Concert Review: Inaugural Crossroads Calling Mini-Fest, Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA!

On January 4th, 2025, Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA, welcomed the inaugural Crossroads Calling Mini-Fest, a one-day celebration of rock music, local arts, and community spirit with a vital mission. This year's mini-fest aims to raise money for the Boston Blues Society, supporting the winners of the local Boston Blues Challenge to compete at the prestigious International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee.

With the goal to establish itself as a significant annual event contributing to the regional blues and rock community, the mini-fest was headlined by local Blues Rock heavyweights, 21 Grams More, who are known for their powerful stage presence and dedication to the classic Blues Rock sound. The band members are: Ken Fay, Steve Savoie, Kamal Jackson, Jeff Nilsen, Eddie Goodwin, and Brent Conley, who were deeply involved in the event’s fundraising goals.

"Our goal is bigger than just one night; we want to create an annual event that directly fuels the next generation of blues talent by helping the Boston Blues Society send their champions to Memphis”, said Kamal Jackson (vocals) and Jeff Nilsen (guitar) who are involved in the local music scene, including fundraising for the Boston Blues Society.

Two other bands were performing as openers at the venue: Garden Of Hedon and Sons Lunaris.

Garden Of Hedon is a six-piece psychedelic retro-blues rock band formed in June 2021 in Boston, MA. The Boston-based retro rock band features Matt Zajac (singer/songwriter/guitarist), Steve Serra (guitar), William James Donavan (bass), and Johnny Keys with Tim Provost on (drums).

Sons Lunaris is an award-winning rock band originally formed in Lowell, Massachusetts in 2016. The group consists of Justin Martin (lead guitar), Alex Simpson (bass, vocals, harmonica), and Jeremy Thorpe (drums). Known for their cohesive sound blending influences from Howling Wolf to Pink Floyd, often accompanied by liquid light shows, Sons Lunaris are among the best rock bands in Massachusetts.

Not only music, Crossroads Calling Mini-Fest’s fundraising included ticket sales, raffle, sponsorships, and donations to support the winners of the local Boston Blues Challenge to compete in Memphis. During the break, the female D Jay took time to present the winners of the raffle organized on this occasion. Dancing and singing all night at the concert, people were happy to be part of this terrific event.

It was effectively an extraordinary night of music.