Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (2025)

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (1)

Rockabilly's prodigal son

It has been five years since rockabilly’s prodigal son Jason James played the Bay State (and it was ten years before that) Carrying on the tradition of rock legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent, James is a triple-threat — a killer crooner, a gifted guitar-slinger and a powerhouse pianist. With longstanding residencies at Blues City Café and Jerry Lee Lewis’ Café & Honky Tonk, both on legendary Beale Street in Memphis, James has shared the stage with rock royalty including J. Geils Band, Rick Derringer, Roomful of Blues, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, Bo Diddley, Albert King Jr. and “The Killer” himself, Jerry Lee Lewis. Now calling West Hollywood his home, James has left them flabbergasted at Graceland, awestruck in Los Angeles, mesmerized in Memphis and enamored in Nashville. (CS)

What: Jason James with Bridget Darling and Torbin Harding

When: Opening acts, 7 p.m., headliner 8 p.m. June 23

Where: The Elks Lodge, 99 Park St., Hudson

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How much: $30, tickets available through Eventbrite.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (2)

Pomp and pageantry

Miss Massachusetts. The Miss Massachusetts preliminary competition and final returns to The Hanover Theatre on June 23 and 24, with the winner going on to represent the state at the Miss America Pageant in New Jersey. The event is presented by the Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation, Inc. a non-profit, charitable organization "dedicated to helping young women recognize their potential." (RD)

What: Miss Massachusetts

When: Preliminary Competition 7 p.m. June 23;Final, 7 p.m. June 24

Where: The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester

How much: $35 June 23; $50 June 24. 877- 571-7469. thehanovertheatre.org.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (3)

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Ageless talent

The THT Youth Acting Company will take a trip to the 1980s when it performs "Rock of Ages: Teen Edition" at the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center June 23 to 25. Set in a Sunset Strip rock club at the tail end of the 1980s, the strip is threatened with demolition by greedy developers. Can club busboy/aspiring rocker Drew, waitress/hopeful actress Sherri, and crew save the strip — and themselves — before it’s too late? And what to do with the obnoxious rock star Stacee Jaxx?The real-life music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Whitesnake and more might hold the answer. "Rock of Ages," a hit Broadway musical and movie, has been adapted into a version especially suitable for teenagers. The THT Youth Acting Company was created to give actors ages 14-19 performance opportunities with a variety of directors and genres. (RD)

What: "Rock of Ages: Teen Edition" — THT Youth Acting Company

When: 7 p.m. June 23; 2 and 7 p.m. June 24; 1 p.m. June 25

Where: The BrickBox Theater at the JMAC, 20 Franklin St., Worcester

How much: $25. thehanovertheatre.org.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (4)

Anyone for beer?

The Nashua River Brewers Festival returns to Riverfront Park in Fitchburg from 1 to 6 p.m. June 24 with more than three dozen craft beer and cider brewers, live bands and food trucks to showcase the city’s downtown and support local nonprofits.The all-volunteer-run festival put on by Beers For Good began in 2008 and has donated more than $80,000 to local charities over the last 15 years.The Jim Weeks Band will headline this year's festival live music lineup, which will also include Otis & the Blackhearts and The Bru.(RD)

What: Nashua River Brewers Festival

When: 1 to 6 p.m. June 24

Where: Riverfront Park, Fitchburg

How much: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Includes all 4 oz. beer, cider and seltzer tastings as well as a collectible glass. beersforgood.com.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (5)

Keeping busy

TheSpencerParks & Recreation Commission’s2023 SummerConcertSerieskicks off from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 25 at Powder Mill Park, corner Smithville and Meadow roads, with the classic local rock band, She’s Busy. Sisters Lisa and Selena Wilson originally formed She's Busy in 1990 and had two critically acclaimed records — "Strange Bedfellows" in 1991 and "Thinkin’ Out Loud" in 1994. Songwriter/guitarist Brett Brumby came on board recording the third She’s Busy record in 1996 titled "Different This Time."Mrs. Moriconi's Ice Cream truck will be on hand selling homemade ice cream and other treats during the show. (RD)

What: She's Busy — Spencer Park & Recreation Commission Summer Series

When: 2 p.m. June 25

Where: Powder Mill Park, corner of Smithville and Meadow roads, Spencer

How much: Free. spencerma.gov.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (6)

'Virtuosic Improvisations'

Club 321 will present the Noah Preminger Quartet at 7 p.m. June 29 in Mechanics Hall. Known for their virtuosic improvisations and expressive compositions, the quartet features saxophonist Noah Preminger, accompanied by Max Light on the guitar, Kim Cass on the bass, and Rob Garcia on the drums. Club 321 seating in Washburn Hall at Mechanics Hall is cabaret-style tables with cash bar and light refreshments available for purchase, including coffee fromFuel America.Redemption Rock Brewing Companywill have free beer tasting. In addition, patrons will be able to browse an art exhibit sponsored byJuniper Rag, an independent Massachusetts art and lifestyle magazine. Club 321 is presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN Public Radio and is a 21-plus event.(RD)

What: The Noah Preminger Quartet

When: 7 p.m. June 29

Where: Club 321, Washburn Hall, Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester

How much: $18 in advance; $20 at the door. mechanicshall.org/club321.

Six Things To Do: Jason James, Miss Massachusetts, 'Rock of Ages,' She's Busy ... (2025)

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