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.
Check out the shows listed below for a taste of what’s coming up. Thanks for your support! If you are not already on our bi-weekly mailing list, you can sign-up >here<.
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.
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 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 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 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”
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
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.
Vapors of Morphine
Friday@BHD: We are truly thrilled to be hosting this great band again - their previous sold out shows were amazing. Vapors of Morphine is a power trio featuring baritone sax (Dan Colley), drums (Tom Arey), and 2 string slide bass (Jeremy Lyons). VoM saxophonist Dana was an original member of 1990’s “low rock” pioneers Morphine, whose leader Mark Sandman left this earth while performing onstage in Italy in 1999. VoM performs much of Morphine’s ethereal, hypnotic classics, plus new material and original versions of selective covers. They are an experience you do not want to miss. Drop Out Mambo . Baba Drames
TAMI-FEST III
Tuesday@BHD: We're coming together once again to support our dear friend Tami Lee! For those that don’t know her, Tami is a valued and beloved member of the Cambridge/Somerville/Boston music community, a favorite bartender at several venues, a great music lover and a wonderful personality appreciated by all who know her. She is currently enduring serious medical hardship fraught with intense medical costs. All the proceeds from this event will go to help defray those expenses.
A mighty cast of 9 of the areas finest bands will be performing to support her: The B3 Kings / Blue Ribbons / Chris Cote and his band of These guys / Dennis Brennan Band with Duke Levine, Kevin Barry, Billy Beard, and Richard Gates / The White Owls / CA McNeill / Sarah Borges Band / Jimmy Ryan and Friends.
There will be no advance tickets for this special event - $25 at the door will get you in the door.
The A-Beez w/ Debo + AppleMill
Saturday@BHD: This will be a candidate for our show of the year. The A-Beez are literally one of the funkiest bands around. Amy and Aaron Bellamy, the core of the group, have toured internationally and have backed such stars as Chaka Khan, Terri Lyne Carrington, and G Love in addition to many other great artists. Their ensemble, the A-Beez, always features the area’s finest musicians, and the line-up for this show is truly top-shelf: highlighted by Snarky Puppy’s Maz Maher, Neighbor’s virtuoso guitarist Lyle Brewer and Grammy nominated powerhouse vocalist Debo Ray. Opening the evening will be the debut and EP release of a great new band that you need to check out. They are called AppleMill - the brainchild of Tom Appleman and Seth Miller. They have created a impressive fresh sound that will not disappoint. Please join us for what will be an extraordinary evening. Debo Ray & the A-Beez AppleMill
Seconds Out - a tribute to Genesis
Friday@BHD: Genesis is one of the most influential progressive rock bands of all time with a catalog of songs spanning three decades. Their sold-out world tours are a testament to their well-deserved Rock & Roll Hall of Fame status. Seconds Out : A Tribute to the Music of Genesis is 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 on Long Island and in NYC and we’re thrilled they are making the Distiller they’re first Boston area stop. Phil-era reel Peter-era reel
The Incredible Casuals + the Buttercups
***CANCELLED*** we hope to reschedule for sometime in the near future
Sunday@BHD: Chandler Travis has been entertaining audiences since even before he toured the country opening for George Carlin back in the 80’s. He has initiated many projects over the years - including his infamous the CT Philharmonic - all of which display varying forms of what can only be described as his own unique brand of irreverent rock. This consummate entertainer is bringing 2 of his projects to the Distillery for this special Sunday afternoon show - the resurrection of the Incredible (now Invincible) Casuals with Rikki Bates and Steve ‘Woo Woo’ Wood and a brand new project with Rikki called the Buttercups. Please join us for what will be a wonderfully fun late Sunday afternoon. Let’s Go
Toni Lynn Washington, Duke Robillard and the White Owls
Sunday@BHD: A most rare coming together of two iconic blues musicians! Boston’s Queen of the Blues, Toni Lynn Washington, and former Roomful of Blues and Fabulous Thunderbirds guitarist Duke Robillard are teaming up with the Chicago blues inspired band, the White Owls, to create what will undoubtedly be a truly memorable experience at the Distillery. 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 Boston Globe music critic Steve Morse has said of the White Owls, it's "hard to find a better band anywhere in town" - even harder with the great Toni Lynn and Duke on board.
Jamie Walker and Friends Return to the Distillery
Saturday@BHD: Jamie Walker is the guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Swinging Steaks, a ground breaking, nationally touring, alt-country band that was formed in the 1990's. Jamie has re-assembled a mighty crew of his most talented friends to perform again at the Distillery - reprising last year’s truly special party-like event. This year’s ensemble is made up of Laurie Young (vocals, trumpet), Joe Donnelly (drums), Pat Dreier (keyboards, vocals), Dave Weden (guitar/banjo), Paul Kochanski (bass), Dennis Semprebon (drums and percussion), Brad Kohl (saxophone), and Glenn Shambroom: (Guitar, Vocals, Baritone Sax). This illustrious group will be playing roots rock music - songs wrapped in elements of rock, pop, country, soul, R&B, and blues. Play With Fire Can’t Find My Way Home
Lookie Lookie
Friday 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”
The Musella/Cote Band does Zeppelin
Friday@BHD - If you have joined us for any of their previous shows, you know this is no ordinary tribute band! Joe Musella has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar professor 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/ Tom Appleman (bass), Marty Richards (drums), and Andrew Beckman (keys), they wll be playing a selection of your favorite Zeppelin classics. a taste: You Shook Me
Stan Martin Band + Chris Hersch & the Moonraiders
Friday@BHD - OUTLAW COUNTRY NIGHT - a co-bill that features the Stan Martin Band and the MoonRaiders. 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 award-winning guitarist, Chris Hersch and his quintet of accomplished musicians, improvising and singing their way through their unique mix of western swing, rock ‘n roll, and country jazz. The MoonRaiders showcase stellar musicianship and a unique improvisational style that will please both the dancer and the hardcore music aficionado. Martin: El Tarantino, @BHD Moonraiders: Sleepwalk, Road to Hana
The YellowHouse Blues Band
Sunday@BHD - The YellowHouse Blues Band is a 9-piece, high energy band with horns and multiple vocalists that has been selling out venues all over New England, including Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth and The Music Room on Cape Cod.. They’re known for putting their own take on popular songs and playing benefit concerts for causes they believe in. Rooted in their love of the blues, they bring a fresh, fun approach to a variety of songs, from classics to the modern day - from legends like Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder to more modern artists like Eric Gales, Tedeschi Trucks and Gary Clark, Jr. Please join us for what will undoubtedly be a wonderful early Sunday evening of exciting, danceable music. You Don’t Know The Blues, You Got the Love, Stitched Up
A Night of Magical Musical Mayhem
CANCELLED Saturday@BHD - Unfortunately it is necessary for us to cancel this show. Be sure to catch Emperor Norton next performance at the 19th annual HONK! Festival in Somerville October 4-6 - an event definitely worth checking out. More info at https://honkfest.org
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Two of the most unconventional and thrilling bands around: Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band and This Way to the Egress!
The Gravel Project + Jen Kearney Full Band
Friday@BHD - Two previous Distillery headliners will be sharing the stage on this special evening. The Gravel Project is Andrew Gravel (guitar/vocals), brother Jordan (organ), 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. No More Fire
By flip of a coin, opening the evening will be Jen Kearney and her band of local all-stars. Their sound is an amalgamation of multiple genres including Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock, and Latin. Her powerful voice, music and attention to lyrics and has received critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. Kearney has shared the stage with Maceo Parker, Los Lobos, Daryl Hall, Mavis Staples, John Mayall, Derek Trucks and other greats. To the Moon.
A night with either band by themselves would be great, but both together on the same night will make this one helluva show.
The Delta Generators w/ Barrence and Mark
@theWarehouse SATURDAY- If you are not familiar with the Delta 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. Hard driving blues and soul at it’s best. And while they are most entertaining on their own - joining them at the Warehouse will be New England’s soul singing legend Barrence Whitfield and Rhode Island’s 2X Grammy Nominee, saxophonist Mark Earley. This is a reprise of the show they did at the Distillery that had the near sell out crowd on their feet most of the evening. “Don’t Hand Me Down”
Tuomo & Markus
@theDistillery FRIDAY This wonderful Finnish band is on a min-tour of the US, and we are thrilled to be hosting their only Boston area show. As one critic described their music “as Nordic Americana and neo folk with distinct jazz, soul and prog-rock influences. Their haunting harmonies complement each other much like in the cases of Simon & Garfunkel or Crosby Stills Nash." We’re Not Buying It Lost, Lost, Lost
We’re starting to build out the rest of our 2025 SCHEDULE. Let us know if you have any suggestions:
SAT MAY 10 Sarah Borges coming soon @bhd
THU MAY 22 Wall of Grass - Breast Cancer Benefit coming soon @bhd
SAT MAY 24 Stan Martin coming soon @bhd
SAT JUN 7 The Nightflies - Steely Dan tribute tickets/details @bhd
SUN JUN 15 The Lyle Brewer Quartet ‘s Annual Father’s Day Show coming soon @bhd