The Sweetback Sisters have a sound that carries with it hints of the past with influences ranging from Patsy Kline to Jimmie Rodgers. They’re a terrific sextet of multi-talented musicians: Emily Miller, Zara Bode, Jesse Milnes, Ross Bellenoit, Stefan Amidon, and Peter Bitenc. If you like old timey, spirited country music that is able to rock a little harder than usual, this band is sure to put you in a good mood. This year they have been on the festival circuit performing to diverse audiences at SXSW music festival and opening up shows for giants like k.d.lang. They’re heading to Green River Festival in Greenfield, MA this summer, following their performance at The Music Hall Loft on Friday July 13 at 7pm & 9pm. You don’t want to miss this self-described “renegade retro band”—and if you love yodeling as much as I do, you’re in for a treat. I recently talked with Emily Miller about the band’s background, musical roots, and creative songwriting process.Read More
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By Peter Squires
On April 21st, my band, The Farthest Forests, was lucky enough to perform at The Music Hall. As local musicians, this was a distinct honor – how many of us ever get the chance to perform for hundreds of people in such a beautiful, historic setting? What’s more, we had the honor of meeting and sharing the stage with the fantastic Felice Brothers and the otherworldly O’Death, and as part of the first ever Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival, we get to say we shared a place in history with the legendary Merle Haggard and Roseanne Cash. We are extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to play a part in such a momentous occasion.Read More
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By Patricia Lynch, Executive Director & Lead Curator
This winter when in New York hunting for artists and acts to bring to The Music Hall I got to see Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Carnegie Hall. They were celebrating 50 years in the business and I have to admit I flashed back to being a little girl in Central Illinois and being taken to my first concert by my mother to experience real New Orleans Music—Preservation Hall Jazz Band.Read More
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By Thérèse LaGamma
I’ve been listening to Billy Bragg’s music—especially his Mr. Love & Justice and Mermaid Avenue recordings—and I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear his performance at The Music Hall’s Historic Theater on Saturday, June 30 at 8pm. Arguably the U.K.’s most famous activist singer-songwriter of modern times, Billy’s first set celebrates Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday by exploring and expanding the Guthrie songbook—he was one of a handful of musicians who had access to the Guthrie archives. His second set will be pure Billy. I recently talked with the London-based star about his music, his politics, and his connection to Woody’s legacy. Read on for a fascinating conversation.Read More
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By Thérèse LaGamma
I’m pumped to welcome Jim’s Big Ego (JBE) to the Loft on Friday, June 29 at 8 pm. JBE is a band that has been making a lot of noise on the Boston music scene since the mid 90’s—performing in hip clubs like T.T. The Bears and The Middle East. Their song ‘Stress’ (video after the jump) was topping the charts on WERS, Emerson radio. Jim Infantino- the bands lead singer and founding member- rocks out while managing to insert both wisdom and razor sharp humor into his songs. Jim’s Big Ego is a cross between rockers Buffalo Tom and Stu &The Negro Problem. If you are a fan of either you will LOVE this band. Their new album has just come out. I was able to catch up with the talented - and very funny - Jim Infantino prior to its release.Read More
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by Patricia Lynch
May is the month for food movies at the The Music Hall. As a self confessed foodie I was so excited to see the that just in time for the Kitchen Tour we are bringing El Bulli: Cooking in Progress as a Wildcard Movie, May 2nd. The foodocumentary ( I just made up a word!) gives a sneak peak at some of the most creative and wild cooking happening today. Then just when you thought the eyes couldn’t feast any more here comes Jiro Dreams of Sushi, starting May 17. Read More
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By Kristina Le Dain Beaudett
Calling all lovers of new music to the first ever Round Robin of the Singer Songwriter Festival! You’ll find it happening at The Music Hall Loft on Sunday, April 22nd.
Emceed by Seacoast Media Group’s music critic Christopher Hislop, the Round Robin is a celebration of the vibrant Seacoast singer-songwriter scene. Local musicians will appear on stage for 15 minute slots.Read More
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If there was no Music Hall, I’d be living in New York. No question. The thought struck yesterday as I was listening to Exec Director Patricia Lynch talk about upcoming social events at The Music Hall, and how the dearth of social gatherings in corporate America today (whatever happened to those family picnics? to after-work cocktails?) has caused people to come out not only to our shows but to our social and educational events.Read More
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