CONCERTS
West African-Inspired Kotoko Brass-Back at the Center
Bass River Campus
Sat, May 24, 7:30pm. Member Price $25, Not-Yet-Member $30
Register
Kotoko Brass has created a unique, joyful, and improvisational style of West African dance music described by the Boston Globe as “propulsive, infectious party music.” Drums provide the heart and soul of Kotoko Brass — merging syncopated African percussion polyrhythms with hard-hitting dance grooves. Horns blend traditional sounds of New Orleans with the famous West African brass band sound heard from Ghana to Nigeria, and the guitar, keys, and bass evoke classic African and Caribbean styles of highlife, afrobeat, and reggae. Kotoko Brass features musicians from Ghana, Antigua, Japan, and the United States and has shared the stage with Angelique Kidjo, Red Baraat, Femi Kuti, the California Honeydrops, Vieux Farka Toure, Innov Gnawa, Take 6, the Boston Pops, Rubblebucket, and more.
Kotoko Brass artists include Attah Poku (percussion), Michael Ofori (percussion), Ben Paulding (drumset), Brian Paulding (trombone), Dillon Zahner (guitar), Yusaku Yoshimura (keys), M’Talewa Thomas (bass), and Andy Bergman (sax).
Vanna Pacella Power Trio with Yassin & Sean Terrio
Bass River Art Campus
Sat, May 31, 730pm. Member $45, Not-Yet-Member and at the Door $50
Tonight will be a night of emotional, heartfelt, incredibly impressive, and inspiring yet rockin’ original music. Vanna Pacella Power Trio’s Vanna’s haunting vocals, keyboard solos, and profound lyricism will suck you in and caress you with its carefully crafted imagery. Guitarist Tom’s playing makes a statement- each solo layered with brilliant callbacks- it is tasteful, engaging, and beautifully raw. Drummer Nick drives each song with his dynamics, pocket, and precision.
Yassin and Sean Terrio’s performances are deeply emotional and highly fun. With great hair and love songs for days, the duo makes genre-crossing music exemplified by soulful vocals and big song production.
Jazz Fusion with Cliff Notez and Guest Grace Givertz
Sat, Jun 7, 7:30pm. Member $25, Not-Yet-Member $30
Grace Givertz joins Cliff Notez for a night of jazz fusion, combining jazz with traditional Black folk music and urban vibes to create a unique sound.
Grace Givertz: Hailing from the sunshine state of Florida, Grace Givertz captivates audiences with her indie folk compositions, blending earworm melodies with heartfelt storytelling. As a multi-instrumentalist, she infuses her music with a diverse array of sounds, weaving folk, Americana, and indie rock into a tapestry uniquely her own. Drawing inspiration from her personal journey living with chronic illness, Givertz’s music resonates with raw emotion and introspection. Her experiences infuse her songs with depth and authenticity, inviting listeners to explore themes of resilience and vulnerability. Grace Givertz showcases her multi-instrumentalism on her debut album, Year of the Horse, playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica in addition to vocals. Year of the Horse showcases Grace’s ability to turn lemons into lemonade through song. “…The only real option is to smile at how much she packs into a tiny punch of a song,” Nina Corcoran writes in digboston. She has also been heavily involved with the Black Opry, an organization dedicated to highlighting and supporting Black musicians in the country music industry. In 2023, this lead to her participating in WXPN’s Black Opry Residency in Philadelphia. In a groundbreaking move, Givertz is currently working on her sophomore album, which exclusively features BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled musicians. This collaborative effort not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also underscores her commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the music industry. Givertz’s talent shines bright, earning her acclaim for her captivating performances. She’s been nominated for Boston Music Awards and received the City of Boston’s Extraordinary Women Award for her contributions to music and community. Beyond accolades, she shares her expertise through songwriting workshops, including sessions with the Harvard Ed Portal, empowering others to authentically express themselves. Grace Givertz’s melodies resonate as beacons of authenticity, illuminating the indie folk landscape and reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling through song.