Headliner: Shamarr Allen (9:15PM)

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!

2nd Act: Sambita (8PM)

Sambita performs authentic Latin American music interlaced with American dance favorites. With a deep understand of Latin American ethnomusicology and today’s high end entertainment industry, Mark Greel and Sambita can perform classics from South and Central America as well as pop hits from the United States. The band seamlessly moves between salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, latin pop and American dance hits from all decades.

OP: Carlos Odrias Trio (7PM)

Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria has been described as a "breathtakingly talented musician with immense technical skill" (Worcester Telegram) and as a "guitar wizard" (Gamble Rogers Fest). His original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards and Latin American tunes deliver an exciting blend of international styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes, all imbued with an improvisational approach inspired by the rich tradition of American jazz. He holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Florida State University, where he also obtained a Certificate in Music of the Americas. He studied classical and Latin American folk guitar with the acclaimed Peruvian guitarist Pepe Torres. Later on, he pursued advanced jazz studies with Richie Zellon, jazz guitar arranging with Leo Welch, and cuatro at the Jose Luis Paz Conservatory in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

In 2014, the debut album of Omnimusica, an ensemble in which Odria was the lead guitarist, was included on the official ballot for the 57th Grammy Awards in the World Music category.

Dr. Odria has performed at concert halls, universities, and festivals, sharing the stage with jazz, classical, and world music artists such as Jeff Denson, Longineu Parsons, Leon Anderson, the Jacksonville Children's Chorus, Mlimani Park Orchestra, Mia Gormandy, Haigiong Deng, Silviu Ciulei, Jorge Continentino, Jeff Brooks, and Etienne Charles. He has taught at Darton State College, Clark University, and UMASS Boston. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor of Music and Interdisciplinary Arts at the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Worcester State University.

With a special opening performance from Fang-Chih Lee & Association (6:30PM)

Fang-Chih Lee has been teaching for over 30 years. Her career began in Taiwan, the Republic of China. Twenty years ago Fang moved to the United States. Her school, Asian Crane Tai Chi, LLC, is in Plymouth, Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Science in Recreation Management degree from Springfield College as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Study from Springfield and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the National Taiwan College of Physical Education where she was later appointed an associate professor. Fang received the Presidential Best Teacher Award (Republic of China) and was Taiwan’s National Martial Arts Champion. She also earned her Black Belt, Third Degree, in Kendo and Four Degree Tai Chi. An internationally renowned instructor, coach, and authority on recreational management, Fang brings the benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to her many students, including children and seniors. She has been instrumental in organizing Tai Chi tournaments.

More to come.