Alastair Moock and Reggie Harris: Race and Song

Saturday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m.

Clark Hall, Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave in LEXINGTON

Meg Stone, my singing partner in crime with the River Rock Band, and I are the opening act for the inaugural concert o the Harmony on the Green coffeehouse concerts in Lexington. We'll do a short set, including a new original song of mine, before we turn things over to the excellent (and Grammy nominated) Alastair Moock and Reggie Harris. Moock, who is white, and Harris, who is African American, will present their program Race and Song, an exploration of history and current events through the lens of race –– and using the powerful tool of music.  They rely on their years’ old friendship to discuss complicated issues of race, class, gender and history with intentionality and generosity of spirit. Together in musical conversation, they open up to each other and frame their lived experiences through music and the use of historical and family photos. Admission is a suggested donation of $20 ($50 max per family) and tickets may be purchased at www.hancockchurch.org/coffeehouse. Reservations are strongly recommended! Refreshments will be served, and you can peruse (and purchase!) original art from Stone's Throw Studios.

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A Stephen Sondheim celebration

Saturday, September 17th at 7:30 p.m.

Melrose Highland Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St in  MELROSE

I kick off the fall with a concert of music by my idol and musical theater genius, Stephen Sondheim. Presented by the Beethoven Society of Melrose, I'm producing this show which will feature a terrific cast of professional singers and pianists from across the area, including my dear friend and longtime singing partner Kaja Fickes. The show will include numbers from Into the Woods, Company, Follies, West Side Story, and more. We'll explore Sondheim's music through the lenses of jazz, cabaret, and traditional musical theater. Admission is a suggested donation at the door. Reception to follow.

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A Gershwin Evening

Monday, November 11th at 7:30 p.m.

Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln St in LEXINGTON

A terrific evening of some of the greatest songs of the Great American Songbook, along with entertaining commentary by Brandeis University professor Stephen Whitfield. Joining me will be singer (and Temple Isaiah cantor) Lisa Doob, pianist Robert Humphreville, and the temple's women's a capella group, The Jeweltones. We'll do timeless standards like I Got Rhythm, Love Is Here To Stay, and Summertime, as well as some lesser known gems. Reception to follow. Open to the public--watch this space for ticket information.

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cd release concert: CAnticles FOr the Turning--

a River Rock Band Christmas

Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

Clark Hall, Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave in LEXINGTON

The River Rock Band follows up its debut album Drawn from the Well with a Christmas album unlike any that you have every heard before. The band traces the Christmas story from Advent through Epiphany with new arrangements of Christmas carols and songs from around the world. It's an acoustic, folk, jazz, Celtic sort of thing! Tickets are $15 adults/$ Kids 18 and under. Go to https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4430330. Free Childcare onsite! Just e-mail mark@hancockchurch.org to reserve childcare.

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A joyful Noyse EARLY MUSIC

Sunday, December 22nd at 2:00 p.m.

Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave in LEXINGTON

A Joyful Noyse, an early music ensemble in residence at Hancock Church, presents a Christmas concert featuring works by the French baroque composer Charpentier. Included will be the cantatas In Nativitatem Domini Canticum and Sur la Naissance de NSJC. This is a group of professional and talented amateur singers and players who always find great musical nuggets that are well worth rediscovering. Take a break from White Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock and come hear some terrific music of the season! Suggested donation of $15 at the door.

Melrose FArmer's MArket

Thursday, October 1st 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Bowden Park, 167 West Emerson Street, MELROSE

I sing every week with the talented Meg Stone as part of the River Rock Band, but for this Market we will make our debut appearance as Meg+Mark, and will be serving up a healthy plate of folk, roots, gospel, and contemporary music for the Sally Frank Farmers Market. Free. www.melrosefarmersmarket.org

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Songs of travel: A Recital

Saturday, October 26th at 7:30 p.m.

The Chapel, Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave in LEXINGTON

Pianist Beverly Soll joins me as we present this intimate recital of songs of travel by Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Flanders & Swann, and even some settings of travel songs from the The Lord of the Rings! There are only 60 seats in this venue, so reservations are strongly recommended. Buy tickets securely online here!

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SONgs of TRavel--Beethoven Society

Sunday, October 20th at 3:00 p.m.

Melrose Highlands Congregational Church

355 Franklin ST, MELROSE

Pianist Beverly Soll again joins me as we reprise the Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel for the monthly concert of the Beethoven Society of Melrose. Also on the program is singer Eileen Christenson. Donation at the door. Open to the public.

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A musical Tribute To Leonard Bernstein

Annisquam Village Church Concert Series

Sunday, July 22nd 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

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Copland: Old American Songs

with the Lexington Pops Chorus

Friday and Saturday, January 12th and 13th at 7:30 p.m.

I will be singing selections of from Aaron Copland's Old American Songs with the Lexington Pops Chorus under Robert Lague. 

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With Love, Oscar & Steve: A Valentine's Cabaret

The Love Songs of Oscar Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim

Saturday, February 10th at 7:30 p.m.

Temple Beth Shalom, 21 East Foster S

I am joined by the terrific Jean Danton and Sarah Troxler for this intimate show about love and relationships just in time for Valentine's Day. Between them, Oscar Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim were intimately involved with  the development of the Broadway musical from operetta to a new show this year. We'll sing familiar hits as well as rarities--a romantic show for your special someone!

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A Mighty Fortress: 

The Origins of the Protestant Chorale

Sunday, November 19th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

A Joyful Noyse Early Music Ensemble

We celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a terrific program on the origins and influences of the protestant chorale. Music by Martin Luther, J.S. Bach, Josquin, and many more, along with commentary by Dr. Teresa Neff. I will be singing, conducting, and playing recorder and crumhorn (!) 

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Making of a Masterpiece:

Handel's Messiah

November 2016

A Joyful Noyse Early Music Ensemble

The group explores the sources and inspirations of Handel's masterwork. They perform music by Handel, Corelli, Telemann, and more with commentary by Dr. Teresa Neff. I will be conducting the ensemble pieces. Part of the Hancock Concert Series.

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Beethoven Society 90th Anniversary Celebration

Beethoven: An die ferne Geliebte

December 2016

I will help celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Beethoven Society's 90th anniversary celebration in December with a performance of Beethoven's terrific song cycle An de ferne Geliebte, accompanied by pianist Beverly Soll. Also on the program are other chamber and vocal works, including a number of the Beethoven settings of Scottish songs!

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Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert

Polymnia Choral Society

Memorial Hall, Melrose

Polymnia Choral Society presents a concert version of Superstar, with Broadway star Danny Zollli and Jesus, and accompanied by orchestra. I will be playing Herod (!) A very fun turn in a powerful piece.

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