
Fall Concert
The Family Folk Chorale celebrates
THE TRAVELING WILBURYS:
George Harrison
Bob Dylan
Tom Petty
Jeff Lynne
Roy Orbison
December 10th, 2023
4:00pm
Arlington Town Hall
No supergroup has more talent and big-name recognition than the Traveling Wilburys, a quintet that featured four Rock and Roll Hall of Famers — Bob Dylan, the Beatles' George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty — along with Electric Light Orchestra mastermind Jeff Lynne. The Traveling Wilburys, “Lucky,” “Otis,” “Nelson,” “Lefty,” and “Charlie T.” as they called themselves, were legendary songwriters and close friends meeting up in the studio to have fun together. The result is music that exudes ease, playfulness, and joy!
This season’s concert will be a fun-loving intergenerational twist on the fabulously singable tunes of the Traveling Wilburys! Come lend your voice to the rich sound of Family Folk Chorale’s varied voices blended joyfully in harmony.
“With such an array of rich harmonies among friends and palette of solo voices–a full spectrum from Roy Orbison’s stratospheric crooning to the grit of Dylan and Petty–it is easy to hear the Traveling Wilburys music as a natural, stylistic match for what the Family Folk Chorale does. These are great songs for a heart-full and energizing afternoon of singing, dancing, enjoyment!”
–Chris Eastburn, Family Folk Chorale Artistic Director
Many will sing along easily to the well-known “Handle Me with Care,” and likely hum and sing the infectious “End of the Line (It’s All Right)” for days afterwards! We’ll move with the kids as they perform the ultra fun “Wilbury Twist.” Emotions will move as well, with moments of profound depth such as during George Harrison’s “Heading for the Light,” further brightening the overall sunny fun of the program.
The FFC band for this concert includes Gary Backstrom, front man of the legendary jam band Jiggle the Handle, and his son Jonah Backstrom, Quinn Eastburn, Paul Green and a brass section led by Greg Gettel. Family Folk Chorale concerts are perfect for people of all ages – we provide lyrics, opportunities to sing and dance along, and a floor seating area up front for young children.
Don’t miss your chance to check out the unique and beautiful handmade crafts for sale from the Teosinte women's fair trade sewing cooperative!
Historic Arlington Town Hall is a fully accessible venue. Take the MBTA bus #77 from Harvard Square, or you’ll find plenty of free, on-street and public lot parking on Sundays. Walk to dinner after the concert at one of Arlington Center's eateries and cafes.
Box office opens one hour before the concert.

