SHK is Frank Sullivan, Jim Haggerty and Steve Kitay. We’ve been arranging events featuring greater Boston’s finest musicians at Boston Harbor Distillery in Dorchester since 2021 and as of September 2023, also at Warehouse XI in Union Square, Somerville.
See below for our shows coming up over the next couple of weeks. The full schedule for each of our 2 venues can be seen at the links above.
MORBIOLI and LAWS - the Tex-Italian blues brothers
@theDistillery FRIDAY - Roberto and Willie will be sharing a stage again! Joining them will be Mark Berney on trumpet, Dean Cassell on bass, and Osi Brathwaite on drums. Roberto and Willie have been friends and collaborators for many years. Their connection to the blues came from very different sources. Willie from his upbringing in southern Texas - and among other influences, a chance meeting with Lightnin' Hopkins as a young boy. Roberto discovered the blues from recordings as a budding teenage guitarist in his hometown of Verona, Italy. They have distinctly different styles but their dynamic chemistry creates a uniquely entertaining experience that has delighted audiences on both sides of the Atlantic/
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
@theWarehouse: SATURDAY - Rooted deeply in the blues, this band has a distinctive sound that also incorporates rock n’ roll, New Orleans, some Country, funk… A great band that has traveled the world for nearly 30 years, the newest member of the band is 25 year old guitarist and singer, Delanie Pickering, who wonderfully complements Johnny’s great voice and harp playing. These guys truly kick ass - as entertaining a dance party blues band as you’ll find around. Their last 2 shows at the Distillery were a blast. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
The Lustre Kings + the Tokyo Tramps
@theWarehouse: THURSDAY - With an ardent global following, THE LUSTRE KINGS’s impressive schedule of some 150 annual performances takes them to renowned venue all across the country. They play Rockabilly Swing and “Rock and Roll the right way.” The TOKYO TRAMPS are Satoru and Yukiko who have been entertaining audiences around New England for the last 20+ years. Their music is a fusion of American roots music with a heavy doses of blues and rock and roll.
The Debo Ray Show
@theDistillery FRIDAY - Imagine a blend of Tina Turner and Beyonce performing on a small intimate stage. A Debo Ray show is as close to that as you are likely to find. Grammy nominated Debo has appeared at Carnegie Hall with Teri Lynn Carrington, as a lead in an opera with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and as the headliner with her own all-star band on many different stages. Debo is a powerhouse vocalist with incredible range, passion and stage presence. She and her band are returning to The Distillery for a special evening featuring her original music and choice covers which reflect her love of many genres, including soul, r&b, rock, hip hop, and funk. Sample Covers "Since I've Been Loving You" and Make Me Feel, one of her recent originals: "The Final Ride"
Johnny Burgin and Sax Gordon
@theDistillery SATURDAY Johnny Burgin is a blues road warrior and '23 BMA Nominee for Best Traditional Blues Artist, known for his hard-hitting Chicago sound. Sax Gordon's flamboyant presentation is matched only by his deep rhythm and blues pedigree and knowledge. Independently they have spent decades backing many Chicago Blues greats and have taken that tradition and more to fans all around the world: from Japan to South America, from the West Coast to Europe. On Saturday May 18th, a serendipitous gap in the space-time continuum and their busy tour schedules finally allow these two hard-traveling and wonderfully talented musicians to perform together on stage for the first time. Boston Harbor Distillery will be the only place you can witness this long-time-in-the-making collaboration.
THE 2024 BOSTON HARBOR DISTILLERY BOOZE & BLUES FESTIVAL
@theDistillery SUNDAY - SHK is proud to partner with the Boston Blues Society to present The first ever Boston Harbor Distillery Blues and Booze Festival. Three great bands will be performing - Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers, Troy Mercy and the Chris FItz Band. We’ll have some acoustic blues performing outside (weather permitting) between sets and plan to have a food truck on hand for this special event. Get your tickets early for this one.
OUTLAW COUNTRY: Martin and Borello
@theDistillery Saturday: Bring your dancing shoes and your taste for fine whiskey as singer, songwriter, and country guitarist extraordinaire Stan Martin and his band pick their way through a blazing two-Telecaster evening of Outlaw Country and Rock. Joining Stan are Jim Scoppa on guitar, John Couture on bass, Michelle Martin on vocals and percussion, and William Barry on drums. Up-and-coming singer/guitarist/songwriter Matt Borrello (Quality Dogs, 60’s Thunder, Won’t Back Down) and his trio open the evening with soaring vocals, ripping guitar, youthful energy, and sheepish grins.
The BT-ALC Big Band ft. the A-Beez
@theDistillery Friday: This is one of those shows you cannot miss… This will be FUNKALICIOUS! This evening will feature the merging of 2 of uur favorite local bands the BT-ALC Big Band and the A-Beez in a Funk Orchestra of 18 of the area’s finest musicians: 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, guitars, keys, bass and percussion. Not sure how we’re going to keep the roof on our 165 year old Distillery - but we’ll have a lot of fun figuring it out. “That Sound” , “Egyptian Secrets”
Kami Lyle’s Sunday All-Star Sing-A-While
@theDistillery Sunday. This is Kami’s 5th in a series of residency performances at the Distillery and each one has been a wonderful early Sunday evening experience. This engaging pop-rock quintet features Kami on vocals, keys and trumpet, NRBQ bassist Joey Spampinato, Morphine drummer Jerome Deupree and the great Sensible Shoes duo, Barbara Blaisdell on keys and vocals and Tim Utt on guitar. Before appearing at the Distillery, this group rocked the 2023 SXSW festival. This month’s visiting all-star is Johnny Spampinato, Joey’s brother and fellow NRBQ veteran - this is a reprise of their killer show a couple of months ago - if you were at that one, you know how much fun it was. If you weren’t there, here’s your chance.
Julien Kasper Recording Session Release
@theDistillery Saturday: If you are a fan of Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and other eclectic, soulful instrumental music, you will not want to miss this show! Acclaimed guitar virtuoso Julien Kasper is a unique musician who has absorbed multiple genres into his musical DNA – rock, jazz, blues, funk, classical – to create a voice as a composer and improviser that is truly his own. What makes this show even more special than usual is that it’s being recorded for a first ever “Live at BHD” release. Come be part of this special event! The Reverend
The Musella/Cote Band Led Zeppelin and the Who Classic Rock Orgy
@theWarehouse FRIDAY - THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED. We apologize for any inconvenience.
DANCE NIGHT AT THE WAREHOUISE!
@theWarehouse Thursday - Two great bands plus swing dance instruction!!! The evening kicks off with 2 great local instructors teaching the audience with basic swing dance moves. The music kicks off at 8pm with the Smack-Dabs who perform good-time Swing Blues music from the 1930s. One critic describes them as “joyous” “rowdy yet disciplined” “jubilant sound of surprise” “danceable jazz”. Closing out the evening Le Prestige - a different but equally compelling and danceable band. Both bands are stacked with greaat local talent including the likes of Mark Earley, Mark Berney, Dana Colley, Chris Forkey to name a few. A sample of what to expect: “Dance Party Preview”
Andy Wood + Seth Rosenbloom
@theDistillery Sunday - These 2 fantastic guitarists and their most excellent bands are coming to our intimate setting at the Distillery the night after performing at NYC’s City Winery. Those who attended our Seth’s show last year already know that he’s a “searing blues rock guitarist” “with a voice to match”. Andy Wood is a guitar phenom who has played the stage with the likes of Joe Bonamassa and is the touring guitarist for Rascal Flatts. No cooler way to spend an early Sunday evening. Rosenbloom: “Broke and Lonely” Wood: “Junktown”
The Treat Her Right Dancers
@theWarehouse Sunday - Original THR members David Champagne and Jim Fitting will take a spin through the Treat Her Right catalog, joined by Jerome Dupree on drums and Scott Corneille on bass. They will turn the vocals to the band’s female fans, hence the Treat Her Right Dancers moniker. Singers will include Laurie Sargent, Katie Champagne, Rose Polenzani, Sabine Hrechdakian, and half a dozen other surprise and, in some cases, surprised guests. For background on this great band, check out this >Boston Herald Write-up<
The Racky Thomas Band
@theDistillery Friday - Racky Thomas lives and breathes the blues. Inspired by the likes of SRV, Taj Mahal, Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Shines, Robert Johnson and Paul Rishell - Thomas formed the Racky Thomas Band in 1995 soon after graduating from Berklee. The band features Pete Henderson on guitar, Michael Avery on drums, Matt McCabe on piano, bassist Russell Keyes, with Thomas leading the charge on vocals and harmonica. This group of veteran musicians have drawn on a wide range of influences to develop what has evolved into a delicious musical ‘gumbo’ of blues, gospel, country blues, boogie, and fifties rock and roll. These guys are pure entertainment! “Biscuit Makin’ Woman”
One Dime Band
@theDistillery Saturday - One Dime Band is the duo of John Brauchler on guitars and Paul Gallucci on vocals, harmonica, and guitar. That they have come into their own as great performers has been validated by winning the best solo/duo award at both the Boston Blues Challenge (2022) and the Granite State Blues Challenge (2023). This evening will be the official celebration of the release of their first official album. Joining them for this special event will be a large cast of local musical talent including Paul Kochanski, Johnny Blue Horn, Mario Perrett, Ilana Katz Katz, Robin Hathaway, Holly Harris and Romeo Dubois. If you love great, exciting blues, this is the show for you. “Hoodoo & Holy Water”
Studio Two
@theDistillery Friday - Come experience a Fab 4 of Berklee School of Music alumni perform classics from the early Beatles era. Voted Best Beatles Tribute Band by the Boston Globe and the Best Overall Tribute band by NH Magazine, Studio Two’s great stage show in period appropriate costumes and instruments has been selling out at venues throughout New England. “She Loves You”
The Debo Ray Show
@theDistillery Saturday - Imagine a blend of Tina Turner and Beyonce performing on a small intimate stage. A Debo Ray show is as close to that as you are likely to find. Grammy nominated Debo has appeared at Carnegie Hall with Teri Lynn Carrington, as a lead in an opera with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and as the headliner with her own all-star band on many different stages. Debo is a powerhouse vocalist with incredible range, passion and stage presence. She and her band are returning to The Distillery for a special evening featuring her original music and choice covers which reflect her love of many genres, including soul, r&b, rock, hip hop, and funk. Sample Covers "Since I've Been Loving You" and Make Me Feel, one of her recent originals: "The Final Ride"
Peter Case and Michael Tarbox
@theDistillery: FRIDAY - 2 truly special solo performers. 3x Grammy nominated Peter Case was a founding member of the early punk era trio The Nerves in 1977 and in 1979 he In 1979, he formed the Plimsouls, a record-breaking live act in California, With those bands he toured US and the world, sharing bills with the Ramones, Jackson Browne, Mink DeVille, and Devo. Since the mid-80’s he focused mostly on a solo career - often collaborating with the likes of Ry Cooder and Ben Harper. Opening for him will be Michael Tarbox, founder of the Tarbox Ramblers, band that has opened for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Tarbox's songs have been used in the television shows Sons of Anarchy and Supernatural.
Listen to This
@theWarehouse: THURSDAY - Miles Davis’s early electric music was an enthralling, groundbreaking, funk and rock infused jazz style that never grows old. This octet stacked with great local talent recreates that sound in a way that is pretty much guaranteed to blow you away. “Listen to This”, featuring the likes of bandleader Jerome Deupree (Morphine), Dave Bryant (Ornette Coleman) and Russ Gershon (Either/Orchestra, Lookie-Lookie), have inspired standing ovations at all 3 of their previous appearances at the Distillery. => In A Silent Way
Elektrik Market
@theWarehouse: SUNDAY - This is one amazing trio of world renowned music veterans. It features two acclaimed Boston music professors, Ervin Dhimo on bass and Steve Hunt on keys and Jovol ‘Bam BamBell, a drummer the Boston Globe once described as a "Monstrous Phenomenon". Funky fusion music at its best - often evoking a Return to Forever sound with a funk edge. As their 2019 appearance at London’s famed Ronnie Scott’s, this is a band worthy of much bigger venues than ours, but you will get to experience them in our intimate Warehouse setting. A phenomenal way to enjoy an early Sunday evening. They primarily perform amazing originals, but here is one of their covers - Come Together
It’s Lookie Lookie Party Time Again
@theDistillery Saturday - With a number of previous killer shows at the Distillery under their belt, we happily call Lookie our house band. They always brings an irresistible, infectious Latin energy that has our audience moving and shaking. With echos of the great Eddie Palmieri, Buena Vista Social Club and other masters of the boogaloo sound, Lookie Lookie shows have the feel of a joyous Cuban street party. 4 percussionists, 1 bassist, 3 horn players, and all 8 sing! Fantástico! Pure fun! ==> “Bugalu Breakdown” “Lookie Two”
The Delta Generators w/ Barrence and Mark
@theDistillery SATURDAY- If you are not familiar with the Generators, you owe it to yourself to check them out. They have sold out shows throughout the region with powerhouse frontman Brian Templeton (Radio Kings, The Proven Ones) at the helm. People still talk about their great Distillery show last year featuring the great Kid Ramos who visited us from LA. That level of excellence will continue this year with their extra special guests - New England’s soul singing legend Barrence Whitfield and Rhode Island’s 2X Grammy Nominee, saxophonist Mark Earley. Hard driving blues and soul at it’s best. “Don’t Hand Me Down”
Noble Dust + Love Crumbs
@theDistillery SATURDAY- This is gonna be one special evening. Two extraordinary bands, both with a compelling indie folk-rock vibe, both featuring great musicianship, both creating a multi-layered sound highlighted by amazing harmonies. Noble Dust: “There is beauty in the power of all aspects of the band’s music, but it’s balanced by just how damn fun it is...” - Red Line Roots Love Crumbs: They have “energy and talent to spare" and have "wowed the audience with their talent, energy, and enthusiasm...leaving the crowd in awe." - Glide Magazine Take a listen to Noble Dust’s "Tin Armor" and Love Crumbs’ “Ellipses” to get a feel for what you’re in for. Be prepared to be swept away on a sonic journey
The Band of Killers ft Peter Prince
@theWarehouse SATURDAY- The “basic” version of this band is a supergroup of some of Boston’s finest musicians - Johnny Trama and Tim Gearan just to name 2 - but when you add in special guest Peter Prince - who has performed with the likes of Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews and Grace Potter and shared the stage with such greats as Johnny Winter, Levon Helm and Umphrey's McGee - just wow!. Peter & Tim’s vocals, Johnny’s and Tim’s guitarwork and the rest of this incredibly talented band will blow you away with their mix of R&B, funk, rock & soul.
Adriya Joy
@theDistillery FRIDAY- Drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences including Rebelution, H.E.R., Hollie Cook, SOJA, and Amy Winehouse, Adriya Joy has developed her own wonderfully unique approach to Reggae. Adriya Joy has brought her fresh take to festivals from Maine to California and local venues like the House of Blues, Plough and Stars and Brighton Music Hall. Her nine piece band has thrilled audiences at the Distillery twice before, and we expect this to be another great show. “Hazel Eyed Sunflower”. “Get Me High”
Joe Musella And Chris Cote’s Led Zeppelin and the Who Classic Rock Orgy
@theDistillery FRIDAY - This is no ordinary tribute band! Joe has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar prof for some 25 years and is a master of Jimmy Page’s sound. Much sought after Boston vocalist Chris Cote (of Duke Robbilard, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations) nails Robert Plant’s style like few others. Together w/ SHK’s Jim Haggerty (bass), Marty Richards (drums), and Andrew Beckman (keys), they playing a selection of your favorite Zeppelin and Who classics. a taste: You Shook Me
The Gravel Project + Otis Grove
@WhseXI Saturday- The Gravel Project is Andrew Gravel (guitar/vocals), brother Jordan (B-3) with Dave Fox (drums), Eguie Castrillo (percussion) and special guests Jesse Williams (bass) and Jen Kearney (vocals). This crew perform some of the best blues-rock around with a great Santana-esque, Allman Brother’s vibe. Big Deep Blue Opening the evening will be one of Boston’s classic funk groups, Otis Grove. In their 20+ years of performing, they have developed into a unique sound that blends of rock n' roll and high-intensity organ funk which some fans have dubbed as 'Runk'. Otis Grove @ Porchfest Accompanying the music will be an old style liquid light show put on by the crew from Sons Lunaris. There will also be an exhibition featuring the work of a number of local artists. An evening of great fun not to be missed!
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
@theDistillery: FRIDAY - Rooted deeply in the blues, this band has a distinctive sound that also incorporates rock n’ roll, New Orleans, some Country, funk… A great band that has traveled the world for nearly 30 years, the newest member of the band is 25 year old guitarist and singer, Delanie Pickering, who wonderfully complements Johnny’s great voice and harp playing. These guys truly kick ass - as entertaining a dance party blues band as you’ll find around. Their last 2 shows at the Distillery were a blast. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
Kimon Kirk & the Meds
@WhseXI Thursday: Kimon Kirk has written songs for Lori McKenna and Aimee Mann. He has performed & recorded with the likes of Alejandro Escovedo, Session Americana, Amy Correia, Sarah Borges and recently appeared with Aimee Mann at NYC’s City Winery. His band puts in brilliant indie folk-rock. Special guest Chandler Travis. Kimon’s “Evergreen” w/Aimee: “Baby Who Knows”
FANDANGO!
@WhseXI Wednesday - Fandango is led by the ageless, soulful singer Fred Griffeths and is backed by Andy Santospago on guitar, Ryan Clauch on keys, Steve Monahan on bass and Chris Anzalone on drums. This classic soul and rock dance band is legendary for their dedicated following developed over their many year residency in Porter Square. Their Union Square debut was a great evening and they’re coming back for more! These guys are pure fun - come check them out and our great setup at Warehouse XI.
no cover
The Dennis Brennan Band
@BHDistillery Wednesday - The original Dennis Brennan Band makes its return to the Distillery - featuring Dennis Brennan, Duke Levine, Kevin Barry, Richard Gates and Billy Beard.
The A-Beez ft. Melissa Bolling and Lyle Brewer
@BHDistillery Saturday: The A-Beez are truly one of our all-time favorite bands. Amy and Aaron Bellamy are one of Boston’s most talented couples and among their many credits are performances with the likes of Chaka Khan, Terri Lyne Carrington, G Love and the Juice, Res, Nth Power, and Club D’elf to name a few. Their flexible group of musicians they call the A-Beez attracts the area’s finest musicians to fill out their ensemble - and the special septet they are bringing to the Distillery this evening includes two local virtuosos - vocalist Melissa Bolling and guitarist Lyle Brewer. Their music has its roots in soul, R&B and jazz - but when it comes down to it, you’ll remember them as one of funkiest bands around. Jesus Children Nothin’ Extra
Joe Musella And Chris Cote’s Led Zeppelin Tribute
FRIDAY - This is no ordinary tribute band! Joe has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar prof for some 25 years and is a master of Jimmy Page’s sound. Much sought after Boston vocalist Chris Cote (of Duke Robbilard, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations) nails Robert Plant’s style like few others. Together w/ SHK’s Jim Haggerty (bass), Marty Richards (drums), and Andrew Beckman (keys), they will be reprising the Physical Grafitti album and other favorite Zeppelin classics. a taste: Lemon Song
The TREAT HER RIGHT Dancers
@theWarehouse: Thursday - The original Treat Her Right was formed in 1985 and was the forerunner to the internationally famous band Morphine. The original band featured Mark Sandman and Billy Conway who are sadly no longer with us. Surviving members Dave Champagne (guitar) and Jim Fitting (harmonica) have brought on Jerome Dupree (drums) and Scott Corneille (bass) and a whole host of great singers to recreate the wonderful magic of the original band. This ensemble has only done this once before and it sold out so get your tickets quickly for this rare performance. A recent Boston Herald: write-up and one of the hits from the original band: I Think She Likes Me
FANDANGO!
@WhseXI Wednesday - Fandango is led by the ageless, soulful singer Fred Griffeths and is backed by Andy Santospago on guitar, Ryan Clauch on keys, Steve Monahan on bass and Chris Anzalone on drums. This classic soul and rock dance band is legendary for their dedicated following developed over their many year residency in Porter Square. Their Union Square debut was a great evening and they’re coming back for more! These guys are pure fun - come check them out and our great setup at Warehouse XI.
no cover