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: Jazz in July Series - Lauren Kinhan with The Mark Poniatowski Trio - July 19

Continuing THE BLACK BOX Jazz in July series on Friday, July 19 at 8 PM is Lauren Kinhan with The Mark Poniatowski Trio. Jazz vocalist Lauren Kinhan possesses a rare and beautiful instrument, tough and tender, clear and fine-grained in every register, whether she’s dipping down into husky chest tones, or ascending into silvery head voice. 

The Mark Poniatowski Trio, is led by bassist, composer, arranger, and resident musician at THE BLACK BOX Mark Poniatowski, with Mark Shilansky (Piano) and Mike Connor (Drums). Mark Poniatowski’s extensive experience includes performances with 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.

Jazz in July Series - Lauren Kinhan

Other July programming at THE BLACK BOX will include the acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band (Jazz in July) and musical theatre comedian Ali Funkhouser (BLACK BOX Cabaret). 

Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370 for more information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. 

THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble - July 12

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, will present Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble on Friday, July 12 at 8 pm as part of their “Jazz in July” Series. Daniel Ian Smith, a new resident of Franklin, is a saxophonist, flutist, educator and composer with over 30 years of professional experience. Smith has recorded and been featured on over 30 albums. 

Most recently, he has been featured on widely acclaimed recordings with Fernando Brandao, The Fernando Huergo Big Band, The Pablo Ablanedo Octet, The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, Brian McCarthy and the Better Angels of Our Nature, and Ron Reid and Sunsteel. New recordings will soon be released by his Generations Quintet, New World Jazz Composers Octet, and The Latin Side of Billy Strayhorn.

THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith

Other July programming at THE BLACK BOX includes Lauren Kinhan with the Mark Poniatowski Trio (Jazz in July), the acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band (Jazz in July), and musical theatre comedian Ali Funkhouser (BLACK BOX Cabaret). Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370 for more information. 

Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band with the Franklin High School Jazz Ensemble - Apr 30

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Kenny Hadley Big Band with the Franklin High School Jazz Ensemble on April 30 at 7:30 PM. Featuring a special collaborative performance showcasing students of the FHS Music Department’s jazz ensemble with Kenny Hadley’s legendary Boston- based big band. 

Presented at a professional music venue, this program of classic and contemporary big band arrangements will be performed by the student ensemble and the professional big band, highlighted by pieces with students playing side by side with mentor musicians. 

The concert is part of Franklin ArtWeek - a unique annual celebration of arts, culture and creativity. Curious people of all ages will get creative at 500+ unique events across the state and many are FREE! Join us April 26 – May 5. Get the full festival schedule at artweekma.org

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Kenny Hadley Big Band
with the Franklin High School Jazz Ensemble on April 30

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Kenny Hadley Big Band with the Franklin High School Jazz Ensemble - Apr 30

27 Franklin Middle School Music Students to perform with Massachusetts Jr.Central District Honor Ensembles - FHS to host event

Twenty seven members of the Franklin Middle Schools music program auditioned and were accepted into the 2019 Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Ensembles. Franklin students represented Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Remington Middle School. The performances will take place this Saturday, April 27 at Franklin High School beginning at 2:00 PM.

Participating in the Jr. Central District Band are Sophie Fioravanti, Sydney Lincourt, Derek Terwilliger, Joel Keller, Adithya Balagurumoortjy, Maria Zaki and Katie Zercie.

Remington Middle School

Jazz Band is Marcus Altieri, Colin Manocchio and Christopher Botchis.

Selected to perform with the Jr. Central District Orchestra are Nicholas Bauer, Sibi Charan Dinakaran, Vivienne Loukota and Pritam Sompally, Lola Richardson, Vignan Kamarthi, Leo Yang, Patrick O’Brien, Kyle Formato, Josalyn Mascio and Weylan O’Connell.

Singing in the Jr. Central District Chorus is Adriana Jordan, Gianni Pazvakavambwa, Kayla Durkin, Katie Hanifin and Mia Quinn

symphony band at MICCA

For the first time, Franklin High School will be hosting this exciting event. Top musicians and educators from throughout Central Massachusetts will join together on April 27 to perform the music that has been prepared over a three rehearsal period. 

The Franklin Music Boosters and the Franklin Music Staff, lead by FMB president Deborah Ryan and Director of Music, Diane Plouffe are prepared to welcome over 1000 student musicians and their families for a day of music. The day will begin with rehearsals, followed by two concerts. The Honors Chorus and Jazz Band concert will be held at 2:00 PM, while the Orchestra and Concert Band concert will be at 4:00 PM. Both performances will take place in the Franklin High School auditorium.

Following the performances guests are invited to attend the Franklin Cultural Council “Taste of ArtWeek” Festival held on our town common from 4-8 PM. This event will include a craft fair, live performances, a beer and wine garden and food trucks.

“We’re very excited, and the students are excited”

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

"The sounds of jazz will fill the halls of Franklin High next week, as the Jazz Ambassadors from the U.S. Army will entertain the crowd. 

The Jazz Ambassadors, a 19-member ensemble formed in 1969 and known as “America’s Big Band,” are the Army’s field band from Washington, D.C. They’re set to perform in Franklin on Monday as part of what tour coordinator and Sgt. 1st Class Todd Stubbs said is a 50th anniversary tour. 

The performance will take place at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High auditorium. Jazz Ambassadors concerts include classic Big Band standards, patriotic favorites, contemporary jazz works and original arrangements and compositions by past and present members. 

The Jazz Ambassadors have performed in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and Europe. They’ve participated in joint concerts with the Boston Pops, at Carnegie Hall and at international jazz festivals."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190329/army-jazz-band-plans-franklin-visit


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

Jazz Ambassadors to play at FHS - April 1

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

THE BLACK BOX to present Musicals, Jazz, Rock Bands, Broadway Stars, and More

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s premier concert, theater, and event venue, will present a variety of shows and events throughout the month of March. The month kicks off on March 1 at 7 pm with “A Class Act”- an all-class Franklin High School Reunion. All FHS alumni are welcome and encouraged to invite a group from their class for the event. There will be pizza, snacks, a cash bar, music by FHS and Oskey favorites, Joe Landry's vintage videos and photo archives, a yearbook library, Panthers Pride Sports Corner, and more.

On Saturday, March 2 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 blends the fine line between rhythm and blues and Americana in a way that makes them anything but average.

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

The fun continues on Sunday, March 3 when the critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band returns to the venue for a Big Band Brunch. 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.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX’s resident theater company, continues their 2018-2019 season with Seussical, running March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. Seussical is perfect for the whole family. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

On Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm, Electric Youth returns to THE BLACK BOX, offering family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including pop, classic rock, contemporary Broadway and country hits. The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of One Republic, No Doubt, Guns N’ Roses, Aretha Franklin, The Greatest Showman, Kelly Clarkson, and more.

The month of March wraps up at THE BLACK BOX with Broadway in Franklin on Sunday, March 24 at 3 pm. The magic of 42nd Street comes to Boston's MetroWest suburbs as stars and students share the stage. Don’t miss this Broadway revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way. Broadway In Franklin features Broadway headliners and appearances by musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and by Electric Youth. Past guest have included Tony nominee Jenn Colella, Sara Jean Ford, Ben Cameron, Tyler Hanes, and Michael James Scott.

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.

Franklin Public Schools Music Program: Jazz Cafe - Feb 8

Franklin Music Program is pleased to present our annual Jazz Cafe concert! The Jazz Bands from Franklin High School, Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, and Annie Sullivan Middle School will be performing in a jazz club-themed evening. 

Enjoy a comfortable, casual setting where Franklin's jazz students will set the mood. Family is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served! Please join us Friday, February 8, 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School Cafeteria.

Tickets are sold only at the event, $10 person or $25 family. We hope to see you there!

Franklin Public Schools Music Program: Jazz Cafe - Feb 8

FHS Jazz Performance Schedule

From the Pantherbook we find info about the Jazz concert held Wednesday night at FHS:

"If you enjoy this concert, or aren’t able to attend, there are many upcoming events like the Jazz Cafe on February 8th here at the high school, which also involves the middle schools. There are also some festivals in March, and on April 1 there is an event with the United States Jazz Ambassadors. 

For a music event with the whole town later in the year, come see the Franklin High School band accompany Kenny Hadley’s Big Band at the Black Box on April 30th. "

Read the full article at Pantherbook:
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/01/23/swing-into-semester-2-with-a-jazz-concert/

And a teaser of their performance

FHS Winter Jazz Concert - Jan 23

Franklin High School is pleased to invite you to our annual Winter Jazz Concert. Come hear our very own award winning FHS Jazz Bands under the direction of Ms. Leighanne Rudsit and Mr. Matthew Geisinger. Also included in this performance will be several Jazz Combos under the direction of Ms. Rudsit. 

Music will include swing, bebop, ballads and blues. Some of the big band titles include Benny Carter's "Movin' Uptown" & "Symphony in Riffs" and Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues" & "Moten Swing". 

Featured soloists will include Ryan Padula, Lauren Dennett, CJ Dexter, Bobby Castro and many others. The event will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 23 at the Franklin High School auditorium. A $5 donation is requested at the door, but is not required.

FHS Winter Jazz Concert - Jan 23

Franklin Library: Classics V Jazz Quintet - Jan 22

The Franklin Public Library will present the Classics V Jazz Quintet in concert on Tuesday, January 22 beginning at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: Classics V Jazz Quintet - Jan 22

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/classics-v-jazz-quintet

Jazz Brunch: The Mark White Octet - Jan 13

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 for a jazz brunch! 

The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. 

Mark White Octet

The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). 

Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. 

All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

For tickets
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1217

Lifelong Community Learning: Exercise & Wellness Classes Begin January 6 - Register today

Exercise & Wellness 

Classes Begin January 6

Mindfulness - A Four-Week Series

Curious about starting a meditation practice or struggling to stick with it? 

Then this series is for you!  Find deeper relaxation and combat heightened levels of anxiety and stress.  Through this series, participants will learn what meditation is, experience the benefits of a meditation practice and explore several meditation techniques.  

Register: https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-26aef3bed19e44cc8b751f355368c7b9

--------------

Exercise For Active Agers

It's never too late to feel great! 

This class is for active agers - men and women in their mid-40's, baby boomers and beyond! It is designed for those interested in developing a happy, healthy lifestyle. Each one-hour class combines strength training, flexibility and cardio-conditioning.  

Register:  https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-0eebdd16f3ec468f940ed8235e294666

--------------

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga

Yoga is back and better than ever! 

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays you can take advantage of different types of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, & Yoga For Anyone. We know one is just right for you!   

Register:

  

https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=422&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

--------------

Teen Yoga For Girls

This class will empower teenagers to become more self-aware and confident.

The girls will gain a sense of well-being while developing strength and flexibility. They will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques.  

Register:

  

https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-aa32cde4ccef43a782e4c33fb1a75ec1

--------------

Zumba 

Join the fun! 

Zumba uses the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning. You don't have to know how to dance to Zumba. Zumba creates a party-like atmosphere that is less intimidating and it is fun!

Register  https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=422&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

January 2019 at THE BLACK BOX features Electric Youth, Mark White Octet and "You Can’t Take It With You"

THE BLACK BOX will present a month full of concerts, plays, and more this January. Kicking off a new year of entertainment for the local venue on Saturday, January 5 is Electric Youth with their 2019 debut. With two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. 

Electric Youth

Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 at noon for a jazz brunch. The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. 

Mark White

Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Closing out the month at THE BLACK BOX is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s staging of the classic comedy You Can’t Take It With You. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets and more information visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX Presents a Holiday Jazz Brunch Featuring the Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas

BLACK BOX Jazz presents A Holiday Jazz Brunch featuring music from A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday, December 16 at noon. For many, Christmas is not complete until they have watched Linus explain the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie Brown at the holiday pageant.

As recognizable as these beloved characters are, a few notes from pianist Vince Guaraldi's jazz soundtrack are enough to bring the spirit of the season back to any Peanuts fan. Mark Poniatowski (Bass), Kenny Hadley (Percussion) and Joe Mulholland (Piano) are joined by the Franklin Performing Arts Company Youth Ensemble and special guest April Hall for an afternoon of Holiday Cheer.

April Hall

Jazz vocalist April Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. Her voice, described as “glorious” by the Boston Globe, is an instrument of astonishing beauty and versatility, capable of ranging from the purest whisper to the most powerful soul-drenched delivery. But her masterful performances are always centered on bringing every song to life through emotional interpretation, playful phrasing, and rock solid rhythm.

Hall graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award. She has done projects for Atlantic Records under the direction of Arif Mardin, for the likes of Chaka Khan, Melissa Manchester, and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, and Dinah Shore.

Kenny Hadley (drums) has played European and South American tours, as well as performances with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, the Count Basie Orchestra, Peter Wolf, The Drifters, Rebecca Paris, the North Shore Music Theater, and Franklin School for the Performing Arts. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie’s Band, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Mark Poniatowski (bass) is a New England based bassist and arranger. Playing both the electric and acoustic bass, Poniatowski’s performance highlights with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, and Junior Watson, The Nutcracker with the Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band; the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers; The Music of Gershwin And Porter with Rebecca Parris and the Kenny Hadley Big Band; Eric in the Evening, WGBH radio on-air performance with Alexis Tsiganov; and the Boston Globe Jazz Festival with the Bruce Katz Band.

Joe Mulholland (piano) an accomplished pianist, recording artist, composer, and teacher, he has released three CDs of original music written for his sextet, and has composed numerous electronic scores for Boston-area dance companies, including a tango suite commissioned by the Northeast Youth Ballet that was performed in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Mulholland performs with his trio 100 nights per year at the Top of the Hub, an upscale jazz venue in Boston, in addition to appearing as a sideman and vocal accompanist in numerous other concert and club settings.

Come enjoy the spirit of the holiday, as Acme Jazz performs holiday standards followed by a set of favorites from the 1965 TV special. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Tickets are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

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

THE BLACK BOX presents Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project - Friday, July 20

THE BLACK BOX third annual Summer Concert Series presents “Jazz in July,” featuring Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project on Friday, July 20. The show begins at 8 PM 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.

Tickets for the 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.

THE BLACK BOX presents  Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project - Friday, July 20
(night time photo of THE BLACK BOX marque taken by yours truly)

“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

U.S. Air Force, Airmen of Note Jazz Band - Apr 30 - free concert at FHS

U.S. Air Force, Airmen of Note Jazz Band
Monday, April 30th 7:00 PM
Franklin High School

Tickets are Free, but must be reserved here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usaf-airmen-of-note-live-in-franklin-ma-tickets-42512157006?aff=eac2

U.S. Air Force, Airmen of Note Jazz Band - Apr 30 - free concert at FHS