Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers Spring 2023 Concert
2023-04-02 00:00 - 2023-04-03 03:59 (America/New_York)
Mechanics Hall presents: Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers Spring 2023 Concert
'Cover Me in Sunshine'
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Concert: 4:00pm — Doors: 3:30pm
Many Voices is the anchor youth program at Mechanics Hall, a recognition that Worcester's children are the heart and soul of our richly multicultural city! The chorus is composed of 5th and 6th graders from every Worcester neighborhood, and gives children from all backgrounds the opportunity to practice and perform at Mechanics Hall — their own "home" concert hall!
Please join us for their Spring 2023 'Cover Me in Sunshine' Concert!
The Program
♪ Think of Me, Forget Me Not
♪ Unstoppable
♪ Lift Me Up
♪ Vivir Mi Vida
♪ Cover Me In Sunshine /It's A Beautiful Day
♪ Top of the World (from Lyle Lyle Crocodile)

Mechanics Hall gratefully acknowledges the following funders for their generous support of MVYS:
The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation
The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation
Worcester Arts Council
The Schwartz Foundation
Avidia Bank

Club 321 featuring Will Dailey
2023-04-06 04:00 - 2023-04-07 03:59
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Doors: 6:15pm
Show: 7:00pm
Ages 21+
Presented by Mechanics Hall & 90.5 FM WICN Public Radio

Join us for an evening of Club 321 featuring acclaimed independent recording and performing artist, Will Dailey.
Will's sound has been described as 'having a rich vintage vibe while having a firm appreciation of AM rock, pop and big hooks.' His latest album, National Throat, has been met with high praise, over 8 million plays on Spotify, and top 20 on Billboard Heat Seeker chart. National Throat won Album of the Year in the Boston Music Awards, New England Music Awards, and Improper Boston Magazine.
Dailey, a three-time winner of the Boston Music Award for Best Singer/Songwriter and two time winner for Male Vocalist, also won Artist of the Year in 2014. Will has toured all around the world and has shared stages with many notable artists including Eddie Vedder, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, and John Mellencamp.
Learn more about Will Dailey

About Club 321
Club 321 is a partnership between the Mechanics Hall Modern Mechanics Guild and WICN to present contemporary sounds for adult audiences.
Tickets are $18 purchased in advance; $20 at the door. Ticket holders must be at least 21 years old. Seating will be at cabaret-style tables in Mechanics Hall’s elegant Washburn Hall, with cash bar and light refreshments available for purchase. Mechanics Hall is located at 321 Main Street in Worcester. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit mechanicshall.org/club321.

RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles
2023-04-11 04:00 - 2023-04-12 03:59
April 11th 2023, 7:30 pm
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES performs songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorites hits. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and get back to where you once belonged with RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES.
Tickets are $59, $69, $79 and $99 depending on seat location. Discount available for Subscribers. Contact the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.

Worcester Chamber Music Society: Swept Away - Mechanics Hall
2023-04-23 00:00 - 23:59
Swept Away
Sunday, April 23 | Mechanics Hall, Worcester @4 PM
in-person and virtual options
Evoking wind, mystery, and movement, with liquid lines by both harp and piano, works by Takemitsu, Caplet, and Fauré, will sweep you away at our last Main Stage concert of the season.
Program
Toru Takemitsu And Then I Knew ‘Twas Wind
André Caplet Conte Fantastique [Mask of the Red Death]
Gabriel Fauré Piano Quintet No. 1 in D minor
With guests Noriko Futagami, viola; and Franziska Huhn, harp
Tickets:
Adults $38, Seniors $32, Students $10, EBT/WIC $5, Youth 17 and under free
For EBT/WIC tickets, call the office at 508-978-8624 to order
This concert will also be performed Friday April 21 | Fitchburg Art Museum @7:30 PM

Neil Berg's The 60's Peace, Love, and Rock N' Roll
2023-04-23 04:00 - 2023-04-24 03:59
GROUNDBREAKING MUSIC AND TRIBUTES
Neil Berg’s latest celebration of the greatest moments of rock and roll history combines behind-the-scenes stories of what actually took place at Woodstock, while presenting the legendary iconic music with the finest Broadway/Rock stars and musicians in the country! Including the music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, The Grateful Dead, Crosby Stills, Nash (& Young), Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Jefferson Airplane and many more.
In an added twist, Neil will also include the legendary bands that turned down the invitation to play at Woodstock, bands such as: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Chicago, The Doors, Roy Rogers and more!
For everyone who wanted to be at Woodstock but wasn’t, Woodstock Revisited will make you feel like you are there!
Tickets are $45, $55 and $65 depending on seat location. Please contact the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.
2 hours with a 20 minute intermission

Music Worcester Presents: The Worcester Chorus | Ellington Sacred Soncert
2023-04-28 00:00 - 23:59
The Worcester Chorus, directed by Chris Shepard, returns to the stage at historic Mechanics Hall for a very special performance of Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert with a big band ensemble.

Eduardo Ortiz Latin Jazz "El tiempo pasa" album release
2023-04-30 00:00 - 2023-05-01 03:59
It is a great pleasure to present to you the release of my first Latin Jazz album and production “El tiempo pasa”. Latin jazz is a genre that merges jazz with Latin American rhythms. The main influences found in this production are Afro-Caribbean jazz, rhythmically based on Cuba, rhythms from the Dominican Republic, Afro-Brazilian jazz, samba, and bossa nova. My Latin Jazz invites its audiences to dance and enliven the spirit! My name is Eduardo Ortiz, I am a professional musician born in the Dominican Republic, with more than 50 years of experience in the industry and it is an honor to share the release of this album with the Worcester community.
Es un placer poder presentarles mi primer disco y producción de Latín Jazz “”El tiempo pasa”.
El Latin Jazz es un género que combina el Jazz con ritmos de Latinoamérica. Algunas de las influencias principales que encontrarán en mi producción son Jazz Afrocaribeño originado en Cuba, ritmos de música bailable de mi República Dominicana, ritmos Afro-Brasileños, Samba y Bossa Nova. Mi misión artística consiste en invitar a mi público a bailar y más que nada en alegrar el alma. Mi nombre es Eduardo Ortiz, soy músico profesional, dominicano, con más de 50 años de experiencia en la industria y es un honor poder compartir el lanzamiento de éste disco con la comunidad de Worcester.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, which was made possible with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding from the City of Worcester.”

Music Worcester Presents: Dance Theatre of Harlem | The Hazel Scott Ballet
2023-05-04 00:00 - 23:59
Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Worcester's Hanover Theatre with "The Hazel Scott Ballet Project," a brand new work co-commissioned by Music Worcester that celebrates the life and legacy of jazz legend Hazel Scott.

Tee Off For WPL! Mini Golf After Dark
2023-05-05 00:00 - 2023-05-06 03:59
This event will see the WPL Main Library transformed into an 18-hole mini golf course with greens and holes winding through the stacks. Friday night Mini Golf After Dark will offer an adults (21+) only mini golf event with food, adult beverages and live music. A diverse selection of ethnic food will be provided by Worcester Regional Food Hub. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Redemption Rock Brewery and Decanted Wine Trucks. Ticket price is $50 per person. There will be live music, raffles and yard games as well!
Please also see listing for Tee Off for WPL! Family Fun Day Mini Golf being held on Saturday, May 6th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m

Ricky Duran: Space & Time Tour
2023-05-06 04:00 - 2023-05-07 03:59
May 6th 2023, 8:00 pm
110 minutes
Special guest Max Boyle
Public on sale 12/16 at 10am
American singer, songwriter and musician Ricky Duran is coming home to the Hanover Theatre!
Duran garnered international attention with his soulful vocals, fiery guitar playing and compelling performances on NBC’s The Voice. The Season 17 Runner-Up has since released a full album titled “Space & Time” charting at No. 1 on iTunes and has performed to sold out shows, proving himself to be more than a fleeting success. Ricky is a versatile artist with powerful vocals and an electrifying stage presence that entertains crowds all over the country. His vulnerable songwriting resonates with listeners across genres and has catapulted him to the top of songwriting charts.
Duran was a member of the Worcester band The Blue Light Bandits before moving to Austin, Texas where he still resides today. Austin is known for its eclectic live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock and has launched many musicians to stardom. It was there that he recorded Space and Time, and the hit single She Closed Her Eyes, a tribute to his mother.
Duran will perform original songs that have yet to be released along with some fan-favorite covers he made popular on The Voice.
Tickets are $33, $43 and $53 depending on seat location. Limited post performance VIP Meet and Greet seating available for $103. Please contact the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.

75th Season Finale Gala
2023-05-07 00:00 - 2023-05-08 03:59
Don't miss WYO's Annual Season Finale Gala! A treasured celebration of our student's achievements, including our senior graduation ceremony. Fantastic music by our major ensembles, silent auction, raffles and prizes await you to help support WYO's Annual Fund. Don't miss this exciting event.
Featuring:
WY Wind Ensemble, Lucy Colwell, Director
WY Jazz Program, Dan Gabel, Director
WY Philharmonic & String Orchestra, Jack Corbett, Director
WY Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Colby, Music Director
Senior Graduation Ceremony concluding with Ashokan Farewell, Keira Mooney, Senior Soloist
Dinner is served at 5:00pm. Enjoy our Dinner Table Seating which includes a 3 course hot dinner, reserved seating and at table beverage service.
Balcony Seats are reserved seating. You must sit in the seats that you select from the seating map.
Cash Bar available throughout the performance. Credit cards accepted.

Music Worcester Presents: Vijay Gupta, Violinist in Recital
2023-05-10 00:00 - 2023-05-11 03:59
“When the Violin, the title of a poem by the Sufi mystic Hafiz on the power of forgiveness and new identities, will present works by JS Bach and Reena Esmail in collaboration with dance artist and choreographer Yamini Kalluri. Opening with Bach’s 2nd Partita in D minor with its concluding “Ciacona” – considered an Everest for violinists – the program will present a new choreography of the preceding baroque dance movements of Bach’s Partita. Kalluri is trained as a classical Indian dancer as well as in the Martha Graham school of avant-garde ballet.
Following the D minor Partita comes Esmail’s When The Violin, originally written for choir and cello, and a companion work to the 16th century Spanish composer Victoria’s O Vos Omnes. Esmail writes: “The text of O Vos Omnes is asking, simply, to be seen in a moment of sorrow — to be beheld through suffering and darkness. And Hafiz’s text responds in such a beautiful way — it moves through that darkness and begins to let those very first slivers of light in.”
Concluding the program is Bach’s equally monumental 3rd Sonata in C major, which is believed to have been written for the occasion of Pentecost. The Sonata’s 2nd movement, a revolutionary 3- part fugue written for a four-stringed violin, sets a Lutheran hymn “Komm, Heiliger Geist” (Come, Holy Spirit), and famously reverses the hymn subject in a feat of contrapuntal mastery.”

–Vijay Gupta, Music Worcester Artist-In-Residence 2023

Duke Robillard at Club 321
2023-05-18 00:00 - 2023-05-19 03:59
Club 321 featuring the Duke Robillard Quartet
Thursday, May 18
Doors: 6:15pm — Show: 7:00pm
Ages 21+ / Presented by Mechanics Hall & 90.5 FM WICN Public Radio
Tickets: $18 Advance | $20 Door
Cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and more! PLUS! Beer tastings from Redemption Rock Brewing Co., and an artwork display presented by Juniper Rag!

Rhode Island-based Duke Robillard has carved out one of blues' most illustrious legacies, while also trodding some lofty related territories as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, studio sideman, producer, label operator and educator.
In 1967, he founded the band, "Roomful Of Blues," with pianist Al Copley in Westerly, R.I. Considered the prototypical jump blues band, "Roomful" became a legend in New England and beyond, as did Duke himself.
Known for his mastery of the guitar style of T-Bone Walker, Robillard's musical breadth was also impressive–from swing, standards and ballads to rockers, gutbucket Chicago blues and rockabilly. By the time Duke left "Roomful"after a dozen years to pursue a solo career, he was firmly established in the upper echelon of contemporary blues guitarists.
Duke's resume is decorated with Grammy nominations, Handy Awards, and Blues Music Awards, and other honors for his artistry, recordings and productions within the United States and internationally. Learn more about Duke Robillard.

Mechanics Hall gratefully acknowledges support from the following Club 321 partners & sponsors
90.5 FM WICN
Country Bank
Cornerstone Bank
Juniper Rag
P.S. Event Rentals
Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

SUNDAY RUM DAY
2023-05-21 00:00 - 2023-08-28 03:59
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 4 PM – 7 PM, JOIN US ON THE ROOFTOP FOR SUNDAY RUMDAY FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE RUM COCKTAIL MENU, ROTATING LIVE MUSIC, AND GOOD VIBES.

Guided Tour of Historic Mechanics Hall
2023-05-22 00:00 - 2023-05-23 03:59
Free Admission
Open to the Public
Registration Required

Reserve your spot today!
Join us for a guided tour of our beautiful Worcester landmark and architectural treasure.

Mechanics Hall is internationally regarded as one of the world's great concert halls for its superb acoustics and inspirational beauty. Regionally, it is considered to be Worcester's finest meeting place.
19th-century elegance, modern amenities, superior acoustics, and red-carpet service combine to make Mechanics Hall a superb venue for performances, recording sessions, weddings and galas, business events and more.
The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Monday through Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm, by calling 508-752-5608.

Mechanics Hall is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization owned and operated by the Worcester County Mechanics Association (est. 1842). It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn More | About Mechanics Hall | An Acoustical Masterpiece
Learn About the 2020 Renovations | Inside Mechanics Hall | Mechanics Hall
Learn About the Portraits of Mechanics Hall | The Portraits of Mechanics Hall | Mechanics

Bob Dylan Birthday Bash "The Elecric Side of Bob Dylan"
2023-05-27 00:00 - 2023-05-28 03:59
The Annual Concert Celebrating the Birthday of Bob Dylan will be held at John Henry's Hammer, at the First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St.
Hosted by Bob Jordan and the Hip Swayers, the concert will include 26 Worcester Area Musicians. There will be 2 75-minute sets at 6 and 8p.m.
Tickets at the door are $15. This concert is part of a 5-day Worcester DYLANfest hosted by WCUW.org.

Boston Symphony & Pops Brass! Afternoon of Brass: Memorial Weekend Spectacular
2023-05-28 00:00 - 2023-05-29 03:59
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Concert — 3:00pm
Doors — 2:15pm
Ticket Prices: $33 — $66
Please see ticketing page for discounts

Works by Prokofiev, Mahler, Sibelius, Grainger, Ives, & Sousa
We're excited to present a patriotic-themed concert series featuring members of the Boston Symphony and Pops Brass! Concert goers can expect a spectacular and rousing flag-waving experience with unparalleled music at this family-friendly event as we present emotionally-charged music especially suited to Memorial Day.

The program includes some of the most demanding works ever written and arranged for brass including “Crown Imperial” (Walton), “Finlandia” (Sibelius), “Variations on America” (Ives), “Resurrection Symphony Finale” (Mahler), “Irish Tune from County Derry” (Grainger), “Nimrod” (Elgar) and “Semper Fi” (Sousa).

We will remember and honor those who have fallen in defense of our country during performances of “Taps” and “Retreat” specially arranged for the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band by former USMC arranger Thomas Knox.

And there is more than just brass. Mezzo-soprano Heather Gallagher (https://www.liveinhg.com) sings the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” with unique arrangements for solo voice and brass. In addition, Shakespearean scholar Robert Lublin (https://www.umb.edu/academics/cla/faculty/robert_lublin) , PhD. Professor of Theatre Arts, UMASS Boston, sets the mood with a special presentation prior to “Romeo and Juliet” (Sergei Prokofiev arranged for brass by Joseph Kreines).

We will be joined by WGBH/WCRB’s Brian McCreath (https://www.classicalwcrb.org/people/brian-mccreath) as our emcee and Lawrence Isaacson (http://www.lawrenceisaacson.com/biography.html) as our Music Director.

Classic Musical Melody of India
2023-06-03 00:00 - 2023-06-04 03:59
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Sponsors Reception: 6:00pm
Musical Program: 7:00pm
Ticket Prices
Floor — $50 – $100
Balcony — $35
Prices are subject to fees.

A fundraising event to benefit humanitarian causes in the Worcester community and beyond. Featuring five world-renowned Indian Classical musicians led by world famous sitarist, Ustad Parvez Khan, and a special appearance from the Natyamani School of Dance.
For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Satya Mitra by phone or email at: 508-641-8441; or info@joyguru.org

Ustad Parvez Khan, one of the world’s great sitarists
A world-renowned musician affectionately known as Ustadji, he descends from six generations of sitarists. Ustad Parvez Khan is one of the leading exponents of the Etawah Gharana. His style emphasizes the unique capabilities of the sitar, introducing highly energized and rhythmically innovative instrumental play – known as “tantrakari”. He has also mastered “gayaki ang” – a style which transfers the emotional directness and tonal nuance of the human voice to his instrument. A combination of energetic play and sensual emotion results in a remarkable interplay that led to his instrument being known as the “Singing Sitar”.

Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a superb violinist & vocalist
Soulful is a befitting word to describe the music of Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a fifth-generation musician of the illustrious Lalgudi bani, and an artist who wears many hats. A violinist par excellence and a talented vocalist, her career includes performances as a solo artist and as a violin duo partner with her virtuoso brother, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan. She has also accompanied well-known vocalists and musicians – Sri T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Smt Parassala Ponnammal, Smt. Aruna Sairam and many others. She has also released a host of highly acclaimed vocal albums, and her music and achievements have been recognized with a long list of awards and accolades.

Anubrata Chatterjee, globally renowned Tabla expert
As the son of the world-renowned tabla maestro, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Anubrata was nurtured from a very tender age to be a tabla player. He made his debut as an accompanying artist with the legendary Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia before going on to accompany living legends of Indian Classical Music such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Sh. T.H.Vikku Vinayakram, and several other accomplished musicians all over the world

Patri Satish Kumar, Mridangam Maestro extraordinaire
The much sought after mridangam artiste from India was born into a family of musicians. A refined and innovative performer and composer trained by Guru’s Sree Ramachandramurthy, V.A.Swami and V. Narasimhan, Satish Kumar is known for his precise fingering technique and the fine balance of sounds between the treble and base heads of the Mridangam. He has been a regular performer in prestigious venues and festivals across India and around the world including BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall (London), The Music Academy (Chennai), Saptak Festival (Ahmedabad), Theater De La Ville (Paris), Harbor Front Festival (Toronto), and the Madrid Jazz Festivals

Raman Kalyan, a master of the bamboo flute
Virtuoso Raman Kalyan is one of the world’s leading artists in the Carnatic style of music. He has released over 93 CDs, with his music for deep meditation reached the # 1 spot on Apple iTunes world music charts, and he’s been a guest artist in more than 300 commercial recordings & Indian movies. A top-ranking artist for the All India Radio & Doordarshan, he has also been a successful composer and has scored music for dozens of audio/video albums, dance dramas and theater productions. A two-time winner of the “Best Flautist Award” from Madras Music Academy, he is a featured artist in the “Miles from India” tour and performs with Grammy winning legends Glen Velez and Dave Liebman. Raman has worked tirelessly in promoting carnatic music education.

Natyamani School of Dance
Founded in 1992, this Westboro dance company is the premiere institution for Bharatanatyam in Eastern Massachusetts. The school’s founder Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai is a widely acclaimed dancer who has dedicated her efforts to propagating this divine art form to a diverse range of students.

Celebrating Billy Joel: America's Piano Man
2023-06-04 00:00 - 2023-06-05 03:59
This band plays tribute to one of the foremost songwriters of the twentieth century, Billy Joel, who's music is beloved around the world.
This year they mark the 50th Anniversary of the iconic album ‘Piano Man’ with a show that spotlights songs from the classic 1973 record, as well as hits from the full length and breadth of Billy Joel’s extensive catalogue.
Eclectic, but always uniquely recognizable, his songs tell stories to the backdrop of his virtuosic piano playing.
Playing international smash hits such as ‘Just The Way You Are’, ‘New York State of Mind’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Vienna’, ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’, ‘Piano Man’ and many, many more; this superb group of multi-instrumentalists pay tribute to one of American music’s greats.

Music Worcester Presents: Sam Bush
2023-06-09 00:00 - 2023-06-10 03:59
There is only one consensus pick of peers and predecessors, of the traditionalists, the rebels, and the next gen devotees, for bluegrass music’s ultimate inside outsider (or is it outside insider?). There is only one Sam Bush.
The mandolin/fiddle/guitar-playing icon has taken the genre to new heights over a 50+ year career having worked with such legends as Leon Russell, Emmylou Harris, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, and Lyle Lovett. In 2009, the Americana Music Association awarded Bush the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist. Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Greensky Bluegrass are just a few present-day bluegrass vanguards among so many musicians he’s influenced. His performances are annual highlights of the festival circuit, with Bush’s joyous perennial appearances at the town’s famed bluegrass fest earning him the title, “King of Telluride.”

Free Organ Concert at First Unitarian Church of Worcester (Concert 2 of 4)
2023-06-11 00:00 - 2023-06-12 03:59
Wesley Hall will be performing works by Böhm, Scheidt, Buxtehude, J.S. Bach, Bossi, Cooper, and Connor Chee, a Navajo pianist and composer. Hall was recognized in 2016 by the Diapason Magazine as a “20 Under 30” leader in Organ, Harpsichord, and Sacred Music in the United States, and is a dynamic organist and early musician with a passion for translating the music of the past into the contexts of today’s audiences. On TikTok, he is known as "Westpiper" where he has 200,0000 followers. His videos have received millions of views, and he looks forward to bringing organ music to even more people who haven't yet experienced it. Hall is the Minister of Music and the Arts at the First Baptist Worcester. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. #WACFunded #PowerOfCulture

Music of Leonardo Ciampa, A Concert in Memory of Dr. Sherrill A. "Ted" Conna
2023-06-16 00:00 - 2023-06-17 03:59
Friday, June 16, 2023
7:30pm
FREE ADMISSION
FEATURING: Leonardo Ciampa, organ & piano
ASSISTING ARTISTS:
Letitia Stevens, soprano
Dianne Spoto, flute
Nino Ciampa, percussion
and The Henry Purcell Society of Boston (Jessica Cooper, director)

ABOUT MR. CIAMPA
Born in Boston in 1971, composer/organist/pianist Leonardo Ciampa is a musician of international repute. Ciampa is Mechanics Hall Composer-in-Residence 2021-2023, Director of Music at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA (since 2019) and Maestro di Cappella Onorario of the Basilica in Gubbio, Italy (since 2015). He was artistic director of organ concerts at MIT (2009-2016) and founding director of Arts MetroWest (2012-2019). As an organ recitalist, Ciampa has made over a dozen European tours encompassing Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. He is particularly admired in Italy, where he has played in numerous international festivals (Festival Perosiano, Festival Biellese, Organi Storici della Valsesia, Le Voci della Città, Festival Organistico Lauretano, Organi Vespera, Reate Festival, etc.). He has given organ recitals at cathedrals in Vienna, New York City, Boston, Lucca, Altenberg, Brandenburg, Tortona and Biella; at basilicas in Rome, Turin, Loreto, Tortona, Gubbio, Absam, and Rieti; and at abbeys in Dürnstein and Camaiore.

ABOUT DR. CONNA
Dr. Sherril A. "Ted" Conna (1931-2016) was a child psychiatrist, social activist and passionate music lover, and amateur pianist. For almost 50 years he had a highly respected career as a psychiatrist and teacher in Worcester and throughout New England. The son and grandson of professional musicians, Dr. Conna had an insatiable love of music, a love which he shared with his wife Mary Lou and his four children, Ted, David, Edward, and Sherilyn.

LETITIA STEVENS, soprano
British soprano Letitia Stevens has been praised for her expressive performances, warm, rich tone and comic timing. Ms. Stevens recently returned to singing soprano, after many years singing mezzo-soprano: her first soprano role was Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte with Connecticut Lyric Opera, November 2017, a role she recently reprised with Opera51, "a wonderful Queen of the Night!… high Fs are amazing!" In October 2021 she premiered a set of songs, Les quatre éléments written for her by composer Leonardo Ciampa; at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts. Upcoming performances include a debut with Boston Bel Canto Opera, singing excerpts of Il Trovatore, Nella in Gianni Schicchi with Greater Worcester Opera, and recitals in Boston, at the Shaftesbury Fringe (Dorset, UK) and in France. Her first post-COVID production was with Cambridge Chamber Ensemble, covering Isabells in Wagner's Forbidden Love. Immediately pre-COVID she was fortunate to sing Madame Herz/Goldentrill in Der Schauspieldirektor with Rhode Island Opera on Tap, as well as excerpts of Queen of the Night and Countess. In July 2019 she gave return recitals at Rozet and Marthon in south-west France, about which Charente Libre wrote, "…she ignited the room with a majestic interpretation…". In early 2019 she appeared as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus with Lyric Opera Studio, Weimar and before that she sang Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare with The Connecticut Virtuosi & Connecticut Lyric Opera. In 2018-2020 she was a semi-finalist in: The American Prize, in both Opera and Art Song divisions; Talents of the World Competition and Harold Haugh Light Opera Competition.

DIANNE SPOTO, flute
Dianne Spoto has enjoyed an exciting career in the music industry for over 25 years, spanning a myriad of genres and styles. A classically trained flutist, Ms. Spoto has also succeeded as a pop singer-songwriter, music journalist, and recording industry executive.
A Syracuse, New York native, Ms. Spoto holds a Bachelor's Degree in Flute Performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston and a Master's Degree in Flute Performance and Mannes College of Music in New York City. Her teachers included Julius Baker, Paula Robison, Leone Buyse, and Judith Mendenhall.
Ms. Spoto performs regularly with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), and Bach, Beethoven, & Brahms Society, among others. She has performed in concert halls around the country, including New York City's Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Boston's Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall. Ms. Spoto was a winner of the Syracuse Symphony Young Artist Competition, and a two-time finalist in the James Pappoutsakis Memorial Flute Competition in Boston.
She has appeared on MTV, VH1, CBS and NBC News both as a performer and music journalist, while she was Editor-in-Chief of Women Who Rock Magazine. Dianne wrote, sang, lead, and played electronic flute in various bands, including her live electronica project called Golden Age.
When not teaching and performing, Dianne enjoys living room karaoke and dance parties with her 10-year-old daughter and ginger rescue cat named Mama Petunia.

NINO CIAMPA, percussion
Antonino Salvatore "Nino" Ciampa (b.2004) is a composer, arranger, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist studying composition and percussion at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. While attending high school in Acton, MA, he formed the group Nino Ciampa y su Orguesta which was the first ensemble for exclusively Latin music at the school. He has since started the Hartt Salsa All-Stars, with whom he performs his original compositions and arrangements.

THE HENRY PURCELL SOCIETY OF BOSTON
The Henry Purcell Society of Boston presents vibrant performances of the works of Henry Purcell and his English Baroque contemporaries. Using the texts, conventions, and styles of the period, HPSOB collaborates with other arts organizations to celebrate the rich repertoire of this era and to make it relevant for today's audiences. HPSOB incorporated in 2013, and was granted full 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2014. In its first critical review, the Boston Musical Intelligencer hailed the Henry Purcell Society of Boston as having "presented a smash-bang debut" of Welcome to all the Pleasures to a "packed house." Since then, the HPSOB has successfully collaborated with local performing arts organizations, fulfilling its mission of performing the full breadth of Purcell's compositions.

Registrants will have the option to make a tax-deductible donation at the time of reservation, which will support Mechanics Hall concert programming, and preservation and maintenance of our historic building as well as the world-renownedWorcester Organ (E. & G. G. Hook, Op 334).

Christopher Cross and Justin Hayward
2023-06-18 00:00 - 2023-06-19 03:59
Two of music's most iconic voices, live on stage!
Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross burst onto the music scene with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy®Awards, including—for the first time in Grammy® history—the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist. In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has sold over 10 million albums. His music has garnered five Grammys®, an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, an Emmy® nomination and five Top 10 singles.
Justin Hayward
Having chalked up over fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has been heard the world over. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the Moody Blues (“Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Your Wildest Dreams”), his is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. Over years the band has sold mote than fifty five million albums and received numerous awards. Commercial success has gone hand in hand with critical acclaim, The Moody Blues are renowned the world over as innovators and trail blazers who have influenced any number of fellow artists. In 2018, along with the other members of The Moody Blues, Justin was inducted into the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Free Organ Concert at First Unitarian Church of Worcester (Concert 3 of 4)
2023-06-18 00:00 - 2023-06-19 03:59
William Ness will be playing works by J.S. Bach, Fischer, Selby, Paine, Simonds, and Reger. Ness is a popular and respected organ teacher of many years in the Worcester area, including at the Pakachoag Music School. He is the former Minister of Music and Arts at the First Baptist Church of Worcester where he conducted two singing choirs and two bell choirs, and the Director of Music at Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester. Ness is a performing member of Worcester Chamber Music Society and also Synergy, a harp, flute, organ trio. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. #WACFunded #PowerOfCulture

Free Organ Concert at First Unitarian Church of Worcester (Concert 4 of 4)
2023-06-25 00:00 - 2023-06-26 03:59
Cathy Meyer will be playing a program titled "A Walk in the Park." This program will feature works by Buxtehude, Elgar, Sweelinck, Barber, and Locklair. She is the Minister of Music and organist for South Church (UCC) in Andover, Massachusetts, where she directs a large music ministry of choral and instrumental music. Meyer is an active recitalist, and has recently performed organ and piano recitals on both coasts, including at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, First Night Boston on the glorious organ at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and was featured on the nationally-syndicated Pipedreams radio show. Cathy sings alto with the New Hampshire-based choir Capella Nova Mundi. She also serves as the Musical Director for the jazz interfaith One Spirit Foundation and is trained in the Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy for children. Meyer is the Sub-Dean for the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is heavily involved in the Young Organist Initiative, and also maintains a private organ studio. In her free time, she is a Sound Healing practitioner and is a Reiki Master of Masters. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. #WACFunded #PowerOfCulture

Noah Preminger at Club 321
2023-06-29 00:00 - 2023-06-30 03:59
Club 321 featuring the Noah Preminger Quartet
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Doors: 6:15pm — Show: 7:00pm
Ages 21+ / Presented by Mechanics Hall & 90.5 FM WICN Public Radio
Tickets: $18 Advance | $20 Door
Cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and more! PLUS! Beer tastings from Redemption Rock Brewing Co., and an artwork display presented by Juniper Rag!
According to the New York Times, Brooklyn-based saxophonist Noah Preminger, “designs a different kind of sound for each note, an individual destiny and story.” Preminger, just 35 and the winner of Downbeat Magazine’s “Rising Star Best Tenor Saxophonist,” has recorded over twelve critically acclaimed albums. Multiple recordings were released in 2017-18, including Meditations on Freedom, released on Inauguration Day, 2017, as a musical protest of political developments in America. In addition, a duo album recorded in New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall with pianist, Frank Carlberg, a Quartet recording on Criss Cross Records, and a recording of the music of Otto Preminger’s films on French, vinyl-only label, Newvelle Records. In 2018, Preminger and co-leader Rob Garcia created the Dead Composers Club and released The Chopin Project.
Born in 1986, Preminger grew up in Canton, Connecticut. He released his debut album, Dry Bridge Road, just after his 21st birthday, which was named Debut of the Year in the Village Voice “Critics Poll.” Preminger’s second and third albums as a leader were released by the Palmetto Records label. The Boston Globe hails Preminger as “a master with standards and ballads, as well as an adventurous composer.” The saxophonist has performed on key stages from the United States to Europe and Australia, and has played and/or recorded with Jason Moran, Dave Holland, John Patitucci, Fred Hersch, Dave Douglas, Billy Hart, Joe Lovano, Victor Lewis, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Cecil McBee, George Cables, and Roscoe Mitchell. Learn more about Noah Preminger.

Mechanics Hall gratefully acknowledges support from the following Club 321 partners & sponsors
90.5 FM WICN
Country Bank
Cornerstone Bank
Juniper Rag
P.S. Event Rentals
Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

Music Worcester Presents: Cécile McLorin Salvant
2023-07-21 00:00 - 2023-07-22 03:59
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The Late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theater, jazz, and baroque music.

Music Worcester Presents: John Pizzarelli
2023-07-22 00:00 - 2023-07-23 03:59
Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show
2023-09-24 00:00 - 2023-09-25 03:59
Selling 4 million tickets worldwide The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide, played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by Rick Wright. TAPFS is the leading and biggest show of its kind in the world.
Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed tribute show has been astonishing audiences worldwide. Striving to reproduce the Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state of the art high resolution LED screen technology and other special effects. To accompany these visuals are several large inflatables including a giant pig and their own distinct Pink Kangaroo.
They have also worked with musicians like Guy Pratt, Durga McBroom and her sister Lorelei McBroom who have toured with Pink Floyd, as well as sound engineer Colin Norfield who worked with Pink Floyd during their “Division Bell” tour and on David Gilmour’s solo tours.
Often described as being more than a tribute band, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is the first Pink Floyd tribute show that took the concept out of the pubs and onto the worldwide arena circuit. The band has played to sell out audiences throughout Europe, UK, America, Canada, South America and Russia.
With 30 years of history, the world’s biggest, best and greatest Pink Floyd tribute show continues to delight its global fan base.
Tickets are $39, $49, $62 and $79 depending on seat location with limited VIP packages also available for $179. See below for VIP package details. Contact the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.
Please note, there is a 6 ticket limit per order.

Engelbert Humperdinck: All About Love Tour
2023-09-27 00:00 - 2023-09-28 03:59
In a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy® nominations, a Golden Globe®, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame and Leicester Walk of Fame.
He has performed for the Queen four times, several presidents and many heads of state. He has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel. His unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe.
Engelbert exploded on to the music scene with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The shy handsome man catapulted almost instantly to world icon. He became great friends with Elvis and the two legends often performed each other’s songs. His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries. The following decades see Engelbert constantly touring the world to sell-out crowds. He takes great pleasure in every moment on stage.
Engelbert’s music has transcended time and his voice continues to reach out to people now serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions, ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success.
Engelbert’s hit song “A Man Without Love” was just featured in Marvel’s “Moon Knight” Disney+ Series, with his music & social media charts breaking all records. In Sony Pictures’ new Brad Pitt film “Bullet Train” Engelbert’s song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” is featured as well.
Engelbert was just awarded the Honor of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Tickets are $49, $59, $69 and $89 depending on seat location. Discounts are available for subscribers and groups of 10 or more. Please contact the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.
