Mechanics Hall

Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz Avery Sharpe Celebrates Sojourner Truth
2024-09-19 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz features three performances that, through jazz, musically illuminate the remarkable lives and legacies of Sojourner Truth, William and Martha Brown, and Frederick Douglass, the subjects of the Great Hall’s newest portrait installations. The performances will captivate jazz fans, history buffs, artists, poets and storytellers, and, well, everyone!!

Series and individual performances tickets are available. Buy Tickets

Celebrated bassist and composer Avery Sharpe will deliver a performance of his music album Sojourner Truth—‘ain’t I a woman,’ inspired by and based on Truth’s incredible life story.
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Joining Avery Sharpe are Zaccai Curtis on piano, Jonathan Barber on drums, Charles Langford on saxophones, and Haneef Nelson on trumpet. Vocalist Maya Sharpe’s powerful voice is a fitting companion to Truth’s powerful words.

www.averysharpe.com

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797 in Swartekill, New York, escaping to freedom with her infant daughter in 1826. Her accomplishments include winning her son’s freedom through a court case; recruiting Black troops in the Civil War; tirelessly championing land rights for the formerly enslaved and, in mid-life, she became an outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, civil and women’s rights, religious tolerance, and pacifism.

In 1851, she famously delivered the impactful speech, “And Ar’n’t I a Woman” at a women’s rights convention held in Akron, Ohio.

Avery Sharpe’s album music evokes the passion, conviction, and experience of Sojourner’s life. Her image in the new portrait is imbued with stature and strength, more typically depicted in male portraits in the 19th century.

Series and individual performances tickets are available. Buy Tickets

Date: September 19, 2024, 7:30 to 9:00pm
General Admission: $25
Member Pricing: Use your discount code for 15% off single event tickets!
Series Discount: $68 for all three concerts

Avery Sharpe, one of his generations greatest and most imaginative bassist, pays tribute to ex-slave, woman suffrage advocate, and abolitionist of the 19th century Sojourner Truth by performing pieces from his 2012 recording “Ain’t I a Woman”.

This series is made possible with the generous support of our program sponsors:

Paint Night!
2024-09-17 19:00 | MA
Tuesday, September 17
7pm-9pm
Ages 16 and up
Painting: Worcester Skyline (Photo coming soon!)

Join Mechanic Hall’s own Jessica Bode as you are guided through the steps to create your own masterpiece.

We provide the supplies but you might want to bring an apron.

Cash bar and concessions available.

$20 for Members
$45 for non-members

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Not a member? No worries, JOIN TODAY!

About Jessica
Jessica Bode is currently the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Mechanics Hall where she also runs the Box Office! She graduated with a major in communications & minor in studio art from UMass Amherst, and has always loved anything that has to do with people and art. Jessica taught Paint Nite events from the North Shore to the South Shore and everywhere in between for more than 6 years, and even met her husband at an event she was teaching in 2014! Now a resident of Worcester, Jessica still loves creating art, snuggling with her dogs, eating delicious food and being a part of the amazing team at Mechanics Hall!

Salsa Social with DJ Al Riv
2024-09-13 19:00 - 23:00 | MA
Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful Great Hall will open for social dance from 8:00-11:00.

Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester Since then she has studied with many leading Salsa and Bachata instructors in New York, Boston, Connecticut, Providence and Houston and has performed on various Salsa and Bachata dance teams at Latin Dance congresses across the U.S. Laura teaches for Fiesta Dance at Margaritas in Northborough as well as at Assabet After Dark in Marlborough. Featuring DJ Al Riv.

https://fiestadancecompany.com/

7pm – 8pm: Lesson
8pm – 11pm: Open Dance

Members: Free
Nonmembers: $10 Advance Purchase | $15 at the Door
Time: September 13 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Audience: 18+
Cash bar and concessions available.

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Not a member? No worries, JOIN TODAY!

New England Ghana Festival 2024
2024-09-07 19:00 - 23:59 | MA
Come let’s dance to rich highlife, hiplife, and afro beats at Mechanics Hall with live performances from Amerado, Sista Afia, Ofori Amponsah and others.

New England Ghana Festival (NEGFEST) 2024 is a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together a dynamic fusion of arts, music, and dance. This extraordinary festival serves as a vibrant showcase of Ghana’s artistic traditions and contemporary expressions, offering an immersive experience into the heart of Ghanaian culture. Attendees will be treated to an array of musical performances, featuring everything from traditional highlife and hiplife to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat. Renowned artists and emerging talents will grace the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that capture the essence of Ghana’s musical legacy.

AMERADO: Amerado is a well-known Ghanaian rapper and songwriter. He gained prominence in the music industry with his unique style and lyrical prowess. His hit song “Kwaku Ananse” is a fan favorite, showcasing his talent and storytelling ability. Amerado is also known for his “Yeete Nsem” series, where he summarizes weekly news in a rap format, combining humor and commentary on current events. His work has earned him a significant following in Ghana and beyond.

ABOUT SISTA AFIA: Sista Afia is a well-known Ghanaian artist who has made a significant impact in the music industry with her blend of highlife, hiplife, and Afrobeat. Some of her popular hits include: “Jeje”, “Slay Queen” and “Weather” Sista Afia is celebrated for her powerful voice and ability to blend traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary beats.

OFORI AMPONSAH: Ofori Amponsah is a renowned Ghanaian musician known for his contributions to the highlife genre. Some of his hit songs include: “Odwo”, “Meye”, “Emmanuella”, “Sikyi”, “Daa Ke Daa”, etc. Ofori Amponsah has a knack for creating music that resonates with a wide audience, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences.

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General Admission: $70
VIP Admission: $100

Queer AF 2024: I'm with the Banned
2024-09-06 17:30 - 23:00 | MA
The Queer Met Gala of Massachusetts is back! Tickets for #QueerAF2024 are finally here – get yours today.

This year’s theme is “I’m with the Banned.” Our books won’t be banished. Our voices won’t be silenced. We won’t be erased.

Friday, September 6th

5:30 PM – 11:00 PM

13+

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

Queer AF, presented by Love Your Labels, is more than a fashion show: It is a declaration. Through the theme “I’m with the banned,” Queer AF 2024 channels the spirit of resistance that runs deep in our community. We come together not just to celebrate our art, fashion, and expression, but to loudly proclaim that our voices will not be silenced, our books will not be banished, and our existence will not be erased. Through every stitch and every word, we honor all individuals facing oppression and collectively fight back against the tide of censorship.

Join us for a vibrant celebration of queerness and powerful resistance, where every garment worn is a battle cry for freedom, a love letter to those who have been silenced, and a beacon of hope for a future where our stories are told and cherished.

Queer AF is organized by Love Your Labels, a nonprofit that supports and uplifts LGBTQ+ youth through art, fashion, and design, and works with families and communities to create inclusive and loving spaces everywhere. All funds raised from Queer AF benefit Love Your Labels’ LGBTQ+ youth programs.

Youth Space (Ages 13-17)

Love Your Labels exists because of and for LGBTQ+ youth. Aligned with Love Your Labels’ commitment to young people, Queer AF 2024 — I’m with the Banned will have a designated seating area specifically for teens ages 13 to 17 that will offer fun accessories and other surprises for youth to enjoy.

The youth area will be entirely alcohol-free and supervised by adult members of the Love Your Labels volunteer team. Youth participants with a completed Love Your Labels permission slip may attend Queer AF 2024 independently until 11 p.m. Youth participants without a permission slip will require an 18+ chaperone for the duration of the show.

We recognize that it can be challenging for LGBTQ+ youth to develop personal connections in their schools and communities. This is why we encourage young folx to embrace this opportunity to mix and mingle with other like-minded youth to make lasting connections.

Queer AF is a force that builds community and cherishes every voice. Together, we are unbreakable.

Organ Performance Series: Cecily DeMarco
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
Cecily DeMarco will showcase her art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or a newcomer to the genre, this event promises to be a delightful and enriching experience for all. Join us for a memorable musical journey that celebrates both the rich tradition of organ music and the innovative spirit of a young organist.
Note: Bring your own “brown bag” lunch or make a purchase at concessions!

Please Note: This performance takes place on the 3rd floor, in the Great Hall.
Table seating is provided and is first-come first-served. Balcony seating also available.
Balcony is not accessible by elevator.

Labeled a “Rising Star” by the American Guild of Organists, Cecily DeMarco (b.2000) is Organ Scholar at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School where she earned her Bachelor of Music Degree. Currently, Cecily is in the Master of Music program at Juilliard and will continue to study with world renowned, Grammy award winning artist, Paul Jacobs.

Cecily has performed on both the east and west coasts, but most frequently in New York and Florida, appearing at venues such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC), Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (NYC), Columbia University (NYC), Bethesda by the Sea (Palm Beach), and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale).
In 2021, Miss DeMarco competed and won first prize in the New York City Chapter of the Regional Competition for Young Organists (RCYO), and proceeded to also win first prize in the Northeast Regional Competition. Because of this win, she participated as a “Rising Star” in a winner’s concert at the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Convention in Seattle, Washington.

FREE ADMISSION (Registration Encouraged)

Tickets: Free (Registration Encouraged)
Time: Wednesday, August 21 at 12:00pm

Concessions purchases available

2024 Pride Worcester Annual Pageant
2024-08-17 18:00 - 21:00 | MA
Saturday, August 17, 2024

6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

(Doors open at 5pm)

Buy Tickets

The pageant is produced by Pride Worcester.
The pageant aims to showcase the diversity of and give a voice to the local LGBTQ+ community.
All participants will be scored against each other with the top two serving as First Majesty of the Worcester Royal Court (first place) and Second Majesty of the Worcester Royal Court (second place). Each Majesty will get to determine their prefix for the duration of their reign.
All members of the local LGBTQ+ community are invited to participate.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to supporting Pride Worcester.
More Info

Music Worcester presents: TAKE3
2024-08-02 20:00 - 22:00 | MA
TAKE3

Seamlessly merging hits from Elvis and the Beatles to Bach and Beethoven, TAKE3 lives at the intersection where pop, rock and classical fusion collide.

Described by audience goers as a mini–Trans Siberian Orchestra experience, TAKE3 is nothing short of exhilarating and has electrified audiences at venues and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. Their unmistakable style and infectious joy in music making brings them to music venues all over the United States. TAKE3 was created by violinist/vocalist, Lindsay Deutsch, Yanni’s featured violin soloist, with whom she has toured throughout most of the 7 continents. Ms. Deutsch has over 100,000 Instagram followers and can be heard throughout Netflix’s popular show, The Witcher and the Hulu series All About Pam.

Buy Tickets (sold through Music Worcester)

"Behind Worcester's Organ" Tour
2024-07-31 13:20 - 14:20 | MA
Join Resident Organist Peter Krasinski as he shows you the inner workings of our historic E. & G.G. Hook Organ. This organ is the oldest organ in the Western Hemisphere that has not been moved from its original installation location. Marvel at this working organ, installed and dedicated in 1864.

Members: FREE
Non-Members: $12

Buy Tickets SOLD OUT

Reservation REQUIRED. Limited number of tickets available!

Organ Performance Series: Alexander Richard Straus-Fausto
2024-07-31 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
Wednesday, July 31

12:00 PM

FREE ADMISSION – Registration Encouraged

This young musician will showcase his art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or a newcomer to the genre, this event promises to be a delightful and enriching experience for all. Join us for a memorable musical journey that celebrates both the rich tradition of organ music and the innovative spirit of a young organist.

Note: Bring your own “brown bag” lunch or make a purchase at concessions!

Alexander Richard Straus-Fausto

Completing his master’s degree in organ performance at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Alexander Richard Straus-Fausto from Kitchener, Ontario is studying under the direction of Dr. Martin Jean. He completed his Bachelor of Music at McGill University Schulich School of Music and his secondary school studies at Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy. He has also studied with Dr. Alcée Chriss, Hans-Ola Ericsson, Dr. Isabelle Demers, Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm, Christian Lane, Rachel Laurin, Tom Bara, Dr. Peter Nikiforuk, and Joe Carere. While still a teenager, Straus-Fausto undertook a Canada Council- funded summer 2019 concert tour of the UK, playing in historic churches and cathedrals, and in 2024 he anticipates returning for concerts at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Straus-Fausto is a member of The Diapason’s “20 under 30 class of 2023,” which recognizes young artists under the age of 30 who have made significant contributions to the field of organ performance. Straus- Fausto was one of ten semi-finalists in the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition 2023.

This performance takes place on the 3rd floor, in the Great Hall.
Table seating is provided and is first-come first-served. Balcony seating also available.
Balcony is not accessible by elevator.

Regalo Tango Marathon
2024-07-19 - 2024-07-21 | MA

John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band Concert
2024-07-17 19:00 | MA
“Anybody can write music of a sort. But touching the public heart is quite another thing.” – John Philip Sousa

Wednesday, July 17th

7:00 PM

Students & Seniors: $10 | Adults: $20

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The John Philip Sousa Foundation is proud to present the 15th biannual edition of the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band, showcasing some of the highest achieving young wind band musicians the United States has to offer. The festival will take place at Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center in Boxborough, MA, July 14-17, 2024 . The final performance will be on Wednesday evening, July 17, 2024 at 7:00pm in the Great Hall at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. The John Philip Sousa Foundation offers many dynamic programs to support the cause of wind band music around the country as a way to bring honor to that most famous and respected of bandsmen, John Philip Sousa. One of the Foundation’s most popular events is the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band. The band is open, by application, to all outstanding high school band students from throughout the United States. This program has been in existence since 1980 and has created outstanding opportunities for some of the most competent high school musicians in the country to come together and make music in the finest honors band setting.

Michael J. Colburn
Conductor

Michael J. Colburn is a freelance guest conductor and clinician who regularly leads professional and student ensembles in festivals, residencies, and a variety of other settings throughout the country In June 2024 he was appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Orchestra of Northern New York, a professional orchestra based in Potsdam, NY. He is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Me2 Orchestra in Burlington, VT, a classical music organization devoted to erasing the stigma of mental illness through supportive rehearsals and inspiring performances, and he also serves as an Affiliate Artist at the University of Vermont. In 2024 he became a member of the Educational Consultant team at the Conn Selmer Division of Education. From 2014 until 2022, Colburn served as the Director of Bands at Butler University in Indianapolis, where he conducted the Butler University Wind Ensemble and offered instruction in conducting, euphonium, and the history and literature of the wind band. Before his tenure at Butler, Colburn served for 27 years in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, where he held a variety of positions including Principal Euphonium (1991-1996), Assistant Director (1996-2004), and Director (2004-2014). As Director, Colburn was music advisor to White House and regularly conducted the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra at the Executive Mansion and at the Presidential Inaugurations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was promoted to Colonel by President Bush in a private Oval Office ceremony in 2007, and in 2014 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by Gen James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Medal of Honor by the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Board of Directors.

Committed to the promotion of new music, Colburn has commissioned band works from several highly accomplished composers including John Williams, Michael Abels, Stacy Garrop, Michael Gandolfi, David Rakowski, Melinda Wagner, Michael Schelle, and Frank Felice. He has served as the chair of the Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Award, and as an adjudicator for the Sudler Award, the Barlow Endowment, Music for All, and the Col. George S. Howard Award for Excellence in Military Bands. Colburn is a Past President of the American Bandmasters Association, has been a board member of the National Band Association, and currently serves as Vice President for Project Enhancement for the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

About the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band

The John Philip Sousa Foundation offers many dynamic programs to support the cause of wind band music around the country as a way to bring honor to that most famous and respected of bandsmen, John Philip Sousa. One of the Foundation’s most popular events is the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band, which is organized every two years. The band is open, by application, to all outstanding high school band students from throughout the United States. This program has been in existence for many years and has created outstanding opportunities for some of the most competent high school musicians in the country to come together and make music in the finest honors band setting. Beginning after 2000, the John Philip Sousa Foundation also decided to create regional junior high school-level honors bands as a way to recognize the very special talents of junior high school-aged band students in grades 7, 8 and 9.

Salsa Social
2024-07-12 19:00 - 23:00 | MA
Friday, July 12

7pm – 8pm: Lesson
8pm – 11pm: Open Dance

Mechanics Hall Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $10
Buy Tickets
Not a member? No worries, JOIN TODAY!

18+

Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful Great Hall will open for social dance from 8:00-11:00.

Cash bar and concessions available.

Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester Since then she has studied with many leading Salsa and Bachata instructors in New York, Boston, Connecticut, Providence and Houston and has performed on various Salsa and Bachata dance teams at Latin Dance congresses across the U.S. Laura teaches for Fiesta Dance at Margaritas in Northborough as well as at Assabet After Dark in Marlborough.
https://fiestadancecompany.com/

Organ Performance Series: Organ & Trumpet concert with Peter Edwin Krasinski and Richard Watson
2024-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
FREE ADMISSION – Registration Encouraged
Wednesday, July 10
12PM – 1PM

Bring your own lunch, or lunches will be available for purchase

Mechanics Hall Principal Organist, Peter Krasinski will be performing with Richard Watson on the trumpet at this special noontime concert.

Hailed by the Boston Globe as an “exceedingly gifted” trumpeter, and complimented by Wynton Marsalis for his “wide open, soulful sound,” Richard Watson’s playing was recently described by John Zeugner of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as “stunning perfection.”
Watson spent his final two years of high school at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts, where he was accepted into Benjamin Zander’s masterclass and the private studio of Boston Symphony Principal Trumpet Charles Schlueter. At the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Watson continued his studies with Schlueter while studying solfège with Larry Scripp. He then spent three summers as a member of the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, working with the legendary Roger Voisin. After his time at Tanglewood, Watson’s studies continued with Vincent Penzarella of the New York Philharmonic and James Pandolfi of the Metropolitan Opera.
Mr. Watson has appeared as soloist with the Nashua, Granite State, Worcester, and Boston Symphony Orchestras, the Salem and North Shore Philharmonic Orchestras, the New England Chamber Orchestra, and the Waldstadt Kammerorchester Karlsruhe. Hope, his album of music for trumpet and organ with Douglas Major, is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2008.
In addition to his work as a soloist, Mr. Watson serves as Principal Trumpet of both the Nashua and Granite State Symphony Orchestras and Assistant Principal of the Boston Philharmonic. As an orchestral musician, Watson can be heard on recordings with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops, the Boston Philharmonic, the Albany Symphony, and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and on the Sony Classical video series, Marsalis on Music.
A native of Danvers, Massachusetts, Watson now lives in Peabody, Massachusetts with his wife Jacqueline and their son William.

Summer Afternoon
2024-06-30 16:00 - 23:00 | MA
Sunday, June 30

4:00PM – 11:00PM

Tickets and Information

Wyatt Wade Celebration of Life
2024-06-28 13:00 - 17:00 | MA

Club 321 featuring Jeffrey Foucault
2024-06-20 19:00 | MA
Buy Tickets
Thursday, July 20
DOORS: 6:15PM
SHOW: 7:00PM

“Contemporary and timeless”

— NEW YORK TIMES
In two decades on the road Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power, a decidedly Midwestern amalgam of blues, country, rock’n’roll, and folk. He’s built a brick-and-mortar international touring career on multiple studio albums, countless miles, and general critical acclaim, being lauded for “Stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest” (The New Yorker), and described as “Quietly brilliant” (The Irish Times), while catching the ear of everyone from Van Dyke Parks to Greil Marcus, to Don Henley, who regularly covers Foucault in his live set. BLOOD BROTHERS is the sixth collection of original songs in a career remarkable for an unrelenting dedication to craft, and independence from trend.

What is Club 321?

Affordable, sophisticated, live music series in the heart of downtown! Club 321 offers exceptional music once a month on Thursdays, delivering a vibe that is both artful and warm. Meet up with your friends or step up your date night!

Tickets: $20 Advance | $23 Door

Time: Doors 6:15pm | Show 7:00pm

Audience: 18+

Cash bar and refreshments available for purchase

Mechanics Hall is walking distance from all downtown locations. The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. All concerts take place in Washburn Hall on the second floor. If you need assistance, please contact Mechanics Hall by calling 508-752-5608.

Baystate Community Services REC Annual Meeting
2024-06-14 11:00 - 14:00 | MA

IMA 100th Anniversary Gala
2024-06-13 16:00 | MA

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club
2024-06-13 07:00 - 09:00 | MA
Please join us for this event which features a speaking program, salutes to area businesses and a networking breakfast. More than 200 area professionals attend.

REGISTER

Salutes:
100 Years Table Talk Pies, Inc.
100 Years American Heart Association
Matt Vaccaro, President & Owner, Worcester Bravehearts
Mary McGovern, President, Country Bank
Alex Guardiola, President and CEO, Better Business Bureau
McHala Brophy, Executive Director, Worcester Education Development Foundation

Keynote Speaker: Doug Howgate, President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation

Supporting Sponsorship is available. Reach out to Karen for more information.

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Inc presents Gold & Silver Award Ceremony
2024-06-12 17:30 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States

A Joyful Noise: A Concert to Benefit Neighborhood Strings
2024-06-06 19:00 | MA
Join us for A Joyful Noise, a concert to benefit Neighborhood Strings, on June 6, 2024 at Mechanics Hall. The evening of sparkling music, tantalizing desserts, and libations includes a world-premiere by acclaimed composer Kareem Roustom, performances by WCMS, Neighborhood Strings, and a host of guest artists. Guest artists come from Community MusicWorks, Boston String Academy, and The Newport String Project, other nationally recognized El Sistema inspired programs.

The evening will include a cash bar, and a curated selection of desserts by Worcester’s best- known bakeries, including
Bean Counter Bakery, On the Rise, Sweet Pan Gourmet, and Joe Cannoli’s Bakery.

TICKETS

Many Voices Youth Singers Spring Concert
2024-06-01 16:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Saturday, June 1
Doors: 3:30pm | Show: 4:00pm
Theme: Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope

The Many Voices Mechanics Hall Youth Singers are thrilled to present our 2024 Spring Season Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope. This program represents diverse musical perspectives calling for peace, human connection, and love. Where words fail, music can transcend all differences, conflicts, and limitations. In celebration of the historic figures depicted in the new portraits commission of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and William and Martha Brown, the musical selections are meant to empower every singer and listener so that they know they are the key to making our world a better place.

Music selections include Hall of Fame by the Script; Glorious by Stephanie Mabey/arr. Masa Fukuda; Oye (Spanish text) by Jim Papoulis; Lift Every Voice (African American Anthem) by James Johnson; and Many Voices Anthem by Lindsey and Reagan Paras.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

TICKETS

Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers

Many Voices is the anchor youth program at Mechanics Hall, a recognition that Worcester’s children are the heart and soul of our richly multicultural city. Open to 5th and 6th graders from every Worcester neighborhood, this non-auditioned chorus gives children from all backgrounds the opportunity to practice and perform at Mechanics Hall — their own “home” concert hall. Under professional direction, they learn to sing a variety of music, build friendships, and work toward excellence — together and in harmony. There is no cost to participate in the chorus.

Many Voices made its debut during the Mechanics Hall free Founder’s Day event, Sunday, October 16, 2022.

The Many Voices Vision
Our vision is to present music from around the world — contemporary and classic — and selected with the cultures and music of our young voices in mind.

What Many Voices Offers Worcester Youth
Many Voices will allow every interested 5th & 6th grade student living in or attending school in Worcester to:

participate in a musical program that cultivates deep and meaningful experiences of cross-cultural friendships, harmonization, teamwork, and a taste of excellence
build a singing practice, try new things, and improve their skills
perform for public audiences and for each other, with and without instrumental accompaniment
experience Worcester’s renowned Mechanics Hall as their own concert hall
learn from and perform with collegiate and adult choral singers

Pre-register for the 2024-2025 Season!

For questions, please email ccarney@mechanicshall.us.

Artistic Director

Reagan G. Paras serves as an associate professor for Berklee College of Music in the music education department. A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. He is the artistic director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, performing repertoire that authentically honors the mosaic of cultures represented in the ensemble. He serves as the music director for The Nashua Choral Society, one of the premier choral ensembles in the state. Throughout the summer, he conducts the Kodály Music Institute Choir, which is comprised of music educators from across the globe. He co-founded two professional chamber choirs: Diamonds From The Dust and Vellichor, where he continues to serve as a board member and singing artist. An emerging researcher, Reagan regularly presents at research symposiums across the United States. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals across the country.

Managing Director
Christon Carney, a native of Nashville, TN, received his M.Mus. in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory, and his B.Mus. in Music Education from Lipscomb University. He debuted as Giuseppe in Nashville Opera’s production of La Traviata, and performs with the Boston Lyric Opera. He has been a concert soloist with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, the Heimermann Chorale, and has extensive choral experience. His honors received include the prestigious ABRSM Diploma in Voice, and finalist in the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. A compelling recitalist, performances include the Music at Trinity Music School and Mechanics Hall’s Concerts Plus series. He has been lead tenor at many religious organizations, including Worcester’s Parish of All Saints. He is currently Education and Outreach Coordinator at Mechanics Hall, and is a vocal instructor at the Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester.

Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards
2024-05-30 17:00 | MA
Presented by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau

In 1987, when Tom Green, a distinguished civic leader, former Vice President of Norton Company, and a founder of The Research Bureau passed away, we honored his memory by establishing the Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards for outstanding public servants. Since 1988, The Research Bureau has recognized over 100 “unsung heroes” in municipal government for their commitment to making Worcester and nearby communities better places to live and work.

Information & Nominee Form

Northbridge Brass Endeavors presents Afternoon of Brass #3
2024-05-26 15:30 | MA
Featuring WGBH/WCRB’s Brian McCreath as emcee, Lawrence Isaacson as resident conductor, Stephen Bulla as guest conductor and selected Boston Symphony Orchestra and Pops brass players, the concert series will be nothing less than … spectacular! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the power and beauty of brass music live in person either as a participant or spectator.

New for this year is a call for volunteer singers and brass players who will join forces with the professional brass onstage. Click here if you are interested!

More information & Tickets

Worcester Youth Orchestras 75th Season Finale Concert
2024-05-19 16:00 | MA
Tickets & Information

UMass Memorial Health presents Hope & Healing Celebration
2024-05-17 17:30 | MA
Join us for the Hope & Healing Celebration, Worcester’s premier fundraising gala to support the lifesaving work of UMass Memorial Health. The 2024 Fund-a-Need beneficiary is the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, the only full-service pediatric hospital in Central Massachusetts, committed to providing children and families access to the care they need close to home.

Tickets & More Information

Club 321 featuring Sol y Canto
2024-05-16 19:00 | MA
Sol y Canto’s mission is to create music and performances that move, delight, excite and connect – connect the audience to the richness of Latin American culture; connect individuals, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to each other through shared experience of music, poetry, humor and a joyful, playful vibe; and connect us all to our hopes and visions of a better world.

SolyCanto.com

Tickets: $20 Advance | $23 Door

Time: Doors 6:15pm | Show 7:00pm

Audience: 18+

Cash bar and refreshments available for purchase

Tickets

Mechanics Hall is walking distance from all downtown locations. The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. All concerts take place in Washburn Hall on the second floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Monday through Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm, by calling 508-752-5608.

Joy of Music Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
2024-05-15 18:30 | MA
Dr. Ted Conna Memorial Concert

Featuring Timothy Terranella, Conductor, and Soloist William Ryan, Concertmaster

Additional Performances by:

JOMP Jazz Ensemble, Sinfonietta Strings, Clarinet Ensemble, and String Quartet

Joy of Music’s original purpose of giving children a joyful and solid foundation for life-long musical growth, regardless of income, is still at the heart of the vital and thriving non-profit community music school that now serves people of all ages. A testament to the outstanding work of our faculty over the past 37 years is the large number of students who start at JOMP as young children and continue to study here through high school. Adults also find that JOMP is an ideal place to study, whether they are learning to play an instrument for the first time or are already accomplished musicians who have the desire to keep music as a balancing force in their lives. We hope you and your family will join us at this very exciting time in our history. You will experience a musical kinship among our teachers and our students, who are studying music for the love of it and for the joy it brings to their lives.

Wednesday, May 15th

6:30 pm – Pre-show Jazz & Reception (Cash Bar)
7:00 pm – Concert

*FREE ADMISSION*
Registration Required

Register HERE

UMass Service Recognition Awards
2024-05-13 17:30 | MA
