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 have kicked off our 6th season in great style - with more greats shows to come.
***** In other news, our wonderful partners at the Distillery now offer beer and wine in addition to their world-class selection of liquors and cocktails!!!! *****
A humble request: please 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. Thank you for your support!
HELLBENDER!!!
Saturday: Fusion at it’s best. 2025 Boston “Best Jazz Artist of the Year” Jared Sim’s Hellbender is a powerhouse, groove-heavy supergroup that blurs the lines between heavy funk, psychedelic rock, and high-octane improvisation. While rooted in deep musical expertise, this isn't highbrow, esoteric jazz - it’s dynamic, loud, funky fusion - a blast for anyone who loves raw instrumental energy and intense grooves, and of special note - this collaboration will include epic guitar jams featuring 3 of Boston’s most talented guitarists.
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
Sunday: If you don’t know this band - you really need to check them out. We have had them back multiple times because they are so good and so much fun. 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, Johnny’s gripping voice and harp playing is wonderfully complemented their guitarist and singer, Delanie Pickering, and Jeremy Berlin on keys. These guys truly kick ass - as entertaining a dance party blues band as you’ll find around. Note the early start time - 4pm doors, 5pm showtime. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
Studio Two - Beatles Tribute
FRIDAY This group of Berklee School of Music alumni perform a truly fantastic tribute to the early Beatles era. Voted Best Beatles Tribute Band by the Boston Globe, this Fab 4 brings it all back to life with their period appropriate costumes, their vintage look instruments, pretty damn good British accents and a truly impressive recreation of some of the finest rock songs of all time. Performing tunes like She Loves You, Can’t Buy Me Love, and Twist and Shout, Studio Two captures all of the excitement (minus the screaming teenagers) of the pre-1967 Beatles. “She Loves You”
HALLOWEEN with Debo Ray and Kemp Harris
Saturday: Come celebrate Halloween with 2 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 just come-off appearances with world renowned Grammy winners at Boston’s House of Blues and the Newport Jazz Festival. She’s 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 again on ours. And it’s Halloween, so please come in costume if you dare, but ok if you don’t. Debo’s “Back in the Saddle Again” & "Since I've Been Loving You" and Kemp’s “Love the One You’re With”
The Delanie Pickering Show
Sunday: Those of us who have enjoyed Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish in recent years have come to love Delanie Pickering’s blues guitar mastery and wonderful vocals. She is as delightful a person as she is a talent. We are thrilled to be hosting her as she embarks as a bandleader. She’ll be backed at this special event by an exceptional band of New England veteran musicians: Jeremy Berlin on keyboards, Mark Teixeira on drums, and legendary bassist Mudcat Ward. “Blues After Hours” “If You Really Love Me”
BLUES FOR TONI with Frank EB and One Dime Bands
Saturday: 2 award winning bands, both of whom have represented both NH and MA in the annual Intl Blues Competition in Memphis, are coming together to honor our dear friend Toni Lynn Washington. Our fingers crossed that she will be well enough to attend and participate!!! Opening will be the One Dime Bandand they will be followed by Frank EB (aka Frankie Boy, Frank Maniero). Both bands are pretty firmly rooted in the blues but mix in rock, soul & r&b-sh influences into their sound. They are both a lot of fun and have both brought previous Distillery audiences to their feet Frank EB “Watcha Gonna Do About It?” ODB “Babylon Cloud”
Delta Generators ft. Kid Ramos
Sunday The Delta Generators are one of the most entertaining bands we have ever hosted at the Distillery. They’ll be stopping by our Dorchester refuge before heading off (to Belgium) on another European tour. Their captivating mix of Blues, Roots, R&B, Americana and Rock always has audiences on their feet. Fronted by the singing, harp playing showman Brian Templeton, this band boasts a great regular lineup of Charlie O'Neal on guitar, Rick O'Neal on bass and Jeff Armstrong on drums andwill be joined at this show by LA based, blues guitar great, Kid Ramos. Please join us for this, SHK’s only show of the summer. It’s gonna be a happenin’!… Shame, Shame, Shame
The Musella-Cote Band does Led Zeppelin
Saturday - 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 aka ‘the Human Vocal Chord’ (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 Bill D’Agostino, this illustrious quartet will be bringing us great Zeppelin classics and a deep cut or two. A not to be missed event!
3rd Annual Blues Fest
Sunday afternoon - SHK Music and the Boston Blues Society are thrilled to be once again co-sponsoring the return of this special event at Boston Harbor Distillery. The featured acts this year will be Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, The Racky Thomas Band and The Frank EB Band. Those 3 fantastic bands PLUS Boston Blues Society award winning Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo playing between sets (weather permitting, they’ll be playing outside). PLUS a Food Truck will be on site. The first 2 years of our Blues Fest were wonderful experiences and this one is set up to be even more entertaining. Get your tix early for this one.
The Dogmatics + The Carnivals
Saturday One of the city’s most legendary rock ’n’ roll bands, The Dogmatics are returning to Boston Harbor Distillery. The band was formed back in 1981 and quickly became known as “Boston’s House Band” with their raw, high-energy mix of garage rock, punk, and rockabilly - but don’t don’t let their longevity fool you, 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 Gypsy Moths are a five-piece band, formed in 2014 whose musical style the Patriot Ledger described as being “grounded in 1960s garage rockers like The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and the power pop of bands like Squeeze and Sloan”. Expect a night of sweat-soaked rock ’n’ roll featuring —two great bands, one unforgettable show.
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), Andy Plaisted (drums), Jim Gambino (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
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
Sunday: 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, Johnny’s gripping voice and harp playing is wonderfully complemented by their superb guitarist and singer, Delanie Pickering, with Jeremy Berlin on keys and Cameron Igo on drums. These guys truly kick ass - as entertaining a dance party blues band as you’ll find around. Note the early start time - 4pm doors, 5pm showtime. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
The White Owls w/s/g Duke Robillard
Saturday 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 famed blues guitarist Duke Robillard and we’re in for one helluva fun evening.
Studio Two - Beatles Tribute
FRIDAY This group of Berklee School of Music alumni perform a truly fantastic tribute to the early Beatles era. Voted Best Beatles Tribute Band by the Boston Globe, this Fab 4 brings it all back to life with their period appropriate costumes, their vintage look instruments, pretty damn good British accents and a truly impressive recreation of some of the finest rock songs of all time. Performing tunes like She Loves You, Can’t Buy Me Love, and Twist and Shout, Studio Two captures all of the excitement (minus the screaming teenagers) of the pre-1967 Beatles. “She Loves You”
Jesse Ahern and the Roots Rock Rebels Revue + My Druthers + Vince Cayo,
SATURDAY A rare TRIPLE bill at the Distillery: Headlining will be Quincy based Jesse Ahern, the quintessential Boston troubadour. He has entertained crowds as a solo artist and with his band,- the Roots Rock Rebels, touring internationally while sharing the stage with the likes of the Dropkick Murphys, Violent Femmes and Jamie Wyatt. “The Older I Get “Back Against the Wall” Also, performing are My Druthers, a CT based duo who play a combination of traditional Irish music, rebel songs, ballads, and sea shanties on the bodhran, bones, acoustic guitar, and vocals. ”Christopher”. And opening the evening will be Vince Cayo, an intriguing touring folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Bradford, England. “Little Red Hat”
Terraplane Lane + The One Dime Band
SATURDAY These two bands return together after putting on one of our favorite shows of 2025 . Opening the evening this time will be the award winning One Dime Band, who 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 - returning this time as a trio. And then the stage will be taken over by Terraplane Lane (f/k/a the Speakeasies) one of most exciting, coolest up-and-coming bands around. They share their wonderful blend of blues, rock and soul thru through unique, engaging interpretations of classic tunes and a growing catalog of inspired originals. They are becoming one of the most reliably fun bands in greater Boston. ODB: “Babylon Cloud” TL: “Speak Easy”
Listen to This
FRIDAY Live performances of Miles Davis are pretty rare these days - especially by highly talented performers. Listen to This is an octet of the area’s most talented jazz musicians who bring the early electric music of Miles back to life. That period featured some of Miles’s most enthralling, groundbreaking, and funk and rock infused music - a jazz style that never seems to grow old and this ensemble 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 3 of their previous appearances at the Distillery. => In A Silent Way
Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers
SATURDAY Erin Harpe has been called “one of the most dynamic, talented and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine. Erin and her band have won or been nominated for many awards and tour the US and abroad sharing their unique brand of blues-inspired dance music that evokes a wild southern juke joint where the whiskey and gin are flowing and everybody’s dancing. As a special treat for this show, their Country Blues duo featuring Erin and husband Jim, will open the evening with a sampling their latest, widely acclaimed new tribute album to the great Mississippi John Hurt and the full band will come out to rock the Disitllery for the 2nd set. “Big Road”
The Musella-Cote Band’s Tribute to The Who
FRIDAY This is no ordinary tribute band! Joe has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar prof for over 25 years. Chris Cote (of Duke Robbilard, Giant Kings and many other collaborations) is a much sought after amazingly versatile frontman. Backed by their all-star crew, SHK’s Jim Haggerty on bass, Marty Richards on drums, and Andrew Beckman on keys, they have packed the Distillery a number of times with their amazing Led Zeppelin Tributes - and it’s been over 2 years since they last blew us away with their WHO show - so it’s long overdue. And this time they are reprising the entire Who’s Next album. This is gonna be a blast!
The Debo Ray Experience
SATURDAY Award winning powerhouse vocalist and performer Debo Ray is returning to the Distillery with her great band, AND, special for this performance, Debo will be backed up by a trio of phenomenal singers - all headliners in their own right. They’ll be providing us an extraordinary night of contemporary R&B, rock, jazz, and funk - performing tracks from Debo’s debut album alongside previews from her upcoming EP. You can also expect powerful covers of legendary artists like Chaka Khan and Tina Turner. This event promises more than just a concert; it is designed to be a "deep emotional experience." A sample original: “Feeling Lucky" - A cover from a recent BHD show: “Heartbreaker"
The BT-ALC Big Band
FRIDAY Get ready for a night of High-Octane Funk as the 18-piece big band known as BT-ALC takes over our historic Boston Harbor Distillery. This isn't your standard big band ensemble—this is a powerhouse collective of Boston’s most elite session players, brass heavyweights, and groove masters coming together for one night of pure, unadulterated rhythm and funk. You’d have to go Symphony Hall and a full orchestra to find more talent on one stage - but you get to experience their incredible sound at our intimate Dorchester refuge. An event not to be missed. “All Aboard The Soul Funky Train” “That Sound”
The Delta Generators
SATURDAY If you are not familiar with the Delta Generators, you really owe it to yourself to check these guys out. They have sold out shows throughout the Northeast US and Europe with powerhouse front man Brian Templeton (Radio Kings, The Proven Ones) at the helm. Their music brings together their diverse musical influences, drawing on the traditions of Blues, Roots, R&B, Americana, and Rock to create a soul-filled funky sound uniquely their own. This is a reprise of their previous shows at the Distillery where they had the sell out audiences on their feet most of the evening. “Don’t Hand Me Down”
Sarah Borges + Stan Martin
SATURDAY A great mixed rock/country co-bill featuring the Sara Borges Band and the Stan Martin Band. Taunton raised Sarah Borges is a singer/songwriter/entertainer who has thrilled audiences across the US and Europe with her unique rock sound. She’s bringing her full all-star band with her for this event - including Keith Voegele (Bottle Rockets, Marshall Crenshaw), Kenny Soule (Nantucket, PKM, Walter Trout) and Mike Oram (Juliana Hatfield, Abbie Barrett, Andrea Gillis),. 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 with a California flair and an east coast swagger. And it's good...damn good.” Borges: “Lucky Day” “House on a Hill” Martin: “El Tarantino”, “@BHD”
Samantha Farrell’s “Blue Christmas” Holiday Extravaganza
Sunday: Please join us for the 2nd annual 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 friends: soul & R&B singer songwriters Jesse Dee and Jen Kearney, the masters of 3 part harmony, the Brothers McCann plus another exciting surprise guest or two. Backing these amazing singers will be Chris Hersch and the MoonRaiders – a band of veteran musicians who were nominated for New England’s Best Roots Act of the Year.. 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
The Debo Ray Classic Rock Show + the Kemp Harris Duo
Saturday: 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. Debo’s "Since I've Been Loving You." 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. Kemp’s “Love the One You’re With”
The Musella/Cote Band does Zeppelin
Friday: If you have joined us for any of their previous shows, you know this is no ordinary tribute band and that they do a phenomenal Zeppelin! Joe Musella has been Berklee’s classic rock guitar professor for some 30 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) and Bill D’Agostino (drums), they will be playing a selection of your favorite Zeppelin classics. a taste: Lemon Song
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish
Sunday: 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, Johnny’s gripping voice and harp playing is wonderfully complemented their guitarist and singer, Delanie Pickering, and Jeremy Berlin on keys. These guys truly kick ass - as entertaining a dance party blues band as you’ll find around. Note the early start time - 4pm doors, 5pm showtime. She Belongs to Me . Hip Shakin’:
The Racky Thomas Band
Saturday: 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”
The A-Beez ft Debo
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”
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 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.
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
COMING UP:
Sat Jan 24 - Brian Templeton
Sun Jan 25 - Delanie Pickering
Fri Feb 26 - BT-ALC / A-Beez mash-up
Sat Mar 27 - TBA (blues rock)
Sun Apr 25 - Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish