The New Pornographers: Kathryn Calder
When the New Pornographers take the stage at Mass MoCA on Nov. 14,they’ll bring more than their dynamic sound. They’re also bringing a family story.…
The New Pornographers: Carl Newman
Carl Newman says that he didn’t necessarily want to be the leader of The New Pornographers, that’s just the way it turned out. Currently on…
Habibi
When Brooklyn-based band Habibi takes the stage at HiLo in North Adams on Saturday, Oct. 19, they’ll bring with them their hybrid sound that pulls…
C.W. Stoneking
With a gruff voice that sometimes howls, sometimes grumbles, Australian bluesman C.W. Stoneking sounds like a ghost from another era. With musical styles pulling from…
Nellie McKay
When singer Nellie McKay performs at Hancock Shaker Village on Saturday, it’s anyone’s guess what shape the show will take, including McKay’s. She’s counting on…
The Decemberists: Jenny Conlee
The Decemberists have staked a claim on their own corner of the modern music world. The American indie rock band has an output that draws…
The Shaggs reunite at Solid Sound
When Kurt Cobain listed his favorite albums of all-time, number five went to an obscure 1969 record by an all-sisters band from Fremont, N.H., called…
House Sparrow
As the ukulele has become a popular performance instrument, it’s also contended with some backlash from those who see it as an inherently light-hearted novelty.…
Bang on a Can: Julia Wolfe
The Bang On A Can Marathon in New York City might be homeless currently, but there is still a place for it in North Adams,…
Bang on a Can: Michael Gordon
Every summer Bang On A Can descends on North Adams to take over Mass MoCA and even parts of the local night life. With around…
Debo Band
Music can trace a journey, and in the case of Debo Band, this includes the personal along with the spiritual and sonic Its mix of…
San Fermin
In the world of chamber pop groups, Brooklyn’s San Fermin, who will perform at Mass MoCA on Saturday, December 5, at 8 p.m., stands as…
Arc Iris
When you see Jocie Adams perform with her band Arc Iris, you might not recognize her as the quiet multi-instrumentalist from the folk band The…
Bang on a Can Summer Festival
If you hear strange sounds in North Adams this summer, don’t worry, that happens every year and it’s the city’s best-kept musical secret. From July…
Stephen Merritt: The Scrabble Interview
Stephen Merritt by Roz Chast Last year when Magnetic Fields guy Stephen Merritt and New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast’s book 101 Two-Letter Words (Amazon, iBooks,…
Paul De Jong
Cellist Paul de Jong is best known for his work as one half of The Books, a duo that created one-of-a-kind songs that made extensive…
Dom Flemons
When American songster Dom Flemons arrives at the Iron Horse Music Hall on Thursday, Oct. 9, he brings with him a rich personal history as…
Freshgrass Festival @ Mass MoCA
When it comes to bluegrass music, post-industrial landscapes don’t typically come to mind. But old factory buildings have proved to be an evocative accompaniment for…
Rhiannon Giddens
When the Carolina Chocolate Drops take the stage on the opening night of this year’s FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival, they’ll be a different band than the…
Alicia Svigals
Klezmatics founder Alicia Svigals is considered one of the foremost Klezmer violinists in the world, and her work on a new score for the 1918…
Caroline Rose
Singer/songwriter Caroline Rose has no official home, but her music has found a permanent place in the hearts of her fans. Rose will perform at…
The Deadly Gentlemen
The Deadly Gentleman started off as Greg Liszt’s side project, giving him something to do when his main band, Crooked Still, wasn’t performing. Now it’s…
Sarah Jarosz
Sarah Jarosz grew up with music, but now she’s finding the music is growing up with her. Jarosz will perform at the Freshgrass Bluegrass Festival…
Elephant Revival
Bridget Law, fiddle player and member of the band Elephant Revival, sees music as something more than playing songs. The band will play on Sunday,…
Plume Giant
Brooklyn-based chamber-folk trio Plume Giant will perform at Mass MoCA on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. The band — Nolan Green, Oliver Hill and Eliza Bagg — first…
The Tiger Lillies
In the past, the Tiger Lillies have taken on projects adapting “Hamlet,” “Shockheaded Peter” and the upcoming “Lulu,” but “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” had…
Balkan Beat Box
Pulling from the Balkans, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and farther, Balkan Beat Box creates music that blurs any lines between the cultures that influence…
Spirit Family Reunion
Spirit Family Reunion recalls the revival spirit of bands like The Carter Family and others, but with a secular presentation and a rowdy energy as…
Ron Richardello
For years I have been impressed by Ron Richardello’s “After Hours” album — which I picked up at the local Goodwill — and his visionary, exceptional accordion playing. I…
Laura Marling
British singer Laura Marling came out of a London scene that looked to roots and folk music for its inspiration, but that sound already felt…
