On Friday, December 8, Rockport Music presents a throwback to the vocal groups of the post-war era with The Four Freshmen, a swing/barbershop hybrid ensemble that has been thrilling harmony-loving audiences since its inception in 1948. While none of the original members remain, the current lineup (Jonathan Gaines, trumpet & vocals | Stein Malvey, guitar & vocals | Tommy Boynton, lead vocals & bass | Bob Ferreira, drums & bass vocals), the Freshmen spirit, dedication and musicality continues unabated. The Four Freshmen happily pay tribute to the history and evolution of the Freshmen sound by way of performing the hits of their predecessors, but are unafraid to break new ground through songs that strike a chord with listeners of any generation. Whether it be a reimagining of such classic standards as “Come Fly With Me” and “Stompin’ At the Savoy”; profoundly evocative and energetic interpretations of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s seminal hits “The Girl From Ipanema” and “So Danco Samba”; or the introduction of heart-wrenching originals like “A Little While,” The Four Freshmen put on a live performance that hits all the musical sweet spots. Tickets: $35-$49
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Felix Cavaliere
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The following evening (Saturday, December 8), the nostalgia train continues on with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals. Best known as the singer and keyboardist for The Rascals, the legendary Felix Cavaliere makes his debut in Rockport. Despite a career spanning five decades, Cavaliere remains at the height of his powers, that instantly recognizable soulful voice continuing to enthrall audiences all over the globe. With three #1 hits under his belt (“Good Lovin’” “Groovin’” and “People Got to Be Free”), as well as an entire catalog of other beloved classics (“It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long” etc.), Felix Cavaliere helped launch The Rascals into the pop stratosphere. A songwriter as well as a dynamite organ player and singer, Cavaliere has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Cavaliere remains in top form, his impassioned, grainy baritone having lost none of its youthful swagger. Tickets: $49-$68
The rest of the month finds Rockport Music in full holiday mode, presenting a slew of events featuring yuletide fare including the Cape Ann Big Band’s annual Holiday show (December 2), pianist George Winston (December 3), Brian O’Donovan’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn (December 12) and the handbell superstar ensemble Back Bay Ringers (December 17).
NEWLY ANNOUNCED
Saturday, February 13, 8 PM?
10,000 Maniacs
The acclaimed folk rock group dominated the airwaves in the late 80’s and 90’s with FM radio staples like “These Are Days” “Trouble Me” and “More Than This,” leading a trend of fiercely independent, socially conscious bands that would become known as alternative rock. Now with violist and vocalist Mary Ramsey leading the way, and no signs of slowing down, 10,000 Maniacs will make their Rockport debut. Tickets: $61, $45
Sunday, February 14, 12:55 PM
Metropolitan Opera in HD presents The Opera House
The Opera House, a new film by multiple Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Susan Froemke, surveys a remarkable period of the Metropolitan Opera’s rich history and a time of great change for New York. Drawing on rarely seen archival footage, stills, and recent interviews, the film chronicles the creation of the Met’s storied home of the last 50 years, against the backdrop of the artists, architects, and politicians who shaped the cultural life of New York City in the ’50s and ’60s. Tickets: $15