Five Things: 'ABBA the Concert,' Leather Lung, Central Mass. Jazz and more ....
'Take a Chance ...'
In 1974, ABBA stunningly burst onto the scene by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo." The Swedish group of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid went on to be a Top of the Pops phenomenon for all time. They also made headlines as, respectively, Agnetha and Björn and Anni-Frid and Benny were married couples. Until their breakups, mirrored in "Knowing Me, Knowing You." ABBA The Concert — A Tribute to ABBA has picked up the music, and the ABBA look, and is billed as "the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get.” The group "presents a visually and musically stunning tribute to Sweden’s pop superstars" taking people back to joyous hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “SOS,” “Fernando,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and more. (RD)
What: ABBA The Concert — A Tribute to ABBA. Opener: DJ Dave O’Gara
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 13 (doors 5 p.m.)
Where: Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster
How much: $32.50 general admission, and up. www.indianranch.com
Beyond the Sludge
Boston rockers Leather Lung occupy a pretty interesting musical space, one which is quickly apparent when you listen to the band's 2019 album, “Lonesome, On'ry and Evil.” The sludge-metal sound is there, with its heavy guitars and dragging basslines, all of which create a sort of sonic sinkhole that draws in the listener. But there are other things happening there, too. Throughout the album, Leather Lung delivers force and fury, but also surprises, such as the display of countrified musicianship on “Whiskey Barrel Blues” or the melodic oasis in the early vocals on “Skeleton Key.” It's indicative of a talented band that's willing to push the edges of genres, and that's pretty cool. (VDI)
What: Leather Lung with Conclave, Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean and Doctored Ray
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: Ralph's Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester
How much: $12
Sing Along
You can let your voice be heard as The Assabet Valley Mastersingers has its first ever "Summer Sing" with an informal performance of Mozart’s choral masterpiece, Requiem, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westboro. People are welcome to sing the choruses with members of the AVM chorus while professional soloists sing the solos. Bring your music score or borrow one at the door. Or you can just sit and enjoy listening to the forever-compelling music. The soloists are Andrea Ehrenreich, soprano, Jessica Tasucu, alto, Killian Mooney, tenor, and John Salvi, bass. The accompanist is Mark Bartlett. AVM artistic director Robert Eaton conducts. (RD)
What: Assabet Valley Mastersingers - "Summer Sing," Mozart's Requiem
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17
Where: Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main St., Westboro
How much: $10 suggested donation. As per current CDC and state guidelines, masks are optional for those fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear a mask. Patron parties will be asked to socially distance by at least three feet. www.avmsingers.org.
All that Jazz
The final "Pop-Up" performance of the Central Mass Jazz Fest will feature Jazzed Up Trio and special guest Bill Fanning from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Chashu Ramen + Izakaya, 38 Franklin St., Worcester. Trumpeter, composer and teacher Bill Fanning performs concerts and conducts clinics both in the U.S. and internationally and has performed with the Artie Shaw Band, the Benny Goodman Tribute Band, Max Carl and the Big Dance Horns featuring Glenn Frey, and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. The Jazzed Up Trio has won a number of local awards. That won't be the end of the music for this year's "hybrid" festival. On June 14 several well-known artists came in to the studios of WCCA TV to record sets for the Central Mass Jazz Fest "Main Event" that will be broadcast on WCAA TV channels Sept. 6 through 10. (RD)
What: Jazzed Up Trio with special guest Bill Fanning — Central Mass Jazz Fest
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19
Where: Chashu Ramen + Izakaya, 38 Franklin St. , Worcester
How much: Free. www.centralmassjazzfest.com
Barnyard Luau
Looking to cool down this weekend with some real party animals? Tomorrow Davis Farmland will be hosting a tropical luau for guests 21 and over. Treat yourself to frozen tropical style drinks, craft beers and an All-You-Can-Eat Hawaiian BBQ. Music will be provided by Jason Roseman and the Tropical Gems. Dress up island-style and come over to mingle with the barnyard residents made up of the largest collection of endangered farmyard animals in North America. (VM)
What: Davis Farmland 21+ Night
When: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14
Where: Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling
How much: $45 per ticket, reserve online at davisfarmland.com/calendar-of-events/