Nothing still about this Moss
The Chicago electric blues ensemble The Nick Moss Band will celebrate the release of its new album, “Get Your Back Into It!” with a performance set for Dec. 8 at Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. The band consists of Nick Moss, singer/guitarist; Dennis Gruenling, harmonica virtuoso; Rodrigo Mantovani, bass; Taylor Streiff, keyboards; and Pierce Downer, drums. “Get Your Back Into It!” has 14 original songs inspired by the spirit of classic blues of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. According to Moss, “We are a rare breed as far as how authentic we like to keep the music.” Furthermore, on stage “we can’t hold back, and the energy just comes pouring out. We get carried away and the audience gets carried away with us,” he said. (RD)
What: The Nick Moss Band
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 8 (doors open for dinner and seating at 6 p.m.)
Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley
How much: $22 in advance; $25 at the door. bullrunreastaurant.com.
Music of Mali
The African music ensemble, Crocodile River Music, will feature at Mali Fest, a three-day celebration of music and dance from Mali, with concerts, workshop and more taking place at the Jean McDonough Arts Center in Worcester. Based in Worcester, Crocodile River Music is a nonprofit organization that shares the music, art and cultures of Africa with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The event features three concerts, two workshops, and exhibition of Malian art. Advanced registration is required for concerts and workshops. (MS)
What: Mali Fest
When: Events scheduled Dec. 8 to 10
Where: Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20B Franklin St., Worcester
How much: Free. crocodilerivermusic.com.
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Capturing the beauty of nature
“Nature & Wildlife Photography” by Janet L. McDonald is on display and for sale at Booklovers’ Gourmet café gallery in Webster this month through Dec. 30 during regular business hours. A free meet-the-artist reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 9. McDonald’s photography has been exhibited at the Sprinkler Factory Gallery, The Vanilla Bean Café, The Rose Room, Attleboro Art Museum, the Sherill Library in Cambridge and many other libraries in the Northeast. McDonald says, “I often find wonder and beauty in the world around me. Whether I’m walking through the woods or even spending time in my own neighborhood, I always see magic in the ordinary.” (RD)
What: “Nature & Wildlife Photography” by Janet L. McDonald — artist reception
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Booklovers Gourmet, 72 East Main St., Webster
How much: Free. bookloversgourmet.com.
‘… and to all a good night!’
There’s something endearingly surreal about the idea of a crowd of a 100 Santas marching up and down Green Street, making spreading holiday cheer at local bars and restaurants. It might seem like a holiday dream, but the Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade Santa Crawl makes it a reality! The Santa crawl is a benefit for CASA Project Worcester County, an organization that advocates for and supports foster youth as they navigate the Juvenile Court system. Participating bars and restaurants include Femme Bar, Russo Italian Restaurant, Mai Tai Sushi & Bar, 107 Tap, Bay State Brewery, Wachusett Brewery, El Patrón Mexican Restaurant, Boland’s Bar & Patio, The District Wood Fired Kitchen, Lock 50 and 1885. (VI)
What: The Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade Santa Crawl
When: Registration and check-in from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 107 TAP, 107 Water St., Worcester; after party beginning around 7 p.m. at Mai Tai Sushi & Bar, 69 Green St, Worcester.
Where: The Worcester Canal District
How much: $25, tickets available at one.bidpal.net/santacrawl2023/welcome.
Book club turned benefit
What happens when a group of musicians read a book together? In Worcester, they put together a show where every song was written by the book’s author. Worcester band Colt and the Coyotes have always been inspired by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, frequently sprinkling their setlists with Carlile covers. When each band member read Carlile’s memoir, “Broken Horses,” one thing led to another and a benefit concert for Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation began taking shape. That benefit concert will take place at Electric Haze on Dec. 9, with Colt and the Coyotes, Giuliano, Sarah Louise French, and more putting their own twists on Carlile’s songs. (MT)
What: Broken Horses: A Brandi Carlile Tribute Event
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester
How much: $22 online through allevents.in, $30 at the door. thehaze.com.
Songs for the season
Husband-and-wife Daniel Brevik, bass-baritone, and Jennifer Fijal-Brevik, mezzo-soprano, will present “Winter Songs,” a program of classical, musical theater and holiday season songs to welcome the winter season on Dec. 10 at the Stone Church Cultural Center in Gilbertville. Ania Bostock will be the piano accompanist. Daniel Brevik is a recipient of Opera Theater of St. Louis’ Richard Gaddes Career Grant and the Wendy Shattuck Presidential Scholarship at the New England Conservatory. He teaches voice at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford. Jennifer Fijal-Brevik has a master’s degree in voice and opera from the New England Conservatory, where she performed in the American premiere of Rossini’s historic opera “La Gazzetta.” She also plays keyboard and conducts choral singing. A public reception will follow the concert. The concert is presented by Friends of the Stone Church. (RD)
What: “Winter Songs” — Daniel Brevik, bass-baritone, and Jennifer Fijal-Brevik, mezzo-soprano
When: 4 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Stone Church Cultural Center, 283 Main St., Gilbertville
How much: $20 at the door or in advance. Free for youth under 18 and holders of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Card to Culture. See link at tickettailor.com.
