Free Lunch Time Concerts Return to Worcester Common in 2012

By this time this post goes up today you may have missed Linda Dagnello’s kickoff performance of the annual Worcester Out to Lunch Series that takes place on the Worcester Common for the fourth time.  These free concerts have proven to be quite popular and if the weather cooperates is a great break from the monotony of the every day routine.  The event also hosts a farmer and artisan marketplace that opens at 11am.  If you are close to Worcester’s City Hall you can probably catch some of today’s concert since they run from 12 noon to 2pm.

I think one of the things that continue to make these concerts popular is the range of performers.  From today’s jazz to indie rock , blues, irish folk rock, latin and reggae, there is something for everyone.  It is also a way of showcasing local talent like Dom which performs next week.  They are from Worcester and received a 2010 Boston Music Awards for Song of the Year.

The following is taken from Worcester’s press release for the schedule of performers:

June 29: Linda Dagnello Jazz Quintet
Led by the hip, mainstream vocals of Linda Dagnello, the quintet brings its jazz experience to the Worcester Common. Well-known for their appealing recreations of jazz standards, the series is happy to have the quintet for what is sure to be a sublime afternoon in the sun.

July 6: Dom
Dom has recently ascended to become one of the best indie rock bands in the nation. Having won Song of the Year at the 2010 Boston Music Awards, and having since opened for acts like Jane’s Addiction and Ratatat, Dom brings a renowned, popular and sunny rhythm to the City of Worcester.

July 13: Twangbusters
Boogie on down on this date to hear American roots music from a super group of well-known local musicians, including Paula Bradley, Dr. Z, and “Wild Bill” Nadeau who have played with luminaries Junior Brown and Tony Trischka. With drums, guitar, piano and even a ukulele, the Twangbusters are sure to rock the Common with their unique blend of music.

July 20: Delta Generators
This band, nominated for a Boston Music Award in 2011 for their contributions to the blues scene, creates a fun and unique atmosphere for their listeners. Employing musical devices from rock & roll, soul, funk and a smattering of country, the Delta Generators are sure to get the Common moving and swinging.

July 27: Dale LePage and the Manhattans
With all of the hits from the “Mad Men” generation, Dale LePage and the Manhattans are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Sounds from Sinatra and Elvis will radiate across the Common, bringing people back to well-loved and memorable pieces of music across a few decades. Dale LePage lends his vocal talents to a band that “swings with soul,” whenever they’re in town.

August 3: Stone Clovers
Bringing Irish Folk Rock to the masses by fusing it to their musical interests in jazz, reggae, rock and funk, the Stone Clovers, all from Worcester, have honed their skills playing all over New England to reach their current prowess. Punching out music inspired by the emigrant to America’s experience, the Stone Clovers are an impressive bunch you won’t want to miss.

August 10: Boogaloo Swamis
Boston Blues News called them “the best New Orleans music you’ll find outside the bayous.” Their infectious rhythm and song choice will have you on your feet in no time, grooving and clapping to the beat. Combining influences from Cajun zydeco and Americana strands, the Boogaloo Swamis bring a rarely seen rhythm and style to the Northeast.

August 17: Grupo Fantasia
Sounds of the Caribbean will ring out when Grupo Fantasia comes to the Common. After having netted the 2009 New England Urban Music Award for Best Latin Band, the band continues to produce and play live music. The group’s leader, Angel Wagner, began touring with a musical group at age eleven, and has even played at Madison Square Garden. With so many years of experience, their honed talents and large repertoire are sure to impress all who come to listen.

August 24: Dis-N-Dat
Reggae has come a long way since the days of Bob Marley, and Dis-N-Dat is here to prove just how far it’s come. With a four-time Grammy nominated band member in Rangotan, Dis-N-Dat brings its neo-reggae style to the Common for an afternoon fusing musical influences from dancehall, reggae and roots music. Known for their energetic performances, be sure to save the date for this band.

August 31: SPF-4
Kicking out the jams on one of the final days of the summer, SPF-4 is a surf band with great rock riffs and amazing instrumental talent. Delivering each measure with tremendous purity and tonal quality, the band is on the breaking lip of the new wave of surf music here in the United States. Don’t miss out.

As a testament to the popularity of the concert series is that 2 weeks were added and more vendors have signed on so you don’t necessarily have to pack up a lunch.

Here is a video of one of DOM’s live performances of Living in America(courtesy of VacantMoon on Youtube):

The beat is so contagious… Enjoy the summer concerts!