BOSTON � A consortium of states led by Massachusetts and Florida has received a $170 million federal grant to design a national standardized school testing system, a decision that could mean the demise of the MCAS.
BOSTON - A mother acquitted in the accidental shooting death of her 8-year-old son by another child has been sentenced to at least six months for lying to police about it.
BOSTON - A fatal explosion at a Norfolk condominium project has led the state attorney general to investigate the delivery of faulty propane to locations across New England and New York.
A Danvers man charged with beating his fiancee's 2-year-old and 6-year-old daughters has been ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
A slightly diminished Hurricane Earl swiped past North Carolina on Friday on its way to New England, where coastal residents braced for the strongest hurricane to menace their shores in almost two decades.
FIRST ON FOX VIDEO: Officers say a pizza delivery man was lured to an abandoned building on Hyde Park Avenue just after midnight and was then stabbed to death.
NEWBURYPORT - They are reminded every hour, on the hour, of what lies ahead. When the weather is at its worst, Coast Station Merrimack in Newburyport has to be at its best.
Chris Duarte has established himself as one of the most formidable fret-board scorchers on the contemporary blues-rock scene. Since emerging in the mid-1990s from Austin, Texas, a blues guitar hotbed, Duarte has forged new pathways for the blues and scouted numerous fresh trails for creative musical expression. Lauded for the exquisite artistry and vivid tonality of his six-string work, over the last decade Duarte has also proven his considerable mettle as a songwriter, singer and bandleader.
When: Sep 10, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18 )
If you laugh and cry within the same ten minutes, you either need a vacation or you are sitting in the audience at a Don White show. This working class family man from Lynn, Massachusetts has emerged as the thoughtful songwriter of the decade whose relevance to our lives is evidenced by the powerful reaction he evokes at every concert. Radio audiences, too, are not safe from the Don White experience. Valerie Adams of WNCS Radio, Vermont said, "I've never seen anything like it. Every time I play I Know What Love Is the phones light up like a Christmas tree." Whether he is singing, speaking, or setting up the sneakiest punch line of the night, Don has the hearts of his audience. They know they have his. More info: www.DonWhite.net Opener: The Loomers: Toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hip-twirling, lip-curling, heart-wrenching, fist-clenching, neato-completo good-time tunes.
When: Sep 11, 2010 8 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 11 Sep 2010 20 )
7pm show time. A showcase event with The Kenny Selcer Band: Kenny Selcer, vocals, guitar; John Donahoe, fiddle, mandolin and sax; Jack Howard, drums, Dave Scandurra, percussion; Andy Solberg, bass
When: Sep 16, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18 )
Urban blues was becoming rather monotonous and repetitive when up popped (or is it exploded?) Popa Chubby from Brooklyn who gave the whole thing a damn good shaking up. Warning: this blues is not for wimps; this is the hard stuff that respects no rules, or anything else for that matter. This blues gets straight to the point and no messing about. This is the blues of the 21st century; this is New York City Blues, `know what Iâ??m talkinâ?? about? His Brooklyn Basement Blues album was a revelation; The Good the Bad and the Chubby was even more hard-hitting and largely inspired by the 9/11 attacks that were deeply felt by Chubby. With his latest album Deliveries After Dark, heâ??s back and heâ??s bad with 14 powerful tracks. The disc is Blues/Rock played with reckless abandon, no apologies, itâ??s visceral and heavy, and has a few surprises thrown in - such as the theme from "The Godfather" and the evocative "Woman In My Bed Dub," a reggae tune as thick with smoke as a Kingston club. In concert, thereâ??s no pretention either; thereâ??s no â??Iâ??m walking on ten minutes after my other musiciansâ?� business. Heâ??s there right from the off and right until the bitter end. With Chubby, the evenings are always hot; real hot.
When: Sep 18, 2010 8 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20 )
"He Said - She Said" is the new inspired show featuring a collaboration of original songs by Peter Karp and Sue Foley. The project is based around a correspondence the two shared through letters that were written over a year period. These letters started as a casual exchange between two committed performers sharing their common bond of the loneliness of the road, the pain of separation from family and home and above all, the drive to make music. But as time went on the letters they shared became more poignant, more revealing. Those letters became their songs. The result is "He Said - She Said." The show features songs of two artists in development, sharing artistic purpose and spiritual kinship in a meeting of hearts and minds. Whether they're performing as an acoustic duo or with their electric band the music encompasses elements of folk, jazz, flamenco, and blues resulting in a show that is moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting. Blues Revue Magazine says " 'He Said - She Said' is a unique, daring idea beautifully executed by two talented, inspired artists unafraid to express themselves outside of - but still influenced by - their respective genres." Peter Karp is a gifted American troubadour, a master songsmith with an art for spinning true-to-life emotions, humor, and candor. With an upbringing that was equal parts southern Alabama and the swamps of New Jersey, Karp's music is fueled by the Yankee-Rebel juxtaposition. He established himself on the national scene as a critically acclaimed songwriter, an accomplished guitarist and pianist with the release of his Blind Pig release entitled "Shadows and Cracks." On the road across the U.S. and Canada, Karp repeatedly transfixes his live audiences. Critics compare his songwriting to John Hiatt and John Prine with impressive guitar and slide licks infused by his love of Freddie King and Elmore James. Peter Karp personifies the amorphous Americana sound, seamlessly blending blues, folk and roots music with a high sense of entertainment. Sue Foley is considered to be one of the finest blues/roots artists working today. Born to a working class family Sue spent her early childhood moving from Canadian town to town with her mother. At 16 she embarked on her professional career. By 21 she was living in Austin TX and recording for legendary blues label Antone's Records. Her first CD "Young Girl Blues" quickly established her unique talents as a blues guitarist and songwriter. Throughout the 90's she took to the road with her paisley Telecaster and honed her craft working/sharing the stage with such artists as BB King, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty. After moving back to Canada Sue won the prestigious Juno award for her critically acclaimed CD "Love Coming Down." The "He Said-She Said" CD has been released to rave reviews.
When: Sep 24, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18 )
The word "legend" is often used to describe veteran folk/rocker Jonathan Edwards, who burst on the music scene nearly 40 years ago with the mega-hit "Sunshine Go Away Today", a cheerful anthem of defiance written at the height of the Vietnam War era. Today he remains as original, energetic and relevant as he was all those years ago, with a voice as strong and memorable as ever. In the intervening years, besides charting another hit with the harmonica-happy "Shanty," Edwards has shared the stage with B.B. King, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, Loggins and Messina, the Judds, James Taylor, Roger Miller, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, the "Seldom Scene" and many others. He has recorded 15 albums to date, including the award-winning childrens album "Little Hands"; narrated and performed in the documentary series, "Cruising Americas' Waterways"; starred on Broadway, and is currently completing a score for a major motion picture. Edwards is now working almost exclusively together with Stuart Schulman and Taylor Armerding, who form the "Jonathan Edwards Trio". Schulman started performing and recording with Edwards some 35 years ago. He is not only skilled on bass, violin, piano and vocals, but has perfect pitch as well. Armerding was co-founder of the progressive bluegrass band Northern Lights, and was the band's front man, mandolin player, lead singer and chief songwriter for 28 years, occasionally joining fiddle legend Vassar Clements, and bluegrass star Peter Rowan. He joins Edwards on mandolin, vocals and occasionally guitar. On the verge of his fifth decade in the music business, Jonathan Edwards shows no sign of turning into a â??Sit Down Rock and Roll Man.â?� Upcoming plans include new markets, new audiences, new songs, and a new studio recording. As this barefoot troubadour prepares for the next stage of his journey, you are more than welcome to join him for an evening or two as he continues to make good on that promise he made all the way back in 1971: â??Sunshine, come on back another day â?� I promise you Iâ??ll still be singing.â?�
When: Oct 2, 2010 8 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 02 Oct 2010 20 )
From the softest whisper to a growling, full-throated blues roar, vocalist Shemekia Copeland boasts a dynamic range and a vibrant personality that together have the music world hailing her as a diva in the making. Daughter of the late Texas blues guitar legend Johnny Clyde Copeland, Shemekia was schooled in his Texas-style blues. But her experiences growing up on the streets of Harlem have infused her music with a deeply personal touch that remains decidedly accessible. Following the release of her debut album, Turn the Heat Up, Copeland began receiving a long list of accolades from critics and fans alike. The Village Voice called Shemekia's voice "nothing short of uncanny," while Living Blues referred to it as "pure, beautifully unaffected and powerful." And The Boston Globe proclaimed "She roars with a sizzling hot intensity." While still in her 20s, sheâ??s opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and numerous festivals around the world, scored critics choice awards on both sides of the Atlantic (The New York Times and The Times of London) and shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and John Mayer. Heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, Copelandâ??s shot at the eventual title of Queen of the Blues is pretty clear. By some standards, she may already be there. "She belongs to the school of blues belters whose roars could move rocks up hills" - Jay Ruttenberg, Time Out NY More info at: www.shemekiacopeland.com/
When: Oct 8, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18 )
From humble beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona to the streets of San Francisco THE TUBES were catapulted into Rock and Rollâ??s limelight in the mid 1970â??s with such classic rock staples as White Punks On Dope, What Do You Want From Life, Mondo Bondage, Donâ??t Touch Me There, Sushi Girl, Talk To Ya Later and their Number 1 Billboard hit Sheâ??s A Beauty. No matter how memorable their recordings were, the lifeline of the band has always been their live performance. From the exuberant and imaginative to the outrageous, they continue to perform for hordes of fans throughout the world. Their current line up (still retaining four original members) consists of the enigmatic and unforgettable vocalist Fee Waybill, the elusive guitarist Roger Steen, the solid bass playing of Rick Anderson, the legendary Prairie Prince on drums, and keyboardist extroardinaire David Medd. The Tubes didn't invent the idea of rock & roll as theater, but they have certainly thrived on the concept. Few bands have had a more entertaining and over the top live show. Their influence can be seen in many of the visually oriented groups of today such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marilyn Manson and others. Though they may have been ahead of their time in the eighties, they havenâ??t lost a step and continue to reinvent themselves. In a world where visual stimulation is king, they are right at home and masters of their domain. Theyâ??ve been recognized not only as a great band to watch, but a great band period! They continue to write clever, provocative material as heard on their most recent critically acclaimed release Genius Of America and continue to add to their body of work with DVD/Video releases from their live shows including The Tubes World Tour and the 2005 release Wild In London. They are currently in the studio preparing all new material for their new recording and tour. Though their roots are steeped in the classic rock theyâ??ve created, The Tubes continue to innovate, evolve and ignite, no matter where they go.
When: Oct 23, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18 )
Ronnie Earl's got it. Whatever it is that makes The Blues dig down into your soul and stir it up. Whatever it is that can hold your attention with six strings and 22 frets and never sound stale or mediocre. Whatever it is that makes you smile in the midst of a very dangerous and heartless world. Whatever it is, he's got it down. Maybe it was his years with Roomful of Blues. Or maybe it was the years touring with his own bands throughout the world that makes him equally conversant with the styles of Robert Jr. Lockwood, T-Bone Walker, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Or maybe it's something that you don't get on the road or alone in a room practicing scales. Maybe it's something you find inside yourself and learn to express on guitar, piano, easel, trowel or skillsaw. Maybe he's one of us and we can feel it when he plays, letting us know that, like us, he's been up, down and everywhere in between. Or maybe he's just one of the finest living Blues guitarists on the planet. If you love the Blues and you haven't been to a Ronnie Earl show, do yourself a favor. In 2008 Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters celebrated 20 years as a band. The current Broadcasters are: Dave Limina, Hammond B3, Piano, Lorne Entress, Drummer/Producer and Jim Mouradian, Bass. More info: RonnieEarl.com
When: Nov 20, 2010 8 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20 )
Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Route 2A, Shirley, Massachusetts 01464 ~ TEL: 978-425-4311 or 877-536-7190 Toll Free ~ The doors open at 6 PM for dinner reservations and seating. The show starts at 8 PM. ~ http://www.bullrunrestaurant.com
When: Nov 27, 2010 6 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18 )
SPECIAL SPLIT BILL BUSKIN & BATTEAU - Began when folk legend Tom Rush invited them to be his backup band - with David on piano, guitar and vocals - Robin on vocals, violin, guitar and mandolin. Along the way they made Emmy and Grammy-winning charity records and books and TV shows with Marlo Thomas and Chris Cerf and friends; Co-wrote most of Judy Collins' "Fires of Eden" record with Judy; received An Oscar nomination for "On Tip-Toe," the documentary short film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo whose centerpiece was Robin's "Stupid Song"; had their songs recorded by Anne Murray, Oak Ridge Boys (both gold records), Bette Midler, Astrud Gilberto, Peter, Paul & Mary, Johnny Mathis and Melanie; Aretha Franklin, Mel Torme, Take 6, Richie Havens, Elton John; Whitney Houston and Paula Abdul sang their "short songs"; written jingles; produced other peoples projects; and coached middle school girls basketball. And through it all they found time to make three B&B records for their own label, presaging today's rush of indie artist-owned labels. "Irresistible...an amalgam of melodic sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit." - The Washington Post "Buskin & Batteau are the most musically sophisticated act in folk." - The New York Times THE KENNEDYS - Pete and Maura Kennedy met at the Continental Club in Austin Texas. Within a few weeks, they went on their first date at Buddy Holly's grave in Lubbock, TX, and within a year, they were touring together, as part of Nanci Griffith's band, and as the opening act on Nanci's two month tour of the British Isles. In a dusty little dressing room on the top floor of Dublin's Olympia theatre, they penned the songs that would become their first CD, "River of Fallen Stars". The CD was awarded the "Indie" award in 1995 for "Best Adult Contemporary CD" by the National Association of Independent Record Distributors. Ten CDs and several side-projects later (The Strangelings, The Stringbusters, and their solo projects), they enjoy loyal followings in both the guitar camp and the singer-songwriter set. Ultimately it's their tight harmonies, their chemistry, and their unashamedly idealistic outlook that has carved them their own niche in the studio and onstage. The Kennedys have recorded and released 10 CDs internationally since 1995, and have performed live in the US, Canada and Europe continually ever since.
When: Dec 11, 2010 8 PM Where: Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20 )
