Above: Northborough is promoting a “joyous” community concert at the GonkPlex this weekend. (image cropped from flyer)
At this time last year, construction was still underway for the Algonquin athletic complex, partially funded by Southborough. The renovations that were completed this year, included the addition of a new pavilion for outdoor arts performances. This Sunday, the public is invited to enjoy the first community event at the pavilion — a free concert.
The concert is the last in Northborough’s summer concert series* put on by the Northboro Community Affairs Committee. NCAC promotes:
A joyous, musical evening of harmony-drenched nostalgic hits.
The September 1st concert will run from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and include food vendors. The headline acts are Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli.
The duo, LDFA, promote:
Lori, an award winning songwriter (finalist, Great American Songwriting Contest 2010, Best Female Vocalist, Pulse Magazine 2011, 2012), combines alluring, soulful vocals and seasoned piano playing with Fred’s solid finger work and clever phrasing on both bass and guitar. Their songs explore the many facets of the human condition with hope and an esoteric sensibility. Fans of Norah Jones, Sarah MacLachlan and Joni Mitchell, quickly become fans of Lori & Fred as they explore Jazz, Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Gospel and blues influences and gently infuse them into their own fresh and original style. . .
the duo has crafted exquisite melodies that employ everything from retro jazz stylings to hypnotic meditations. Songs of eternal love, self-acceptance, and powerful life lessons will soothe, excite and uplift simultaneously!
You can sample songs from their most recent album here.
This weekend, LDFA will be accompanied by a closely connected special guest:
Anelise is a bright light in her community, as she easily accesses her JOY and shares it through her love of music.
While Anelise might be considered by some as “differently abled”, she insists that you do not “dis” her Abilities!!! She is proud to be a State Ambassador and Officer for Best Buddies, and is truly a pioneer as the Founder and President of her high school’s first and only fully inclusive music club.
Anelise unexpectedly gained global notoriety in 2020 as she and her Family Band posted a vast array of musical performances called The Quarantine Sessions. Her heartfelt intentions were to “bring light to those who need it,” and she is endlessly grateful to those who “feel the love” she’s sending out.
Anelise & Her Family Band are an unforgettable trio composed of Anelise, her Mom, Lori Diamond, and Step Dad, Fred Abatelli. Together, they offer inspired, harmony filled renditions of your favorite nostalgic songs of the 70’s & 80’s. It’s no surprise that Anelise has attracted her own passionate group of supporters as she effortlessly delivers a joyous musical experience.
According to the flyer, the concert will also include, “Music Includes”. That’s not a placeholding typo. It’s the name of an inclusive community music group based in Northborough. According to the non-profit’s website, it was founded by Diamond and her daughter Annelise as an offshoot of Algonquin’s Unified singing Club, which they had also founded.
On their website, they describe:
Music Includes of Northborough is a non-profit music performance organization that provides opportunities for individuals with and without developmental, medical, emotional, physical and/or gender differences to participate together in musical experiences that are high quality, safe, engaging, joyous and inclusive.
On Facebook, they expound:
Our mission is to celebrate and demonstrate the value of INCLUSION.
With each performance, our members are shattering false paradigms about what skills may be considered valuable. Their contribution to each uplifting and inspiring event is sharing authentic JOY through music.
With passion, determination and JOY, Music Includes is opening hearts and minds and is offering undeniable proof that everyone has unique and beautiful gifts to be celebrated and shared.
*Prior concerts in NCAC’s series were held at a park in Northborough.
