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

THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

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.

Get tickets online or call the box office  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1394&month=08&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22

Talking the Blues - new episode available

Talking the Blues (@TalkingtheBlue2) tweeted at 11:27 AM on Sat, Aug 15, 2020:

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)

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kbf5w-e7370b

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/

Talking the Blues: # 14. New England Blues

Talking the Blues - new episode

Talking the Blues (@TalkingtheBlue2) tweeted at 9:29 AM on Sun, Jul 26, 2020:

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)

"Talking the Blues" - Reflecting on Black Lives Matter

Todd Monjar and Jim Derick discuss their thoughts surrounding the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement


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

"Talking the Blues" - Epic Blues - Apr 30, 2020

What makes a song "Epic". Jim Derick ad Todd Monjar explore some of their favorite "Epic" songs of all time... with some surprising cover artists.


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

"Talking the Blues" - High Energy Blues - Apr 29, 2020

Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk high energy blues in this episode

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

"Talking the Blues" - Ana Popovic - Mar 26, 2020

Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk the blues of Ana Popovic  (http://anapopovic.com/home)

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-z78td-d84551

"Talking the Blues" - The Rolling Stones - a Blues Band - Jan 20, 2020

Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk about The Rolling Stones - a Blues Band in this episode

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-4jhu9-d84546

"Talking the Blues" - New Discoveries - Nov 20, 2019

Jim Derick, Todd Monjar, and sitting in for this episode, Mike Derick


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-cyepn-d8453a

"Talking the Blues" - Mike Zito Interview - Nov 15, 2019

Jim Derick interviews Mike Zito (https://www.mikezito.com/)

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-h97aa-d8454a

Music4Kids fund raiser features Sugar Ray Norcia (and the Bluetones) with Monster Mike Welch - April 2

Sugar Ray Norcia (and the Bluetones)
Monster Mike Welch
Veronica Lewis
Nolan Leite

These musicians are coming to Wrentham! Come enjoy dinner, drinks and some awesome blues music! Proceeds of this event go to Franklin non-profit Music4Kids, helping us to provide musical instruments, lessons and special music education programs for disabled and disadvantaged children.

The Home for Little Waderers is highlighted as one of our ongoing projects that will be served by the proceeds of this event!

Auction and raffle items available for bidding. This is a great cause. Hope to see you there!

*This event is in open seating format with the exception of reserved tables.*

**If you would like to have one or more tables reserved, please contact Joshua Silver at 508-381-9052 after purchasing the desired number of tickets.**


Date And Time = Thu, April 2, 2020 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT

Location = Lake Pearl Ballroom, 299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sugar-ray-the-bluetones-with-monster-mike-welch-charity-benefit-concert-for-music4kids-the-home-for-tickets-91562378539 

Music4Kids fund raiser features Sugar Ray Norcia (and the Bluetones) with Monster Mike Welch - April 2

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

THE BLACK BOX welcomes back the James Montgomery Band with opener - The DayBreakers.

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home." Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he, learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable (oh yeah, he majored in English) 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."


The DayBreakers

Fueled by two songwriters with contrasting approaches, the DayBreakers craft their distinct sound through a blend of folk rock melodies, blues guitar muscle and rock and roll grit. The five piece band, led by lead singer/guitarist Kyle Murphy, and bassist Matt Schairer has played many of New England's most revered rooms (The Middle East, TT the Bears, Thunder Road, Cape Cod Melody Tent) and shared the stage with some of the region's best roots rockers (Entrain, the Silks, Delta Generators, Frank Viele), while also supporting national touring acts The High Divers, Christian Lopez and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. 

Murphy's songwriting draws from a combination of jazz and heartland rock, fusing the complex chord changes of bebop with the boot stomping choruses of Seger and Mellencamp. Schairer's songwriting is tied tighter to country and folk, with an emphasis on storytelling akin to the Drive By Truckers and Springsteen. 

The tension of two songwriters has led to artistic breakthroughs, but it has not been without its struggle. Plagued by line up changes and stylistic clashes, the band spent half a decade chasing the shadow of a dream in half-filled bar rooms. These nights led the band to be highly qualified to write their second full length album, a concept record named "Worn Out Dream," about a band that doesn't make it and looks to move on with their lives. 

For tickets or for more information about other events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead to play THE BLACK BOX on Black Friday

THE BLACK BOX Tribute Series will present The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead on Friday, November 29 at 8:00 pm.

The Peacheaters dig deep into the 40 + year catalog of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an experience like no other. 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 Allman Brothers Band, 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 a 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.

Bearly Dead is an all-star cast of players with deep roots in the New England jam & festival scene. While the band plays all of The Grateful Dead classics, they also dive into an extended catalog, which may include any song that any member of the Dead ever performed. With over 230 songs in rotation and new material being added all the time, Bearly Dead performs wildly different set lists every night and ensures that each show is a unique experience. With no designated “Jerry” or “Bobby”, this band is able to breathe new life into songs with their fresh, high-energy approach to them. Bearly Dead is a set list-nerd’s dream.

Tickets for Black Friday at THE BLACK BOX are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. 

The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead to play THE BLACK BOX on Black Friday

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series will present Diane Blue on November 9 at 8 PM. Ms. Blue is a soul-stirring vocalist and skillful harmonica player whose powerful delivery of Soul, Blues, and R&B is captivating. Her performances are charismatic and heartfelt, whether fronting her own world-class band, or singing alongside master Bluesman Ronnie Earl. Ms. Blue is the first female member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. She is prominently featured on the band's five most recent celebrated records.

Diane's reputation as a stunning entertainer has led her all over the United States and tours of Europe where audiences enjoy her traditional and original songs alike. A multi-nominated and award-winning artist, she performed at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee in 2019, and competed at the 2011 International Blues Challenge. 

Diane has shared the stage with many greats including Muddy Waters' guitarist Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, Irma Thomas (the Soul Queen of New Orleans), and the late Big Jack Johnson (Mississippi) who called Diane a "monster on the harp." Ms. Blue tours in the U.S. and abroad as a featured performer, in addition to her duties with the Broadcasters.

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

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Trio Concert - Sat - Nov 2

Freebo, Kirsten Maxwell, and Alice Howe join in fabulous harmony

Freebo, Alice Howe, & Kirsten Maxwell Nov 2 View this email in your browser FREEBO, ALICE HOWE, & KIRSTEN MAXWELL November 2 - 8 PM - $20 An extremely talented group of performers will appear at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, November 2nd. Freebo, Kirsten Maxwell, and Alice Howe are three singer-songwriters who, out of their shared love of harmony singing, have joined together for several performances. Each is an excellent performer in their own right, but the combination is greater than the sum of its parts, elevating their music to glorious heights. Freebo is an award-winning singer-songwriter who is best known as a world-renowned bassist (Bonnie Raitt 10 years, CSN, Ringo Starr, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John, and many others). https://www.freebomusic.com/ 2016 New Folk Finalist Kirsten Maxwell is known for her "clear soprano [that] rings out in a way that would make Judy Collins and Joan Baez approve" (John Platt, WFUV).  http://www.kirstenmaxwell.com/bio With her soulful, impeccably tuned voice, Alice Howe is "up there with the very best of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Gretchen Peters and Dar Williams" (Folking.com). https://www.alicehowe.com/ Freebo, Maxwell, and Howe promise a memorable evening of music bringing together a folk-rock-blues legend and two young artists becoming well known in the national folk scene. Please join us. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Nov 16       Peter Mulvey with special guest Pamela Means Dec 7         Winterbloom Jan 4         Cheryl Wheeler with special guest Samantha Tracy Feb 8         Small Potatoes Feb 29       Pesky J Nixon presents Tribal Mischief

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Country Blues with Radcliffe & Dillon in Foxboro, Thursday, Sept. 5

COUNTRY BLUES

with RADCLIFFE & DILLON

at Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center

Thursday, Sep 5, 7:30 PM

The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (formerly the Orpheum) in the center of Foxboro has opened a new, intimate listening room for musical performers called the Upper Lobby. This 32-seat venue provides seating at tables, allowing ordering of drinks and snacks during the show.

One of the first performances in this new venue will be the country blues duo of Ragtime Jack Radcliffe and Sherman Lee Dillon. 

'Ragtime' Jack has been performing for more than 30 years. He is a master of traditional country blues and ragtime and stride piano, and a powerful singer/songwriter. He also accompanies himself on the keyboard, guitar and fiddle. He was inducted into the Old-Time Music Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

Jack's performances always include a lot of uplifting wit, historical anecdotes and connections with local lore, wherever he performs. His background in journalism amplifies a lifelong quest for the cultural framework of his music and the places he performs.

Sherman Lee Dillon was born in Meadville, Mississippi (pop 451) in 1951, and grew up 15 miles outside of town. Many of his family members were into music, and he learned to play piano, guitar, harmonica, banjo, steel guitar, and other instruments.

One night a band from McComb (Bo Didley's home) drove up at the Dillon house. They asked him to be their guitar player and go to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to make a record with them. At the age of 16 Sherman left home and has been playing music professionally ever since.

Deciding to be a regional performer has actually worked quite well. Sherman has performed in various configurations on shows with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Koko Taylor, Little Milton, Bobby Rush, and many others. He also consulted and played in O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Tickets are $15, available at the Orpheum Theatre box office, 508-543-2787, or online at Orpheum website https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10447634. For more information, call 508-543-2787 or email boxoffice@orpheum.org.

BLACK BOX Blues presents Sonya Ray Taylor - Aug 24

BLACK BOX Blues presents Sonya Ray Taylor! 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.

Tickets for this 8:00 PM show is available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the Box Office at 508-528-3370. You can follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

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

BLACK BOX Blues presents Sonya Ray Taylor - Aug 24

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: The Delta Generators, The DayBreakers! - Aug 10

On Saturday, August 10 at 8 PM The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX with opening act The DayBreakers.
 
Featuring Brian Templeton on vocals and harmonica, Charlie O’Neal on guitar, Rick O’Neal on bass, and Jeff Armstrong on drums, the Boston-based band blend the fine line between rhythm and blues and Americana in a way that makes them anything but average.

In 2017, the band recorded the audio for their sold out show at The Spire Center in Plymouth, MA, which they then used to release their first live album, “Delta Generators Live At The Spire.” This release followed in the footsteps of their four studio albums, “Devil In The Rhythm” (2008), “Hard River To Row” (2009), “Get On The Horse” (2014), and “Hipshakers and Heartbreakers” (2016).

“Delta Generators Live At The Spire” is the band’s first album with Templeton, who joined the group in 2016. The album features originals written by both Templeton and Delta Generators, as well as a few cover songs, and was recorded by Gary Sjolin and Kevin Marshall, mixed by David Minehan of Woolly Mammoth Studios and mastered by Dana White of Specialized Mastering.

Since forming in 2008, Delta Generators have won several awards including the Boston Blues Society Blues Challenge in 2008 and have placed in the top ten at The International Blues Challenge in 2009 (See more awards below). In the last few years, the band have shared the stage with such acts as Robert Cray, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Three Dog Night, Jimmie Vaughn, and Sonny Landreth, among others.

With Opening Act - The DayBreakers!

About The DayBreakers: Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock and 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 band has also performed as an opener at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA for three years running, opening for Three Dog Night, The Beach Boys, and Bret Michaels.

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


Direct link to tickets  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1222

The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX with opening act The DayBreakers