Hough Laurie and my friend Jean McClain a/k/a Pepper Mashay, on tour and on Jay Leno Tonight!

A Message from the President

By Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

Music has been my life for all of my life but I have not been active in the music industry until the day I set foot in Miami’s Winter Music Conference, back in’05. It changed my life. I met a lot of great people and most are still great friends now. One of them is Jean McClain a/k/a Pepper MaShay. She has introduced me to a lot of people and continues to be a motivating force behind all of my music business activity. A year or so before that, I experienced a heart attack and the first night I could sit up and watch TV, Hough Laurie was on as DR House and the episode was about, among all things, a heart attack. That episode changed my life and moved me from an ordinary positive person with a dream to the winning grown up most of you know today. So you’ll excuse the life bias interest in the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, 11:35 PM EST on NBC. My friend, Jean McClain joins Hough Laurie a/k/a Dr House, as they launch on a tour that will take them though many parts of the world and yes, the US. TV has a long tradition of live music performances and live music events. So it’s fitting that just before the tour starts, everyone with a TV can access a taste of some good ol’ hot, swampy Louisiana blues music they’re likely to perform tonight.

So stay up tonight and catch a short tease of the music, then click a mouse and find the tour. You never know, it could change your life.

Resources:

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show

Hough Laurie Music, Tour and information: http://hughlaurieblues.com   

   

Want to dress up to dine out and waltz to the music? Then you’d better not plan on hangin’ out with me at Dick’s Last Resort!

By Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

Sorry bud; but if ya’ want to go to a proper place to dine out don’t come lookin’ for me when I’m on my way to Dick’s Last Resort. My girl friend and I went to the Big Apple Circus this past weekend and we were in the mood to clown around and grab some grub in Boston’s Faneuil Hall area. Dick’s Last Resort was the perfect choice for us. Why? For one thing, we are not proper or stuffy. Oh, we know how to be proper but we just were not in the mood for it. Two; we don’t have a negative attitude and dumped our ego’s in the Charles River some fifty odd years ago. If ya’ have not dumped your ego and that stuffy high horse attitude you’ll probably not make it at Dick’s Last Resort. And three? Well…, we just came from the Big Apple Circus. Where the hell else are we gonna go?   

When we got there we were greeted by smiling Dick’s last Resort staff who welcomed us while the fun pulsating music opened the doors to an energetic atmosphere. Since we can take a good joke, we were able to take our waiter, Jason, and laugh throughout the night. I’m not sure what I liked more. Our waiter, Jason’s fun style or the reactions to his style. Our table was next to a large party of twenty somethings who thought they were to cool for school. Oh yeah, They had the perfect clothes and the trending phones. But they sat around with their backs all arched back nibbling on salad and not saying too much to one another. Jason reminded them what kind of place Dick’s Last Resort is; But did they listen?  We did, and we watched and we laughed some more. Sorry, but the whole scene was funny. J  Jason made a big paper hat for me and wrote  that I was, “Turned on by Betty White” Gee, How’d he know that? He mad another hat for my girl friend and wrote on it that she was a, “retired pole dancer”. Again I ask, How’d they know that? Obviously, we, at least, can take a joke. J 

What’s great is that the entertainment didn’t stop there. Keep in mind this is in fact a music blog. I like pointing out places to find live music. Well it’s just your luck that Dick’s Last Resort is one of them. On the night we were there, a group called, “Classic Traxx” kept the party rockin’ through the night. Live Music is offered on most weekend nights ( Friday, Saturday and occasionally on Sundays starting around 8:00 PM.) This weekend, check out live music at Dick’s Last Resort. On Friday Nate Walkins performs and on Saturday, Party with Radio Daze. Any time ya’ want to party down and grab some grub; loose the stuffy attitude, stop arching your back and when you are ready to talk and laugh about anything that isn’t trending, You be sure to give me a call and I’ll meet ya a Dick’s Last Resort.       

 

A Message from the President: Live from Together Boston in Cambridge

By Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

This is an exciting time for me. While all of us at the Boston Music Coalition support all genres of music, I have a strong passion for dance / electronic music. Think disco for the new millennium. Or, listen to the direction of most pop music these days, Alternative music, Hip Hop and acid jazz and yeah, you pretty much can see and hear that dance is what’s happening today. It’s not a passing fad as the trend has been strong in the mainstream for three years now with no end in sight.

Music people have just come from SXSW in Austin and the Winter Music Conference in Miami. Enter in the third regional music extravaganza of the season and its here in the Cambridge / Boston Area. It’s Together Boston. Combining music, art and technology, my friend, David Day, is celebrating the third year of Together Boston. This time, with central headquarters on 579A

Massachusetts Avenue

, in

Central Square, Cambridge

, I attended Monday’s press conference to launch the Together Boston week long festival April 2^nd through April 8th. Each year gets bigger and this year is the best. A well planned out and organized launch event with good food, networking and music. Plus a panel that included Cambridge City Government, Boston Press and Music Professionals moderated by David Day him self.

The easy way out would be to promo the Together Boston events that are to take place this week. Instead, the panel at the launch event Monday, went far beyond promotional opportunities and discussed how the City of Cambridge embraced the Together Boston Festival and hopes to work with Boston to make Together Boston the regions SXSW event of New England. The location, the talent, and solid economics are in place. Everyone agreed that a regional music conference can be the future of Together Boston in a few short years.

The Boston Music Coalition will be live in

Central Square, Cambridge

all this week at the Together Headquarters to bring you the panels, the music, the art and technology that combine to make Together Boston a spectacular event! Did I mention that I have a strong passion for dance / electronic music?

For tickets and schedule of events visit: http://www.togetherboston.com/   

Follow us on Twiiter: @BostMusCoalition     

Nightlife Nexus by the Boston Music Coalition

                                           Greater Boston's Official

                                         Live Music Happenings List

Mega Millions Friday is here! And with it, a guarantee of live music throughout greater Boston, all weekend long.

Mega Millions Friday, March 30, 2012

The Location: Brighton Music Hall,

158 Brighton Avenue Boston

The Music:     Bearstronaut, Bad Rabbits

The Location: C and S Tavern,

380 Warren Street, Boston

The Music:     Athene Wilson

The Location: Café 939 at Berklee.

939 Boylston Street, Boston

The Music:     Rosie Thomas

The Location: Cantab Lounge,

738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Nicky Click, Kristen Ford

The Location: Church,

69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston

The Music:     ASN, Greenstreet

The Location: Green Briar,

304 Washington Street

, Brighton / Boston

The Music:     The Hype

The Location: House of Blues,

36 Lansdowne Street, Boston

The Music:     Nerve, DJ Shadow

The Location: Johnny D’s,

17 Holland Street, Summerville , MA

The Music:     MAMADOU, Loose Change 

The Location: Mad Raven,

847 Main Street, Waltham, MA

The Music:     Typhoon Ferri

The Location: McGanns Pub,

197 Portland Street, Boston

The Music:     Milkbread, Pat Hull

The Location: Me and Three Coffeehouse,

28 Mugford Street, Marblehead, MA

The Music:     Jesse Winchester, RJ Cowdery

The Location: Middle East,

472 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Wobblesouce, Pete Kilpatrick Band, Driftless Pony Club

The Location: Midway Café, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain / Boston

The Music:     The Grrass Gypsy’s

The Location: Next Page Café,

550 Broad Street, East Weymouth

. MA

The Music:     Track 44

The Location: O’Brien’s Pub,

3 Harvard Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Nenakata

The Location: Paradise Rock Club,

969 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

The Music:     

A Place

to Bury Strangers, The Joy Formidable

The Location: Precinct, 70 union Square, Somerville, MA 

The Music:     Goldenboy

The Location: Stone Church,

5 Granite Street, Newmarket, MA

The Music:     Jeff Conley Band, Rock Spring

The Location: Toad,

1920 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents 

The Location: Tsongas Center at UMass,

300 Arcand Drive, Lowell, MA

The Music:      J. Cole

The Location: T.T. The Bears,

10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Young Adults, Soccer Mom, Autochrome, Night Fruit

Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Location: Blue Ocean Music Hall, Frnt N, 4 Ocean Salisbury, MA

The Music:     The Fools

The Location: Brighton Music Hall,

158 Brighton Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Metronomy, Friends

The Location: Café 393 at Berklee,

393 Boylston Street, Boston

The Music:     Ben Howard

The Location: Charles River School,

6 Old Meadow Road, Dover, MA

The Music:     Dar William

The Location: Church, 69 Kilmarnock /street, Boston

The Music:     Catch Wild

The Location: Great Scott,

1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Casey Desmond, Stereo Telescope

The Location: Hard Rock Café,

22 – 24 Clinton Street, Boston

The Music:     Playin’ Dead

The Location: House of Blues,

36 Lansdowne Street, Boston

The Music:     BARSTOOL BLACKOUT TOUR

The Location: Johnny D’s,

17 Holland Street, Somerville, MA

The Music:     The Love Dogs, The Delta Generators, The Peacheaters

The Location: Latitude 43,

25 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA

The Music:     The Gary Backstrom Band

The Location: Middle East,

472 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Kingsley Flood, Falling Skyward, Tallahassee, Thick as Thieves

The Location: O’Brien’s,

829 Boston Street, Lynn, MA

The Music:     Ten Foot Polecats

The Location: Paradise Rock Club,

969 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Wild Flag

The Location: Peabody Essex Museum,

161 Essex Street, Salem, MA

The Music:     DJ Rekha

The Location: Ryles Jazz Club,

212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Christelle Durandy

The Location: Sally O’Brien’s,

335 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA

The Music:     Les Sampou

The Location: Showcase Live,

23 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA

The Music:     Ryan Montbleau Band

The Location: T.T. The

Bears Place

,

10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Foxy Shazam, Maniac 

The Location: Western Front.

343 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Rush

A Message from the President: Live Music and More at The Arsenal Arts Center

By Doug Ruffin

      President,

      Boston Music Coalition

You may have noticed the Boston Music Coalition paid some attention to a big band event last week at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown. I attended that event on Saturday night and was surprised by the show and the Arsenal Arts Center it self. This was, you see, my first time attending the arts center. Then again, why should I be surprise to find quality performances at a terrific theatre and reception area at the Arsenal Arts Center? 

Just outside of Boston, in Watertown Massachusetts. is the Arsenal Arts Center big enough to support several areas of the arts and personal enough for anyone to attend a show or, participate in a program for kids and adults alike.

On Saturday, I attended the Arsenal Arts Centers’ fund raising event, “Big Band meets Hollywood”. Singer, Donna McElroy and Sax player, Larry Monroe along with an 18 piece big band had the audience cheering, clapping and “tappin’ foot” as the music and history swung throughout the night! But it was even more than that. A reception was held prior to the event. It gave people a chance to grab a glimpse of the Arsenal Arts Center and to meet members of the board. When Joyce Kulhawik made a presentation, she mentioned that she finds her self attending events at the Arsenal Arts Center every other week. I can see why and will probably do the same. The Boston Music Coalition is a strong supporter of the Arts and Live Music.

To learn more about the Arsenal Arts Center, Visit www.ArsenalArts.org

Nightlife Nexus by the Boston Music Coalition

                                    Nightlife Nexus                

                                   Greater Boston’s Official

                                          Live Music Happenings List  

Last weekend was ST. Patrick’s Day weekend. Here we are back one week later and another Friday. Are you actually in any condition to go out and party? I am!

TGIF! March 23, 2012

The Location: Barretts Ale House,

425 Bedford Street, Bridgewater, MA

The Music:     Never in Vegas

The Location: Berklee Collage of Music,

1140 Boylston Street, Boston

,

The Music:     The Blind Boys of Alabama

The Location: Brighton Music Hall,

The Music:     The Wedding Present, The Jet Age  

The Location: Chicken Bone, 358 Waverly, Framingham, MA  

The Music:     Blushing Bride

The Location: Church,

69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston

The Music:     The Beat Horizon, Miss Fairchild

The Location: Club Passim,

47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Sarah Jarosz

The Location: Dog Bar,

65 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

The Music:     What Time is MR Fox

The Location: Green Land Café,

87 Washington Street, Salem, MA

The Music:     The DeJa’s

The Location: Hardcover Restaurant,

15 Newbury Street, Danvers, MA

The Music:     Katie O’Brien

The Location: Howling Wolf Taqueria, 76 Lafayette, Street, Salem, MA

The Music:     Tokyo Tramps

The Location: Jacques Underground, 79 Broadway, Boston

The Music:     Plumerai

The Location: Jockey Club, 115 Route 44, Raynham

The Music:     The Hype

The Location: Johnny Ds,

17 Holland Street, Somerville, MA

The Music:     Joe Knows Trio

The Location: Kitty O’Shea’s,

298 Cabot Street

, Beverly MA  

The Music:     Ol’ Brown Shoe

The Location: Latitude 43.

25 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA

The Music:     Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket

The Location: Liberty Hotel,

215 Charles Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Brooks Young Band

The Location: Lizard Lounge,

1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Club D Elf

The Location: Me and Three Coffeehouse,

28 Mugford Street, Marblehead, MA

The Music:     Willy Porter, Ryan Fitzsimmons

The Location: Middle East,

472 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     16bit, Perpetual Groove  

The Location: Pa’s Lounge,

345 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA

The Music:     The Diamond Mines

The Location: Paradise Rock Club,

969 Commonwealth Ave, Boston

The Music:     Kweller, Sleeper Agent, The Dig

The Location: Pickled Onion,

355 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA

The Music:     Bar Flyz

The Location: Regattabar,

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Karla Bonoff

The Location: Scullers Jazz Club,

400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA

The Music:     Lee Ritenour

The Location: Showcase Live,

23 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA

The Music:     The Fools

The Location: Toad,

1920 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:      Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents

The Location: T.T. The

Bears Place

,

10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Ribs, Moving Mountains

Special Event:

Get Ready To Swing on a Saturday Night!  

The Date:       Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts,

321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA

The Music:     Larry Monroe and Donna McElroy head up a 16 Member Swingin’ Big

                       Band. Joyce Kulhawik Make a Presentation During the Event!

The Time:      Food and Wine served at 6:45 Music starts Swingin’ at 8:00 PM

For additional information, Visit www.ArsenalArts.org  

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Location: All Asia Bar,

332 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Max Pela

The Location: Brighton Music Hall, Boston

The Music:     The Chang Gang of 1974, Geographer, Miniature Tigers, Pretty and Nice

The Location: Cantab Lounge,

738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     The McGunks

The Location: Centre Bar,

1664 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA

The Music:     The Locals

The Location: Chit Chat Lounge,

103 Washington Street, Haverhill, MA

The Music:     Orange Television

The Location: Church,

69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston

The Music:     Ellis Ashbrook

The Location: Copperfields,

98 Brookline Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Doug Ratner and the Watchmen

The Location: Dog Bar ,

65 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

The Music:     Joe Mack

The Location: Great Scott,

1222 Commonwealth Ave, Boston

The Music:     Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians, Lost Romance, Mattison, The Four

The Location: House of Blues,

36 Lansdowne Street, Boston

The Music:     Martin Sexton, Stephen Kellogg

The Location: Johnny Ds,

17 Holland Street, Somerville, MA

The Music:     Dayna Kurtz, RACK ‘EM UP LETS GO, Pipeline Riot

The Location: Lily Pad,

1353 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Cirkestra

The Location: McGanns Irish Pub,

197 Portland Street, Boston

The Music:     Public Beach, Under The Influence

The Location: Narrows Center for the Arts,

16 Anawan Street, Fall River, MA

The Music:     Shelby Lynne

The Location: O’Brien’s Pub,

3 Harvard Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Hivesmasher

The Location: Paradise Rock Club,

969 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

The Music:     Bowerbirds, Dry The River

The Location: Showcase Live,

23 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA

The Music:     Rock Steady

The Location: T.T. The

Bears Place

,

10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA

The Music:     Lauren Flaherty, Grace Woodroofe  

Please Note: Some events may change at the l;ast minute. Please check with the venue before attending.

Boston Music Coalition: A Message from the President

Time to Spring in to Live Music with a Swingin’ Hot Big Band!

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

As you know, Nightlife Nexus by the Boston Music Coalition is Greater Boston’s Official, Live Music Happenings List. It hits every Friday and helps many people plan for the weekend.

Today, I want to make an early suggestion to your weekend. Now that even warmer weather is upon us and many are ready to get out there and see live music (not that live music was some how dead and gone during the winter) But here is a chance to get in the swing of things this Spring, with a swingin’ hot big band!

Saxophonist, Larry Monroe and Top Vocalist, Donna McElroy lead a 16 Piece Swingin’ Hot Big Band, this Saturday, March 24^th, at the Arsenal Center for the Arts,

321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA

. It starts at 6:45 with light food and wine. Joyce Kulhawik will also be making an Arts Award Presentation. Tickets are $50.00 for this tax deductable annual benefit.

The Boston Music Coalition strongly supports the arts throughout greater Boston. For tickets to this event and more information, Please visit us at www.BostonMusicCoalition.com Or, Click on the resources below.

Resources:

Arsenal Center for the Arts: www.arsenalarts.org

Donna McElroy:  http://www.berklee.edu/faculty/detail/donna-mcelroy

Joyce Kulhawik:   http://www.joyceschoices.com/

Larry Monroe:     http://www.berkleepress.com/catalog/product?product_id=2832051