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.
Great things are happening at the Distillery - check out our stellar fall/winter line-up!
We humbly ask that you consider buying your tickets as far in advance as possible - it’s hard to express how important that is to help us keep doing what we do. Thanks for your support!
The Dogmatics + The Carnivals
Saturday: One of the city’s most legendary rock ’n’ roll bands, The Dogmatics makes their Boston Harbor Distillery debut. They got together in 1981 and quickly became known as Boston’s House Band with their raw, high-energy mix of garage rock, punk, and rockabilly and these guys are still going strong. “Nothing to Be Learned” “Think Twice” Opening the evening will a great new-ish rock n’ roll band, The Carnivals - a 2025 New England Music Award nominee for Best Live Act of the year. “Greasy Pole” Expect a night of sweat-soaked rock ’n’ roll that moves from New Orleans shuffle to Boston garage grit—two great bands, one unforgettable show.
One Dime Band + The Speakeasies
Saturday: This will be one helluva double bill. The award winning One Dime Band has represented New England twice at the annual International Blues Competition in Memphis. Their engaging straightforward take on the blues has thrilled audiences at the the Distillery in their several previous appearances Their album “Live Hustle” was recorded at the Distillery a little over a year ago - this is one cut from that recording “Soul to Keep” And opening the evening will be one of the most exciting new local bands we’ve seen in quite a while. The Speakeasies take their bluesy approach to their own originals and a truly fun selection of classic rock and funk tunes. “Player”
The A-Beez
Saturday: This is a reprise of perhaps our favorite show of 2025. The A-Beez are literally one of the funkiest bands around. Amy and Aaron Bellamy have toured internationally and have backed such stars as Chaka Khan, Terri Lyne Carrington, and G Love in addition to many others. Their ensemble, the A-Beez, always features the area’s finest musicians, and the line-up for this show is truly top-shelf with their longtime drummer Muu WIlliams, virtuoso guitarist Lyle Brewer (Neighbor, Ryan Montbleau, Lori McKenna), saxophonist Greg Blair (Frankie Valli, The Temptations, The Four Tops, etc ), trumpeter Maz Maher (Snarky Puppy with whom he's won 5 Grammys) and Grammy nominated vocalist Debo Ray (Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, Bobby McFerrin, Screaming Headless Torsos). A show not to be missed! “Better Way”
Hayley Jane
Sunday: Get ready for a night of rockn’ soul, magic, and raw energy. We at SHK have been huge fans of Hayley Jane’s for years and we cannot be more excited about her return to the Distillery after her debut here a couple of years ago. Hayley is a singer-songwriter and entertainer with a commanding, vibrant and soulful way of owning a stage - all part of the wonderful energy that makes her one of the most captivating performers we have ever hosted. The Brattleboro Reformer accurately described her as “a whirling dervish of sunny charisma, humor and passion." This will be Hayley's full band’s only Boston stop in a while and wull feature their unique mix of Indie folk, jam, rock, funk, and soul music. Note that the doors open at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm for this one. “Choose Love” “Cyclical”
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”
Seconds Out - a tribute to Genesis
Saturday: Seconds Out returns to the Distillery with their Tribute to the Music of Genesis. They are a five-piece band that focuses on both the Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel eras. Founded in 2023, Seconds Out endeavors to play faithfully not only the more rock-driven songs (and some pop hits!) under Phil Collins’ term, but the rich and complex musical pieces from the Peter Gabriel era as well. They’ve been a huge draw in greater NYC and we’re thrilled they are coming back to our Dorcheter refuge after their fantastic debut a year ago. Phil-era reel Peter-era reel
Listen to This
Friday: 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 4 of their previous appearances at the Distillery. => In A Silent Way
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
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.
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.
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 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 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 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!
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!
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.
and the rest of our upcoming schedule:
DECEMBER
Sun 7: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish tix coming soon
Fri 12: The Musella-Cote Band - Another Great Tribute (tbd) tix coming soon
Sat 13: Debo Ray and her Band of Bros tix coming soon
Sun 14: Samantha Farrell's 2nd Annual Blue Christmas tix coming soon
JANUARY
Sat 8: Sarah Borges + Stan Martin tix coming soon
Sat 31: Brian Templeton & The Delta Generators tix coming soon
FEBRUARY
Fri 13: The BT-ALC Big Band tix coming soon