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By CAROLYN BROWN

After 65 years playing and directing church music, 17 of those as First Church Amherst minister of music, Dick Matteson is ready to celebrate his legacy with the Pioneer Valley. He plans to retire next month, and a farewell concert will be held this Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m.

By SHERYL HUNTER

For music fans, there is nothing better than enjoying music in the great outdoors, and we are about to have that experience when the StrangeCreek Campout kicks off festival season on Memorial Day weekend. The StrangeCreek Campout, now in its 21st year, will take place at Camp Kee-wanee in Greenfield, from May 23 to 26. Presented by Wormtown Trading Co. out of Worcester, this weekend festival features camping and music from over 60 bands performing on three stages, along with late-night shows in cabins in the woods.

By SHERYL HUNTER

Kris Delmhorst never intended to create an album focused on themes like loss, death and grief, but it turns out these subjects heavily influence many of the songs on her new release, “Ghosts in the Garden.” The Shelburne Falls resident launched her 10th album on March 7 and will hold a record release show at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. She is currently on tour to support the album.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — The 7th annual Música Franklin “Fun Fest” is returning to Unity Park in Turners Falls on Saturday, May 10 for a free, family-friendly day of music and activities, with students getting the chance to showcase their year of musical growth. 

By GUSTAVO ATENCIO FLORES

GREENFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Symphony is bringing together various choruses, orchestras and guest soloists from across the region for its season finale, a performance of Carl Orff’s classic “Carmina Burana” and other compositions.

By SHERYL HUNTER

In 1988, at the age of 23, Eveline MacDougall founded the Fiery Hope Chorus (formerly Amandla Chorus), and she continues to serve as a director of the 35-member group.

By CAROLYN BROWN

An Amherst festival dedicated to a famous Baroque composer is coming … Bach.

By SHERYL HUNTER

When it comes to tribute bands, music fans have rather mixed feelings. But love ‘em or hate ‘em, they play a prominent role on the music scene and a number of these bands have shows coming up in the area in the near future.

By CHRIS LARABEE

SOUTH DEERFIELD — When one thinks of high school concerts, they may think of a choir, the marching band or a classical orchestra, but at Frontier Regional School Thursday evening, the public is invited to see a show of a different kind.

By SHERYL HUNTER

There’s nothing unusual about kids getting together and forming a band, but what is unusual and remarkable is if the band stays together once the kids grow up.

By SHERYL HUNTER

Joan Osborne was in her 20s when she took a deep dive into the music of Bob Dylan – and once she immersed herself into the legendary artist’s amazing musical well, Dylan’s vast catalog became an important part of her own musical journey.

By SHERYL HUNTER

Pete Seeger said that “the key to the future of the world is finding the optimistic stories and letting them be known.”

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

MONTAGUE — In recognition of her work to grow the music program at Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School, music instructor Alyssa Comeau received a 2025 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.

By SHERYL HUNTER

You know that spring is here when music series start popping up and I’m excited to announce the new Petit Concert Series launching this weekend in downtown Orange. This series of free concerts will take place on three Sunday afternoons: March 23, April 6, and April 13, at the Stage on Main, located at 17 South Main St. The music will fill the air from 2 to 4 p.m.

By GUSTAVO ATENCIO FLORES

GREENFIELD — This year’s Eventide Singers concert is dedicated to a Greenfield resident who played a crucial role in the a cappella group’s creation: co-founder John Bos, who died in December at 88 years old.

By SHERYL HUNTER

Saint Patrick’s Day is only days away, and for the band Ragged Blue, that means a busy weekend ahead. They’ll be playing Celtic music at a variety of shows this weekend.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — For her work supporting the youth of Franklin County through academics and music, Greenfield resident Gloria Matlock was recently honored with the Black Excellence on the Hill award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

By DOMENIC POLI

NEW SALEM — The 1794 Meetinghouse on South Main Street typically lies dormant during its offseason, with the occasional passing vehicle or woodland creature providing the only soundtrack. But that silence was broken Thursday afternoon by the welcoming sound of the concert and theater venue’s piano on the stage.