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Brown Bag Concert Series

The Brown Bag Concerts are produced by 90.5 WICN & Mechanics Hall.

Brown Bag Spring 2025 Concert Series

Wednesdays at Noon, March 12th, 19th & 26th
Free Admission

Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01608; 508-752-5608
Broadcast live on WICN 90.5 FM and streaming at wicn.org

For over 35 years, Mechanics Hall and WICN have been proud to provide quality live performances free to the general public! Every concert begins at noon and ends promptly at 1:00 pm. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch, as Mechanics Hall will not be offering food or beverages at this time.

Brown Bag Concerts are broadcast on 90.5fm and stream live on wicn.org as they happen. All concerts are free and subject to change without notice.

Spring 2025 Schedule

Cassandre McKinley

March 12th

Known for her powerful and versatile voice, Cassandre McKinley effortlessly blends Soul, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop, and Country into a sound uniquely her own. Her impassioned live performances and gift for storytelling have earned her widespread acclaim, making her a must-see artist for any music fan.

“There’s a music style called jazzsoul (we made it up) and our anointed queen is Boston native Cassandre McKinley.” – The Boston Globe

Listen to the concert in its entirety below:


Harshitha Krishnan

March 19

Harshitha Krishnan, a Grammy®-nominated performing and recording artist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria, is known for her eclectic sound that fuses Indian folk traditions with contemporary western genres like jazz, soul, and R&B, Harshitha’s performances are a soulful exploration of diverse global sounds and textures. Experience a musical journey that blends emotion with rich cultural influences, celebrating both artistry and messages of positive social change. 


Jazz Streams

March 26

Jazz Streams features an accomplished lineup of musicians who have made significant contributions to the New England jazz scene. Trombonist Rich Ardizzone is a classically trained performer with experience in Latin jazz, big bands, and a variety of ensembles. Guitarist Rich Falco is a seasoned performer, educator, and jazz historian with a career spanning international tours, concert productions, and numerous accolades. Bassist Jerry Wilfong is an active Boston-area musician who has worked with a wide range of jazz artists and recorded extensively. Drummer Bill MacGillivray has been a fixture in the Worcester music community for decades, performing in jazz, rock, and blues groups while also serving as a dedicated music educator.


 

Brown Bag Concert Series Sponsors


 

BROWN BAG ARCHIVE

WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) has recognized the historical significance of the 30+ years of the Brown Bag Concert Series. WPI has documented the series history in its Jazz History Database. The database includes information from 1989 – 2008.

“Studio 3”, a half-hour music and interview television program featuring some of the best jazz groups in New England and beyond, was taped between 1993 and 2000 before live audiences in the studios of WGMC-TV3 or on location, including Brown Bag concerts at Mechanics Hall. All shows were produced and hosted by jazz vocalist Toni Ballard, with production support from Greater Media Cable, and aired from 1993 to 2003 on WGMC-TV3. The WPI Jazz History Database includes Studio 3 videos.

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2025

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2024

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2024

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2023

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2022

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2022

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2020

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2019

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2018

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2018

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2017

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2017

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2016

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2016

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2015

Brown Bag Concert Series Spring 2015

Brown Bag Concert Series Fall 2014

Brown Bag Concert Series: Spring 2014

Brown Bag Concert Series: Fall 2013

Brown Bag Concert Series: Spring 2013

Brown Bag Concert Series: Fall 2012

Brown Bag Concert Series: Spring 2012

Brown Bag Concert Series: Fall 2011

» JAZZ HISTORY DATABASE