Celebrate Love Songs plus the Art of Daphne Confar at Milton Art Center’s First Friday

The Milton Art Center invites you to experience an unforgettable evening of music and romance, as talented local musicians take the stage for Love Songs, the universal language of the heart, at First Friday, February 7, 7-9pm. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of these talented neighbors and friends or new to local music, this is your chance to enjoy heartfelt performances that will remind you why live music and love has the power to connect us all.
The gallery will feature artwork from one of Milton’s favorite artists: Daphne Confar. “Daphne Confar’s paintings are the progeny of an artist whose storytelling skills match her facility with a brush. Her portraits look like characters in a Garrison Keillor monologue: self-effacing, befuddled, and guarded people, sharply drawn with tender shining souls.”
—Kate McQuaid, Boston Globe
Jeremy Blanchard, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter always delights his audience with personal, heartfelt song choices. Jeremy will be performing “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green’s most popular song, in addition to “Shape of My Heart,” written by Sting and Dominic Miller, and “Tennessee Whiskey.” “Tennessee Whiskey,” most recently performed by performer Chris Stapleton, was written by Dean Dillan and Linda Hargrove who got together at the famous BlueBird cafe in Nashville for inspiration to write this song.
Franc Graham will be performing the “Book of Love,” with husband Ron Fletcher and guitarist, Kevin Dambruch. Franc and her band, The Franc Graham Band, released their newest song, “Boston,” to great acclaim this past fall. They performed the song on WGBH, live on Jim and Margery’s Radio Boston, and WERS, Wicked Local radio station and sold out their recent performance at the Square Root in Roslindale. The Franc Graham Band will be performing next at Sally O’Briens in Somerville on Valentine’s Day, get out and enjoy.
Ron Fletcher of Dark Crushes, an Alt-80’s Bliss band, will be performing “North Country Girl” by Bob Dylan, with guitarist Kevin Dambruch. Dark Crushes has an impressively long song list and recently performed at Tavern at the End of the World in Charlestown and will next be performing at The Social Club in Quincy on February 8.
Owl Haus, a duo comprised of Jen Meyers and Ben Zoll, on guitar and vocal harmonies, also includes member Adam Winkler on bass, Dan DeLeo on drums and Tony Susen, on pedal steel guitar.. Owl Haus will be performing “Everything has Changed,” written by Taylor Swift, and “Late to the Party,” performed by many popular performers including Kacey Musgrave. Owl Haus recently performed at Square Root in Roslindale.
Stevie Caldwell will be performing an original song, “Jill’s Song.” Stevie is a singer/songwriter who fronts her own solo music project called And Then There Was One, a personal outlet for her soulful, heartbreaking lyrics. Her influences range from Fleetwood Mac to System of a Down. Stevie is a past member of Boston bands, October Arrest and Six Times Seven. You won’t regret coming to hear her emotionally moving, textured vocals that resonates with all who love a love song.
Geof Shaw of Lower Falls, will also be performing. Lower Falls took a break and we are happy to see them back strong, playing March 30 at Midway Cafe with members Adam Winkler, Jeremy Clark, and Kevin Dambruch. Shout out to local resident, Jay Balerna, owner and operator of the Midway Cafe, an independent venue located in Jamaica Plain, going strong for 37 years now. The Midway is a fun, live music dive bar hosting a packed schedule of live performances. They are a local music treasure, beloved by musicians and fans.
Dennis O’Brien, a psychologist, hid his performing skills until recently. Dennis will be performing “The Water is Wide,” sung by many popular performers, such as The Indigo Girls, Jewel, and Eva Cassidy. Dennis will also perform the fabulous “My Girl,” written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, made popular by the Temptations. Smokey Robinson’s inspiration for writing “My Girl,” was his wife, fellow Miracles member, Claudette Rogers Robinson, a true love song.
Steve Cousineau and Eric Moore are performing “You don’t Know Me,” made popular by Ray Charles, and Willie Nelson. Steve Cousineau is also a cartoonist, who recently published a book, “Laugh or Cry: political cartoons and available on Amazon.
Let’s get together this February to celebrate love in all its forms—love for music, for creativity, and for the incredible talent that enriches our lives. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and prepare to experience an unforgettable evening of music, romance and admiration for local talent. Many of these performers are for hire; consider booking them for your next party, special event or wedding. Check out their songs for sale on Spotify and Apple Music. First Fridays are monthly, free, family friendly cultural events that celebrate local creatives and an opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbors.