Summer is right around the corner. I got out and played my first round of golf yesterday at Okemo Valley Golf Club and I'm planning my summer activities (Rodeo at Pond Hill Ranch, tubing in Stockbridge, etc). One thing is for sure though - I will be at Jackson Gore every Friday night for the free concerts - the lineup of bands at this season's Jackson Gore Music Series is the best yet!
Nobody can deny it. Times are tough and people are cutting back on the luxuries in life. Well one thing is still on the up and up and still FREE - the Jackson Gore Music Series presented by Bud Light. We're glad to welcome back some of the favorites from years past and bring in some new acts to the mix, so grab your lawn chairs or blankets, and bring an appetite because the Coleman Brook Tavern BBQ is back with their mouth watering ribs, bbq chicken, and all the fixin's to go with it.
The concert series kicks off on May 29th with local favorite Gypsy Reel. It's sure to be a good night of, as they put it, Celtic music in overdrive featuring a fiddle, banjo, mandolins, guitars, stand up bass, and special guest and master percussionist Hafiz Shabazz. Next up, on Friday the 5th of June its "The Grift" - it's Vermont Rock & Roll with a bit of electric funk mixed in. This dynamic band will get you moving with original tunes and a wide range of covers from Aerosmith to the Grateful Dead. June 12th we're back to blues with The Chris Kleeman Band. This local powerhouse has brought the best blues in the Okemo Valley to the Jackson Gore Music Series each year - and "if it ain't broke don't fix it". We're welcoming back Chris and the band for the 5th year of the series.
The blues continues on the 19th with The Nobby Reed Project. Nobby has been featured on VH1, the History Channel, and MTV as well as countless radio stations around the country. This Vermont performer has an AMAZING talent and shouldn't be missed.
On the 26th of June join Mary Davis Real Estate and Jackson Gore Development in welcoming back The Vermont Symphony Orchestra. This is the only ticketed Friday night show, but you'll be sure to get a great value with world class music and a great fireworks display. Tickets for this event are on sale at Coleman Brook Tavern or online at okemo.com. For the VSO performance we ask that you please leave your 4 legged friends back at the ranch.
Local favorite Twiddle returns to Jackson Gore to kick off the holiday weekend on July 3rd. This band drew a huge crowd last year and played past anyone's expectations. When they couldn't see the guitar strings anymore they decided to play just a few more songs. The band jams to originals and covers and will send you away musically satisfied.
One of my personal favorites makes the trip up from Boston again this year to bring a reggae beat to the series. Spiritual Rez, and the 7 members that make up the band, play original reggae and funk music complete with a horn section. This is one concert not to be missed - you'll be on your feet for the entire show!
The 17th of July we welcome back Adam Payne and 2Adam12. Adam blends together Funk, R&B, Folk, and Acoustic for a totally unique sound. Last year he broke out with an "Okemo" song in the middle of the set as well! Enjoy some of his music and amazing covers from your favorite artists. Leaning a little more towards the jazz genre but keeping the funk going we bring in Sly Geralds on the 24th of July. Sharing the stage with musical giants such as Maceo Parker, Al Green, Levon Helm, Richie Havens and Bob Dylan to name a few, Sly blends elements of blues, funk, soul and rock for your listening pleasure.
Local rock band Fry Daddy joins the linup on the last day of July. The band has been performing in the Upper Valley for the past ten years. Led by singer song writer, Carlos Ocasio, the band's music is a foot stomping, heart thumping stew of originals, soul, rhythm and blues, and Latin beats. Couple that with the reggae beats of Roots of Creation on the 7th of August and you've got music that will move you! ROC, with a horn section and great beats, will be sure to have you on your feet.
We welcome back Dr. Burma on the 14th of August. Dynamic vocals, stellar musicianship, and an irresistible groove have built their reputation as one of the area's premier rhythm & blues dance bands, playing clubs, concerts, festivals and parties throughout northern New England and New York.
This year we're excited to bring The Boston Horns to the series. With a mixture of Jazz & Funk this sextet will be sure to impress. Special guest Barrence Whitfield joins The Boston Horns on the 21st with his legendary vocals. We're back to funk for the last show in August. The New Groove Orchestra is making a special trip down from their home in Montreal to funk up Jackson Gore before the summer has passed. Let Meghan Patrick tie this 10 person (yes, 10) band together with her amazing vocals - do NOT miss this show!
BONUS WEEK! - As part of the economic stimulus package put forth by President Obama, Okemo is offering a bonus week this year! September 4th we close the series out with BuzzUniverse. An original eclectic blend of rock, jazz, latin & world grooves. BuzzUniverse features smoking horns and a rock-solid rhythm section.
Check back each week for more information on the upcoming show, and I hope to see you every Friday night this summer!
