Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Get your Soul, Blues, & R&B fix with Diane Blue this Saturday, Jan 28 (8 PM) at THE BLACK BOX
Saturday, November 19, 2022
The Zajac Brothers Band - Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX
The Zajac Brothers Band - Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX |
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Inside the Franklin 4th of July Celebration with Paul & Joe (audio) - 06/23/22
FM #823 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 823 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin 4th of July Coalition organizers Paul Kortick and Joe Carmignani. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
We talk about the 4th of July Celebration full 5 day schedule
Food booths provided by non-profits, with food trucks on Saturday
Carnival hours, wrist band/ card discount hours
The music lineup each day with the Blues Festival on Saturday
Fireworks return on Saturday night at 10 (at Franklin High School))
This is a community event so donations are appreciated, info is on their webpage to donate online, via Venmo, or via post office mail (see below).
The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Paul & Joe as we talk about the upcoming 4th of July on the Franklin Town Common.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-823-franklin-4th-of-july-celebration-06-23-22
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4th of July Coalition home page https://www.franklin4th.com/
Schedule -> https://www.franklin4th.com/carnival-hours
Music line up -> https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-of-events
Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food
Donation info -> https://dashboard.atpay.com/giving_portal/org_hSjdZIXVngDI7KDJ_AeUeQ
Mail to
Franklin July 4th Coalition
c/o Dean Bank
P.O. Box 307
Franklin, MA 02038
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
TBB Summer Series: Jerry Garcia's Birthday Celebration - Aug 1
Saturday, July 3, 2021
4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 3 - schedule
Franklin 4th of July Celebration
Franklin July 4th Coalition
carnival rides as they were being set up for the 4th of July Celebration |
Friday, June 25, 2021
Franklin's 4th of July schedule
Franklin July 4th Coalition
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Franklin's 4th of July schedule |
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
4th of July Celebration: Blues Festival on Saturday
"We having a Blues Festival as part of the July 4th Celebrations. We have a fantastic line up. Hope to see you there."
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23
THE BLACK BOX will welcome back The James Montgomery Band on April 23rd at 7:30 pm as part of THE BLACK BOX Spring Arts Awakening for an outdoor, socially distanced evening of live music. Tickets are available for the live show Under the Tent at the BLACK BOX and also to watch the live-stream from home. Masks and social distancing are required.
In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, The James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.
Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist, "Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven Is On."
Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax."
Over the years, Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.
In-person and virtual tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings.
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James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23 |
Thursday, September 10, 2020
The Peacheaters: An Allman Brothers Band Experience - 2 shows on 9/11/20
THE BLACK BOX Fall Concert Series presents The Peacheaters! Friday, September 11 at 6:30 and 8:30 PM.
The Peacheaters dig deep into the 40+ year catalog of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an EXPERIENCE like no other. No 2 gigs are ever alike. The Peacheaters make these songs feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Fueled by admiration and passion for the music of the ABB, The Peacheaters have been rocking audiences for over 15 years.
The Boston Globe, WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock Radio, and many other media outlets have raved about the authenticity of the band's performances. From festivals to concert halls, the band's success has taken them all over the U.S.—including performances at venues such as Showcase Live, The House of Blues, Daytona's Bike Week, The Big House in Macon, GA, and B.B. Kings, NYC.
The band's dedication to this music, and to “hitting the note” every night, has helped them build an loyal and ever-growing fan base. The “Peach” has won multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, and shared stages with legends such as The Outlaws, Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), The Zen Tricksters, and James Montgomery.
Get tickets https://cts.vresp.com/c/?FranklinPerformingAr/44df79fb76/9b055c5183/32b72351e3/id=1399
Find out more about the band on their web page https://www.peacheaters.com/
Monday, September 7, 2020
Talking the Blues!: Piano Blues
"This weeks' episode focuses on piano blues. We talk about and listen to a range of blues pianists from classic originals to those that have carried on the sweet tickling of the ivory.
We bring to you legends like Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, Professor Longhair, Pinetop Perkins, James Booker, Ray Charles, Jesse Yaw, Roosevelt Sykes and Lachy Doley. Keep on Talking the Blues! "
Audio link = https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-x2tn7-ea2751
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Talking the Blues: #18. Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembered
"Stevie Ray Vaughan - October 3, 1954 - August 27, 1990. This week marks the 30th year of the passing of Stevie Ray Vaughan and the world has been at a loss since. Vaughan became a blues rock virtuoso in a short period of time and left a legacy that others have followed.
This week we focus on his music, his story and his legacy. We listen to Stevie's music as the music of some of the artists that influenced him including Jimmy Rogers, Albert Collins, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix.
There is a little bit of something for everyone. RIP Stevie - Rock on!"
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Talking the Blues: #18. Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembered |
Friday, August 28, 2020
Reminder: THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.
James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020. They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.
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THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28 |
Sunday, August 23, 2020
THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.
James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020. They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.
Get tickets online or call the box office https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020
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THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28 |
Friday, August 21, 2020
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Sonya Rae Taylor on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 PM!
Sonya is part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter, and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years.
She is joined by her husband Ryan Taylor to form a powerful guitar duo. The couple has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. The two have worked with or shared stage with artists ranging from Austin queen of soul, Tameca Jones, Gary Clark Jr, John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski, and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band and have made TV appearances on shows such as the the ABC series "Nashville".
They are two of the finest young guitar players in the scene today and continue to provide audiences with high energy and soulful performances up and down the east coast and beyond.
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THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22 |
Monday, August 17, 2020
Talking the Blues - new episode available
New episode...What are they listening to "across the pond"? Tune in to find out. https://t.co/15r8hUrFKc
"This week Todd and Jim check out the music being played across the pond. We look to the list of July's most played albums in the UK (according to the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association) and find plenty of great new music. Link to IBBA list here - http://www.bluesbroadcasters.co.uk/top40.htm
The setlist includes music from Hurricane Ruth, Anthony Geraci, Robbie Reay, Peter Karp, Kaz Hawkins, The Lucky Losers, Mandalyn, Crooked Eye Tommy and Marcus Lazarus."
(https://twitter.com/TalkingtheBlue2/status/1294657033271226368?s=03)
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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kbf5w-e7370b |
Monday, August 3, 2020
Talking the Blues: # 14. New England Blues
"Another fun show in the books for Talking The Blues. This week we took a look at a stellar group of New England blue musicians. Of course there’s not enough time to play them all! Enjoy, tell your friends, your family, your favorite bartender."
Find the podcast online, or subscribe via your favorite app
https://jderick50.podbean.com/e/14-new-england-blues/
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Talking the Blues: # 14. New England Blues |
Monday, July 27, 2020
Talking the Blues - new episode
New Episode - 2020 Blues Blast Music Awards show! Talking the Blues | https://t.co/Ch5pBX2ymR @FranklinMatters @tmonjar @BillyBranch1003
(https://twitter.com/TalkingtheBlue2/status/1287379617754624000?s=03)
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
"Talking the Blues" - Reflecting on Black Lives Matter
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio link = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ma4tu-e0105e
Monday, July 6, 2020
"Talking the Blues" - Epic Blues - Apr 30, 2020
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ekupv-db5f59
Sunday, July 5, 2020
"Talking the Blues" - High Energy Blues - Apr 29, 2020
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kybek-db5fb0