Tag: music

  • 2023 Framingham Concerts on the Common

    2023 Framingham Concerts on the Common

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham Park & Recreation Department invites all to the Framingham Centre Common for the FREE Friday Night Summer Concert series.

    Bring a blanket or chairs, a picnic dinner or snacks and enjoy the sounds of summer.

    Musical performances are scheduled for 6:00pm ’til 8:00pm — but come early to park, then find a good spot to spread out your blanket, setup your chairs and mingle with friends and neighbors!

    2023 FRAMINGHAM

    FRIDAY NIGHT SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

    (more…)
  • Yvonne Spicer & Michael Whalen Join Bob Moog Foundation Board of Directors

    Yvonne Spicer & Michael Whalen Join Bob Moog Foundation Board of Directors

    Framingham Mayor Spicer named to join Bob Moog Foundation Board of Directors.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Bob Moog Foundation, is proud to announce two new members to the Board of Directors in a time of exciting growth for the Foundation. Dr. Yvonne Spicer, the first Mayor of Framingham, MA, and two-time Emmy award winning composer Michael Whalen join the current Board that consists of David Mash, President; Bill Sautter, Vice-President; Daniel Keller, Secretary; Marc Willis, Treasurer; Chris Halaby, Jerry Kovarsky, Dr. Henry Panion, III, and Sally Sparks.

    Prior to being sworn into office as the first Mayor of Framingham, MA in 2018, Dr. Yvonne Spicer served as the Vice President for Advocacy and Educational Partnerships at Boston’s Museum of Science.

    (more…)
  • Summer Stuff To Do (for Bored Kids)

    Summer Stuff To Do (for Bored Kids)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – During summer vacation many parents may be hearing the all too familiar “I’m bored” from their school age progeny.

    Hey Ma! I'm bored!In these “difficult economic times” things to do that are are free or only cost a few dollars — and don’t require excessive driving can help stretch the family budget between trips to Six Flags, Canobie Lake Park or other New England area day trips.

    For activities in the list that require traveling in town — consider having kids go places on MWRTA routes.  Older kids can walk to a neighborhood bus stop, and go by themselves — relieving their parents of driving duty — and helping reduce local daytime traffic.

    Things to do in Framingham in the Summer:

    • Make some Sidewalk Chalk and color on the driveway, a concrete deck or the sidewalk with colored chalk.  If you find a big enough area, you can use the chalk to make a bike riding course or (more…)
  • 2014 Framingham Concerts on the Green Schedule

    FREE Summer Concert Series

    JUNE – JULY – AUGUST

    Friday Evenings – 6:30pm to 8:30pm

    Framingham Village Green

    Framingham Centre, Massachusetts

    JUNE 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS

    June 20th Chris Anders, (country)
    June 27th Three of a Kind, (pop)

    JULY 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS

    July 4th The Tom Nutile Band, (Big Band / Swing)
    July 11th Hot Acoustics, (Classic Rock)
    July 18th The Reminisants, (Oldies & Rock n’ Roll)
    July 25th JC & Enfusion, (R&B / Soul)

    AUGUST 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS

    August 1st Metro, (Classic Rock)
    August 8th Playing Dead, (Grateful Dead Tribute Band)

    ~ Bring a blanket or chair. ~


    • Restrooms • Food • Concession Stand •


    Directions: The “Village Green”, (also known as the “Framingham Centre Common”), is located just north of Rt. 9 on Edgell Road. From Rt.9 (East or West), take the Framingham State College / Main St., Framingham Centre exit and proceed north on Edgell Rd. – Village Green is located approximately 1/10 mile from exit. From Sudbury, (Rt. 20), take Edgell Road exit (near Friendly’s) and follow south to Framingham Centre. From Downtown Framingham, take Union Ave. / Main Street heading north, cross Rt. 9 and continue approximately 1/10 mile.

    Parking: FREE parking is available on-street and off-street, (in church parking lots which surround the Village Green). Please park only where instructed by signs or traffic officers.

    Please watch for pedestrians in and around concert and parking areas.

    Arrive early for best parking.


    For Concert Cancellations & Additional Info

    Call: (508)532-5962

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  • 29th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival Weekend in Framingham, February 14th-16th, 2014

    29th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival Weekend in Framingham, February 14th-16th, 2014

    29th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival
    The 29th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival will be held Valentines Day Weekend, Fri-Sun, Feb 14th, 15th and 16th, 2014 at the Sheraton, Framingham, MA

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – A unique, all-encompassing experience for music lovers of all ages — set to a rollicking, first-rate soundtrack — the 29th Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, presented by the Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU), will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 14th-16th, 2014, at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel, Framingham, MA.

    Year after year, this nationally acclaimed celebration of bluegrass music and its fans continues to win new converts while delighting seasoned veterans. The region’s top wintertime roots music festival features three days of national and regional artists on the Main Stage, the next generation of rising stars on the Showcase Stage, and an extensive lineup of education programs including Master Classes, Workshops, instructor-led Jam Sessions, and the renowned Joe Val Bluegrass Academy for Kids.

    The Festival features all this, plusinstrument vendors, luthiers, and of course, picking around the clock. If you’re new to bluegrass, you’ll enjoy a veritable primer in nearly all facets of this original American art form — while longtime fans will appreciate the wide range of talent on display. Festival favorites The Gibson Brothers, perhaps the most decorated band in bluegrass today, will demonstrate just why they walked away with four awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2013 including the coveted Entertainers of the Year.

    Junior Sisk the IBMA’s 2013 Male Vocalist of the Year will be on hand as well, fronting his hard-driving, traditional band Ramblers Choice. The dynamic IIIrd Tyme Out will be unveiling a strong new lineup in support of lead singer and powerhouse Russell Moore. Blue Highway, perhaps one of the most esteemed and influential bands in contemporary bluegrass will be featuring new original material from their album The Game, to be released this January.

    Popular songwriter and Sirius-XM radio personality Chris Jones and his band the Night Drivers will also be on hand to showcase some of today’s finest newly composed bluegrass songs during their set.

    Fans of country music — both modern and traditional — will not want to miss a special acoustic reunion performance by the three co-founders of the Desert Rose Band: Chris Hillman (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, formerly with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers), Herb Pedersen (the Dillards, Laurel Canyon Ramblers, Old and in the Way, Emmylou Harris), and John Jorgenson (Elton John, Bob Dylan, John Jorgenson Quintet). During the late-’80s, this versatile ensemble chalked up seven top-ten country hits while never losing sight of their roots in bluegrass, folk, and honky-tonk traditions.

    The festival will also feature debut performances from Detour, Balsam Range, the Hillbenders, as well as some old friends in new configurations. Sister Sadie features past IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley along with friends Gina Britt, Tina Adair, Beth Lawrence and Deanie Richardson. Sideline features Steve Dilling, Darryl Webb, Jason Moore, Jimmy VanCleve, and Skip Cherryholmes.

    Dedicated to preserving the past and nurturing the future, the Boston Bluegrass Union continues its commitment to education with daylong Master Classes kicking off the festival on Friday. On Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday there will be over fifty Workshops and Directed Jams for festival patrons of all ages that examine the instrumental and vocal techniques unique to bluegrass, as well as the music’s history and culture.

    The BBU helps train the next generation of musicians with the Joe Val Bluegrass Academy for Kids, now in its 12th year, presenting a free, intensive three-day program that teaches children (ages 5 – 17) how to play, sing, and perform bluegrass music. Visit the festival website for further details on the extensive education offerings, schedules and registration details.

    Established in 1985, the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival celebrates the legacy of the late Joe Val, a pioneering Massachusetts-based vocalist, musician, and bandleader, whose riveting performances, recordings, and generous nature did so much to spread the popularity of bluegrass in the Northeast.

    From its humble beginnings as a local tribute to Joe and the regional bluegrass scene, the festival has grown to become one of the most celebrated bluegrass events in the country. In 2006, the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival won the prestigious Event of the Year award from the IBMA. And in 2012, the festival was listed by USA TODAY as one of the Ten Great Places to Go to Bluegrass Festivals.

    Weekend tickets are now on sale and single day tickets will go on sale beginning January 15th. Note Saturday tickets will be in short supply so we strongly encourage early weekend ticket purchases. The festival has sold out in past years.

     

    Ticket Prices

    • Weekend Pass – Adult $100, Students (w/ ID) and Youth $35
    • Single Day Friday – Adult $35, Students (w/ ID) $15, and Youth (16 and under) $10
    • Single Day Saturday – Adult $60, Students (w/ ID) $30, and Youth $25
    • Single Day Sunday – Adult $40, Students (w/ ID) $20, and Youth $15
    • Additional Discounts for BBU Members and for early purchase
    • Children under 12 and accompanied by adults are free all weekend

     

    Main Stage Lineup

    • The Gibson Brothers (Sat)
    • Blue Highway (Fri)
    • Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out (Sun)
    • Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice (Sun)
    • Acoustic Desert Rose Band Reunion (Sat)
    • Sister Sadie (Sat)
    • Sideline (Fri)
    • Special Consensus (Sat)
    • Chris Jones and the Night Drivers (Fri)
    • The Spinney Brothers (Sun)
    • Bluegrass Gospel Project (Sun)
    • Balsam Range (Sat)
    • Hillbenders (Sat)
    • Detour (Sun)
    • Berklee All-Stars (Fri)
    • The Feinberg Brothers (Fri)
    • Dick Bowden’s Flying Circus Tribute to Don Stover (Sat)
    • The Reunion Band (Sat)
    • The Lonely Heartstring Band (Sat)

    The Sheraton Framingham is located just 18 miles west of Boston, directly adjacent to the Mass
    Pike (Rt. 90, Exit 12) and Rt. 9. At this time, all hotel rooms are sold out at the Sheraton, but rooms are available nearby at the Marriott Residence Inn (508-370-0001), the Double Tree Hilton (800-222-Tree) and the Natick Courtyard Marriott (508-655-6100).

    The Boston Bluegrass Union is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization, dedicated to
    preserving and promoting this original American music genre. Celebrating our 38th season, the BBU is the premier source for events, education, and information on bluegrass music in the Northeast.

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  • Saxonville’s Athenaeum Getting a Little Help from its Friends

    Saxonville’s Athenaeum Getting a Little Help from its Friends

    2013 Discover Saxonville's Athenaeum Hall (Fundraiser / Benefit)
    Discover Saxonville’s Athenaeum Hall, Saturday, October 5, 2013

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Discover Saxonville’s Athenaeum! The Athenaeum is getting a little help from its “Friends”.

    Join The Friends of Saxonville for community, culture and cuisine — a reception and concert to benefit the Restoration of The Athenaeum Community Hall at 7:00pm on Saturday evening October 5th, 2013

    Although the exterior of Athenaeum has been restored, the interior is in complete disrepair. Our event goal is to raise $10,000 to help with construction costs, provide furnishings and accessories, (i.e. media equipment and kitchen necessities), and provide operating expense support.

    Event Highlights include delectable Hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar of fine wine and beer, a brief review of the planned restoration of The Athenaeum Community Hall, a concert of Baroque Period selections for Harpsichord and Flute by The Hunt Trio and the event is topped off with decadent desserts, coffee and tea.

    Event Venue is generously donated by (more…)

  • 3 Swingin’ Tenors, 2 Artists, 1 Night of Fun On Common

    3 Swingin’ Tenors, 2 Artists, 1 Night of Fun On Common

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The 3 Swingin’ Tenors entertained young, old and everyone in between for the July 22nd, 2011 “Concert on the Green“, a free concert series held on the Framingham Center Common each Friday night throughout the summer.

    Kids play as couples dance to a 1950’s doo-wop medley by the “3 Swingin’ Tenors”

    The trio The 3 Swingin’ Tenors;  Jack Alessi, Steve Marvin and Jim Porcella performed their repertoire of medleys and generational favorites — with a few improvisational stories and a bit of joking around between sets.

    The Framingham Park & Recreation Department is now in charge (more…)

  • The Infractions Funky Music Fills the Common

    The Infractions Funky Music Fills the Common

    FRAMINGHAM, MAThe Infractions packed the house in a July 1st, 2011 performance at the Framingham “Concerts on the Green”.

    Due to rain last week, this was the first night a band played this year in the free summer concert series that’s been running on the Framingham Centre Common every year since 1996.

    The Infractions “Play That Funky Music”

    This was also the first time a new stage, built by students from Keefe Tech was used.

    Aside from the music, the crowd was also treated to (more…)

  • Flashmob at MWMC

    Flashmob at MWMC

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – For more than two decades, professionals involved with infection control have dedicated one week of the year as “Infection Prevention Week“. Originally the week was spent educating others in health care about the importance of reducing the spread of germs and infection.

    When Andrei Soran, (CEO of Metrowest Medical Center), got together with  Bonnie Biocchi, (President of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce), during the 2010 Infection Prevention Week, they got the idea to promote the importance of hand washing — not only to healthcare professionals, but to the community at large.

    Using social networking and online media the pair got a Flashmob together, and here’s what they came up with:

    What a great use of social networking, music, line-dancing and fun to promote something that could keep us all a little healthier, (especially as we head into the cold and flu season).

    Great job to all of you Wash Your Hands dancers!

    Resources:

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  • 2010 Concerts on the Green

    2010 Concerts on the Green

    Concerts on the Green, Framingham Centre Common
    Centre Common, Framingham, MA (USA)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The 2010 Town of Framingham “Concerts on the Green” summer concert series opens June 4th with the Framingham High School Band kicking off the season. The concerts, held Friday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm on the Framingham Centre Common feature acts performing music from all genres; country western, bluegrass, big band, gospel, techno-pop, oldies and classic rock cover bands.

    This summer’s lineup includes: The Framingham High School Band, Chad Burdick, Marshalee, Summer Street Band, Off the Hook, Sound Assembly Chorus, HELP! (Beatles cover band), The Reminisants, The Glamour Girls, The Infractions, John Penny Band, The Skinny Ties, Amy Gallatin and the Tom Nutile Orchestra.

    There is no charge, (concerts are free to the general public), but the organizers would appreciate if concert-goers bring and donate (more…)