Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts

2:00 pm – Olga Lisovskaya, From Broadway to Classical

Newton treasure Olga Lisovskaya, a soprano from Kiev, Ukraine, stands out in the classical music world for her remarkable vocal talent and impactful performances. In this year’s festival she will be performing with a string quartet. Critically acclaimed for her “wonderful coloratura soprano” abilities, Lisovskaya has excelled in roles across a broad operatic repertoire but she is also a celebrated concert singer, having performed alongside renowned soloists from the Bolshoi Theater, The Met, and La Scala.  As the Executive Director of Commonwealth Lyric Theater and a Director of Talents of the World, Inc., Lisovskaya plays a crucial role in advancing the arts community. She is also passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge and love for music with students of all ages and levels.

3:30 pm – Matt Jenson, “The Music and Life Bob Marley” Ensemble

Matt Jenson, a renowned keyboardist, composer, arranger, and performer, leads a captivating homage to Bob Marley with his ensemble, presenting the reggae legend’s iconic songs with authenticity and fervor. Jenson’s diverse career features collaborations with music luminaries like Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley, Chinna Smith, and many more, underscoring his deep connection to Marley’s music and philosophy.
“The Music and Life of Bob Marley” Ensemble is more than a performance – it’s an invitation to explore reggae’s heart, celebrating its messages of love, unity, and resistance and a unique opportunity to experience Bob Marley’s enduring impact, reinterpreted through Jenson’s visionary lens.

5:00 pm – Dennis Montgomery III with Pleasant Praise Gospel Choir

Dennis Montgomery III grew up singing and playing in Baptist churches around the upper Louisiana area under the tutelage of his father and mother. Shortly after he arrived at Berklee in 1983, he headed for the gospel choir which he believes is a fundamental ingredient of the American experience for international students. Montgomery states, “When I was young, I had to learn European musical styles. So when foreign students come to Berklee, I think it is important to educate them in a true form of American music.” The choir has launched some premiere voices in the music industry such as Paula Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Susan Tedeschi, Claude Kelly, Rob Lewis, and Mark Whitfield.

6:30 pm – Thaddeus Hogarth Collective

“…Take a healthy dose of Sly and The Family Stone, add a liberal pinch of Stevie Wonder, put on your dancing shoes, and boogie to the music of Thaddeus Hogarth…” — Bruce Gelerman, NPR.

So popular with Newton audiences, Thaddeus is making his third appearance at the Festival of the Arts. Bring your dancing shoes because he is a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene. Recognized for his multifaceted talent as a guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, songwriter and educator, he draws influences from a rich tapestry of genres including funk, blues, R&B, and rock. His unique sound is characterized by a blend of soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and a deep understanding of groove, making him a standout artist in the industry.

Hogarth’s professional career is marked by a series of successful albums and collaborations that showcase his versatility and creativity. Thaddeus has previously shared the bill or stage with such legends as Tower of Power, Ernie Isley, Average White Band, Fred Wesley (James Brown), Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic), Matt Schofield, Steve Kimock, The Neville Brothers, Eric Gales, Johnny Winter, Donald Harrison and James Montgomery.

Newton Community Pride looks forward to welcoming Thaddeus Hogarth Collective once again to the Linda Plautt Festival of the Arts.