SIX "Unplugged" on January 29th, 2011

For those of you who grew up in an era when MTV actually broadcasted music, you may recall the "unplugged" format, where popular musicians performed their hits using acoustic (rather than their standard electric) instruments.

On Saturday, January 29th, Winchester's self-acclaimed "premier party band", "SIX" will adopt this format at the Cornerstone Coffeehouse (located at the Second Congregational Church of Winchester – 485 Washington St.). Tickets are $10 ($5 for students/seniors), and are available at the door.

The show will start at 7:30 PM, and feature many of the classic rock standards that are part of SIX's repertoire. Given the unique format for the band, there may be a few surprises in store, including some rarer songs, free-form jamming, and opportunities for audience participation. Coffee, tea, and a variety of desserts will also be available prior to the performance and during intermission.

Formed in early 2006, SIX covers classic rock and roll songs from the 60s to the 90s, ranging from the Beatles and Rolling Stones through Santana, Tom Petty and Van Morrison to The Clash, Matchbox 20 and beyond. While much of the band's music is quickly recognizable, with a focus on the best classic party tunes of the era that make both young and old want to get up and dance, the band also features "B-sides" and "Deep Cuts" of songs of well known rock bands which were aired more commonly on FM stations "back in the day."

Five of the band's six (hence the name SIX...) members are Winchester residents. They include lead guitarist/vocalist Walter Ogier, guitarist/vocalist Bruce Lauterwasser, bassist/vocalist John Swartz, drummer Scott Gilmour, and keyboardist/vocalist Steve Bratt. Lead vocalist Stephen Cole lives Cambridge, MA. Four of the six members of SIX, including Cole, sing in the choirs at Winchester's First and Second Congregational Churches, where the other two members of the band are also members. While SIX scrupulously avoids performing either traditional or modern choral repertoire, vocal harmonies are a key element of the band's sound.

SIX's performance represents a "coming home" party of sorts, as the band's very first public performance was at the Second Congregational Church over four years ago. Since then, the band has played mostly for private parties (including a January 20th performance at Babson College in Wellesley) and local fundraisers (including a widely acclaimed headline performance last May at the well attended "Prom 'n Aid" fundraiser for the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence, which provides support for special projects at Winchester's public schools). The band has also played on the Winchester Town Common as part of the Winchester Recreation Department's "Concerts on the Common" series last summer, and are regular performers at Berklee College of Music's "Café 939" in Boston.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse is a volunteer-run series of concerts sponsored by the Second Congregational Church of Winchester, MA. The primary goal of the coffeehouse is to provide quality local entertainment in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment. Proceeds from coffeehouse events are either used to fund the work of the church, or are donated to local charities. For more information, call 781-729-1688. More information about the band, including bios, photos, video links, and a listing of their repertoire can be found at the band's website: www.ILikeSIX.com.