WORCESTER – An ensemble of local musicians has formed a group, The “Turn It Down” All-Stars, to perform semi-acoustic presentations of iconic albums to benefit charity.
The “Turn It Down” All-Stars will perform for the first time on Wednesday, May 4, at the Brickbox Theater at 20 Franklin Street in Worcester. They will perform “Darkness On The Edge of Town,” released by Bruce Springsteen in 1978. The Big League Collective will perform as the opening act of the event.
The group released this video of rehearsal for the May 4 performance.
The group features Giuliano D’Orazio, a former Worcester Music Award winner for best male vocalist and former front man of Hot Letter. He currently performs as Giuliano and will soon release his debut solo album.
Jim Walsh, a singer, songwriter, and drummer, created the All-Stars project. He was the creative force behind Merrick Section and Mr. Pickle, both well-known in Western Massachusetts.
Walsh found inspiration in the lifelong volunteer work of his wife, Ellen Walsh, to create the project. Ellen has supported several charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, Girls Scouts of Central & Western MA, AIDS Project Worcester and Worcester Cares. She is organizing the event.
John Cloutier, a business owner of Sturbridge, will also perform with The All-Stars. Cloutier is a long-time bluegrass performer who specializes in the stand-up bass and dobro. He currently performs with Livestock and The Slikpickers.
Ben Atkins on guitar, David Yates on Keys and & Bruce Rothney on mandolin and vocals rounds out the All-Stars lineup.
Tickets are on-sale now for the May 4 event.
Proceeds from the event support Net of Compassion, a Worcester based charitable organization that provides support services for local individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. Its programs include Hotel Grace, an emergency shelter located at Monsignor Tinsley center at 44 Vernon Street. Hotel Grace is open 24 hours per day and provides shelter and a hot meal on a first come, first served basis without admission requirements.
Meals on Main Street, another Net of Compassion program, provide meals each Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM outside 674 Main Street. This program resumes service on Saturday, May 22. It also operates Grace Pantry, at the same location, each Thursday from 1 PM to 5 PM. Grace Pantry provides free food to those in need.
