I was sitting, restringing my guitar and oiling my frets listening to Caroline Spence’s “Spades & Roses” the other evening and entered her website into my browser on the off chance she was making a New England run anytime soon.

Sure enough, there are a few dates in there on her way up the East Coast. DC, NYC and wouldn’t you know it: Waltham, MA (was still hoping for a Vermont date…perhaps?). I then took a look at the music series she is performing as a part of…one we have covered in the past: 2nd SHIFT Music Series in Waltham, MA at the Charles River Museum. And wow…

A little history:

Begun in the Spring of 2016 as a showcase for diverse musical talent curated by roots musician and Waltham resident Michael Tarbox, the 2nd SHIFT Music Series has helped make the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation Waltham’s signature music venue.

After an incredible four-season run overseeing the selection of the top-notch artists who have graced the stage here, Michael stepped aside at the end of the Fall ’17 Season to allow a new curator to bring their perspective to the 2nd SHIFT: Mark Erelli.

Michael had reached out a few years back and to say we were impressed with the line-up is an understatement. Ken then ran an interview with Robert Perry and Mark Erelli about their vision for the future.

This year, it is a powerhouse of a line up, beyond what I could imagine coming to Waltham (albeit, a wonderful city). The always wonderfully charming and raucous Barnstar! kicks things off on March 5th for the opening date (a band of which Erelli is a part). Caroline Spence hits it on April 16th, followed by Dori Freeman on April 30th and closing the series programming with Freddy and Francine on May 14th. I saw Freddy & Francine on a completely random and serendipitous night in Burlington, VT at our favorite little venue, Light Club Lamp Shop and they were wonderful.

So, get out to these shows. Support a magical series that truly blows me away with the talent they are curating for these wonderful events.

https://www.charlesrivermuseum.org/second-shift-music-series