Saturday, February 13 2010

Note: Welcome Reception – Friday 5:00pm

The Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU) is proud to present the 25th annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival. This beloved winter tradition boasts a full weekend of top-notch bluegrass entertainment, including performances by some of the best national and regional bands, over forty master classes and workshops, the BBU’s acclaimed Academy for Kids, directed slow jams, a thriving vendor floor with a great array of bluegrass-related merchandise, round-the-clock picking, and more.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of venerable Boston-based roots music record label Rounder Records – a milestone that will be celebrated on Saturday night with a special evening program featuring Rounder artists. All this without having to brave the elements or leave the cozy confines of the Sheraton Framingham!

Full details on the festival, including late breaking news and links to online ticket purchase at www.bbu.org/jvhome.htm

Saturday, February 13:

4pm David Wax Museum http://www.davidwaxmuseum.com/Site/Welcome.html

4:45pm Rob Laurens, Joel Ninesling, Lloyd Thayer http://www.roblaurens.net/ http://www.somerbridge.com/somerbridgemusic/artists/JoelNinesling/ http://www.lloydthayer.com/

6:15pm Catherine MacLellan http://www.catherinemaclellan.com/

7pm Madison Violet http://www.madisonviolet.com/

7:45 Maeve Gilchrist http://www.maevegilchristmusic.com/

8:30pm We're About 9 http://www.circanine.com/

9:15pm Rose Polenzani, Margaret Glaspy, Chris O'Brien, Dinty Child http://www.rosepolenzani.com/ http://www.myspace.com/margaretglaspy http://www.chrisobrienmusic.com/ http://www.sessionamericana.com/index.php?page=bio&category=06--Individu...

Lagniappe Productions presents the 18th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball.

The lineup features Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Donna the Buffalo with Preston Frank, and Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band.

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $325 for a table of ten (advance only). Advance tickets may be purchased by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to Lagniappe Productions, 255 Holly Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879.

For more information see www.mardigrasri.com or call 401-783-3926.

Concert Hall

CONCERT INFO: James Patrick Miller, conductor Malcolm W. Rowell, Jr., guest conductor (Professor Emeritus & retired Director of Bands at UMass Amherst)

Selected high school musicians from around New England perform music for winds & percussion

TICKET INFORMATION: No charge, free and open to the public

Veteran performer Imakhu and didgeridoo artist Evan "WorldWind" Smith team up to create music magic. A one-of-a-kind duo performing fusion bellydance, soulful vocals & masterful storytelling, with indigenous music. Imakhu is African-American w/ African, Caribbean, Cherokee & Gullah ancestry. WorldWind is Jamaican born. Together, they represent a spectrum of African stirring diaspora songs, sounds & moves. Imakhu has often performed in schools captivating young audiences, and we are quite fortunate to have her here at Buttonwood. We hope you don't miss this opportunity to share some cultural experiences with your children! All are invited to participate through singing and dancing or playing any of the varied instruments they bring. Join us for some fun! www.Imakhu.com

2nd Show 9:30pm

Everyone seems to agree: Reggie Watts is virtually indescribable. His unique performance is “original, off-the-wall and entertaining bliss” (The Sunday Telegraph). Watts blends improvised comedy and music as he explores subjects ranging from ancient history and mythology to technology and pop culture. Mixing hilarious monologues with beat boxing, rhymes, and a cappella compositions, his stream-of-consciousness style keeps the audience on their toes.

Disinformation, a collaboration with playwright and director Tommy Smith, examines humanity’s refusal to accept the end of the world. Combining absurdist storytelling, projected video imagery, and spontaneous musical compositions, it’s a feverish, comedic take on the human need to understand ourselves.

Tickets: $16 members, students, and seniors; $20 general admission. Tickets for all programs will be available to ICA members at Associate Level and above on Jan. 5 and to the general public on Jan.19. Tickets can be purchased at www.icaboston.org or by calling (617) 478-3103. For information about membership, visit the web site or call (617) 478-3102.

What better way to thank the many members and volunteers who help keep TCAN running than to throw a big party at the Firehouse? Join us for this special celebration, an evening of great blues from the George McCann Band, featured guitarist with the James Montgomery Band. Last year’s party was sold out, so reserve your seats early.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Jazz Vocalist Sophie Milman’s recent release, Make Someone Happy, won a JUNO for best vocal jazz album in 2008, and since then, she has maintained a rigorous touring schedule across the globe – headlining sold-out shows in Canada, the U.S., Japan, and throughout Europe. With each track, it tells a tale of her past, her present, and a future filled with pride, fear, excitement and passion: “While the first album dealt with my youth spent migrating through different countries and cultures, and the passion for jazz that helped see me through it, Make Someone Happy is about my life transformed over the last three years. This album reflects intense feelings and a time spent trying to make everyone happy – family,friends, loved ones, and my fans.”

Once upon a time there was a boy who wrote and sang songs to a lover he hadn't met yet. Another upon a time there was a girl who had a song in her heart but no one to accompany her. Thrice upon a time they met and fell in love, and they have been singing happily ever after. Please join Karen & Tag for an evening of original acoustic music.

Aurelia Carter brings to us her renowned historical research in the American Banjo, both in the instruments and in the stylings. This is way before bluegrass was even twinkle your mother's eye.

Proceeds from the $5 suggested donations will be split between the host church & Ginny's Food Pantry and Thrift Store. Visit our website at http://users.net1plus.com/greystone/boulder.html ...or email greystone@net1plus.com or call 978-345-2661 for details.

Suggested freewill donation is $5 at the door. Non-perishable food goods are also encouraged. Through out the evening a delicious assortment of baked goods, teas, and fair trade coffee will be available for your pleasure. Email greystone@net1plus.com regarding open mike slots in advance of the show.

The New England Conservatory’s 31st annual Thomas A. Dorsey Gospel Jubilee will celebrate the light of the spirit and the warmth of love in two weekend performances.

Under the direction of preeminent ministers of music, the 100-voice NEC Millennium Gospel Choir, along with the NEC Community Gospel Choir, the NEC Youth Gospel Choir, New England Gospel Ensemble, the Mystic Chorale, the Mt. Olive Kingdom Builders' Praise Team and Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Voices of Inspiration, St. Paul Cathedral Ensemble, Confirmation, Angelic Voices of Praise and Re-Union Choirs and St. Paul AME Young Adult Network Choir will raise their voices to praise God in selections drawn from the deepest rural traditions to the youngest urban expressions.

Tickets to Gospel Jubilee are $10, $5 for seniors and students and may be purchased at the Jordan Hall Box Office, 617-585-1260. For further information, check the NEC Website at: www.necmusic.edu or call the NEC Concert Line at 617-585-1122.

B J Magoon & Driving Sideways will be Rockin' Strange Brew Tavern with their groove-inspired mix of Swing Blues/Roots Rock/Country Boogie & Soul music for your Dancing & Listening pleasure!

Tunes for Toys Concert and Toy Drive!

Ball in the House is a tour de force of vocal sound that must be heard and seen to be believed. This five-man pop and R & B 'mouth band' hails from Boston, Massachusetts, where they live and operate out of when not touring on the road. Originally formed as a quartet by founder and current vocal percussionist Jon J., Ball in the House has gone through numerous phases and changes on its way to becoming one of the best-known and most-loved acts in the a cappella community today.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Brazil-born vocalist/pianist Eliane Elias lovingly pays tribute to the music of her homeland with Bossa Nova Stories, the 21st recording of her career, a sublime 14-tune collection that captures the cool and alluring spirit of bossa nova.

Modern straight-ahead jazz and improvisation combined with infectious African and South American grooves, Middle Eastern modes, and classically inspired counterpoint—these elements only begin to describe the dynamic and collaborative sound of the Jason Yeager Trio. Rooted in the jazz tradition but forward-thinking in their bringing of diverse life and cultural experiences together, Jason Yeager (piano), Tal Gamlieli (bass), and Mike Gleichman (drums) are emerging as one of the Boston area's most exciting up-and-coming jazz trios. The band aims to bring people together through creative and spontaneous music-making. Also to feature surprise special guests!

A tribute to the music of Jim Morrison and the Doors. Purchase your tickets early, their last show sold out.

“In Love With Paris!” - The Rebecca Parris Trio

In 2009 the Regent became the new venue for this 25-year Valentine’s Day Boston tradition—a memorable, romantic evening of impeccable live vocal jazz from a beloved icon of the genre. Fans of Parris know there is no better translator of America’s favorite love songs, and have followed her lead to warmth on the most romantic day on the calendar—year after year. And, since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, a special matinee performance has been added for 2010.

Parris has performed all over the world with her own groups, as well as with some of jazz's greatest legends, including Count Basie, Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Terry Gibbs, David "Fathead" Newman, Red Mitchell, Buster Cooper, Nat Pierce, and many others.

Reserved seats are $18, $23 and $28. For tickets, directions, or more information call 781-646-4849 or visit www.regenttheatre.com. The Regent Theatre is MBTA and wheelchair accessible with free parking across the street.

What’s fast, friendly, and better than a workout at the gym? A contra dance. Contra is an American folk dance, set to live folk music, in which a caller instructs the dancers through each set of moves. As the song continues, dancers progress along a line of other dancers, regularly swapping partners and enjoying new company while mastering the pattern of the current dance.

New dancers are invited to attend the pre-dance lesson starting at 7:30. The dance continues from 8-11 pm.

Admission is $8 per person; $6 for students with ID; family admission is $18; children 12 and under attend free.

Featuring guitarist Dwight Perry, bassist Eric Pearson and drummer Ron Dagle

Johnny Hoy is a blues poet - a soul-shaking singer and harp player fronting the roots-rocking Bluefish.

Local bluesman deliverin’ you a big world of sound

Best tribute to the Allman Brothers Band around

With its main claim to fame currently backing Jamaican star Abijah — with extensive U.S. touring under their belt — Dub Station's history expands back a decade, having backed or opened for many of the great names in the business. Dub Station is one of the most outstanding and established acts working out the U.S. with a studio discography voicing numerous artists and garnering radio play in all world markets. http://www.reggae4i.com/

The band is called Ezekiel's Wheels, and it consists of some excellent young musicians--fiddle, trombone, accordion, clarinet--playing (mostly) traditional klezmer with great verve and skill" (Ari Davidow, www.Klezmershack.com).