Showing posts with label jazz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jazz. Show all posts

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch at THE BLACK BOX

BLACK BOX Jazz presents a holiday jazz brunch featuring guitarist Mark White, bassist Mark Poniatowski, pianist Joe Mulholland, drummer Kenny Hadley and friends on Sunday, December 17 at 12:00 noon. Celebrate the season with holiday music favorites while enjoying a light continental brunch. A suburban hub for great music and the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Mark White has performed with the Empire Brass Quintet, George Russell, Gil Evans and Anthony Braxton, as well as the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, New England Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller, and Boston Musica Viva under Richard Pitman. A Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, he has taught over 50 clinics for Berklee in Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. White has played many theatre engagements with touring Broadway companies and has recorded for Blue Note, King, MMC Records and Heineken Jazz Festival.

Kenny Hadley has performed with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris. His renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. The band’s acclaimed recordings include Come Sunday, A Beautiful Friendship and Common Thread.

An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, Joe Mullholland is an accomplished pianist, recording artist and composer. He has released three CDs of original music written for his sextet, and he has composed numerous electronic scores for Boston-area dance companies. Mulholland performs regularly as a jazz pianist and vocal accompanist at the Regattabar, Ryles, Scullers, and at the Waterfront Jazz Festival, among others. He previously taught jazz piano and ensembles for more than a decade at Brown University.

Mark Poniatowski is an Associate Professor in Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band and the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, as well as with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Rita Moreno and Junior Watson. Poniatowski’s recordings include Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, More Than Live with Janiva Magness, The George Carlin Show soundtrack, Room for Two with April Hall, and a self-titled CD, The Mark Poniatowski Situation.

Show tickets are $20; an optional continental brunch is available for $15. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch  at THE BLACK BOX
Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch  at THE BLACK BOX

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Franklin Library: Paul Speidel Blues & Jazz Trio, Nov 29

The Paul Speidel Blues and Jazz Trio will be performing at the Franklin Public Library Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. For over twenty years, Paul Speidel has been performing at major clubs and festivals in the Greater Boston area, such as Scullers, Ryles, Johnny D's, Acton Jazz Cafe, and many others. 
He taught Jazz and Blues in the Newton Public Schools during this time, and has presented music programs at public and private venues for just as long. Last year, he had the privilege of performing live on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” program to nearly 500,000 listeners, and has appeared on countless other area radio shows over the years. 
With nine CDs to his credit, Paul’s recordings have been critically recognized nationally, including a 3½ star review in Downbeat in 2011. His credits also include performances with Patti Page, Howard Alden, Jay Geils, Duke Robillard, James Montgomery and Shirley Lewis, to name just a few… 
“Speidel shines with calibrated, elevated playing that draws on his muse and on a congenital sense of what makes sense musically…Three and a half stars!” – Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat Magazine (July 2011) 
“Love it! One of the finest guitarists out there…So great having you on the show. You’re terrific!” (Jordan Rich, WBZ-1030, Boston) 
"Paul Speidel's guitar playing is impressive. He manages to mix blues and jazz and funk naturally and effortlessly. The band is tight and the songs are strong. If you haven't seen Paul, you're missing out on something special right here in Boston!” --Dana Marshall (DJ, Program Manager,WXRV 92.5-FM The River)
Franklin Library: Paul Speidel Blues & Jazz Trio, Nov 29
Franklin Library: Paul Speidel Blues & Jazz Trio, Nov 29

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/11/paul-speidel-blues-jazz-trio-wednesday.html


For more about Paul Speidel visit his webpage  http://www.paulspeidelband.com/

Thursday, October 26, 2017

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, presents a full lineup of quality live entertainment this November. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. 

On Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents jazz vocalist Brenda Padula. The evening will showcase songs from the Great American Songbook, along with blues and Motown favorites. Padula will be joined by pianist Dennis “Rusty” Hughes, saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky, bassist Mark Poniatowski, and drummer Kenny Hadley. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors.

On Saturday, November 4 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX presents the renowned James Montgomery Band. Growing up in Detroit, James Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Montgomery has recorded six albums and toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, and Steve Miller. Tickets are $25.

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the acoustic jazz ensemble Rhythm Future Quartet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke on second guitar and Greg Loughman on bass, Rhythm Future is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre. Tickets are $20.

Roomful of Blues kicks off a new season of THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series concerts on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. The eight-piece blues band is led by guitarist Chris Vachon and features singer Phil Pemberton, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals to the ensemble’s jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B, and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Tickets are $28.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa on Sunday, November 12, at 4 p.m. Featuring violinists Irina Fainkichen and Heather Goodchild, violist Irina Naryshkova, and cellist Elizabeth Schultze, the program will include selections from Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Still, and Gershwin. Tea service will be available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students/seniors.

On Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m., the third annual Rising Stars Cabaret presents a special revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers. The cabaret is presented in an intimate nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors.

On Sunday, November 19, BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned 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. Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents DayBreakers with Copilot at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. 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. Copilot is an American Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion and unique Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven’t heard before. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door.

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

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events
THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

Saturday, September 23, 2017

The Fat City Band to Play THE BLACK BOX - Oct 6

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band on Friday, October 6 at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin venue. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. 

Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. Bringing 40+ years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: “Music Should Be Fun.” The Fat City Band invites audiences to come and join the party.

Tickets are $20. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and a suburban hub for great music, 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.

The Fat City Band to Play THE BLACK BOX - Oct 6
The Fat City Band to Play THE BLACK BOX - Oct 6

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music at THE BLACK BOX

The Acme Jazz Quartet kicks off an exciting new season of live music at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, on Friday, September 15 at 8 p.m. The Quartet features Kenny Hadley (drums), Mark White (guitar), Mark Poniatowski (bass) and Arnie Krakowsky (saxophone), four world-class musicians whose performance resumes include a long list of music royalty. 

A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX presents wide-ranging music entertainment, slated to include a Big Band Brunch, classical concert, cabaret performances, New England Artist Series events and more this fall. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Drummer Kenny Hadley has performed with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 
 
Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music  at THE BLACK BOX
Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music  at THE BLACK BOX

Bassist Mark Poniatowski is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band and the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, as well as with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno and Junior Watson. 

Poniatowski’s recordings include “Mississippi Moan” with the Bruce Katz Band and “The George Carlin Show” soundtrack. Guitarist Mark White has performed with the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, Boston Musica Viva under Richard Pitman, and the New England Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller, as well as with the Empire Brass Quintet, George Russell, Gil Evans and Anthony Braxton, and numerous theatre engagements with touring Broadway companies. 

A Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, Mark White has taught over 25 clinics for Berklee in Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. Saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky has performed with Dick Johnson and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Lionel Hampton Band, Phil Woods, Dave McKenna, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Tony Bennett. His recordings include “Where the Tenor Meets the Bone” and “Is It Minor Yours.”

Tickets for the September 15th evening with the Acme Jazz Quartet are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4



THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4
THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4

Attention Music Lovers!

Don't miss a perfect night out this Friday at THE BLACK BOX! Come enjoy great jazz with The Mark Poniatowski Situation at 8:00. Doors and the bar open at 7:30!

Thank you for supporting live music and theater at THE BLACK BOX!

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

THE BLACK BOX August Summer Concerts Feature The Mark Poniatowski Situation and The Love Dogs

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, continues its second annual Summer Concert Series with two August music events featuring the Mark Poniatowski Situation and The Love Dogs.


Mark Poniatowski
Mark Poniatowski
The Mark Poniatowski Situation headlines a BLACK BOX Jazz concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 4. Led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, the Situation also features Walter Platt on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Mark Shilansky on piano and Dino Govoni on saxophone. The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010.

An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski has performed with artists including the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Among his performances throughout the US and Europe are the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series continues with The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, August 12 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. 

The Love Dogs
The Love Dogs
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. The New York Post says, “Even though the music could make Leonardo’s David dance, it’s the songwriting that separates these dogs from the rest of the pack.” 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.

The band’s lineup, featuring some of the Northeast’s best players, consists of Eddie “Duato” Scheer (lead vocals), Alizon Lissance (keyboards, vocals), Myanna (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Glenn Shambroom (guitar, baritone sax), Randy Bramwell (bass, vocals), Steve Brown (drums, vocals), Mario Perrett (tenor sax, vocals), and Mark Paquin (tenor sax, trombone).

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

Thursday, June 22, 2017

“Jazz in July” at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents two evenings of great jazz to kick off the second annual Summer Concert Series.

Beginning on Friday, July 7 at 8 p.m., “Jazz in July” at THE BLACK BOX features Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project with special guest, vocalist Aubrey Johnson. Steven Kirby is an award-winning guitarist/composer and Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. He has appeared on more than 25 released recordings and toured in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Caribbean, Europe, China and Arica. Kirby’s music is most often 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. 
 
Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project
Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project

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 recently an Editor’s Pick in the prestigious jazz publication, DownBeat.

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series continues on Friday, July 21 at 8 p.m. with the renowned 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. 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.

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets to “Jazz in July” summer concerts are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. For more information, including additional Summer Concert Series event programming, or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Music Department Spring Jazz Night - April 11

Do you like Jazz? Are you looking for a great live jazz performance close to home? 

Then come to the Franklin High School auditorium on Tuesday April 11th, at 7:00pm. Through grant money provided by the Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Music Boosters, Franklin welcomes the Brian Thomas/Alex Lee-Clark Big Band to our annual Music Department Spring Jazz Night

Featured performances include the FHS Combos, FHS Big Band, a combined Franklin Middle School group, and a performance by the Boston based professional big band. It’s sure to be a blast with jazz standards including Caravan, Blue Bossa, Terry’s Song, and Steppin’ Out as well as some original tunes by both students and professionals. 

Admission is free, however we will be accepting $5 donations at the door.

Come hear local live jazz across multiple generations! 

Please contact Franklin High School Band Director, Leighanne Rudsit at rudsitl@franklinps.net or 508.613.1400x1652 with any questions.

Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark
Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark

Since the group’s formation in 2011, Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark have gained a reputation for featuring some of the best players in Boston, great compositions, and being undeniably unique. By taking the tradition of the big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thad Jones and infusing it with funk music of their idles like Parliament Funkadelic, The Crusaders, The Meters, James Brown & the JB’s, and many more, they have created a sound that pushes the art of big band forward, while still being pure entertainment for both the band and the audience.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Friday, April 7

http://www.fatcityband.com/
The Fat City Band Friday, April 7
THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band on Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin venue. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. 

Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. 

Bringing 40+ years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: “Music Should Be Fun.” The Fat City Band invites audiences to come and join the party.

Tickets are $20. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and a suburban hub for great music, 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.



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Broadway Series And More Highlight January Music Events AT THE BLACK BOX

Broadway’s Matthew Scott headlines a one-night-only show at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue. The January 21 concert highlights a full month of music series entertainment to kick off the New Year. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

The New England Percussion Ensemble launches the 2017 FPAC Family Concert Series on Sunday, January 8, at 1 p.m. Featuring talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining format, Family Concert Series events are presented free to the community and are especially geared to children. Sponsored by Berry Insurance, the concerts provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters.

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the John Funkhouser Trio at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 13. The ensemble delivers an energetic, accessible blend of modern jazz, funk, blues, 20th century classical, Indian classical, and European and American folk music, which creates a funky, groove-oriented, fresh and original sound. Fired by Berklee Professor John Funkhouser’s “explosive piano playing” (Boston Globe), the band stretches the limits of traditional jazz form.

Fresh off his Broadway run as Adam Hochberg in An American in Paris, Matthew Scott performs a solo cabaret show on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 8 p.m. The concert is the second presentation in THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series, new this season and sponsored by Childs Engineering. Broadway credits also include Jersey Boys, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Actors’ Fund), A Catered Affair with Harvey Fierstein, and Sondheim on Sondheim starring Barbara Cook and Vanessa Williams. Television appearances include First You Dream: The Music of Kander and Ebb for PBS, All My Children and the 2006 and 2009 Tony Awards.
THE BLACK BOX, 15 W Central St, Franklin, MA
THE BLACK BOX, 15 W Central St, Franklin, MA

Electric Youth 2017, the international touring ensemble of talented young singer-dancers, debuts at THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, January 28, with two shows at 6:30 and 8:30. Offering family entertainment for all ages, the group is backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians who have performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, The Temptations and more. EY presents fully choreographed, high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents “Captivating Artists Performing Romantic Music” on Sunday, January 29, at 4 p.m., featuring violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar. Selections will include Franck, Sarasate, Prokofiev, Khachaturian, de Falla and Schnittke. Tea service will be available in the lobby. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen is a member of Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and co-founder of “Flying Hearts” duo, which performs in a number of musical genres including jazz, Klezmer, and classic American tunes. Born in Ukraine, Irina Kotlyar received degrees from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel. With Gregory Shifrin, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano Duo has won several international prizes and awards, and has performed throughout Israel, Europe and America.

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX - Jazz Brunch - March 6

Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of ’Tis the Season!, FPAC’s original holiday musical.

The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. At THE BLACK BOX this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from The Addams Family musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

“I’ve met so many people over the years – guys that play all the theaters downtown and tour with major acts,” says Hadley, of the musicians he brings to Franklin. “They get what we’re trying to do at THE BLACK BOX. It’s good work with a good vibe – very cool, very hip. The level of musicianship is really high so they know that when they come down here they’re going to be playing with a really great band.”

THE BLACK BOX grew out of an office building in the heart of downtown Franklin. The project blew out the facility’s second floor to create a two-story, flexible space with 360-degree catwalk. When Tony Award winner Beth Leavel headlined the venue’s grand opening celebration in September 2014, Hadley recalls being thrilled with the acoustics.

“It’s a unique, great-sounding room,” notes Hadley. “I’ve since played it in so many configurations – in every corner of the building, top and bottom, and in different genres and situations. The clarity is amazing. It has a live quality, like you get in a good concert hall but with a different shape and size. A lot of places try to manufacture that, but this has it naturally.”

FPAC received a $220,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (MCFF) in 2015 to support capital improvements at THE BLACK BOX, including sound and lighting systems, second-floor accessibility and a marquee. The award, the largest granted by the MCFF to a MetroWest arts organization during that funding cycle, affirmed the venue’s potential for transformative and cultural impact in the region.

“I think it’s a gem at a time when live music venues are falling by the wayside,” notes Hadley. “This place has come out and accomplished so much in so short a time. And we just keep tweaking to make it better and better.”

The inaugural season at THE BLACK BOX doubled FPAC’s production schedule and launched Jazz, Cabaret, Children’s, Local Artists, New England Artists, and Summer Concert Series, establishing the venue as a suburban hub for great music. This second year has already welcomed a new Classical Series, which opened in November with violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar.

Kenny Hadley's Big Band at THE BLACK BOX
Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX

Hadley sees only positives in FPAC’s commitment to live music as a defining element of company productions and as a key focus in the venue’s programming. “THE BLACK BOX was a game changer in terms of opportunity,” he says. “Things were swingin’ before THE BLACK BOX, but this kicks it up a notch in terms of what we can do.”

Youth development in the arts is another core component of FPAC’s mission, and Hadley views THE BLACK BOX as influential to students’ growth as artists and audience members. “You can learn so much and find inspiration,” he says about hearing live music. “What better way to get them excited about this stuff.”

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live at Lennie’s-on-the-Turnpike in Peabody. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival. “It was the tail end of that era. I saw Basie ten, fifteen times. I saw Kenton, Maynard.” Hadley formed his own big band at 23 and has grown that 16-piece juggernaut to showcase a renowned rotation of some 45 or 50 players – 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 will headline a jazz brunch at THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m.

For tickets to the Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch or for more information about FPAC’s season and other presented events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

In the News: home buying boot camp, public comment welcomed, big ban brunch

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Michael Shain, senior loan originator with Village Mortgage in Milford, will offer a “Home Buying Boot Camp” in conjunction with the Tri-County Adult Education Program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St. 
Attendees will learn about the mortgage process so they can get a better understanding of how a loan is approved. Additionally, they will learn about the roles the Realtor, lender, attorney and home inspector play in the home buying process. Shain will also discuss the importance of credit.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/michael-shain-to-present-home-buying-boot-camp-in-franklin


Public comment is being welcomed on a proposal aimed at reducing local power bills. 
The town is looking to partner with Marlborough firm Colonial Power Group to pursue municipal electrical aggregation, in which groups look to lower electrical rates by shopping among different suppliers, using their large numbers of customers as negotiation leverage. 
Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the public review and comment period for the proposal opened at noon on Friday. 
"A public comment period is required under state law," he said. "We're looking to get feedback on the proposed plan, which is on our website."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160214/franklin-public-comment-sought-on-energy-plan



Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at The Black Box, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. 
Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of “’Tis the Season!,” FPAC’s original holiday musical. The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. 
At The Black Box this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from “The Addams Family” musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/kenny-hadley-big-band-to-headline-black-box-brunch

Saturday, January 16, 2016

And All That Jazz .... Beginner Jazz Dance Class



And All  That Jazz...........dance class

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning is pleased to offer its first Adult Beginner Jazz Class.......beginning Monday, January 25 
jazz dancer image
Don't Miss This Exciting Class!


This Adult Beginner Jazz Course  will encompass components from jazz, modern and ballet techniques. The session will focus on learning different styles/combinations of jazz such as classic jazz, musical theater, lyrical jazz, latin and hip hop.
Students will warm up with stretching exercises, isolations, strengthening exercises and "across the floor" exercises.  


The class ends with a combination that is usually fast-paced and danced to popular music. Jazz shoes are optional; socks or bare feet acceptable.

When and Where?

Mondays, Jan 25 - Mar 21 

7:00 to 8:00 PM

Parmenter Elementary School
 
Cost: $75

     Franklin Public Schools          Lifelong Learning Institute
     The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning

508-613-1480      www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

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FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

THE BLACK BOX To Feature Jazz, Cabaret And Local Artist Series In May

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s new theater, music, and event venue, presents a dynamic lineup of live music entertainment in May. Events are slated to feature the Ben Whiting Quintet, BLACK BOX Cabaret, and a Local Artist Series inaugural performance. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street.
The Ben Whiting Quintet
The Ben Whiting Quintet
BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Ben Whiting Quintet on Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Known for his sweet, robust sound, communicative phrasing and stylistic versatility, baritone sax player Ben Whiting is quickly making a name for himself on the Boston music scene, where he can be heard at premiere venues including Ryles, Scullers, Berklee Performance Center, The Beat Hotel, The Beehive, Top of the Hub, and Hard Rock Cafe. Ben regularly performs with the renowned Greg Hopkins' Big Band and Nonet, Omar Thomas Large Ensemble, Alex Lee-Clark 8tet, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Beantown Swing Orchestra, Eguie Castrillo and his Orchestra, and many more. The Berklee trained Whiting has also traveled internationally with The Artie Shaw Big Band. Presenting a swinging evening of original compositions and jazz standards, Ben will be joined at THE BLACK BOX by guitarist Carl Eisman, pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Rob Taylor and drummer Oscar Suchanek.

THE BLACK BOX launches a Local Artist Series on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m., shining a spotlight on this region's bright musical talent. Local singers and songwriters share the stage and tell the stories behind their music for this special evening hosted by WMRC's Ray Auger. The inaugural performance will feature acoustic sets by Ken Barney, Gay Barboza, Chris Ross and Kate Russo, all 2015 WMRC Local Music Award nominees honored among the best area musicians and recognized for their creativity and contribution to the Greater Milford music scene.

On Friday, May 29 at 8 p.m., BLACK BOX Cabaret spotlights the vocal stylings of talented FPAC alumni performers. Accompanied by the Acme Rhythm Section, entertainment is presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere. BLACK BOX Cabaret is sponsored by The Milford National Bank and Trust. 
Ticket prices are $18 (adult) and $15 (student/senior) for the Ben Whiting Quintet, $15 for the Local Artist Series, and $15 (adult) and $12 (student/senior) for BLACK BOX Cabaret. A cash bar is available for all music series events. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April Hall at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin presents critically acclaimed jazz vocalist April Hall on Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. The concert, rescheduled from February due to a Valentine’s Day snowstorm, is featured as part of BLACK BOX Jazz, one of four dynamic music series launched this year at the new theater, music and event venue. 
April Hall
April Hall
April Hall takes audiences on a special journey through The Great American Songbook, showcasing the most enduring and influential Golden Age standards of the Broadway stage and Hollywood screen. With her swinging all-star band, Hall interprets our most treasured classics by legendary masters of song to deliver a deeply moving evening of sentiment, humor, heartbreak and romance. Her voice described as "glorious" by The Boston Globe, Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. 
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award, Hall has done projects for Atlantic Records, under the direction of Arif Mardin, for the legendary Chaka Kahn, Melissa Manchester and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Dinah Shore. Hall’s "Room for Two" was named one of Jazz Times top 50 Jazz Records of 2012. Hall will be joined at THE BLACK BOX by pianist Tim Ray, bassist Mark Poniatowski, saxophonist Tom Hall and drummer Kenny Hadley. 
THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets for the BLACK BOX Jazz event are $20. For ticket purchase or more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Jazz time

The Franklin High School jazz musicians played their last performance in the Lecture Hall on Wednesday night. The three groups played well entertaining a devoted and appreciative group.

FHS jazz band
FHS jazz band

The program as presented last night:




Another way to capture the performance was with one of my "sherku" called FHS Jazz
lecture hallsetting forjive combotelling theirown high schoolexperience


You can find this and other poetry at 
http://www.quietpoet.com/2014/04/sherku-fhs-jazz.html


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Franklin High School - Jazz Band - 7:00 PM

My thanks to a loyal reader for sending this along:
I'm not sure if you've received something already from the FHS Jazz band, but the band will host its spring concert tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. at the high school lecture hall. The program will feature jazz standards AND new works and includes improv solos from both the Jazz Band and the Jazz Workshop. The Franklin High School Jazz Bands recently won several state-level awards for its performances and musicianship under the direction of Band Director Leighann Rudsit.


new Franklin High School
new Franklin High School

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Franklin Public Schools: School Events


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

Please join the School Committee and administration on a tour of Davis Thayer Elementary on February 7 at 6:00 p.m in the lobby. Our tour will be led by Principal Evemarie McNeil and School Committee members, Roberta Trahan and Sue Rohrbach.

Stop by the Jazz Cafe at Franklin HS featuring the HS Jazz Ensembles along with performances by all three middle school jazz bands. Concert will be held at Remington Middle School on February 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Have a a great weekend
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Jazz mistakes for Monday (video)

Monday morning. New week. New beginnings.

Music can be a metaphor for so much.

Orchestra, band = a form of organization

Conductor, band leader = leader

What is a mistake? By talking through examples with his improvisational Jazz quartet, Stefon Harris walks us to a profound truth: many actions are perceived as mistakes only because we don't react to them appropriately.


Spend about 13 minutes with this video from TEDSalon




Enjoy!