Saturday, February 6 2010

Family/Theatre

Lazlo begins a new school with a funny accent, crazy hair and foreign ways that make him the target of ridicule. But only Ellie McSnelly, who has her own issues with humorous variations of her last name, decides to take a chance and get to know the new kid. Book and lyrics by Melanie Marnich and music and lyrics by Michael Friedman. Based on the book by Katie Couric. www.walnuthillarts.org

In this new version of the classic story, Cinderella is a fairy who lives with her stepmother and stepsister in an enormous old Oak Tree. The King of all woodland fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but none can be found. The Prince is looking for someone who is kind and good. So the King hosts a great ball and commands that every single fairy maiden in the land must attend. He is hoping that a fairy princess will come, and he knows the secret to identifying a true fairy princess!

This is the newest production by Deborah Costine of the award-winning Gerwick Puppets, a professional company that has toured throughout New England for over 30 years. "A Woodland Cinderella" has been selected for a series of performances at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.

Doors 5:00pm

notloB Folk Concerts will present for the third time blues and Americana artist Brendan Hogan solo and unplugged. http://brendanhogan.net

"A distinctive new musical voice." - The Boston Phoenix

"The roots of Brendan Hogan's music run in all directions, allowing him to draw on the past to make compelling music for the present." – Ted Drozdowski, Nashville Scene newsweekly/Scissormen frontman.

"Brendan Hogan's beautifully unadorned music [captures] the voice of an old soul in a young man's body." - The Nashua Telegraph

Suggested minimum donation $10, $7.50 for museum members and those making reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations recommended - notlobreservations @ gmail.com

notloB Folk Concerts are volunteer run and not for profit. Allowing for expenses, 100% of the patrons’ donations go to the artists. More information about the concert series can be found at http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com

Kristina Train is a powerful young artist from Athens, GA, singing her own interpretations of R&B and jazz roots. Her first CD ("Spilt Milk" on BlueNote) has enthralled listeners and critics alike, putting her immediately on the short list of young singers to watch during the coming year. Recently she's been working with Chris Isaac, and has appeared on NPR as one of a handful of new performers lauded as a writer. First time in! http://www.myspace.com/kristinatrain

Master guitarist Chris Fitz and master keyboardist Ken Clark join forces in a power duo. A big treat for the ears, and the eyes!

2nd Show 10:00pm

It has become eminently apparent that Kenny Garrett is the most consistently scintillating and inspiring alto/soprano saxophone force in the genre. The multi-Grammy nominee brings a muscular yet lyrical eloquence to everything he lends his artistry, always delivering galvanizing and forceful work, digging deeper into composing while bringing a crackling vibrancy to his performances. Kenny's music is roll up your sleeves, in your face, hard bop blowing of rippling melodic songs.

Landon Knoblock is a creative pianist, an ambitious composer, and an adventurous improviser. Hailed as “a superb pianist” by Ed Blanco of ejazznews.com, his music is passionate and spontaneous. Landon Knoblock’s trio has been described by Robert De Virtis of www.jazzconvention.net as “three musicians who concentrate on the most essential musical elements, intent and inspired in the creation of a modern music, carefully crafted and direct, and with impressive interplay.” His performances are characterized by the highest level of artistry.

Shecky (songwriter Mark Yurkovic and friends) is a trio of stellar musicians offering quirky lyrics set to memorable, classic pop melodies. Shecky is sure to delight with both original fare as well as unique takes on some perfectly chosen pop and rock classics.

ESL’s Open Mic will be held for the first time at its new venue, Ciao Time Restaurant, 28 Main Street in Hopkinton, which will offer appetizers and drinks.

Singers and musicians can register to perform at 7:00 p.m., and the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5.00 per person to listen or perform.

Shen Yun Performing Arts offers an exhilarating world-class production that celebrates the excellence and grandeur of classical Chinese dance and music. It draws inspiration from the legends, values, and spirit that defined traditional Chinese culture for centuries.

2nd Show 10:00pm

Award winning guitarist Duke Robillard has traveled the world over for the last 40 years entertaining audiences with his special blend of blues and classic jazz. He's recorded with, played with, or produced many of the most important artists of the last several decades. Having worked with many of his legendary musical heros there is one project that has been in the back of his mind since he heard Ivie Anderson, Helen Humes and Billie Holiday nearly 40 years ago - to celebrate the rich era of women song stylists from the 30' to the 50's - women who brought poise and class to the great American songs of the time, and who interpreted the best lyrics of the American master songwriters with depth, sincerity, and a personal flair that's all but forgotten today.

That project had never been realized until recently when he heard Sunny Crownover sing on a show at Harvard University that Duke was part of as a guest artist. When Sunny sang 'At Last' he was immediately impressed with her ability to phrase like Etta James but sound uniquely like herself at the same time. As luck would have it, Sunny emailed Duke the next day offering her vocals to any project of his that needed a female vocalist. Duke wasted no time finding material and enlisting a crew of great musicians to join forces, and Sunny and Her Joy Boys were born. Duke is justifiably proud of and excited about this new musical venture, which for him is the realization of a lifelong dream.

Featuring: Pastora Galván, Manuel Liñán, Belén López, Rocío Molina and others

Gala Flamenca is a true flamenco celebration, featuring mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Andalucia, Spain. Dancers Pastora Galván, Manuel Liñán, Belén López and Rocío Molina capture flamenco’s many emotions and styles.

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

Foucault's elegant lines and weather-beaten drawl broadens the focus of both the music and the subject matter by training his sights on not only the interior but the wider world, the personal and the profound. He delivers the honesty of country, the rawboned desperation of blues, and the simplicity of folk to achieve a document that's timeless and poignant. “Impossible to take your ears away... a singular talent, an important new voice... striking intimacy and naturalness of tone... a brilliant collection of songs... [an] artistic and masterful achievement." -The Stereo Times http://www.jeffreyfoucault.com/news.html

Formerly known as the frontman of Varnaline, Anders Parker is a modest man who has a knack for new chord structures that feel lived in. His lyrics delicately illustrate our world’s myriad variations on the sadly beautiful and beautifully sad. http://www.andersparker.com/index.php

.....Atwater-Donnelly, Cathy Clasper-Torch, Heidi and John Cerrigione, and Uriah Donnelly

Drawing on 25 years of comedic insight, outrage and commentary, nationally-known (and Boston’s own) comedian Jimmy Tingle presents his topical, timeless, thought-provoking and political reflections on life. Called "the Will Rogers of the 21st century", Jimmy has the rare distinction of winning the prestigious "Best of Boston" award as both a performer in the Stand Up Comedy category (2001) and as a producer for Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theater (2007). www.jimmytingle.com

The Monterey Jazz Festival is back on the road - and that road takes it to the Jorgensen Cabaret. This year’s talent tour features violinist Regina Carter, who TIME magazine says “creates music that is wonderfully listenable, probingly intelligent and, at times, breathtakingly daring”; The Kenny Barron Trio, playing sensitive melodies with infectious rhythms; the rich, flamboyantly creative, four-octave baritone of Kurt Elling; and critically acclaimed guitarist Russell Malone.

There’s nothing like it for sheer enjoyment and relaxation, with light dinner fare and dessert ($3-$10; cash bar), and the best entertainment around in a cozy, candlelit nightclub setting, with tables on the floor. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $34, $38 and $45. For tickets and information, call the Box Office, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, at 860.486.4226, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Free, convenient parking is available across the street in the North Garage.

With the power of gospel and the precision of Broadway, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the undisputed king of mbube, South African a cappella singing. The group came together in the early 1960s and continues to thrill audiences around the world with its strong, proud melodies, harmonized in layers of call and response.

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

Lucky 13 unites the talents of Cathy Kreger, Marci Geller & Diane Garisto, who just joined the band to replace Susan DeVita. The trio was formed after the three singer/songwriters appeared on a compilation CD of the same name released by Sonic Underground. Among their recent credits, they have performed on WFUV, Fox Morning Show and had a NY Times feature article. They have opened for Jack Hardy, KJ Denhert, Vance Gilbert, and sung backup vocals for Jay Mankita. Their eclectic style, unique voices, tight harmonies and engaging life stories are garnering them fans across the country.

Open: Jane Fallon - Jane’s songs cover a wide variety of topics with a contemporary flair that incorporates those influences of folk, pop, swing, and country.

It's always a rockin' good times when the Fat City Band is in town...reserve early.

Featuring: Yoko Miwa, piano; Greg Loughman, acoustic bass; Scott Goulding, drums.

At the young age of 23, Mark combines his experience with Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride, and Ian Anderson to form his own creation of original instrumental music combining the harmonic intricacies of bebop and modern jazz with the grooves of dynamic modern rock. Check out www.markzaleskimusic.com to read more about this young band, hear samples. and see video footage.

Swing Dance lesson 8:15 - 9:00pm

Tickets: $15 ($10 with student ID)

Info: (508) 435-2363; http://www.hoptothebeat.com/dances.html

A great night of musical energy that will have you dancin’

Boston's Best Blues Band 2008 ~The Boston Blues Society

This cover band does it all - folk, funk, rock and blues

Tonight our Blues at the Beehive Series returns! This will be a night of gospel inspired blues with the stunning guitarist Michael Williams with first-class bluesman Toni Lynn Washington.

A guaranteed heart-stopping performance!

The Soul Band specializes in booty-shakin’, love-making, dance-floor-packing southern soul music. Drawing from an arsenal of classics and B-side gems, this 7-piece ensemble has been wowing audiences all over New England. http://www.thesoulband.net/ http://www.myspace.com/thesoulbandboston