5 Live Music Musts: Friday, October 18th, 2013

Friday, October 18, 2013

Ken Abrams, GoLocalWorcester Music Critic

Just one of many, many stars hitting the Rock & Shock this weekend in Worcester: Dee Snyder.

As Halloween approaches, the Rock and Shock Fest has arrived…

The Rock and Shock Fest is in town all weekend long. It’s a combination music and horror fest featuring appearances by several stars including Dee Snider, Jason Mewes, Brian O’Halloran, and Scott Wilson of The Walking Dead. The main convention is at the DCU Center, but the music is nearby at The Palladium. The music promises to rock your socks off – click here for a list of stage times – the highlight would be hard-rockers Danzig, celebrating their 25th anniversary on Saturday night. Check the web site for all the details.

Elvis Fans Unite

Elvis Presley fans don’t want to miss Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis at the Hanover Theatre for the Arts tonight. It’s a complete multimedia show and features original Elvis drummer DJ Fontana. Tickets start at $34 – check the Hanover Theatre site for all the details.

Red Molly

For a slightly quieter show, we head down to Franklin tomorrow night, where the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse has Red Molly. They blend of county, folk and bluegrass, with a feel that is darker than the Dixie Chicks, but lighter than Gillian Welch. On their new album they re-arrange covers from Robert Johnson to Peggy Lee. The Circle of Friends meets at the First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA. Layah Jane opens the show at 8PM. Tickets are $25.

Elvis (Costello) Fans Unite

There’s a special show at the Narrows Center in Fall River tomorrow night to celebrate the music of Elvis Costello. The show features a number of acts playing Costello favorites. The music starts at 5PM with artists including Mark Cutler, Jenny Dee and Bob Kendall. If you’re expecting an appearance from the man himself … unlikely, but not impossible. He’s playing Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit next weekend, so he may just need a tune up gig. “I Want You” to go to this show - so stop “Watching the Detectives” and get yourself down to the Narrows Center! Tickets are only $15 and the music starts at 5PM.

Ska Fans Unite

There are several area shows this week from 80’s Ska band The English Beat. They were a top selling band with major hits including “Save it for Later,” “Mirror in the Bathroom” and their cover of “Tears of a Clown.” They are in Londonderry, NH at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday and in West Warwick, RI at Manchester 65 next Thursday October 24. Check the sites for details.