Get your Soul, Blues, & R&B fix with Diane Blue this Saturday, Jan 28 (8 PM) at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX welcomes back Diane Blue with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers! Ms. Blue is a soul-stirring vocalist and skillful harmonica player whose powerful delivery of Soul, Blues, & R&B is captivating. Her performances are charismatic and heartfelt, whether fronting her own world-class band, or singing alongside master Bluesman Ronnie Earl. Ms. Blue is the first female member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. She is prominently featured on the band's five most recent celebrated records (including co-writing credits).

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. 

Tickets available online or by calling the box office ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1652

Get your Soul, Blues, & R&B fix with Diane Blue this Saturday, Jan 28 (8 PM) at THE BLACK BOX 

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.  

Get tickets online or call the box office  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.  

James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020.  They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.  

Get tickets online or call the box office https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

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

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Sonya Rae Taylor on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 PM! 

Sonya is part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter, and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years. 

She is joined by her husband Ryan Taylor to form a powerful guitar duo. The couple has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. The two have worked with or shared stage with artists ranging from Austin queen of soul, Tameca Jones, Gary Clark Jr, John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski, and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band and have made TV appearances on shows such as the the ABC series "Nashville". 

They are two of the finest young guitar players in the scene today and continue to provide audiences with high energy and soulful performances up and down the east coast and beyond.

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

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

THE BLACK BOX presents 2 Valentine’s Shows

THE BLACK BOX will present two shows Valentine’s week: comedian adam connie sr. on February 13 and fan-favorite band The Love Dogs on February 14.

adam connie sr.

THE BLACK BOX Comedy Series debuts with adam connie sr. on Thursday, February 13. adam connie sr. is a Franklin, MA bred comedian based in San Diego, CA . His career in entertainment began when he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the web series "Fully Staffed." His love for comedy then took him to the stage. Now in his ninth year performing, he's ready to kick off his first tour in his hometown.

The Love Dogs

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs this Valentine's Day for a special night out. 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. 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With Opening Act - The DayBreakers!

About The DayBreakers: Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock and roll grit, The DayBreakers have earned their stripes over four years of consistent gigging throughout New England. The band has played many of Boston and Cambridge's most revered rooms, sharing the stage with some of the region's best roots rockers, such as Entrain and The Silks. The band has also performed as an opener at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA for three years running, opening for Three Dog Night, The Beach Boys, and Bret Michaels.

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


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

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

The Love Dogs Headline THE BLACK BOX - June 8

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin' rhythm and blues, on Saturday, June 8 at 8 PM at the downtown Franklin venue. 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. 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. 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.

The Love Dogs Headline THE BLACK BOX - June 8

THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s premier music, theater, and event venue, will present The Racky Thomas Band on Friday, May 31 at 8 pm. The Racky Thomas Band has been a torchbearer for the blues since its formation in 1995, when Thomas collaborated with bassist Todd Carson, guitarist Nick Adams, and drummer Ted Larkin to make a demo CD, and perform around the Boston area.

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/

THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31

Reminder: The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX - March 2

Blending Rhythm and Blues and Americana The Delta Generators will play at THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 8:00 PM. Opening act The DayBreakers

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

THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2

THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2

Blending Rhythm and Blues and Americana The Delta Generators will play at THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 8:00 PM.

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

THE BLACK BOX: The Delta Generators - Mar 2

Two Bands headline at THE BLACK BOX This Weekend

THE BLACK BOX will present two bands this coming 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. 

Joe Bargar

It is an all-star rhythm and blues lineup that includes gifted sidemen who’ve backed everyone from James Cotton to Dr. John. Having grown up in Providence, RI, Bargar had the opportunity to appear with such legendary acts as Roomful Of Blues, Scott Hamilton, Duke Robillard, James Montgomery, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. 

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.

The Fat City Band

The dance floor will be open as fun continues on Saturday, December 1 with The Fat City Band returning to THE BLACK BOX as part of The Local Artists Series. 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 and B. 

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.

James Montgomery Band Returns To THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned James Montgomery Band on Friday, June 22 at 8 p.m.

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.

James Montgomery Band Returns To THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

The Love Dogs Headline At THE BLACK BOX - May 19

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, May 19 at 8 PM at the downtown Franklin venue. 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. 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/

The Love Dogs Headline At THE BLACK BOX - May 19

Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Apr 20

On Friday, April 20 at 8 PM, THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band. 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 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.

Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Apr 20

For more about Fat City Band, visit their webpage  http://www.fatcityband.com/

The Loomers And The Fat City Band Headline Local Artist Series Concerts At THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX showcases two popular area bands this month in downtown Franklin. On Saturday, April 14 at 8 PM, THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Loomers. Two-time winners of the Berklee College of Music "Battle of the Executive Bands," The Loomers have performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and at Fenway Park, among many venues. The group backed John Mellencamp at a 2004 Democratic National Convention party. They have released five albums and their songs have been played on CBS, Cinemax, The CW, MTV, NBC, and PBS. 

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.

The Fat City Band

On Friday, April 20 at 8 PM, THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band. 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 RandB. 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.

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/

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10

"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. 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

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10

For more about The Roomful of Blues  https://www.roomful.com/

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 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 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

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

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.