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On Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026, at 7pm, Concerts at Old North in Marblehead will present three internationally acclaimed jazz musicians – Mark Shilansky, piano, Eric Byers, guitar, and Dave Mattacks, percussion – in A Community Sing-Along featuring cherished songs by The Beatles.  This event is FREE and open to all ages and singers of all levels of vocal experience and expertise.  You are cordially invited to simply bring your voice (the one that you use in the shower!) and your love for singing, and be prepared for an evening of fun, laughter, fabulous music, and a truly thrilling walk down memory lane.  Lyrics will be provided for all, and “with a little help from our friends” – Old North soloist soprano Holly Cameron along with many members of the Old North Festival Chorus – this promises to be an evening of friendship and joy, singing a selection of the most beloved songs by The Beatles from the 60s and 70s.  Instrumental performances by the acclaimed jazz trio will highlight the evening.  

About the Program
Maria vanKalken, Minister of Music at Old North Church and Director of the Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra, conceived of the idea of gathering the community together for this 60- to 90-minute long Sing-Along as a relief from daily pressures, a break away from electronic devices, a unique chance for fellowship, and a desire to do what so many of us love to do but rarely find an opportunity to do together: SING!  VanKalken notes, “singing is a healthy and feel-good experience, especially when joined by friends and family!  Singing improves lung function and releases endorphins which contribute to improved mood and emotional well-being.  Add to this, three of New England’s most respected jazz musicians playing celebrated and favorite songs by arguably the most popular and significant rock group in history – The Beatles – and I can say with confidence that this is an evening you will not want to miss!” 

About the Instrumentalists
Eric Byers, guitar and vocals, possesses an extraordinary proficiency and versatility as a guitarist and composer/arranger.  He has been on recordings and in concert halls and clubs around the world, with artists like Dave and Maureen Budway, George Russell, Jr, The Fifth Dimension, Lydia Harrell, No Static, and many others.  He performs, writes, and records in a wide variety of styles, including jazz, classical, pop, rock, bluegrass, R&B, Brazilian samba and choro, and some Afro-Latin music. Eric is also a professor of Harmony and Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music. 

Mark Shilansky, piano and vocals, provides melodic improvisation and infectious compositions on his own and to a host of jazz luminaries, as well as to the classroom, as a professor at Berklee College of Music and the University of New Hampshire. Shilansky is featured on over 60 recordings as a keyboardist, vocalist, composer/arranger, or producer, and in performance as band member with such artists as the New York Voices, Luciana Souza, and Sean Jones. As an artist he embraces the history of the styles in which he works, while seeking connections between them as a way of expressing a personal musical vision, characterized by lush harmonies, the exploration of the line between composition and improvisation, and an ever-present sense of humor.

Percussionist Dave Mattacks’ professional career started in the UK with big bands before joining the influential folk-rock group “Fairport Convention”, freelancing extensively throughout his tenure with the band.  In 2000, Dave moved to Boston, where he continues to enjoy a full career in music spanning live and studio work, both as a Musician and Producer.  Dave’s discography includes 5 CDs with Paul McCartney and various CDs/tours with – among many others – Elton John and George Harrison.  In addition to his performance, recording, and studio-production schedule, Dave has taught at London’s Royal Academy of Music and The Berklee College of Music.  He has been the house drummer at the Marblehead Arts Festival for the last seven years.

Holly Cameron, soprano, has been hailed a “marvelous femme fatale” (Boston Musical Intelligencer) with “rip-roaring high notes” (Boston Globe). A recipient of numerous honors, Ms. Cameron was a New England Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has won awards in the Shreveport Opera Competition, Sarasota Artist Series competition and the National Orpheus Vocal Competition, among others.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from New England Conservatory and a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.  Holly also has a growing reputation as a crossover artist and enjoys a variety of musical projects straddling every genre from r&b and soul to jazz, pop, rock, and disco. Outside of music, Holly is a Realtor at William Raveis Real Estate and she resides in Marblehead.

This Community Sing-Along is FREE and open to the public; a free-will offering, with proceeds to benefit the Old North Festival Chorus, will be gratefully accepted.  For additional information, please visit the Old North Festival Chorus website, at www.oldnorthfestivalchorus.org or call 781-631-1244.  Old North Church is accessible for the physically impaired.

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SAVE THE DATES!  

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Old North Festival Chorus | Rehearsals

Registration & First Rehearsal: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7pm
Subsequent Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings, 7:30pm to 9pm (9:30pm for the weeks leading up the the concerts)

Saturday morning rehearsal sessions -- 10am to 12noon -- as needed

 

Old North Festival Chorus | Holiday Concerts 2026

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 8pm

Sunday, December 6, 2026, 7:30pm

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Old North Festival Chorus | Rehearsals

Registration & First Rehearsal: Wednesday evening, mid-February 2027, 7pm

Subsequent Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings, 7:30 to 9:30pm

 

Old North Festival Chorus | Lenten Choral Concert 2027

Palm Sunday, March 21, 2027, 7:30pm

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