Friday, February 26 2010

Chet is offering free copies of his first album, Chromatic Swing – which has been recently reissued – to anyone who stops by to say hi. The duo plays straight-ahead jazz from the Great American Songbook, as well as breezy bossa novas, popular favorites and blues in every hue.

Come and enjoy performances by 18 different youth groups from around the Worcester area to benefit Haiti. All net proceeds go to the Red Cross International Relief Fund in Haiti.

Ticket Prices: $10; limited VIP tickets available. Please contact Kathy Holton at 508.799.7500 x 1011 for more information about the $75 VIP package that includes a private reception, cash bar, seating in the first five center rows, and a meet and greet with some performers and directors.

A night of acoustic music with 2007 Canadian Fingerstyle Champion, and Candyrat Records recording artist, Craig D'Andrea with special guest CT singer/songwriter Jimmy McDonald. www.myspace.com/craigdandrea www.myspace.com/jimmymcdonald

Snow date: February 27

Tickets: $12 adults $9 students/seniors Save $1 by purchasing in advance.  978-562-1646  www.upwitharts.org

2nd Show 10:00pm

Mango Blue blends an exciting mixture of musical styles to create a refreshing new sound in Afro-Latin and World music, through songs of celebration and social conscience. Mango Blue is a high-powered, all original music ensemble based in New York City that has delighted audiences and promoters alike, throughout the Americas with its infectious sound. Led by Ecuadorian composer, bassist and singer Alex Alvear, this invigorating hybrid playfully integrates a wide array of influences from Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Funk to Caribbean Roots, with a strong rhythmical foundation thatdraws from diverse Afro-Latin musicaltraditions

This spring, the best teen bands in the region compete in TCAN’s annual Rock Showdown, sponsored by the Berklee College of Music Summer Programs. Four bands compete in tonight’s semi-finals One band from each semi-final and one wild card will compete in the final Showdown on May 2, where a Berklee faculty panel will select musicians to receive a 50% scholarship to a Berklee College Summer Music Program. www.myspace.com/rockoffmain

Think of Dan Goggin's all male ''Nunsense A-Men'' as "Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent." Done totally straight, this laugh riot of a musical is, to quote one critic, "no drag." First performed in Brazil as "Novicas Rebeldes," this all-male version of "Nunsense" premiered in New York in 1998 receiving rave reviews and standing ovations. A whole new layer of comedy surfaces with lines like "The guys in the old neighborhood still can't believe I became a nun!" To quote the New York Times: "A change of habit, boy oh, boy!"

Don't miss this hysterically funny, slightly irreverent, toe -tappin' production with a team and cast filled with local IRNE and EMACT winners and nominees!

The John Funkhouser Trio - pianist John Funkhouser, bassist Greg Loughman and drummer Mike Connors - performs on Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. as part of the Church of the Advent Library Concert Series. Also performing, following the Funkhouser Trio, is The Vortex Ensemble.

The John Funkhouser Trio is an energetic, accessible blend of modern jazz, funk, blues, 20th century classical, Indian classical, and European and American folk music which create a funky, groove oriented, fresh and original sound. Fueled by Berklee Professor John Funkhouser's "explosive piano playing" (Boston Globe) and set in bold relief by his "exquisite, tight originals" (The Octopus, Champaign, IL) the band stretches the limits of traditional jazz forms. http://johnfunkhouser.com/

Todd Brunell's Vortex http://clarinetconspiracy.com will also be in trio configuration this evening, with Todd Brunell, clarinets, Matt Samolis, flute, and Rob Bethell, cello. This group uses highly structured improvisational strategies to create cohesive, spontaneously composed pieces of music- drawing from the players' versatile and comprehensive knowledge of classical & jazz music.

$10 suggested donation. Contact Matt Samolis, 857-383-9786 or log on to: http://shoebei.wordpress.com/

2nd Show 10:00pm

From one of the most innovative guitar virtuosos is celebrating the release of his new recording, join Johnny A in "A Night in November"

2nd Show 10:00pm

Sultry chanteuse Lavay Smith evokes a sensuous era of glamorous Jazz divas and sexy pinups adding a modern, feminist twist. Whether singing her own compositions or drawing on a large repertoire of classics, Lavay and her all-star 8-piece band bake up an instant recipe for good times.

Originally from rural western-most Massachusetts, Meg Hutchinson now lives in the Boston area. She has won numerous songwriting awards in the US, Ireland and UK, including recognition from John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Billboard Song Contest and prestigious competitions. She released Come Up Full on Red House Records in 2008, and is now prepared for the release of her new album The Living Side. http://www.meghutchinson.com/index.html

Noelie McDonnell’s songwriting has been recognized by both fans and fellow musicians for its beautiful and simple observations on everyday life. He won the hearts of new fan's all over the nation with his Irish chart topping single, 'Nearly Four'. After releasing the album 'Beyond Hard Places', he was hailed by New York Post ‘ as a startlingly good new Irish talent’ and the album spent two months in the iTunes Top 10 folk album chart. http://www.myspace.com/noeliemcdonnell

Omara Portuondo, the world-renowned vocalist who began her career in Cuba in the 1940s and popularized her country’s music a decade ago as the female star of the Buena Vista Social Club, returns to Boston for the first time since 2000. She explores songs including aching boleros and subtle ballads that mark her path from celebrated Cuban chanteuse to international stardom.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION CALL WORLD MUSIC / CRASHarts (617) 876-4275 Buy online: www.WorldMusic.org

Music, mostly original, that is blues based, but also encompasses Folk, Americana, and Singer/Songwriter genres. It is a musical gumbo that is highly entertaining and diverse. They intersperse the evening with stories and a healthy dose of humor.  www.roberthillband.com

For a review of a recent show, please go to: http://www.groovininnewfairfield.com/Review071809.html

Since forming in 1996, Solas has been loudly proclaimed as the most popular, influential and exciting Celtic band to ever emerge from the United States. Now, with Mairéad Phelan lending her exquisite vocals to the existing line-up of Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, Mick McAuley and Eamon McElholm, the band continues well into their second decade of playing tight, fiery Irish music.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION CALL WORLD MUSIC / CRASHarts (617) 876-4275 Buy online: www.WorldMusic.org

Local bluesman deliverin’ you a big world of sound

Boston.com says of Love in Stockholm "(they) …throw down a rock, jazz, and funk fusion party" and we have to agree on that. This home-grown seven piece ensemble is known around town for kicking wallflowers from the walls of the local haunts of the demi monde. Get up for getting down to the hottest cool sounds around town. Make a commitment to yourself to groove. You’ll have no choice. http://www.myspace.com/loveinstockholm