WORCESTER—Mechanics Hall just announced the spring 2024 schedule for their popular Brown Bag Concerts series, which has been filling the historic venue with lunchtime sounds for more than 40 years.
A Worcester musical tradition since 1983, Brown Bag Concerts features regional and national artists performing a wide variety of jazz styles—from American and Latin to Big Band and Gypsy jazz. The spring 2024 series includes Evening Sky Band, a Rhode Island-based jazz quartet, on Wednesday, March 13; Daniel Bennett Group, led by New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett, on Wednesday, March 20; and Betty’s Bounce, performing American and Gypsy jazz, on Wednesday, March 27.
All concerts are free and open to the public; registration is not required.
Produced by Mechanics Hall with a hand from 90.5 WICN Public Radio, the Brown Bag Concert Series is held at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. in Worcester with shows from noon to 1 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
As always, cabaret-style seating in the Great Hall is available on a first-come, first-served basis, to which attendees are invited to bring their own “brown bag” lunch. In addition, food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Let’s take a look at this season’s lineup:
March 13: Evening Sky Band
Evening Sky is a jazz/roots quartet featuring Chris Brooks on pedal steel guitar, Joe Potenza on bass, composer Gino Rosati on guitars, and producer Eric Hastings on drums. The band combines the classic elements of American music—jazz, folk, R&B, and country—to form their own unique, spirited sound. The band’s rhythmic, smooth, and playful approach has been compared to artists as diverse as Bill Frisell, Bill Withers, Bill Monroe, and Bill Laswell. Whether playing their own original instrumentals, reinterpreting classic songs, or collaborating with guest singers and instrumentalists, Evening Sky has a chameleon-like ability to adapt to whatever the situation Learn more about Evening Sky Band.
March 20: Daniel Bennett Group
New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett has been hailed as one of the most original and unpredictable musical voices of his generation. His genre-bending sound has captivated audiences throughout the world, and he has been featured in Timeout New York, The Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, The Boston Globe, and National Public Radio. Bennett is joined by master percussionist Koko Bermejo on drums and keyboard and acclaimed six-string bassist Kevin Hailey to form the Daniel Bennett Group. The band performs regularly at the Blue Note in New York City, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, England; and Zingari Jazz in San Francisco. It released its ninth studio album, New York Nerve, in 2021. Learn more about the Daniel Bennett Group
March 27: Betty’s Bounce
Hailing from Wakefield, MA, Betty’s Bounce is a jazz trio featuring Audie Bridges on guitar, Curtis Doo on guitar, and Zach Bridges on double bass. The group performs American and Gypsy jazz in the spirit of Romani-Belgian jazz guitarist and composer Jean “Django” Reinhardt (1910-1953). Reinhardt was one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe and has been hailed as one of its most significant exponents.
Whenever possible, the concert series is broadcast live on 90.5 FM WICN Public Radio and streamed at wicn.org. Concerts are subject to change without notice. For more information, visit mechanicshall.org or call 508-752-5608.
News? Info? Event? Tip? Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
