Saturday, November 8 2008

The Lily Pad's 2nd annual PIANO Festival, curated by resident piano man Gill Aharon, has now expanded into two full weekends.Officially declared as an annual showcase, the PIANO Festival will shine a 6-day spotlight on a wide variety of local piano talents and styles.

Steppin' Out's stellar supporting lineup includes Boston-based smooth jazz saxophonist Andre Ward, R&B/pop star Amel Larrieux, Broadway Dreamgirls star Julia Nixon, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, band leader/tuba player Kendrick Oliver and his 20 piece New Life Orchestra, Jamaican reggae/jazz pianist Monty Alexander, jazz bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding, Columbian harpist Edmar Castaneda, Boston's own R&B vocalist Wannetta Jackson & Friends, Brazilian batería ensemble Samba Tremeterra, Gospel singer Larry Watson and the terrific local gospel groups Reverend Clarence Powell & Divine Praise, the Harmonizing Stars of Boston, Roxbury's historic pop/soul vocal group, The G Clefs and Steppin' Out With The Stars Talent Showcase Winner Bill Champitto.

In addition the lineup will be further augmented by two exciting bands courtesy of Berklee College of Music: Eguie Castrillo & His Orchestra, a hot and spicy 16 piece mambo orchestra led by Berklee faculty member Eguie Castrillo, and the Berklee City Music All Stars will alternate in Steppin' Out's "Berklee Club" providing upbeat mambo and jazz all night long.

For complete event information, go to: www.dimock.org or call: 617-442-8800 x1006.

Proceeds from the Steppin' Out Gala will go to support The DimockCenter's many health and human services programs. Originally foundedin 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, The DimockCenter is nationally recognized as a model for the integrated deliveryof comprehensive health and human services in an urban community.

The band members include: Bill Reveley mandolin / fiddle / vocals, Marilyn Toback-Reveley guitar / vocals, Carl Johnson upright bass, Jack D. Jolie guitar / vocal, Joe Lemeris banjo / vocals

A quartet specializing in the music of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays

Jose Lezcano, professional guitarist and professor of music at Keene State College will discuss the influence on flamenco guitar on the classical Spanish repertoire – techniques, rhythms, and styles – with some live examples. Noche Flamenca's performance will begin at 8 p.m.

Noche Flamenca will also hold a master class on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. in Parkinson Gymnasium, 315 North St. Participants will take lessons in the graceful and hypnotic dance style of flamenco dance, which bring together history, culture and emotion with the traditional sweeping movement of the arms and stomping of the feet. Tickets for the class are $15 for the public, and free for Fitchburg State students. For tickets, contact the Box Office at (978) 665-3347 Monday through Friday 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Features Andrew Grover and Tom Dusseault with Bob Golder calling.

Beginners' lessons at 7:30, dancing 8-11 pm.

Information at www.worcesterdance.org or 508-853-4351.

Featuring Guitarist Joey D’Angelo.

For more information visit www.jessefontaine.net or call (508) 473-7303.

Lisa Furman impressed our committee with her clear sound, wide variety of songs, and enthusiastic recommendations. She performs with her band Chris Teskey on guitar, Dick Neal on mandolin/banjo and Tahlia Furman on fiddle, playing an eclectic blend of Celtic and Americana music featuring lively dance tunes, bluegrass gospel, western swing and sultry ballads. Her debut album, Lucky Girl, has received airplay on folk radio stations throughout New England.

Starring: Kris Delmhorst, Girlyman, Laura Cortese, The Paper Raincoat

This evening will be an opportunity to experience a few musicians who are part of the New Generation of Passim. It's sure to be memorable night of music!

It's a reunion! Dance and thrill to the powerhouse rock'n'roll band that captured the hearts of Worcester music lovers like no other band ever could. Plus, Chuck & Mud open with a little folk, a little country, a little rock and a LOT of great music!

At the turn of the century on Prince Edward Island, Matthew Cuthbert and his sister Marilla decide to take on an orphan boy as farm help. But they're mistakenly sent a girl instead: Anne Shirley, a dreamer with an unusual point of view. Anne charms her new community with her fiery spirit and imagination and her new guardians discover that their lives have become a great deal richer now that Anne is at Green Gables. Sylvia Ashby's adaptation based on the classic novel by L.M. Montgomery. Directed by Laura Steele.

2nd Show 10:00pm

with Johnny Pizzi, John David, Paul Gilligan and Patty Ross