Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Fiddler on the Roof

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents the musical theater masterpiece Fiddler on the Roof. The beloved classic opens FPAC’s 26th season. Performances are October 15 at 7:30 p.m., October 16 at 2:00, October 21 and 22 at 7:30, and October 23 at 2:00. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, the iconic musical is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, Fiddler on the Roof is a staple of the musical theatre canon. Set in the small village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and hold onto traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Tzarist Russia. Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition has won the hearts of audiences with its celebration of life and family. The musical features the cherished songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker.”

Leading the cast are Nick Paone (Tevye) of Franklin and Kellie Stamp (Golde) of Westport. The production also features Jason Barney (Motel), Greg Dutton (Lazar Wolf), Aaron Frongillo (Perchik), Anna Grasso (Bielke), Shauna Martin (Yente), Debra Packard (Grandma Tzeitel), and Katharine Waples (Tzeitel) of Franklin; Colie Vancura (Hodel) of Medfield; Katie Gray (Fruma Sarah) of Milford; Griffin Wilkins (Fyedka) of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott (Chava) and Susauna Wickstrom (Shprintze) of Wrentham. Nick Paone directs FPAC’s production, assisted by Raye Lynn Mercer, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Mercer and Kellie Stamp.

Tickets are $34. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com. Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

THE BLACK BOX, 15 W Central St, Franklin, MA

Emma Newton at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Emma Newton's performance at THE BLACK BOX on the indoor stage. 




For more about Emma Newton visit https://soundcloud.com/emma_newton

Emma Newton performing at THE BLACK BOX

Mark Poniatowski Situation - Oct 7

The Mark Poniatowski Situation headlines a BLACK BOX Jazz concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 7. Led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, the Situation also features Walter Platt on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Mark Shilansky on piano and Dino Govoni on saxophone. 

The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010. An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski has performed with artists including the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. 

Mark Poniatowski

Among his performances throughout the US and Europe are the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.
 

Dean College to perform “The East”

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform the play “The East” from Oct. 12-16 at Campus Center, 99 Main St., Franklin.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $5 to $22 and can be purchased online.

“The East” is an original play by Dean faculty members Matt Greene and Craig Handel.

The Dean College production of “The East” will take place on the Main Stage in the Campus Center.

For information and to purchase tickets: dean.edu/boxoffice.

dean.edu/boxoffice

The Chick Magnets and Ben Gardner’s Boat - Oct 1

On Saturday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents a double bill featuring The Chick Magnets and Ben Gardner’s Boat. 

Led by Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy, the acoustic rock band Ben Gardner’s Boat also features Don Larsen, Tom Grillo, Pat DeGregorio and Scott Mueller. The five have played together since the 1990s. 

The Chick Magnets showcases a lineup of veteran players and multi-instrumentalists, featuring bluesy keyboards, saxophone and trombone, plus a healthy commitment to vocal harmonies. The seven-piece group, including Barry Madden of Franklin Ford, performs Rhythm and Blues and older rock and roll, including what Madden calls “a lost jukebox selection.” 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Ben Gardner’s Boat

For more about the bands

• Ben Gardner's Boat
• The Chick Magnets

Jamie Barrett at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Jamie Barrett's performance at THE BLACK BOX under the tent on the outdoor stage presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.





For more about Jamie ==>> https://www.facebook.com/Jamiebarrettmusic

Jamie Barrett performing (photo by Jake Jacobson)

"We're closer now than we've ever been"

"Efforts to name the downtown area a "cultural district" are moving forward, with those involved hoping to complete an application to do so in the coming months. 

The designation - is given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council - would recognize the area as a place in which cultural opportunities and resources are concentrated, and make it eligible for state support and incentives. 

Alan Mercer - a member of the effort and official with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts - said the state has noticed that such areas encourage economic development. 

"A cultural district is a walkable area that contains things like performance venues, farmers markets, restaurants - cultural assets which, by their nature, bring tourists in," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/franklin-seeking-cultural-district-designation

The 2nd Annual Cultural Festival was a key step in development of the application to gain cultural district status

Local Artist and Jazz series entertainment this October at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, kicks off its third season of Local Artist and Jazz series entertainment this October. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. 

On Saturday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents a double bill featuring The Chick Magnets and Ben Gardner’s Boat. Led by Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy, the acoustic rock band Ben Gardner’s Boat also features Don Larsen, Tom Grillo, Pat DeGregorio and Scott Mueller. The five have played together since the 1990s. The Chick Magnets showcases a lineup of veteran players and multi-instrumentalists, featuring bluesy keyboards, saxophone and trombone, plus a healthy commitment to vocal harmonies. The seven-piece group, including Barry Madden of Franklin Ford, performs Rhythm and Blues and older rock and roll, including what Madden calls “a lost jukebox selection.”

Mark Poniatowski Situation

The Mark Poniatowski Situation headlines a BLACK BOX Jazz concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 7. Led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, the Situation also features Walter Platt on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Mark Shilansky on piano and Dino Govoni on saxophone. The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010. An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski has performed with artists including the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Among his performances throughout the US and Europe are the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

On Saturday, October 8, at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The DayBreakers with Copilot. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock and roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. The music tells timeless stories of happiness, heartbreak, rejection and redemption with rhythm that keeps audiences dancing. Combining rock and roll, blues, country and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. Copilot is an Americana Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion for unique, Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven't heard before.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Fiddling Thomsons at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Thursday evening when the folks in Franklin were treated to some cool left handed fiddling. 

The Fiddling Thomsons, a father son duo, performed on the step of the Franklin Historical Museum as part of the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival.

Ryan and Brennish Thomson are an award winning father and son duo who will be performing lively tunes on a variety of old time instruments of historical nature. Together they play twin fiddles, wooden spoons, jaw harp, cajon box, drum, rhythm bones, mandolin,banjo, accordion, flute, foot percussion, penny whistle, to name a few! The duo will entertain with their large repertoire of fun and lively tunes and will be available to answer questions from the audience regarding the folk instruments they play.

More information on the duo can be found on their website, captainfiddle.com.

 

Fiddling Thomsons at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

Update: Gala 2016 - LAUGH IN THE BOX

FPAC Gala 2016 LAUGH IN THE BOX A Comedy Tonight! The Gala is two weeks away! Have you purchased your tickets yet?  We are excited to announce that Broadway guest artist Darlesia Cearcy will be headlining the Gala's special, one-night-only show! Darlesia just completed the Broadway run of Shuffle Along as understudy to Audra McDonald in the role of "Lottie Gee." She made her Broadway debut in The Goodbye Girl with Martin Short and Bernadette Peters. Additional Broadway credits include "Nettie" in The Color Purple and "Sarah" in Ragtime, for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination.  Darlesia was part of the original Broadway production of The Book of Mormon, and you can catch her high notes on the original Broadway cast album. Recordings also feature Everlasting Pictures with B-Zet. Darlesia's television credits include Nurse Jackie, Law & Order SVU, Mercy Me, Rescue Me, and House of Cards (Season 5, Netflix). Films include The Challenger, Rush, and Frozen. Gala 2016 - LAUGH IN THE BOX View card

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Electric Youth at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Wednesday in July 2016 when the Franklin Cultural Festival opened for the 2nd time. 

Here are some highlights from the opening night concert by the FSPA's 'Electric Youth':





For more about the Electric Youth check out their website
http://fspaonline.com/pages.php?pname=fspa_se_ey

Electric Youth performing at the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

An Evening with Tom Rush Sep 24

Garnet Rogers this Saturday, Sep 10th. Tom Rush Sep 24th.  Order tickets now. This show will sell out. View this email in your browser An Evening with TOM RUSH September 24th, $35 "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences."  -James Taylor On Saturday, September 24th, at 8PM  the legendary Tom Rush will return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ Order tickets now to avoid disappointment.  Tom has been at Circle of Friends several times and each show has been a sellout. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission for this very special show is $35.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Oct 15     Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5      Three Rising Stars - Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, & Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19    The Kennedys Dec 3       Ellis Paul Dec 10     A Celtic Christmas featuring Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

The Love Dogs come to play at THE BLACK BOX, Sep 17

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m. With barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano, stinging Fender guitar, and a red-hot horn section of trombone and alto, tenor and baritone saxes, The Love Dogs also showcases a swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business” and a charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around. 

Based out of Boston, the septet just celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll, The Love Dogs have played juke joints, festivals and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve released four CDs. Many of the cuts have been blues radio favorites and several of the Dogs’ signature original songs have been used in feature films and on television.

The New York Post says, “Even though the music could make Leonardo’s David dance, it’s the songwriting that separates these dogs from the rest of the pack.”

Voted “Best New England Band” by Blues Audience magazine, The Love Dogs is part Rat Pack party, part 20th century musical encyclopedia, and part revival meeting.

The Love Dogs

The band’s lineup, featuring some of the Northeast’s best players, consists of Eddie “Duato” Scheer (lead vocals), Alizon Lissance (keyboards, vocals), Myanna (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Glenn Shambroom (guitar, baritone sax), Randy Bramwell (bass, vocals), Steve Brown (drums, vocals), Mario Perrett (tenor sax, vocals), and Mark Paquin (tenor sax, trombone). 

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or at the door. A cash bar is available. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

• For more about The Love Dogs, visit their webpage   

http://www.thelovedogs.com/the_band/
 

Sep 10 Garnet Rogers at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Next show is Sep 10th featuring Garnet Rogers. Tom Rush on Sep 24th. View this email in your browser GARNET ROGERS with Shawna Caspi Sep 10th 8PM $20 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse begins its 27th season on Saturday September 10th with famed Canadian singer Garnet Rogers.  Garnet has established himself as "one of the major  talents of our time". Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer", Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence and a voice to match. With his "smooth dark baritone" his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, with a deep purpose. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday.  As memorable as his songs, his over the top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again. Garnet suggests that you bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry.  http://www.garnetrogers.com/ Toronto based singer Shawna Caspi will open the show. She sings of love, travel, home, and heart, distilling each experience into a series of vibrant snapshots, colored with humor and grace and arranged with care and craft. Her latest release, Apartments for Lovers, is a solo guitar and voice album that showcases her rich voice and remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique. http://www.shawnacaspi.com/ Don't forget to order tickets for Tom Rush who will be appearing on September 24th. All of his previous shows at Circle of Friends have been sellouts. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Sep 10      Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi Sep 24      An Evening with Tom Rush Oct 15      Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5        Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, & Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19      The Kennedys

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA