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We encourage everyone to attend the live music series, whether it is your favorite genre or not. Selection of the concert series bands is curated to present high-quality artistry spanning musical styles to provide the musicians a paid gig and to provide audiences the opportunity to broaden their musical horizons. Join us on this melodic journey that also raises funds to support the art and mission of the Andres Institute of Art.

Scroll down to find the link to secure your concert tickets. Buy tickets to individual shows, or buy tickets to more than one show for a discount with the Season Ticket button below.

For questions about the Andres Institute of Art Concert series at our welcome center known as Big Bear Lodge in Brookline NH, please contact [email protected] or call 603-732-0216.

So many great shows! You owe it to yourself not to miss even one – and save $$ to boot!

Consider a Season Ticket for preferred pricing and seating to two or more shows.

Bedford Big Band, under the direction of Karen Sayward, is a New Hampshire favorite with over a decade of performances across New England to its credit. This 19-piece ensemble’s repertoire features iconic Swing Era tunes, well-known jazz standards, and more modern pop, funk, and Latin selections. Dancing feet will find room to move around the floor at the front of the room.

Their mission is to provide talented musicians an opportunity to play together and offer audiences an affordable, entertaining experience reminiscent of the big band era from Count Basie to Duke Ellington, while also incorporating more contemporary styles. Together, they have shared the stage with professionals like Jay Daly, Greg Abate, and Delfeayo Marsalis.

Concerts are upstairs at the AIA Welcome Center, formerly known as the Big Bear Lodge. The room is rustic, cozy and acoustically resonant. It features all table- seating with the audience limited to about 100 guests. Beverage service is available with donation requested. Food is available downstairs at Brookline’s Finest or bring in snacks from home or takeout. An elevator is available from the first floor AIA Gallery. Be sure to visit the Gallery to learn about the history of the AIA and the Big Bear Mountain.

Musicians Chris Klaxton (trumpet) and Mike Effenberger (piano) join forces to plumb the depths of the great American songbook of jazz standards, the lesser American songbook, spirituals, new standards, and the good and bad news of this post-tonal musical world. 

Covering musical giants from Bach to Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk to Black Sabbath, their music is both unexpected and superbly executed. Give them a listen on Bandcamp / Bandcamp or Spotify or Apple Music.

Concerts are upstairs at the AIA Welcome Center, formerly known as the Big Bear Lodge. The room is rustic, cozy and acoustically resonant. It features all table-seating with the audience limited to about 100 guests. Beverage service is available with donation requested. State Law prohibits outside alcohol. Food is available downstairs at Brookline’s Finest or bring take-out or snacks from home. An elevator is available from the first floor AIA Gallery. Be sure to visit the Gallery to learn about the history of the AIA and the Big Bear Mountain.

There are ten concerts in the 2025 Act I Season. Buy Concert Series tickets to more than one show for savings and to request reserved seating.

Hailing from New England, The Soggy Po’ Boys are dedicated to spreading the joy of New Orleans music. Formed in 2012, they’ve become known for their energetic performances that blend traditional New Orleans jazz with Caribbean tunes, Meters funk, soul, and brass band music. Each member is a stand-out in their own right, and together they bring a musical experience that can’t be beat. Give them a listen (BandCamp, Spotify or Apple Music) and we guarantee you will be snapping up tickets. Buy extras, these gentlemen sell out and you will want to share the evening with friends.

Concerts are upstairs at the AIA Welcome Center, formerly known as the Big Bear Lodge. The room is rustic, cozy and acoustically resonant. It features all table-seating with the audience limited to about 100 guests. Beverage service is available with donation requested. Food is available downstairs at Brookline’s Finest or bring in snacks from home or takeout. An elevator is available from the first floor AIA Gallery. Be sure to visit the Gallery to learn about the history of the AIA and Mount Pontanipo.

Previous Concerts in the Series

Check out video clips on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel from each concert!

Sol y Canto is the award winning Pan-Latin ensemble led by Puerto Rican/Argentine singer and percussionist Rosi Amador and New Mexican guitarist, singer and composer Brian Amador. Featuring Rosi’s crystalline voice and Brian’s lush Spanish guitar and inventive compositions, Sol y Canto is known for making their music accessible to Spanish- and non-Spanish speaking audiences of all ages. Hear them for yourself on BandCamp, Spotify or Apple Music.

Since 1994, Sol y Canto has brought audiences to their feet from the Kennedy Center to the California World Music Festival, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Puerto Rico’s Museo de Arte and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Boston Globe hails them as “sublime ambassadors of the Pan-Latin tradition”. Music critic Norman Weinstein of the Christian Science Monitor and Boston Phoenix observes:

“Every Sol y Canto album is a demonstration of what the poet Federico García Lorca identified as deep song. Always they evoke the sensual splendor of simply being vitally, vividly alive in a magical and mysterious universe. Brian Amador is a Spanish modernist poet in the guise of a musician…Together, Rosi and Brian Amador create a musical marriage made in heaven.”

Jamdemic, rising up from the pandemic, seeks to revive the public soul with deep-cut classic rock, blues, funk, soul, originals and jam-band music. They are active performers in the local music scene, perennial favorites on stages large and small. With their frontman Joe Birch tearing up the guitar, you are guaranteed a good time if Jamdemic is in the house! Give them a listen on Soundcloud, Facebook or YouTube.

The Amorphous Band is the long-running project of Hollis native and founding member of the Hollis-based band Coldfinger, Chris O’Neill. Blending soul, funk, jazz, blues and rock influences, they have been a force on the seacoast NH music scene for 30 years. Joining the band for this special event is none other than Peter Prince of Moon Boot Lover, one of the most dedicated and recognized voices on the national jam band scene. Get ready for rocket-soul vocals and fiery, guitar-driven jam grooves.

At our first Earth Day benefit in 2024, Jamdemic and the Mighty colors rocked the house and brought in much needed funds to help AIA and Beaver Brook. After the initial success we decided to make this an annual event and are thrilled to be welcoming Amorphous Band and Peter Prince of Moon Boot Lover. Funds raised at this concert will be split between the AIA and Beaver Brook Association which similarly prioritizes connecting people with nature.

New England based Songwriter Evan Goodrow has written and produced 18 Recordings, played shows in Europe and Asia and maintained a 10-year residency in the island of St. Barts leading to connection with Jimmy Buffett, a man who aside from his obvious worldwide accomplishments, shared the same Christmas birthday.  

He’s won various music awards, been nominated for others, and been in the Amazon.com’s top 10 digital downloads, and maintains a populated resume of support positions, playing with and next to various greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Los Lonely Boys, G.E. Smith (a personal guitar hero), Peter Frampton, Robert Cray, Rusted Root as well as guesting on a tour with the Yardbirds.

He maintains relationships with his charitable supporters and network of friends, playing weddings, back yard parties, and boat races.  He streamed 322 concerts over covid and continued with the “Big 20” charities to which he annually donates his music and time.

The “EGB” (Evan Goodrow Band) has had many different incarnations in the past and today in 2025 the band has a rotating roster of over 30 musicians. Give a listen at Apple Music, Spotify or YouTube.

In the Honey Bees Band, Mary Fagan joins up with guitarist/producer Chris O’Neill, upright bassist Jock Irvine, Saxophone/Flutist Greg Mostovoy & Drummer Jared Steer.  They groove on Americana, 1930’s Jazz, Western Swing & Originals.  All the while buzzing around the roots of American music. As lead on vocals, Mary Fagan’s voice delivers like it was forged in the blues then dipped in velvet.

Their music has a vintage flair that will have you humming along without realizing it. The tunes will lift your spirits while the instrumental prowess and sublime vocals wow your ears. Click to sample their music on Spotify or YouTube.

With the release of their new record ‘Angels in the Wreckage’ (produced by Dirk Powell), the Vermont-based American Roots band LOW LILY brings their infectious sound to a new level. With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape.

 Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins.

Click to sample their music before the concert on Spotify, Apple Music or BandCamp.

Drummer and composer Brooke Sofferman and his band The Sofferman Perspective are active on the Boston and New York jazz scene. “Here is a promise: You will not hear a local jazz group play with more talent, more focus, more intensity than the quintet led by drummer Brooke Sofferman.”- Steve Greenlee, Boston Globe Review

Hear samples of their recordings on Apple Music or on Spotify. This will truly be a night to remember with music that will dazzle your ears and stretch your imagination.

The Faith Ann Band presents music for the spunky and the feral served up hot and fresh! The New Hampshire based indie rock group has been described as ‘Fiona Apple and Alice In Chains got together to start a Days of the New inspired band’.

Punky rock, jazzy blues; their music is an expression of the never ending emotions and stories that give life it’s color and feed the lust for life! Give a listen here.

With a fresh, unique, Rock N Roll type groove of original music, RABBIT’S FOOT always hits home with relatable lyrics and fun music composition.

RABBIT’S FOOT puts in 110% in delivering an engaging, thrilling, and entertaining show  with tasteful placements of cover songs by artists such as: The Talking Heads, Little Feat, Phish, and more! You owe it to your ears to give them a listen, then grab your tickets!

The Compaq Big Band returns to the AIA for a delightful evening of Holiday Hits to celebrate the season. The 19-piece band plus vocals will certainly put you in the proper spirit to sail through the hubbub of all of your holiday-happenings! Bring friends and family to celebrate with you as we close out the 2024 Live at the Andres Institute of Art music series. Do you have last minute gifts to buy? How about an AIA t-shirt? Or a signed copy of the book chronicling our Master Sculptor and co-founder, John Weidman? Or a 2025 AIA Calendar? Or a gift certificate to participate in the next Iron Melt? So many options – and don’t forget to stop in downstairs at Brookline’s Finest for gift items by local artisans or a gift certificate to Kelci’s Family Salon. 

The Stomp Street Serenaders (formerly The Big Butter & Egg Trio) is a young and unusual trio, exploring the American music of the 1920’s-30’s, mainly Jazz, Blues and some forgotten old Pop songs. These exceptionally talented musicians met at The Boston Conservatory and are striking out to share the music that makes their hearts sing. You just can’t help but smile when you hear them play. Give them a listen on YouTube here. The trio consists of clarinet, guitar and violin and they all take a turn on vocals.

Four local bands are coming together to support democracy and build excitement for the upcoming election. This is not part of the AIA concert series but will still be a concert not-to-be-missed. There is no admission charge, so you have nothing to lose. Come, enjoy the show as we lean into the last few days of the election season.

Murphy-Clark Band

The Incidentals featuring Gary Young and Willie Walker

Bob’s Big Boys

Jamdemic

Any donations benefit the art, nature and events at the Andres Institute of Art, not a candidate, party or PAC.

A Texas guitar “gun slinger”, vocalist and song writer following in the footsteps of T-Bone Walker, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King and many others. This music is the kind of real Texas soul, all mixed up with classic R&B, country, blues/funk that grows from the Texas soil. Willie has performed nationally and internationally, including 2 tours of Russia at the invite of the US Consulate in St Petersburg.

Check out his sound on Spotify or his website: MUSIC | Williejlaws (williejlawsband.com)

Willie J. Laws and the Band wowed the crowd at the show. Check out a small sample on the AIA Facebook page. Pure musical genius and amazing entertainment. Don’t let another concert pass you by – get your tickets now!

The Compaq Big Band showcases the power of 14 horns, a cookin’ rhythm section and terrific instrumental soloists – the nineteen talented musicians will craft a concert you won’t soon forget! They were joined by renowned vocalist Anais Reno of NYC. Pulling from jazz standards, swing favorites and the Great American Songbook, the songs brought people to their feet and onto the dance floor. This large band plays regularly and has been performing together for 49 years!

This special Saturday edition of the concert allowed the audience the chance to mingle with the 2024 AIA International Sculpture Symposium artists at a special reception beforehand and then to share with them a great presentation of American music culture.

Look for the video on the AIA Facebook page, it was a stupendous show! Be sure to catch their Holiday Hits show in December.

Evan Goodrow is an American singer-songwriter-guitarist and has written and produced 18 recordings of original soul, funk, blues and rock music.

He’s won the Boston Blues Award, played concerts for Marines on NATO bases in Europe, jammed with Jimmy Buffet on several occasions in the Caribbean, played multiple shows with B.B. King and even sang for the Yardbirds.

His original songs feel immediately familiar yet fresh, speaking to shared experiences with a unique perspective. His guitar skills are remarkable, honed over twenty years on stage, and his soulful voice will have you searching out his recordings to re-live the concert in your car or living room. Use this link to take a listen to his music.

Fresh off a gig at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NYC Jazz Pianist Alex Minasian brought a stellar trio to thrill the audience at Andres Institute of Art. This return performance in the AIA Music Series was just as mesmerizing as last year. He has played recently in well-known clubs in Boston, NYC and Washington DC. 

Returning with him were unparalleled Francisco Mela on drums and the amazing John Lockwood on bass for this much-anticipated concert.

If you missed the show be sure to watch for his return next year! 

Closing out our Act I Season for 2024 was the Soggy Po’ Boys. Once you catch this band, your music-listening habits will never be the same. They bring an island-infused, New Orleans Jazz blend with musical prowess that cannot be beat. The AIA Concert Series owes a big debt to this band for jumping in as the inaugural band in the series in February of 2023. Not only did they set the bar high, they sold out that first show! If you need any convincing, give them a listen on Bandcamp. Watch for them to return in 2025!

From the northern reach of the Appalachian Trail comes the musical trio Darlin’ Corey. Drawing on the many threads of North American folk music, their elegant harmonies are the beating heart of their sound, in both their original music and the traditional Folk, Old Time, and Bluegrass music they regularly showcase. In Darlin’ Corey’s singing and playing, you can feel the many years of dedication to these celebrated musical traditions.

Erica Brown’s fiddle-playing is at turns virtuosic and completely unpretentious. Matt Shipman is an ideal counterpart as his versatility on a dizzying array of stringed instruments (guitar, Irish bouzouki, 5-string banjo, mandolin) blend seamlessly, never timid or overpowering. Add to that Kris Day’s steady and tasteful bass playing and together they create an engaging performance of thoughtful originals and traditional songs

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues and rock with a wailing cello, to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

Check out their website to sample their music or visit their Bandcamp page – you will be amazed. https://www.dirtycello.com/

Saturday, April 20th. It was a great night of music supporting two local non-profits with a strong commitment to nature and getting people outside! Proceeds will be split between Beaver Brook Association in Hollis and the Andres Institute of Art. Jamdemic and Mighty Colors rocked the house in this special Saturday edition of our concert series. Jamdemic formed during the pandemic by talented musicians who couldn’t resist jamming to Classic “Deep Cut” tunes from Classic Rock, Blues and Funk genres. Mighty Colors is a local band of legendary status, recently re-engaged, returning with polished performances that get the crowd to their feet. The Andres Institute of Art is set on 140 acres with 12 miles of trails and over 100 sculptures trailside, open every day for free. Beaver Brook Association covers over 2,000 acres with 35 miles of trails. They offer guided hikes, education, events and summer camps to connect people to nature.

April 7: During her career as a performer and recording artist, Samirah Evans has become known for her dynamic and soulful approach to music, especially jazz and blues. Her musical style is heavily influenced by the sounds of New Orleans, where she was one of the most in-demand singers for nearly twenty years, including fifteen consecutive appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Hurricane Katrina caused Samirah to relocate to her husband’s hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont. Samirah is currently Artist Associate in Jazz Voice at Williams College.

Evans was accompanied by Guitarist Matthew Dorko and Trumpeter Don Anderson. Samirah and Mathew were a hot duo act for several years in New Orleans. Coincidentally, Dorko moved to the same neighborhood in Brattleboro Vermont several years after Samirah. They have since reunited in several performances throughout New England. For many years Don Anderson has been a feature with Samirah during Fat Tuesday in celebration of Mardi Gras. He has recently performed in the trio with Evans and Dorko, as well as a member of Samirah Evans and Her Handsome Devils.

The Bedford Big Band FILLED the stage (and then some) Sunday, March 17th. This 19-piece band performs classic and modern swing music. There were plenty of appreciative dancers in the audience for this show! The band is comprised of talented musicians from NH and MA who love performing 30’s and 40’s swing dance music, plus your favorite contemporary, Latin and pop selections. A special treat was vocalist Lacey Ansara, a Brookline native! Check out the AIA Facebook page to see the video clips from this amazing show – including a fabulous dancing audience!

The Rampage Trio wowed the crowd Sunday, March 3rd with a decisively bold diversion from the more mellow and acoustic-leaning concerts thus far. This trio is well-seasoned with rock-n-roll and R&B roots. They have performed and recorded for years, even gracing the stage at the Big Bear Lodge in years past.  Originally formed in 1990, they have shared stages with Joe Bonamassa, Mountain, Edgar Winter, Buckwheat Zydeco, James Cotton, Candye Kane, Otis Clay, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, The Iguanas, Eilen Jewel, Terrance Simien, Roomful of Blues, and many more. 

The New England Bluegrass Band took the stage at the Andres Concert Series February 25th with tradition-based Bluegrass music, powerful vocals and just the right instrumental backing and stellar picking. 

Led by frontman Cecil Abels, a native of Mississippi, is a powerful vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Cecil aka “Mr Sippy” has assembled a crackerjack band that has opened and shared the stages with the giants of the music, including Del McCoury, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson and many many others. The band plays original tunes and songs from a deep well of bluegrass and Americana.

The Eddy Troxler Quartet was on stage Sunday, February 18th. The smooth sounds of this accomplished jazz quartet were the perfect ending to this weekend-after-Valentine’s Day. Eddy has been a crowd favorite with his jazz guitar at AIA events. This time he rounded out his sound with bass, drums and keys for an evening of great music.

Check the AIA Facebook page for a video with clips from the evening.