2018 Country Kickoff at Blue Ocean Music Hall

An Intimate Evening of Music 
with Nashville Recording Artists
Performances by Jillian Cardarelli, 
Tom Dixon, Martin & Kelly, & Jimmy Connor
Saturday, April 21 | 4PM

Presented by Neon Music Management
Benefiting Dana Farber

Doors Open at 4PM | Show Starts at 5PM
Reserved Seating $25 (Early Bird) | $30 (After March 16)
+ $3 Additional Day of Show

About the Artists

Jillian Cardarelli

Jillian Cardarelli is a singer/songwriter originally from Haverhill, MA who is forging her own path in country music with her stunning vocals, captivating songwriting and girl next door quality.Rolling Stone ranked Jillian at the top of their list of 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know in 2017.

This All-American sweetheart has shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest acts including Trace Adkins, Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Reba McEntire and Willie Nelson. This past fall, Jillian has made tour dates with Lonestar, Jake Owen, Janna Kramer and Easton Corbin on the heels of the release of her debut single, "Rerun” that was written by Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris, Tina Parol and Jordan Reynolds. The music video of “Rerun” was showcased as part of CMT’s Artist Discovery initiative, spending two weeks at #1 and several weeks in the Top 10 videos on CMT due to fan voting.

Her next single, “Souvenirs,” was released in October with the music video slated to release on CMT early this year. She partnered with Nashville Lifestyles Magazine for debut performance of her Christmas single on Facebook Live as they also announced that Jillian would be featured in their January 2018 issue and musical event titled Music in the City, where the magazine highlights the top newcomers for 2018.She is currently working on her debut project, which is certain to resonate with a wide variety of music lovers.“

Listeners can expect something for everyone with the upcoming release,” explains Cardarelli. “This EP will have songs to fall in love to, mend a broken heart, reminisce and dance to. My goal is to write and perform songs that touch people. Music is a universal language with which we can all connect, and that to me is a beautiful thing. Songwriting is all about being vulnerable and honest, which at times can be scary, but I believe the best songs are ones that come from a real place or experience.”

In addition to performing, Jillian has found success with songwriting, having just landed her first major label cut with Australian artist Jody Direen on ABC Music.

Tom Dixon

Starting life as just a small town boy from New Hampshire, Tom Dixon has become one of Nashville's rising stars, taking his explosive live show on the road and entertaining crowds everywhere he goes. His natural ability to connect with an audience has set him apart from many others in the industry and has earned him a loyal fan base.As part of the Taste of Nashville Tour, Tom shared a stage with such artists as Trailer Choir, LOCASH, Josh Thompson, The Cadillac Three, Love and Theft, Trent Tomlinson and more.  On October 1, 2016, Tom was one of the featured artists on the main stage at the first ever Live Free Country Music Festival at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, NH along side Lee Brice, Joe Nichols, Parmalee and Dylan Scott. In the past, he has also opened for such acts as Eric Church, The Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Kip Moore, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Jana Kramer, Billy Currington, and more.

Tom had released music as part of bands in the past, but for his first solo album "Kick Start This Party" he worked with Grammy nominated, Nashville producer Kent Wells in 2013. In July 2015, Tom released his second solo album entitled "Wide Open Roads" released under the label of the Tate Music Group (TMG). In 2016, he went back on his own as an independent artist writing, performing on and producing the "Songwriter Unplugged" album. An unplugged, acoustic album, showcasing his talent as a songwriter.  Since then, Tom has released 2 singles in 2017 such as "Keep You Girl" and "Alive Day.

"Alive Day" was written and produced to raise money for The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.  This song has taken Tom on the road as well as national television appearances at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC and at the Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, CA.

Jimmy Connor

"Unbelievable talent with an awesome musical brilliant confidence.  Soon to be a very incredibly legendary country artist.  I have all the faith in the world." - Hunter Hayes

Performing 100+ shows/year for the past several years, Jimmy's infections energy & humble personality have him connecting with fans from age 5 to 85! Jimmy plays in excess of 15 instruments and hasn't met one he doesn't like.  Jimmy released his first record, "It's About Time", in 2017 which has been featured on Country 102.5, 101.7 The Bull iHeart Radio, and other New England radio stations.

In addition to headlining shows with his band, Jimmy has had the opportunity to open for Chase Bryant, Darius Rucker, Dan + Shay, Michael Ray (x2), Love & Theft, The Cadillac Three, LANCO, Granger Smith, Levi Hummon, Sundance Head, Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, Lori McKenna, Frankie Ballard, William Michael Morgan, Charlie Daniels Band, The Steeldrivers, Dylan Scott, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, and Dierks Bentley.  Jimmy has  Performed on stage with Hunter Hayes during several New England tour stops.

Traveling back and forth between New England and Nashville, playing shows, recording, writing, and meeting with other artists and musicians fills Jimmy’s time.  If he does have down time, you’ll find him in his studio, “makin’ noise”.

Awards from New England Country Music Organization & North America Country Music Association International:

• Male Entertainer of the Year
• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Instrumentalist of the Year
• CD of the Year for "It's About Time"
• Music Video of the Year for "Party Girl"
• Country Band of the Year
• Songwriter of the Year
   

Martin & Kelly

The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have become the next must-see act from New England to Nashville. Over the years, they’ve been featured as support acts for Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Justin Moore, Jana Kramer and Sara Evans.

Standouts in today’s crossover country music scene, Jilly & Ryan’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. They’ve made their mark with highly acclaimed original music and are winning over audiences each and every time they perform. Jilly and Ryan’s compelling song-writing, dynamic vocal harmonies and stunning musicianship have them poised for a breakthrough in the music industry.