ATHOL — The Tool Town Live 2019 concert series begins Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Uptown Common, near 1500 Main St. The show will feature Hillary Chase with an opening performance by the Glovers. The concert is from 7-9 p.m., and free for all ages.
“Very excited to have the series kicking off with two of the area’s most talented families,” said production assistant Ethan Stone. “I love the fact that these talented performers enjoy being up there with their dads and children and sound so great together. A family night in more ways than one!”
Hillary Chase is a prolific songwriter who has been performing in and around western Massachusetts since the age of 10. A native of Orange, she graduated from Bennington College in 2014. Chase’s music has been described as soul/folk. She mixes complex imagery with poetic lyrics and structures that range from very simple to intricate and sometimes unexpected. She writes songs of love and change, soul-searching and travel, usually with an autobiographical feel. “I hope I can provoke peace and love. I want to write from the voices of other people whose stories have never been told,” said Chase, who has shared the stage with the likes of Jonathan Edwards, Tom Rush and singer Christine Ohlman of the Saturday Night Live band, to name a few.
David Malachowski of SOUND ADVICE says: “Hillary Chase’s candid, sometimes autobiographical songs are full of uncommon depth and wisdom, but it’s her voice, its enticing tone and world-class phrasing that are best parts of her. As it twists, turns and serpentines around…it’s always surprising and thrilling, and dives deep into the heart of her songs. She sings and writes from a deep place, and comes across strong and vulnerable at the same time, which makes for brave music, and a well lived life.”
Joining her entourage is Hillary’s father, singer/songwriter Richard Chase, who has earned the respect of audiences throughout the Northeast and well beyond with his superbly crafted songs and tasteful musicianship. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Chase has appeared on many stages from coast to coast in a variety of genres that include symphonic, orchestral, jazz, pop, original, rock, choral, contra, theatre, and solo work.
Opening for Hillary Chase, The Glovers include Matt, Chris, and Tim Glover from Athol. The group plays rock, folk, and pop from the 1960s to 1980s. “The Glovers are awesome,” says fan René Lake-Gagliardi. “Great harmonies and selections everyone can enjoy!”
If there is a chance of rain in the forecast, the concert will be held in Memorial Hall at 584 Main St. (town hall). Refreshments including hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, dessert bars and more will be on sale at the event. Scotties Potties provides facilities for Tool Town Live concerts.
This program is supported in part by a grant from The Athol Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Said Stone, “The producers of the series wish to thank the people from 97.3FM WJDF without whom the concert series would not exist.”
Tool Town Live 2019 concerts are sponsored in part by Witty’s Funeral Home, Flint’s Auto Sales, Kessler Investments, Pete’s Tire Barn, Ethan Stone, LaBelle Roofing, Osprey Entertainment, Elwood Sound and Media, Flint’s Repairs, Athol Savings Bank, Adams Animal Hospital, Scooby’s Custom Cornholes, Al’s Quick Lube, Silhouettes Best Little Hair House in Athol, and West Brook Tree Farm.