Series You Should Know: Crossroads Music Series (North Andover, MA)
There should be more ongoing music series in the world…I mean we have a host of wonderful ones all over New England, but well curated regular events that you can even go in blindly to and know that it is going to be a heck of an evening of music and good times, those types of things are a treasure to behold.
Entering it’s 31st season, Crossroads Music Series is held in a 180-seat space in a beautiful “Cardboard Gothic” style Universalist Unitarian church in North Andover, MA. The folks behind the scenes hold one concert a month, second Saturdays of each month, October-June.
Promoter David Kovner told us, “There are a number of things that set us apart from other venues. We provide music fans in northern Massachusetts and southern NH with a chance to see an eclectic mix of amazing performers, in an easy to access location, and in a small space that provides an up-close and personal view of the artists. They can see local, national and even international artists our wonderful “listening room” space. They can listen to the artists without distraction, without servers taking orders, or constant chatter, or the tinkle of glassware.”
And its that listening room/we came here for the music kind of a vibe that brings people back again and again. Kovner continued, “Our fans love this, and our artists constantly tell us that they love listening room environment as well. Our array of performers has included the complete spectrum of roots genres, and beyond: blues, country, Americana, folk, jazz, rock and more.”
Until five or six years ago, Crossroads was called a “Coffeehouse, bur don’t get it mistaken for the typical coffeehouse vibe, its not just solo artists and acoustic guitars, no way. An intimate vibe, but there may be some rock n’ roll heart in the mix too. “We still serve coffee and desserts, but we changed our name to reflect the growing diversity of the performances. We are definitely not a traditional coffeehouse music spot. This year our line-up ranges in style, genre and volume from Nashville singer-songwriter Lydia Luce performing with a string trio to Providence’s rootsy rockers, The Silks.”
This year’s series kicks off with the April Verch Band which David was particularly excited for. “There’s no artist quite like our Ottawa, Canada-based opener, the April Verch Band, he said. “The band’s northern Americana mix features April’s incredible fiddle playing, singing and step-dancing. It’s a high energy, highly fun show, to say the least. And I could go on and on about Jennifer Kimball playing with Duke Levine and Sonny Barbato, or South Carolina’s High Divers, or any of the other shows this coming season.”
Well, we just say “get out, support independent music and those putting on incredible concerts like Crossroads!”.
More info and tickets on their website.
