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.
We’re excited to be back after our summer hiatus. Check out our great fall line-up coming to the Distillery!
We humbly ask that you consider buying your tickets in advance - it’s hard to express how important that is to help keep doing what we do. Thanks for your support!
Canyon Lights + Jesse Ahern
Thursday - Fronted by Tim Carman and Pat Faherty, both formerly of GA-20, Canyon Lights are a blend of throwback rock n’ roll, swampy Americana, and heavy blues. While they only came together as this band less than 2 years ago, they have already made a big name for themselves. Most recently, they toured nationally opening for George Thorogood and the Destroyers. This show will be a celebration of their debut album: this is the title song Breathe Easy Opening the evening will Jesse Ahern who WBUR described as a “Rabble-rousing troubadour [who] has earned an international following for his politically charged working-class roots rock". He has toured internationally opening for the likes of the Dropkick Murphys. Straight to Hell. We are thrilled to have both Canyon Lights and Jesse back at the Distillery!
The Musella-Cote Band
Friday - This is no ordinary tribute band! Every one of their previous Distillery shows has been an old fashioned rock-fest. Joe Musella has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar prof for some 30 years and much sought after Chris Cote (of Duke Robillard, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations) is as versatile a vocalist as you’ll find around town. Together w/ SHK’s veteran bassist Jim Haggerty, powerhouse master drummer Marty RIchards, Berklee’s Piano Department Chair Dave Limina on keys, and Kevin Belz on co-lead guitar - these guys will be wow’ing us with a tribute to the “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” album from 1970 - a landmark of blues-rock passion, famed for its searing guitar interplay between Eric Clapton and Duane Allman and its deeply emotive songwriting. Among other classics, this album features the title song “Layla” and “Bell Bottom Blues”. A not to be missed event!
The Gravel Project + Peter Prince
Friday - The Gravel Project delivers blues-rock at it’s best - embodying the spirit of Santana combined with the classic raw energy and moving songwriting of The Allman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band. They have shared the stage with a number of great bands including Tedeschi Trucks and Dave Matthews have headlined many shows around New England, including several previous killer shows at the Distillery. Find What You Need. Opening the evening will be a rare solo appearance of Peter Prince - who either solo or with his full-throttle, rocket-soul band "Moon Boot Lover," delivers a one-of-a-kind mix of rock, funk and soul, with dynamic versatility and range. He has toured the country multiple times in multiple guises and shared the stage with Derek Trucks, Grace Potter & Tim Reynolds to name a few, Part of a Man. This will be one helluva evening of great music.
The Love Dogs
Saturday - Inviting the Love Dogs to play the Distillery has been long overdue. They are one of the most high-energy, musically engaging, and totally fun dance bands around! As Blues Review once noted: “If there was a Superbowl for crowd pleasing Rhythm & Blues, a photo of The Love Dogs would be on every Wheaties box in America.” The Love Dog recipe: take a red-hot horn—down and dirty. Add liberal amounts of barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano and stinging Fender guitar. Pour that over a funky and swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business,” and top it all off with a crazy and charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around. Then season it with years on the road, tearing up juke joints, festivals, and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. And voila - as tasty an evening of music as you could hope for. Keep On Lyin'
The Nightflies
Saturday: The Nightflies are a fantastic collaboration of 10 musicians dedicated to recreating the music of Steely Dan. Their 5 vocalists, 2 guitarists, 2 sax players, pianist and rhythm section will bring you back to some of the best music of the 1970’s. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen brought wonderfully hip sounds that to the world thru Steely Dan - including hits like Reelin’ In the Years, Kid Charlemagne and Bodhisattva and this band really brings that sound alive. This septet octet nonet dectet is truly wondeful - it’s always a cool evening when they play the Distillery.
The Dennis Brennan Band
Wednesday: The original Dennis Brennan Band makes its return to the Distillery - featuring Boston’s treasured singer / songwriter / guitarist / mouth-harpist Dennis Brennan backed by Duke Levine (Bonnie Raitt, Peter Wolf) and Kevin Barry (Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf), truly one of the country’s best guitar tandems, and the phenomenal rhythm section of Richard Gates and Billy Beard. Tickets just went on sale and this show always fills up quickly so get your tix now.
Wall of Grass Benefit to Support Breast Cancer Research
Thursday: The Wall of Grass is an informal ensemble of some of the finest Boston area folk and rock musicians who get together periodically to support important causes. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and 26 of these wonderful and talented folks are returning to the Distillery (check ticket link for who) - this year to support Susan G Komen and its funding of research contributing to a cure for breast cancer and better treatment and support for breast cancer patients. This is an incredible event - the musicians gather in a large semi-circle and in varying clusters, they perform many great songs, most of which you will likely know. And all to support an organization that is looking to cure a disease that undoubtedly has affected all of us in one way or another.
Ward Hayden & the Outliers + Other Brother Daryl
Saturday: Well - this is gonna be one helluva evening! Headlining will be Ward Hayden and the Outliers who are squeezing their brief return to the States (and the Distillery) in between an extensive Scandinavian tour and a tour of Belgium, France and Spain. Their "distinctive take on C&W with a rock’n’roll kick" takes many forms - recently on a great album celebrating Ward’s South Shore upbringing and another displaying the band’s interpretation of Bruce Springsteen’s music. This evening will be the official album release show for their latest recording of original tunes called "Little by Little". Glory Days. Opening the night will be a relatively newly formed group that is most worthy of headlining on their own. Other Brother Darryl, a seven piece, Boston-based alt-country supergroup, were the winners of the 2024 Boston Music Award for Country Artist of the Year and have been blowing away audiences and critics alike with how polished they are. Until I do, Drive
FIGMENT
POSTPONED - this will be rescheduled for the fall. We a
Saturday - Figment is a high-energy collective that merges blues and electronic funk with the improvisational spirit of jazz fusion. Born out of jam sessions at Northeastern University in 2024, the band has quickly developed a tight, playful sound inspired by artists like Vulfpeck, Snarky Puppy, and Herbie Hancock. Don't let their youth fool you - these are very talented musicians who focus on creating engaging and dynamic music while balancing complex harmonies and rhythms with a groove that gets people moving. They have a great vocalist - but here is an instrumental sample of their sound from a recent rehearsal Red Baron
2nd Annual Blues Fest
Sunday afternoon - We at SHK Music are thrilled to be co-sponsoring the return of this special event with the Boston Blues Society. The featured acts will be Brian Templeton and The Delta Generators, Canyon Lights and The White Owls PLUS Boston Blues Society award winning One Dime Acoustic Duo playing between sets (weather permitting, they’ll be playing outside). PLUS a Food Truck will be on site. Last year’s Fest was a wonderful experience and this one is set up to be even more entertaining. Get your tix early for this one.
The Luiza Girardello Band + Flora
Friday - We are thrilled to be be bringing Luiza Girardello and her great band back to the Distillery for the 3rd time. Brazilian-born, Boston-based. award winning Luiza Girardello is a singer-songwriter whose work defies easy categorization, blending the rhythmic pulse of South America with the raw energy of alternative rock, the sophistication of jazz, and the emotional immediacy of Latin-inspired melodies. Flora is a Boston-based instrumental progressive metal band who strives to push forward the boundaries of music by crafting emotive compositions that engage the listener, creating a sound that is as visceral as it is cerebral. Blending dizzying rhythms, lush harmonies, and soulful melodies, GTFO
TAMI-FEST V
A Saturday afternoon in North Quincy - We are hosting a very special outdoor concert to benefit a dear friend of the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville music community featuring 3 great bands:
Magen Tracy and the Missed Connections
The Musella-Cote Band’s Led Zeppelin Matinee
Sunday - This is no ordinary tribute band! Joe Musella 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 Robillard, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations) nails Robert Plant’s style like few others. Along with the H in SHK, Jim Haggerty on bass and Marty Richards on drums, these guys are returning for what will undoubtedly be another great classic rock experience. Lemon Song
The Nightflies
Saturday - The Nightflies are a fantastic collaboration of 10 musicians dedicated to recreating the music of Steely Dan. Their 5 vocalists, 2 guitarists, 2 sax players, pianist and rhythm section will bring you back to some of the best music of the 1970’s - the wonderfully hip sounds that Walter Becker and Donald Fagen brought to the world - including hits like Reelin’ In the Years, Kid Charlemagne and Bodhisattva. These guys truly rocked out the Distillery in their previous appearance last year. This is gonna be a another really cool evening.
Stan Martin Band + Tad Overbaugh & the Late Arrivals
Friday@BHD - This very special country-rock co-bill features the Stan Martin Band and special guests Tad Overbaugh & the Late Arrivals. Stan Martin is “a skilled writer and musician who is unabashedly, unapologetically country” and “a fixture on the small but authentic Boston Country Music scene for over a decade.[who has] a California flair and an east coast swagger and it's good...damn good.” Opening the evening will be the Late Arrivals who are a 4-piece, heartland-inspired, rock 'n' roll band from Boston, MA. Driving down that highway of roots-rock, alt-country, midwestern-tinged power-pop, and classic country/rockabilly influences who have opened for the likes of The Drive-By Truckers, Son Volt, The Bottle Rockets and Cracker. Martin: El Tarantino, @BHD Overbaugh: Open Road and Blue Sky
Lookie Lookie!
Friday@BHD: 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 echoes 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”
Wall of Grass - Breast Cancer Benefit
Thursday@BHD: *** Postponed *** Apologies for any inconvenience but we need to reschedule this event - looking towards this October as the likely timeframe.
Myanna, Cassandre and Friends
Saturday@BHD: Myanna is one of the hottest and most soulful saxophonists based in Massachusetts. She is a multi-award-winning musician who mixes funk, soul and jazz into a sound that has been transporting her audiences for years. Cassandre is an extraordinary multi-genre vocalist who, as the Boston Globe once stated, champions a "music style called 'jazzsoul'...and our anointed queen is Boston native Cassandre McKinley." This mighty duo will be accompanied at the Distillery by a truly impressive cast of fellow musicians - Dave Limina on keys (chair of the Piano Department at Berklee...), Mike Mele on guitar (Roy Hargrove, Melvin Sparks, Ken Clark...), Marty Ballou on bass (John Hammond, Duke Robillard, Roomful of Blues....), and everybody’s favorite drummer who has been voted New England's "Most Charismatic Entertainer", Eddie Scheer.. Do I Move You
Sarah Borges Full Band
Saturday@BHD: Taunton raised Sarah Borges has been known as a great singer/songwriter/entertainer for many years. She has thrilled audiences with her wonderful unique sound across the US and Europe. She’s bringing her full all-star band with her for this special event - including.Eric ‘Roscoe’ Ambel (Bottle Rockets, Emmylou Harris, Nils Lofgren, Marshall Crenshaw), Keith Voegele (Bottle Rockets, Marshall Crenshaw) and Kenny Soule (Nantucket, PKM, Walter Trout). This will be quite an evening. Lucky Day Wouldn’t Know You
The Nogs
Friday@BHD: A Tribute To The Pogues - The nÓgs are a band of Cambridge/Somerville scene veterans, who have joined forces to unleash jubilant Poguetry upon the world. Josh Lederman, vocals, Elizabeth Steen, accordion and vocals, Kit Buckley, whistle, sax, and vocals, JD Dorsett, banjo and vocals, Pete Varga, mandolin and bouzouki, Michael Barry, guitar, Matt Gruenberg, bass, Andrew Plaisted, drums. “Fiesta”
The White Owls w/s/g’sToni Lynn Washington and Sax Gordon
Saturday@BHD: The White Owls are a collaboration of local legends Dennis Brennan, Tim Gearan, Steve Sadler, Andy Plaisted and the H in SHK, Jim Haggerty. As the late great Boston Globe music critic Steve Morse said of the White Owls, it's "hard to find a better band anywhere in town". Add in the Queen of Boston Blues, Toni Lynn Washington and one of the most entertaining sax players you’ll ever see - Sax Gordon Beadle, and we’re in for one helluva fun evening.
THE SWINGING STEAKS
Friday@BHD: Boston’s Swinging Steaks signed with Capricorn Records in 1993 pioneering what is now called Americana - blending rock, country, and roots music. Over three decades, eight albums, and countless shows later, the Swinging Steaks still earn their reputation as a dynamic, charismatic live act - reflecting their sheer joy of playing music together. Their latest release, "YoYo", was co-produced by Boston rock legend Dave Minehan and features tight vocal harmonies, musical chops, and tunes from the group's three fine songwriters. The Steaks have toured/appeared with legends like Los Lobos, The Band, and The Black Crowes and we are thrilled to be hosting them for their return to the Distillery. Suicide at the Wishing Well on Conan O’Brien
The Musella-Cote Band takes on The Rolling Stones
Saturday @BHD: This is no ordinary tribute band! Joe Musella has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar prof for 25+ years and is a master of Keith RIchard’s sound. Handling the vocal chores for the evening is Boston’s most versatile vocalist, Chris Cote (of the Duke Robillard Band, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations). Rounding out the rest of this illustrious quintet will be SHK’s own Jim Haggerty on bass, drummer extraordinaire Marty Richards, and the most excellent guitarist Kevin Belz. We hosted their debut public excursion into the Stones catalogue last year and it was a blast - and we can guarantee there will be no let up at this show.
Brian Templeton
Saturday @BHD: After 2 previous appearances fronting the Delta Generators, powerhouse vocalist Brian Templeton brings his own band to the BHD stage for the first time. He’ll be performing all original material from a career spanning over 30 years - singing songs from his affiliations with The Radio Kings, The Proven Ones, Delta Generators and as well as from his solo albums. Templeton is one of the most compelling entertainers around - always striving to make a spiritual connection with his audience.
The Racky Thomas Band
Saturday @BHD: 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”
John Barleycorn Must Live
Saturday @BHD: Come join us for this rare gathering of some of Boston's finest musicians performing the music of Traffic and Steve Winwood. Comprised of diverse artists, writers, and performers this is not so much a tribute band, but more an ensemble that gets together when the stars align, in order to keep it fresh and vibrant. They don't get together often - but every time they do is a happening.
The Dennis Brennan Band
@theDistillery: WEDNESDAY: The original Dennis Brennan Band makes its return to the Distillery - featuring Boston’s treasured singer / songwriter / guitarist / mouth-harpist Dennis Brennan backed by Duke Levine (Bonnie Raitt, Peter Wolf) and Kevin Barry (Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf), truly one of the country’s best guitar tandems, and the phenomenal rhythm section of Richard Gates and Billy Beard. Tickets just went on sale and this show always fills up quickly so get your tix now.
Jesse Ahern and the Roots Rock Rebels
@theDistillery Saturday - Quincy based Jesse Ahern is the quintessential Boston troubadour. He has entertained crowds as a solo artist and with his band - touring internationally sharing the stage with the likes of the Dropkick Murphys, Violent Femmes and Jamie Wyatt. This evening celebrates his band’s newest album release. This is the first time the band has performed publicly in quite a while so don’t miss this special gathering! “The Older I Get “Back Against the Wall”
The Aldous Collins Band + Dylan Burke
>>> SOLD OUT & no tickets at the door for this one <<< Aldous Collins is a South Shore fixture who has been entertaining sold out audiences across New England for years. He and his band have an infectious rootsy sound tinged with funk, soul, indie, rock and a heavy coating of reggae - guaranteed to have most of the crowd up and dancing. ACB: Twitching Get On Board Dylan Burke is opening the evening and he is a show unto himself - check out his Jam in the Van video.
One Dime Band w/s/g Tony Lynn Washington
@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 representing the Boston area and New Hampshire at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis the last couple of years. This evening will be the official celebration of the release of ”Live Hustle” album - their live recording at the Distillery from last March. In addition to the always wonderful Toni Lynn - the boys will be joined by and all-star band. If you love great, exciting blues, this is the show for you. “Dr. Shine” “Gator in My Pond”
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 several shows at the Distillery were a blast. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
The Debo Ray Classic Rock Show + the Kemp Harris Duo
Saturday@BHD: Two of the most talented singers and engaging performers that you’ll ever see in a small, intimate venue like ours. Grammy nominated Debo Ray 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 bands on many different stages. She is a powerhouse vocalist with incredible range, passion and stage presence - and she is bringing her “Band of Bros” to entertain us with her very special selection of classic rock covers. NPR described Kemp Harris as a singer who will “take your breath away” - Blues Revue said he “he writes with an understanding of what our lives lack. He delivers this wisdom with a timeless voice”. These are 2 of our favorite performers on any stage and we cannot be more excited that both of them will be performing on ours. Debo’s "Since I've Been Loving You" Kemp @the Bock Center
Jesse Dee
Saturday@BHD: This show has been a long time in the making. We’re very excited to announce Jesse Dee’s Distillery debut. Jesse Dee is a Boston-based singer/songwriter who has played as the opening act for Gospel/R&B/Soul legends Al Green and Etta James. Known for his dynamic voice and his rich, heartfelt melodies, Jesse has enthralled audiences across the country as a headliner with his fresh, modern take on classic soul and rhythm and blues. Over and Over Again
Samantha Farrell’s “Blue Christmas” Holiday Extravaganza
Friday@BHD: Please join us for Samantha Farrell’s "A Blue Christmas" - a joyful holiday extravaganza at Boston Harbor Distillery! This unforgettable night will be hosted by Samantha, one of SHK’s all-time favorite performers, and features a stellar lineup of her most talented singer-songwriter friends: Abbie Barrett, Dennis Brennan, Pat McCann, Danielle Miraglia plus another exciting surprise guest or two. Backing these amazing singers will be Chris Hersch and the MoonRaiders – a band that was nominated for New England’s Best Roots Act of the Year and recently played at another killer Distillery event. Come embrace the spirit of the holidays with Samantha Farrell and her friends, while sipping on the Distillery’s craft cocktails and seasonal offerings. Make this Blue Christmas one to remember! a taste of Holiday Samantha
Julien Kasper Record Release
Friday@BHD: 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. This is a special event - Julien and his band recorded their last show with us in April - and this will be the official release party for the first ever “Live at BHD” album. The Reverend
MORBIOLI and LAWS - Tex-Italian blues brothers
Friday@BHD: Bluesmen Willie and 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.; They’re bringing Osi, Lenny and Bruce with them - so we’re in for a treat.
The Musella/Cote Band - Led Zepp II and more
Saturday@BHD: This is no ordinary tribute band! Every one of their previous Distillery shows have been an old fashioned rock-fest. Joe Musella 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 Robillard, the Giant Kings and many other collaborations) nails Robert Plant’s style like few others. Together w/ SHK’s Jim Haggerty (bass), Bill D’Agostino (drums), and Andrew Beckman (keys), they will be reprising the entire Led Zeppelin II album in the 1st set and other Zepp classics in the 2nd. a taste: Lemon Song
Troy Mercy + The FCC
Saturday@BHD: ** WE REGRET TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED **
Guitarist and singer Troy Mercy and drumming partner Hadley Lloyd put on a great show as part of our Blues Festival in June and went on to win the 2024 Boston Blues Award for best solo/duo act in October. We are very excited to be hosting them again before they travel to Memphis in January to represent Massachusetts in the annual International Blues Competition in Memphis. Opening the evening will be a new collaboration called The FCC featuring B3 organ master Ken Clark and 2 members of blues powerhouse band GA-20, Patrick Faherty on guitar and vocals and drummer Tim Carman. With 3 such pros, we can’t wait to hear what they’re bringing us.
and the rest of our fall schedule: links and info coming soon,,,
OCTOBER
Sun 19: Musella-Cote Band - Rolling Stones Tribute
Fri 24: Listen to This - honoring the electric music of Miles Davis
Sat 25: Seconds Out - Genesis Tribute
NOVEMBER
Sat 8: Dorchester Day: The Dogmatics and Carnivals
Sat 15: One Dime Band + the Speakeasies
Sat 29: Racky Thomas Blues Band
DECEMBER
Fri 12: Musella-Cote - Another Great Tribute (tbd)
Sat 13: Debo Ray and her Band of Bros
Sun 21: Samantha Farrell's 2nd Annual Blue Christmas