To the Fore Concert Series

05/31/2025

Join pianist and singer Christopher Lockman in an evening of musical storytelling! This handpicked program features pieces that explore their musical heritage and the rich harmonic worlds that continue to inspire them. From lush Romantic pieces, to 70s Soul, to J-Pop, this performance celebrates the power of music and personal identity. Sunday, June 1, 2025 @ 4pm. $20 suggested donation.

03/04/2025

We are thrilled to announce our 3rd To the Fore concert of the season - “These intervals of stillness and abandon” featuring Regina Stroncek and Sage Fogle on Sunday, April 6 @ 4pm. A recital of art song by Brazilian women composers on the profound impact nature has on the human spirit. $20 suggested donation, 23 Dedham Rd in Needham, MA at First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist. We hope to see you there!

Roses, ancient stones, bird song, cinnabar sunsets, seasonal premonitions, moon seas, and fertile and scorched earth all offer humanity an opportunity to pause, reflect, and release into the present moment.

Featuring works by Chiquinha Gonzaga, Celeste Jaguaribe, Helza Camêu, Emilia de Benedictis, Nilcéia Baroncelli, Catarina Domenici, Dinorá de Carvalho, and Eunice Katunda.

10/03/2024

09/10/2024

We are thrilled to kick off our 3rd season of the Elizabeth Duhig To the Fore Concert Series with an exciting program of q***r music by Nick May (saxophone) and Alex Li (piano), as part of the I Exist Project. We hope to see you Sunday, 9/29/24, in the Parish Hall of First Parish UU in Needham at 4pm. $20 suggested donation.

“The I Exist Project amplifies the richness and diversity of q***r life, culture, and artistry by partnering with a broad spectrum of talented q***r composers and performers. Our mission is to inspire the creation and promotion of innovative q***r repertoire that celebrates the unique experiences and voices within our community, fostering greater understanding, connection, and visibility for all.”

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05/31/2024

Join us for our final Elizabeth Duhig To the Fore concert of the season: Moon Songs by Kelvyn Koning.

For ages, the moon has been considered a light that guides and protects those who have needed the safety of night for protection or hiding, such as closeted members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants seeking a better life, and African Americans escaping slavery by the light of the North Star Polaris. Come enjoy an afternoon of music, theatre, and poetry about the moon with Kelvyn (he/they) at First Parish in Needham on June 16th at 4pm in Parish Hall. You’ll hear a diverse blend of folk, pop, classical, jazz, and musical theatre songs that have given me solace, both when I have been in hiding and since coming into the light.

04/29/2024

It was our honor and pleasure to host TaalMel through our Elizabeth Duhig To the Fore concert series, which brings musicians and composers from historically marginalized backgrounds “to the fore,” in partnership with ICON (Indian Community Of Needham). We had a full house in our Parish Hall, and attendees generously donated hundreds of dollars for the Needham Community Council.

TaalMel brings together rhythms (Taal) and harmonies (Mel) from the two rich musical cultures that the group is lucky enough to be part of: India, where many of them grew up, and the US, where they found their second homes. You can hear more of their music at YouTube.com/

Follow To the Fore Concert Series on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming shows.

Many thanks to TaalMel for sharing their talents!

10/05/2023

“Double, double, toil & trouble; fyre burn and cauldron bubble…” Celebrate the spooky season with Lilith’s concert “Toil & Trouble”, featuring music by Libby Larsen, Melissa Dunphy, Susan LaBarr, Florence Price, & world premieres by Kelvyn Koning and John Haukoos. October 14 @ 8pm - Saint Peter’s in Cambridge | October 15 @ 4pm - First Parish UU in Needham. $20 suggested donation. Laura Nevitt, Artistic Director. Please donate to our 2nd season fundraiser that will conclude with this concert https://gofund.me/993fb0bd To the Fore Concert Series First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist

10/04/2023

Join us October 15 for our second “To the Fore” concert of the season with Lilith Vocal Ensemble! At First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist.

“Double, double, toil & trouble; fyre burn and cauldron bubble…” Celebrate the spooky season with Lilith’s concert “Toil & Trouble”, featuring music by Libby Larsen, Melissa Dunphy, Susan LaBarr, Florence Price, & world premieres by Kelvyn Koning and John Haukoos. October 14 @ 8pm - Saint Peter’s in Cambridge | October 15 @ 4pm - First Parish UU in Needham. $20 suggested donation. Laura Nevitt, Artistic Director. Please donate to our 2nd season fundraiser that will conclude with this concert https://gofund.me/993fb0bd To the Fore Concert Series First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist

09/16/2023

Shanah Tovah to our Jewish members and neighbors! As Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days begin, may all who celebrate have a good and sweet new year!

09/15/2023

Will we see you for our first To the Fore concert of the 2023-2024 season? This Sunday the 17th at 4! And, we’re honored to host Juan Suarez as our guest vocalist during the Sunday service the same day at 10:30 am 💒🎶

Posted • Thrilled to have Juan Suarez and Jacob Lytehaven join us to perform our first To the Fore concert of the season. “Little Joys: Reflections on the Q***r Experience” will include music by composers from the LGBTQ+ community, and a preview of a new work, “a subtle rebellion”, by .s.suarez & . Join us at Sunday, Sept. 17 @ 4pm.