Kemp Harris is a singer and songwriter, a master weaver of American musical styles. He’s an actor, activist, author, and storyteller, and an award-winning educator who has taught young public school students for more than 40 years. The Kemp Harris Group returns to atac on Friday night, June 2nd.

The Love Dogs are a dynasty. Together for nearly 30 years, the group’s as tight as family and blends humor and spontaneity to create an unforgettable, energetic live show. Frontman Eddie Scheer tells us the group’s #1 job is to make sure everyone in the room is having fun, and it shows. We’re thrilled to have The Love Dogs back at atac on Saturday night, May 20, and in advance, had a chat with Eddie.

Solipsis and Breaker Breaker are two rad young bands from Massachusetts, playing together on Thursday May 18. In advance of the show, we asked some Qs and heard back from Solipsis’ Gage Bard, and Delina Brytowski of Breaker Breaker.

Eva Lou Rhinelander is a Level 9 Rhythmic Gymnast whose balancing techniques and prop manipulation skills (ribbon, ball, hoop, clubs) have earned her numerous awards. Eva got her start in 2013, and is the current World Record Holder for Longest Time Nose Hooping! We’re thrilled to announce Eva will be back with us on June 9, 2023 for A Night at the Circus.

atac: downtown arts + music seeks a full-time, experienced, and enthusiastic Program Manager who will be responsible for organizing and managing various programs and events to foster community and creativity through increased access to the arts.

Griff Gall is an elementary music and movement specialist in the town of Danvers, Mass. The founding artistic director of the Back Bay Ringers, Griff has presented workshops in handbell pedagogy, conducting, and Orff Schulwerk. He is the recipient of the Donna Nagel Award for his contributions to the field of General Music from the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and the Spotlight Award from the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement.

Ball in the House is a great a cappella group based out of Boston, whose high energy shows have audiences singing, dancing, and beatboxing along. With their extensive tour schedule, Ball in the House has performed everywhere—theaters, performing arts centers, fairs, and festivals, opening for the likes of The Beach Boys, Jonas Brothers, The Temptations, and Blondie. This May 13, they return to atac for what promises to be a can’t-miss show.

On Friday May 26, I Christmas’ Hot & Heavenly Cabaret returns to atac! If you were here in February, you know this is going to be packed. Get tickets ASAP and bring plenty of loose bills for tipping. This is a wild, fun, inclusive celebration you won’t want to miss. Among the evening’s featured performers is Jayden Jamison KA St James (Quyen Tran), who we had the pleasure of speaking with recently. Quyen is a force for good—a truly positive, inspirational artist we can’t wait to see on stage.

Antje Duvekot is a compelling live performer based in Greater Boston. Having criss-crossed the US and Europe many times, she’s been invited to play festivals including The Newport Folk Festival, Mountain Stage, and the Kerrville Folk Festival. Internationally, she's headlined the The Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland, and the Tønder Festival in Denmark. An atac-favorite, Duvekot returns to Framingham on Saturday April 15.

Composer/pianist Danny Fox melds jazz and modern classical music on his latest album, Time Took Care of It. The work contains some of the most poignant and creative compositions of his career and, not for nothing, John Schaefer over at WNYC’s New Sounds praised Fox’s for “changing the sound and expectation of a jazz piano trio.” In celebration of this new record, Fox is taking the trio on the road—with a stop in Framingham at atac on Thursday April 13.

Jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer Greg Abate has the chops. A Berklee grad, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra, formed the influential Boston outfit Channel One, cut a live record at Birdland NYC in '91, and is an adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College. On Saturday April 1st, his group will be performing two sets at atac.

sidebody the band is one instantiation of an art collective, also called sidebody. sidebody makes zines, prints, and art books, organizes workshops, and runs a studio space in Somerville, MA where other artists work. sidebody, who recently released their album sidebody, is Martha, Lena, Cara, and Hava, and they’ll be here at atac on Saturday April 8th along with Hereboy and DJ CHAIA.

Framingham State’s Assistant Professor of Music, Christian Gentry, has had recent works exhibited and/or performed at spots like Akron Art Museum, Brigham Young University, Westminster College, Verspiel (New Orleans), and Southeastern Louisiana University. His sound design and mixing work for Rashin Fahendej’s A Father’s Lullaby was exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, and received an Ars Electronica Award of Distinction in the Digital Musics and Sound Art category. This Friday night, he performs as Maribo—part of a three-act bill he’s also curated.

The Sea The Sea, Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa, is an indie folk-pop duo hailing from Upstate New York. Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) says the duo’s got “excellent harmonies,” and the Huffington Post describes ‘em as “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The duo’s making a stop right here at atac on Thursday March 30th.

For more than three decades, 5x ECMA and PEI Award-winning Richard Wood has blown away sold-out audiences around the globe with his traditional-born, fiery brand of Celtic music. Along with winning countless championships as both a step dancer and fiddler, Richard has also earned the Don Messer Memorial Trophy, twice. Richard has toured extensively—from Epcot Center to Lincoln Center, and as such we’re thrilled to have him join us this Wednesday night, March 22, 2023. In advance, we caught up with Richard on the road.

Dead-serious about not being too-serious, Know Orchestra combines high-skill musicianship with a playful energy that’s sure to put a smile on your face. On April 23rd, the group’s calling all creative performers from across MetroWest to share original work in a supportive, fun atmosphere.

We’re excited to announce that atac’s latest project— a Community Art Garden—will be a year-round public art exhibit, traditional garden, and gathering space providing access to open environmental revitalization for downtown Framingham residents and visitors.

Malik Haddadi is a professional magician, comic, and speaker we adore. He’s provided a path for many local talents by hosting atac open mics, and wowed Framingham residents with close-up magic during 2022’s A Night at the Circus. On April 2, he returns with a full solo show as Malik the MagiComic.

Emily Listner is our Production and Facilities Manager and we think she is awesome.

Local busker, runner, fencer, sailor, and balloon animal-artist Sam Bruckner has organized a concert, The Breakup Bash, featuring five great emerging artists from around MetroWest. The show’s a benefit for Plugged In, and takes place on Friday March 3rd. In advance of the show, we asked the Trouble Made frontman a few Qs.