Thursday, May 29 2008

Come join us for some great jazz guitar!

Featuring Gwenn Vivian/ vocals, Molly Flannery/ piano, David Gold/ bass and special guest drummers weekly.

The trio performs jazz standard arrangements from the 1930's to the 1990's … (don't be surprised to hear a re-arranged Beatles song or Stevie Wonder tune as well!!) The Shane Wood Trio features vocals, piano, saxophone and upright bass. Please Google Asiawood music on the internet or shanewoodjazz.com to hear the mellow sounds.

“These contestants come from all different levels of experience and from a good variety of styles, from soul, pop, musical theater and folk,” said Kelly Grill, a co-founder of ESL and host of Hopkinton Idol. “I am certain this year’s contest will prove to be just as entertaining as last year with some added audience fun! For instance, each week we plan to run an "Idol trivia" contest.”

The shows will continue every Friday night hereafter (with the exception of May 2) with the final show on Thursday, May 29 and a final reveal with all the performers on May 30. The broadcasts will take place at HCAM studios in front of an audience, which is open to the public (there will be a $5 admission charge). Viewers in the studio audience or who watch the show on HCAM-TV 13 or on the HCAM website www.hcam.tv will then vote via email for their favorite performer. The performers with the lowest number of votes will not continue to the next round.

For more information call 508-435-2114 or visit www.enterstagelefttheater.com

Live Jazz/Funk/Rock Featuring: Andrew Hickman - Horns, Dana Wright - Guitar, Phil Madison - Bass, Tony Dintino - Drums

FEATURING: Esperanza Spalding - Double Bass, Vocals; Rochelle Lyndon - Drums, Leo Genovese - Piano.

If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth. Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops, a multi-lingual voice that is part angel and part siren, and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic, the 23-year-old prodigy-turned-pro might well be the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Hosted by guitarist/vocalist B.J. Magoon, guitarist Tom Yates, drummer Mike Avery, and friends. A lively night! -- an Acton institution of blues-fed leisure time

T. Jay is an up and coming artist from Westchester, NY. He is a 25 year old singer/songwriter, but don't let the singer/songwriter brand fool you. His style of writing incorporates Blues, Jazz, Funk and Rock all rolled into one, for a truly unique sound.

Through the use of an array of floor pedals, T.Jay is able to create live sounds that rival that of a full band. His rapidly expanding fan base now spans a large portion of New England, from Boston, to New York and beyond."

Many musicians play and sing well and have a decent repertoire, not so many have truly unique qualities. Joel is truly unique; his guitar playing is friggin' wild, his song choices are wicked cool. He is at once a throwback to the great days of rock and roll and a modern songsmith of the highest order. You will leave saying "WOW". The Dolphin Striker, Portsmouth, NH

Peter Rowan became one of the major cult bluegrass artists of the '80s, winning a devoted, international fan base through his independent records and constant touring. A skilled singer/songwriter, He also yodels, plays numerous stringed instruments and saxophone.

Rowan represents what is coming to be known as third-generation bluegrass. Monroe and people like Earl Scruggs were the first wave, and then there was a flurry of activity in the mid-'60s. Now we're feeling the third wave roll into the 21st century - and Peter's leading that charge.

Opener: Johnny Girouard & The Darlings - "Is it Bluegrass, Newgrass or Oldgrass? "We call it Crabgrass. It's just about any kind of music you can play with a five-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass and drums". The G-man's still doin' it, baby.

"In person and on disc, Kevin So delivers songs that are by turns riotous, tender, and red hot, and he does it with humor and a sweet sincerity. A likeable newcomer just a few years ago, Kevin is quickly growing into one of the most exciting and powerful singer/songwriters on the national scene. His new self-produced indie release works on every level - memorable songs, striking vocals, and outstanding instrumentation. Kevin hits every mood - there's haunting acoustic ballads, hard-hitting blues and pop, and joyous traveling music. But it's not just the great music I love about this album - Kevin So's love of people shines through everything he does." - WERS-FM Emerson College

There is an intelligence and sophistication to Holly Cole’s singing that sets her apart. She can imbue well-worn standards and eclectic songs with an uncanny combination of sensuality, innocence, originality and sheer musicality. Cole takes tunes everybody thinks they know and discovers new undercurrents in the venerable anthems of contemporary composers, wrapping her honesty, compassion and sardonic wit around their sometimes-fragile creations. The results are sexy, provocative, spellbinding, sometimes dangerous-and never, ever dull.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Sinicrope has performed with many jazz greats over his 40 year career, including Billy Eckstine, John Saddis, Abdullah Ibrahim and Papa Jo Jones, and is the founder/leader of the critically acclaimed 8 piece group "World Leaders". His Milton Academy jazz combos, with which Ben performs, have won numerous DownBeat awards, toured internationally to high acclaim, and performed twice at the White House.

Led by the irresistible energy of master West African rhythm guitarist and drummer Mamadou Diop, MAMADOU presents a world-class cultural experience. The sound is a guitar and drum led groove that includes the rhythms of high-life, juju, rumba, samba, salsa, and reggae blended with authentic Senegalese ethnic rhythms. Though MAMADOU's songs are sung in several languages, the language of music is universal and every audience they perform for instantly understands and reacts with joyous dance.

In their music and their lives, Black Rebels is an intergenerational and intercultural reggae music family from Africa and America devoted to love and justice. The band's history is rich in a foundation of love and powerful musicianship. Rebels vocalists chant meditations of liberation while the band propels roots reggae soul. Black Rebels has toured internationally and their music is played on radio and television around the world.