Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Love Dogs return to THE BLACK BOX to perform on Sep 23 at 8 PM
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Get your Soul, Blues, & R&B fix with Diane Blue this Saturday, Jan 28 (8 PM) at THE BLACK BOX
Friday, August 28, 2020
Reminder: THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.
James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020. They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.
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THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28 |
Sunday, August 23, 2020
THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.
James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020. They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.
Get tickets online or call the box office https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020
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THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28 |
Friday, August 21, 2020
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Sonya Rae Taylor on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 PM!
Sonya is part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter, and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years.
She is joined by her husband Ryan Taylor to form a powerful guitar duo. The couple has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. The two have worked with or shared stage with artists ranging from Austin queen of soul, Tameca Jones, Gary Clark Jr, John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski, and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band and have made TV appearances on shows such as the the ABC series "Nashville".
They are two of the finest young guitar players in the scene today and continue to provide audiences with high energy and soulful performances up and down the east coast and beyond.
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THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22 |
Monday, February 10, 2020
THE BLACK BOX presents 2 Valentine’s Shows
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adam connie sr. |
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The Love Dogs |
A full bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Monday, October 28, 2019
THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9
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.
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THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9 |
Thursday, August 8, 2019
THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: The Delta Generators, The DayBreakers! - Aug 10
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
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The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX with opening act The DayBreakers |
Saturday, June 1, 2019
The Love Dogs Headline THE BLACK BOX - June 8
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. 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.
A full bar is available. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.
For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. You can follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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The Love Dogs Headline THE BLACK BOX - June 8 |
Saturday, May 25, 2019
THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31
Racky Thomas has a vast repertoire of tunes – blues from world-class bluesmen, rocking electric blues, classic and obscure blues, and Racky Thomas blues including "Matchbox Blues", "Biscuit-Bakin' Woman", "Mona", "Sugar-coated Love", "Big Road Blues", "Hoochie-Coochie Man", and "Mojo Workin". This dynamic and truly entertaining band is a must see for not only blues enthusiasts, but for anyone who likes an uplifting, toe tapping, and booty shaking good time.
THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA and features a full bar.
Tickets for The Racky Thomas Band can be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
For more about The Racky Thomas Band https://www.rackythomas.com/
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THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31 |
Monday, February 25, 2019
Reminder: The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX - March 2
Featuring Brian Templeton, Charlie O'Neal, Rick O'Neal, and Jeff Armstrong, the Boston-based band blend the fine line between rhythm and blues and Americana in a way that makes them anything but average.
Tickets available at
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1222
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THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2 |
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2
Featuring Brian Templeton, Charlie O'Neal, Rick O'Neal, and Jeff Armstrong, the Boston-based band blend the fine line between rhythm and blues and Americana in a way that makes them anything but average.
Tickets available at
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1222
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THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2 |
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Two Bands headline at THE BLACK BOX This Weekend
On Friday, November 30, Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers provide the next installment of THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series. Keyboardist and singer Joe Barga uses his extraordinary voice to put an unexpected twist on standard swing tunes with his group The Soul Providers. They treat audiences to a rousing set of authentic Rhythm and Blues.
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Joe Bargar |
Living in New York City for most of the 70's and 80's, Joe played with performers such as Sly and The Family Stone, Robbie Robertson, blues greats Otis Rush, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Son Seals, and John Lee Hooker; and soul masters Percy Sledge, Clarence Carter, and Solomon Burke. He can also be heard on several recordings, including those by Diana Ross and "Late Show" bandleader Paul Shaeffer.
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The Fat City Band |
They have performed coast to coast and beyond, sharing the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King and Ray Charles. Bringing over 40 years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: music should be fun.
Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
James Montgomery Band Returns To THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22
Blues legend James Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit, he learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, Montgomery 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.
He formed the James Montgomery Band in 1970 while attending Boston University. Montgomery’s inimitable harmonica playing, combined with his 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, Montgomery has recorded six albums. His first, First Time Out, has been re-mastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include James Montgomery Band on Island Records, which was number nine on Billboard’s national playlist; Duck Fever, with members of the David Letterman Band; Live Trax, with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section); and his release on Tone-Cool, The Oven Is On.
Montgomery has toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax.”
Over the years, Montgomery’s band has been a springboard for many musicians, with members having included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra and Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire, and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith’s Tom Gambel, and many others.
Tickets are $25. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), 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.
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James Montgomery Band Returns To THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22 |
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
The Love Dogs Headline At THE BLACK BOX - May 19
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. Based out of Boston, the septet recently celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans RandB, 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. 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.
Tickets are $20. A cash bar is available. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.
For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.
For more about the Love Dogs http://www.thelovedogs.com/
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The Love Dogs Headline At THE BLACK BOX - May 19 |
Friday, April 20, 2018
Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Apr 20
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 more than 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, 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.
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Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Apr 20 |
For more about Fat City Band, visit their webpage http://www.fatcityband.com/
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
The Loomers And The Fat City Band Headline Local Artist Series Concerts At THE BLACK BOX
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The Loomers |
The Loomers includes Jon Svetkey (acoustic guitar, lead vocals, songs), Everett Pendleton (electric guitar, harmony vocals), Jack Cavalier (bass guitar, harmony vocals), Michael Cahill (drums), Rob Laurens (keyboards), Heather Quay (harmony vocals), and Tom Simons (electric guitar). The Loomers songbook is a trip through the American musical landscape, infused with the classic sounds of driving rock, heartland folk, rock & soul, and retro-1980s pop. Tickets are $20.
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The Fat City Band |
The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, 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.
For more about The Loomers, visit their webpage http://www.loomers.com/
For more about Fat City Band, visit their webpage http://www.fatcityband.com/
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10
Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Along with new members, bassist John Turner, trumpeter Doug Woolverton, drummer Chris Anzalone, and keyboardist Rusty Scott, and longtime members baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, Roomful keeps on rockin’ in 2017."
Scheduled for THE BLACK BOX on Friday,November 10, 2017 8:00 PM
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1043
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THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10 |
For more about The Roomful of Blues https://www.roomful.com/
Thursday, October 26, 2017
THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events
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.
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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
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 |