NEWBURYPORT – Whether you like great blues, played on a guitar, Zydeco on an accordion, Earl Scruggs-style folk music on a banjo or just exciting boot-stomping Irish tunes, the Belleville Roots Music Series is back bringing to the North Shore audiences memorable music in coming months.
For its 2025–2026 season at the Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High Street, Newburyport, the popular series brings a wide range of celebrated roots music artists to the community.
The season begins on Saturday, Nov. 1 with blues guitarist and singer Corey Harris. In 2007, the Bates College graduate was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship – commonly referred to as a “genius award” – from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The annual grant, which recognizes individuals from a wide range of disciplines who show creativity, originality and commitment to continued innovative work.
Harris was described as an artist who “forges an adventurous path marked by deliberate eclecticism.” That same year, he was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from his alma mater.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Zydeco musician Nathan Williams and the Zydeco ChaChas will perform. Williams’ big break came when Buckwheat Zydeco recommended him to Rounder Records, which was searching for an accordionist after Buckwheat left for Island Records. The band debuted at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1988.
In 2026, the lineup continues with Téada, a traditional Irish band, on Saturday, March 7, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Banjo player Tony Trischka and his group will play on Saturday, April 18, at 8 p.m., featuring music of Earl Scruggs with singer and guitarist Michael Daves. The new recording company Down the Road has released an album of Trischka’s Scruggs’ songs under the title Earl Jam.
The season ends on Saturday, May 16, with the Canadian group Cécilia, which mixes Celtic and Quebecois music.
Belleville Roots is a nonprofit organization supported by local businesses and individuals. Refreshments are available at all shows, and seating is first-come, first-served.
Parking is free on nearby streets, and the venue is handicap accessible.
For tickets or more information, email bellevilleroots@gmail.com or call 978-234-4515. ♦
