May 2022 - The Laker - Lori Tremblay

Music fans are in for a treat as Boston-based musicians come to The Barn at The Inn on Main Bistro in Wolfeboro for the Rock-n-Blues Concert Series, starting at the end of May. Chuck Farrell and Jonathan Sarty are both producers of the series and working musicians, aiming to bring a special experience to patrons. Each concert should be a memorable evening, with a seated dinner and performance in the spacious and beautiful venue, which seats 250. I had a chance to look inside The Barn, used for weddings and other events, which was newly renovated, along with the Inn and restaurant, in 2017.  Farrell and Sarty transform the space by bringing in a stage, lighting and sound for the musicians.

All shows are 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are available for a dinner show with a handful of show only tickets. Prices vary and you can order tickets online at www.aspectproductionsne.com or call The Inn on Main directly at 603-569-1335. The first show is Monday, May 30 – The Blues Project Featuring Jon Butcher and Deric Dyer (of Tina Turner/Joe Cocker Band). Dave Gerard opens. 

Saturday, June 11 – Blues Diva Toni Lynn Washington, featuring guitar virtuoso Roberto Morvioli. Jonathan Sarty opens. Saturday, July 2 – James Montgomery with Diane Blue, performing the blues. Saturday, July 16 – Rock band Once an Outlaw (includes current and former members of The Outlaws, Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts Band, Great Southern Southern Rock All-Stars, Peacheaters) Jonathan Sarty opens.

Sarty’s Aspect Productions New England LLC (aspectproductionsnewengland.com) is a mobile event production company, which handles live and virtual event productions, light, sound, booking bands, social media management, graphic design and web design. He also co-founded and hosts the Cold River Radio Show, at the Majestic Theater in Conway (www.coldriverradio.com). “The demographics are a little different,” said Sarty. “I’ve been doing jazz and blues and American Songbook, and authors and storytellers. My demographic is in the Mount Washington Valley.” Sarty also regularly sings and plays guitar at The Wildcat Inn and Tavern in Jackson, NH.

Farrell’s company, Can You Hear Me Now Productions, focuses on bringing music to the Lakes Region. He will be playing guitar in the first show on Monday, May 30 and with Once an Outlaw on Saturday, July 16. A year ago, Sarty and Farrell, both musicians and producers, started talking about putting their expertise together. Although different in their backgrounds and approach, the partnership is working. “We had a shared vision on the types of shows we wanted to do, where it’s an experience,” said Farrell, “a seated event, with white tablecloths, dinner and an intimate show experience with world class performers.” The series is also being performed at The Old Saco Inn in Fryeburg, Maine, a beautiful space, according to Sarty, with a comfortable seating capacity of 200. Dinner is included with the performances there, also. Farrell said that dedicated fans sometimes catch the shows in both locations.

Choosing the performers is important. Sarty personally checks out performers before booking, to see what they’re like in person, instead of relying on a cd or video performance. He feels that it is important that the performer has a positive attitude, so that they relate well with the audience. Also, Sarty feels that the series is a wonderful opportunity for the artists. “There’s sort of a magic to it because of the location,” said Sarty. “I think that’s attractive to the artists and to the patrons because they just love to be in this beautiful place by the lake or the mountains.” 

Farrell is playing guitar on May 30 with the Blues Project, with Jon Butcher and Deric Dyer of Tina Turner and Joe Cocker Band. “There’s a lot of star power there,” said Farrell. “Jon Butcher...genuinely loves performing and the audience” said Sarty. “You walk away feeling really good anytime he does a show, a really positive performer.” Other band members are Tim Archibald, A.J. Vallee, Jessica Ramsay and Chuck Farrell, with (guitarist) Dave Gerard as the opener. These New England musicians “cover a variety of material, from Etta James to Jimi Hendrix,” (www.aspectproductionsne.com). 

Blues Diva Toni Lynn Washington performs June 11 with Italian guitar virtuoso Roberto Morbioli and her band. Sarty mentioned that at age 85, Washington is a powerhouse on stage and has a great rapport with the audience. According to the website, allmusic.com, “Boston-based blues singer Toni Lynn Washington recorded and released Blues at Midnight for the Tone-Cool subsidiary of Rounder Records in 1995. Washington is considered Boston's "queen of the blues,'' where she has a long and storied history on the club scene. Raised in a procession of gospel choirs in Southern Pines, North Carolina, Washington performed with classic R&B artists like Sam and Dave and Jackie Wilson throughout the South in her youth. Washington also made USO tours of the U.S. and Asia in the 1960s and recorded the Top 50 single "Dear Diary" for the New Orleans-based Conti label, then a subsidiary of Atlantic Records. After two decades off the road and out of the recording studio, Washington returned to performing in 1992 with a ten-piece band. On her debut for Tone-Cool, Blues at Midnight, Washington comes across best as an interpreter of the music: she tackles B.B. King's "Ask Me No Questions," Jimmy Reed's "Ain't That Loving You Baby,'' and a tune popularized by Jimmy Rushing and the Basie Orchestra and T-Bone Walker, Evening.'' It's My Turn Now followed in 1997, and in early 2000, Washington returned with Good Things.“ (www.allmusic.com/artist/toni-lynn-washington-mn0000618373/biographyly)

Washington recently performed on The Cold River Radio Show. “In the green room, I got her some flowers and a card,” said Sarty. “She really appreciated that.” He added, “Toni is one of the last R & B generation. She knows doo wop because she was there when it started. She has six albums out.”

Italian guitar virtuoso, Roberto Morbioli found his passion in the blues. Successful tours in Europe and the United States led to collaborations with many great musicians. Morbioli also formed his own band, Morblus, according to his website, www.robertomorbioi.com. “Roberto writes and arranges the music of all the original songs recorded with his own projects. His personality and unique playing style  are evident in all his interpretations while at the same time recalling the styles of blues greats such as Freddy King, Albert King, B.B. King, Albert Collins, T. Bone Walker, Steve Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. When he plays the guitar he is passionate and commanding, laying down great groove in every song he plays. Each note comes straight from his heart. As a singer, Roberto’s powerful voice recalls the styles and tones of Sam Cook, O.V. Wright, Little Milton, Otis Redding, Robert Cray, and Donny Hathaway.” (www.robertomorbioli.com)

July 2, James Montgomery and Diane Blue perform onstage. “They are two headliners,” Farrell said, “so it’s like two shows for the price of one. Diane will do a full set.” “James Montgomery is an American blues musician, best known as the lead singer, blues harp player, front man, and bandleader of The James Montgomery Blues Band. James has performed on stage with a long list of musicians including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith Frontman and American Idol TV Show Judge), Brad Whitford (Aerosmith guitarist), Charlie Daniels, Gregg Allman, LaVern Baker, and Patti LaBelle just to name a few.” (www.aspectproductionsne.com) “ Boston’s Diane Blue is an award-winning artist who wows audiences whenever she appears. On tours in Europe and the United States, she sings the blues and plays harmonica, according to her website, www.dianebluemusic.com. “I’ve never seen anything like her,” said Farrell. “When she sings, I’d Rather Go Blind, jaws hit the ground.” Diane has her own all-star band and also is a member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, prominently featured on their albums.

On July 16, Once an Outlaw takes the stage. “That show is sold out every time it’s been here,” said Farrell. “Don't confuse Once an Outlaw with another tribute show; this is an alumni show celebrating the southern rock genre. Members include Chris Anderson (Outlaws/Grinderswitch), David Goldflies,  (Allman Brothers Band), Mike Kach (Dickey Betts Band/Great Southern), Chuck Farrell (Jon Butcher Blues Project/James Montgomery) and A.J. Vallee (Southern Rock All Stars/Peacheaters, The group also includes Chris Hicks (Marshall Tucker/Outlaws) who performs with the band when not on tour with Marshall Tucker.”  (aspectproductionsne.com) 

Once an Outlaw opener Jonathan Sarty is a native of New England and founder of the White Mountain Boys, the Jonathan Sarty Band, and the Cold River Radio Show (hosted by Jonathan and his Cold River Radio Band). He is an accomplished producer, promoter, songwriter, recording artist, and performer with an extensive musical repertoire covering a variety of genres. He has performed in hundreds of shows a year regionally and throughout New England, according to the website, aspectproductionsne.com.

Both producers praise the efforts of approximately six volunteers who help with the shows. “One of the invaluable volunteers is Sandy Martin,” said Farrell. Most of the photos taken of the series are from Martin, an artist, photographer and owner of the Sandy Martin Gallery in Wolfeboro. She goes on the road with Once an Outlaw and documents the performances. “A true artist, she takes pictures of the musicians and makes them look really good,” said Farrell.