Concerts on the Common Kick Off Tonight

Londonderry's Concerts on the Common series kicks off tonight at 7 on the Town Common.

Tonight's performance is a Londonderry High Music Showcase, featuring Jazz Lab, Rock Orchestra and Jazz ensemble groups. It's the last concert for the seniors in the jazz band.

In case of inclement weather, the show will be held in the Matthew Thornton Elementary School gym.

Here's the full schedule for the summer concert series:

12-June – Livingston Taylor: From top-forty hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” both recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads. Livingston has never stopped performing since those early coffeehouse days, touring with major artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett and Jethro Tull, and he maintains a busy concert schedule of over eighty shows a year. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. His relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, and fans might just as often be treated to a classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway. As a full professor at Berklee College of Music since 1989, Livingston shares his experiences and knowledge of professional touring with young artists, just beginning to hone their skills.

19-June – Best Not Broken featuring Eric Jackson: Best Not Broken took shape in 2007 and has quickly evolved from a New England club favorite to an original band with burgeoning regional popularity. The pop/alternative rock quintet draws influence from genres as diverse as the experiences that shape its songs. Blending rhythmic underpinnings reminiscent of Britpop, post-punk, and reggae, the band weaves melodic themes that evoke memories of 80’s synth-pop with indie-rock guitar layers that alternately rise and chime.

26-June - The Jandee Lee Porter Band: The Jandee Lee Porter Band is a high energy modern country band with something old and new for country music fans. Original music that is heart felt and honest. Professional musicians surround this songstress to form a band to be reckoned with. This band is a remarkable six-piece band comprised of guitars, bass, drums, pedal steel and a powerful female lead singer. The Jandee Lee Porter band features cover material and an arsenal of original music covering many generations, which will make you think you’ve heard it on the radio before. They continue to explore different original music all while playing current and older hits. In the past, they have opened for such renowned country music artists as the Zac Brown Band, Reba McIntyre, Jo Dee Messina, Leeann Rimes, and Kellie Pickler. The band has produced 3 CD’s in 4 years and is currently working on their 4th album that is set to come out this summer!

03-July – NO CONCERT

10-July - Brian Templeton: We love Brian, no two ways about it. This will be Brian’s fourth concert for us over the last several years, and we are very happy to say that he is back to perform for us again! His barrelhouse belting style of singing, hot harmonica playing and exuberant onstage persona has garnered him a legion of fans in the U.S, Europe and beyond. He has toured as the frontman of the legendary Radio Kings, as a solo artist and has worked along side of some world class Blues stars, such as Otis Grand, James Cotton, Sonny Rhodes and recently with up and coming guitar wiz Enrico Crivellaro. The main thing he prides himself on is his ability to entertain his fans. “I don’t think of myself as a musician first but as a showman. I want my audience involved, whether it be by dancing, singing or just clapping along to the beat.” Anyone who has seen Brian perform in previous summers for us will tell you, they’ve never left his show unsatisfied.

17-July – Jamie Lynn Hart Band: After rockin’ the house for us last year, we had to have Jamie and her band back again! Boston based artist Jamie Lynn Hart creates a seamless blend of rock and pop that backs up her powerhouse belt and infectious melodies. With her captivating voice, poetic lyrics and mastered musicianship, she creates a commanding sound reminiscent of KT Tunstall and Paula Cole. Her rocking band provides a solid foundation for her retro-soul and pop melodies, and backs off for the intimate acoustic ballads. Her latest CD, Anticipate, was produced by Zach McNees (Coldplay, Bjork, The Gregory Brothers). This will be a rocking evening of music, both originals and covers!

24-July – Bruce Marshall Group: The Bruce Marshall Group live show treats their fans to a soaring ride as they rip through a catalog of original material that truly sets this band apart. They love to mix it up, whether it’s pulling off exciting jams that build with dynamics and layering, or playing the concise arrangements of their songs with discipline and taste. The sound defies categorization, slipping seamlessly around touches of Blues, R&B, Rock and Southern Boogie. The interplay between Bruce and longtime guitarist Dave Cournoyer is the heart and soul of their performances and they always deliver. The songs are mostly upbeat, but even those dealing with love lost and missed opportunities, carry an underlying sense of hope and optimism. The band also does several covers of country favorites.

31-July - Ken Yates and Brian Dunne: We again welcome recording artists Ken Yates and Brian Dunne. They both performed for Concerts On The Common last year, and we wanted to get them back for an encore! Brian Dunne was part of Boston’s music scene for many years before moving to New York City. His pop/rock style is widely influenced by Sam Cooke, Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen. A simplicity and devotion to his music making craft is what makes Brian’s music so authentic and addicting.

7-August – Manchuka: For our last show of 2012, we welcome a group that played for us a few years ago. Manchuka is an exciting 10-piece dance band consisting of a full rhythm section, a full horn section and two lead singers. The seasoned musicians in this group provide light jazz, big band swing and high energy dance music from the 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s. The diverse backgrounds of Manchuka bring together many influences from the past and blend them with a new and contemporary feel. The result? An irresistible urge to get on your feet and dance! This group consists of 10 musicians playing music that they not only love, but music they believe in. It’s as real as it gets. So you are invited along, to listen and to move your body and soul to the deep musical groove of this unique blend of musicians.

For more information on the Concerts on the Common series, click here.