.

Steven Kirby is an award-winning guitarist/composer and an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. He has appeared on more than 25 released recordings and toured in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Caribbean, Europe, China and Africa. Kirby’s music is most categorized as contemporary jazz, but it is influenced by a variety of genres. His compositions have won awards in the International Songwriting Competition, Billboard Song Contest and DownBeat, and his music has been played on over 100 radio stations in this country and internationally. 

The “Illuminations” Project is Kirby’s newest compositional and performance endeavor. Described as “richly textured, multi-layered, ebullient and lyrical jazz,” it showcases original compositions and arrangements, as well as some creative arrangements of standard tunes, using a quintet of instrumentalists and a singer performing both wordless and lyrical vocals. “Illuminations” was an Editor’s Pick in the prestigious jazz publication, DownBeat.

The critically acclaimed 16-piece Kenny Hadley Big Band, 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. The renowned ensemble has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live. 

He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the Big Band tradition alive.

Tickets to each event are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

16-piece Kenny Hadley Big Band

Kenny Hadley Big Band - Apr 8 at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band this Sunday, April 8. Brunch begins at 11:30 AM, with music beginning at noon. 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. 

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the Big Band tradition alive.

Tickets are $20 for the show alone; combination tickets for brunch and music are $45. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Dean Bank is the event sponsor.

Big Band Brunch: Kenny Hadley Big Band - Apr 8

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19

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. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stagewith such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Tickets: Big Band Only ~ $20
Big Band & Brunch ~ $45

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

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19