For Immediate Release: 6/24/2010 1:35 pm
Worcester, MA (June 24, 2010) - Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien is pleased to announce the second annual "Out to Lunch" Concert Series on the Common opens every Friday at 11:00 AM from July 9th to August 27th. The public is invited to enjoy free performances, live main stage entertainment begins at noon, a variety of food being sold by local restaurants and a farmers and crafters market.
The "Out to Lunch" Concert Series, presented by the City of Worcester, Worcester Cultural Coalition, Charter Business and Charter Communications; with additional support from the Mayo Group, Worcester Arts Council, Baystate Bank, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, UNUM, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Davis Publications, Worcester Publishing Ltd., WCRN 830, Immedia Productions, The Hanover Theatre and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is an opportunity for downtown businesses and their employees to see all that is taking place in the downtown area-from new restaurants and cafes to new housing complexes to expansion and new construction.
"In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to bring the community together to celebrate what is uniquely Worcester," said City Manager O'Brien. "The downtown area is experiencing much positive change and growth-from new restaurants to the college's expansion. This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy the dog days of summer with some free entertainment and some great scenery."
"It is a distinct privilege for Charter, as well as Charter Business, to support the City of Worcester as presenting sponsors in its initiative to bring the community together for another great Out to Lunch summer concert series," said Greg Garabedian, Vice President and General Manager of Charter Communications in New England. "There is a lot of activity that we want to support taking place downtown and what better way to showcase all the energy and excitement than with live performances on the common."
"The idea was generated by a dedicated group of city advocates who volunteered their time and effort to work with the City to produce a series of performances and concerts that would promote downtown and encourage economic activity throughout the afternoon. Worcester's creative thinking has inspired a group of talented individuals, businesses and civic leaders to create a unique signature experience in downtown Worcester. We're shining a spotlight on Worcester's talent," said Erin Williams of the Worcester Cultural Coalition.
Performances Include:
July 9: Blackstone Mountain Daredevils - 70's AM Gold
The Blackstone Mountain Daredevils are a Worcester big band sound that plays all the one-hit wonders, guilty pleasures and solid gold dance hits of the seventies. The band will rock the halls and walls of City Hall.
July 16: Curubande with Salsa Storm - Salsa
Manolo Mairena is a New England based vocalist and percussionist who originally hails from Costa Rica. He and his group Curubande bring a fresh energy with new compositions written by Manolo, and will present a performance that will move the audience to dance. His music includes Latin rhythms from a Son Montuno, Bolero and Salsa with the influence of contemporary Cuban music which brings to the dance floor all the swing you need.
Salsa Storm is a team of fun Salsaholics who are passionate about teaching and dancing. Ray and Annette Gonzalez officially formed Salsa Storm in May of 2005. Along with their staff they've taught thousands of students how to dance to all levels of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Cha Cha.
July 23: Little Red and the Riders - Hip Swing Band
The Red Riders have been playing jump blues and swing music since January 1999. Vintage sounds of the 40's and 50's classics come to life with their renditions of hot energetic swing and smooth R&B ballads. The band consists of Annie Sousa vocalist, Dan Hunt guitarist, Ririka Masuda saxophonist, Gail Hunt bassist, Hiro Tokushige on trumpet, Neal McNanna on baritone sax and Rick Petrilli on drums.
July 30: Johnny Dollar Experiment - New Jazz
In the beginning, Johnny "Dollar" Murzycki teamed up with some of Worcester, Mass' most notable professional musicians to deliver a feel good experience, an experience that only the hip and creative sounds of the sixties can conjure up. The Band is Johnny "Dollar" Murzycki on drums, Mauro DePasquale on keyboard, Joe D' Angelo on guitar and Vic Helenic on bass.
August 6: Kalifa and Koliba - Afro Pop
Koliba blends the traditional music of West Africa with the contemporary sounds of America. Bringing together musicians from Africa and America, this Afro-pop band presents a unique blend of traditional and modern styles including West African Rhythms, Hi Life, Reggae, Ska, Zuke and more. Audiences don't just attend performances of Koliba, they experience Koliba.
Bandleader Mohamed Kalifa Kamara is a Professor at Berkley College of Music in Boston and has traveled the world playing Traditional West African and Afro-Pop music. Kalifa takes the audience on a journey from ancient Africa to modern, urban America with a sound and beat that brings the audience to their feet dancing and singing along.
August 13: AfterBurner - US Air Force Band of Liberty's Rock
Afterburner is the United States Air Force Band of Liberty's high energy rock band. This six member group brings an explosive blend of classic rock, pop and R&B to their dynamic stage shows. The members of this versatile group are all active duty military and are based out of Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. They have appeared on national TV, headlined major festivals and opened for artists such as Charlie Daniels, The Commodores, The Subdudes, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Gretchen Wilson. The group also performs countless concerts each year throughout New England, New York and New Jersey, as well as performing overseas for deployed armed forces.
August 20: Hat On, Drinking Wine - Roots Rock
The sound is American roots, with traces of blues, folk, reggae and traditional Irish music. You can hear your favorite HODW originals as well as an eclectic list of covers from artists like Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Wilco, the Decemberists, the Pogues and many more. The band's lineup consists of Jarrett Conner on drums; Jared Forgues on bass and mandolin; Jim Lang on piano, accordion and tin whistle; Matt Robert on electric and acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals; and Ed Whalen on acoustic guitar and vocals.
August 27: Fergus - Contemporary Irish
Fergus is a five piece contemporary Irish group from Worcester, Massachusetts. The band performs the songs of Irish songwriters and arrangers of the last 60 years, original songs and arrangements and traditional Irish Music. The sound of Fergus blends elements of American music (jazz, funk, rock, country) and world music (electronica, Indian, Latin, Celtic) with Irish music in an acoustic setting. The band's lineup is Peter Himmer, Drums and Percussion, Cait Sargent, Lead Vocals, Bodhran, Tom Lubelczyk, upright and fretless bass, vocals, Brendan Keenan, Guitar, mandolin, piano and vocals, and Myra MacLeod, fiddle.
For more information, please visit www.outtolunchworcester.org.
