The Big Band Blast will return to The Cabot to once again pay homage to the 1939 Big Band Battles at Carnegie Hall!

Masterfully crafted by Henley Douglas Jr. and band leaders Carlos Menezes Jr of BrassFed Nation and Brian Thomas and Alex Lee Clark of BT ALC Big Band, “Round Three” promises the return of two, twenty-piece orchestras side-by-side for an evening of high-energy trading and showmanship!

About BrassFed Nation

Founded by Carlos Menezes Jr. in 2013, BrassFed Nation is dedicated to the advancement of horn-driven music through exposure and outreach in both education and local musical culture! The collective features 4 unique ensembles; The Jambalaya Horns, Cape Ann Big Band, DubTone Beat, and the 13-Piece Brass-Fed Orchestra – all striving to inspire and connect musicians of all ages through private studio lessons, performances, workshops, and interactive clinics. In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band alone has become one of the most sought after ensembles in the North Shore and Greater Boston area.

About BT ALC Big Band

Since the group’s formation in 2011, BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythms section reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk.

Birds of a Feather is a new American indie family superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries – Brooklyn’s, longtime children’s music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago. Individually, Suzi and Ann have each maintained a strong presence in the national kids music scene, performing with their own bands across the country and producing many award-winning albums on their own. For over a decade, these longtime friends have also been inspired to perform together regularly at esteemed venues including the Kids stage at Lollapalooza (Chicago), The Overture Center (Madison), Jewish Museum (NYC), and Wolftrap (DC) to name a few. Birds of a Feather released their hit Debut Album “Rock Together” in June and are loving performing for audiences throughout the country – including here at the Cabot!

Tusk has been criss-crossing the country since 2008 as The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute.

But of all the Fleetwood Mac tributes playing around the United States today, what exactly sets Tusk apart?

Is it more than five skilled professionals turned masters of their trade through decades of individual musical study, live performance, creative risk, and devotion to the art?

Is it more than their affection and respect for the Fleetwood Mac experience, an entity that continues to endure over 50 years of musical and cultural evolution?

Is it more than vocal similarities, common physical traits, or good costumes?

To be sure, one does not fare well in the tribute scene without displaying some or all of these characteristics. So what qualities does Tusk possess that can’t be learned, bought, or created simply from a desire to have them?

Chemistry. Synergy. Intuition.

The relationship among the five founding members of Tusk has a rich history that goes back more than four decades. Two met while playing Little League baseball. Two others met in middle school band and marched in lockstep through high school. All five have been playing music with one another over the years in various configurations of original bands, jam bands, singer-songwriter circles, and alternative rock groups. Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other’s musical nuances, shaping each performance with such precision that even the slightest variation, virtually imperceptible to all but the five musicians sharing the stage, is met with a wink and a nod, and usually an inside joke. Tusk is more than a band; they are a family.

Experience the wonder of a Tusk show for yourself.

Piazzolla, Astor – Tangazo (Variations on Buenos Aires)
Villa-Lobos, Heitor – Bachianas Brasileiras No. 2 “The Little Train of Caipira”
Desenne, Paul – Concerto for 2 Flutes
Copland – El Salon Mexico

Special guests:
Robert Langevin, flute
Marco Granados, flute

We’re proud to present an evening of evocative impressions of Latin America with works from three composers you’ll recognize and one we’re proud to introduce this season. Venezuelan / American composer and cellist Paul Desenne, who passed away in 2023 at age 63, was a founding member of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and resident composer for El Sistema. His 2013 Concerto for 2 Flutes will feature Robert Langevin, Principal Flute of the New York Philharmonic, and Marco Granados, one of the world’s leading flutists in Latin American music. The program opens with a lyrical, edgy work by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla, followed by Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Bach-inspired representations of Brazilian life. We’ll finish the evening with American icon Aaron Copland, who infused Mexican folk music into his rousing work.

Friendly jams for friendly people, led by our fun faculty performers.

Music is a collaborative art form, bringing us together to listen, learn, and rip a few hot breaks. Join us as we open Groton Hill’s inspiring facilities to jammers from across the region. Pick your favorite genre and play, move from room to room, or just hang out with friends to listen over a pint. Jams will run every second Tuesday from September through June!
Ages 16+ welcome!