Holiday dance party, blues night close out Castle on Charles 2018 season

Sharon Jones and the Downtown Express close out the Castle on Charles' season on Saturday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Castle on Charles will save some of its best for last as the seasonal entertainment venue prepares for its two final performances before closing for the winter.

Concerts Thursday and Saturday will feature a mix of popular and holiday songs, performed by some of the most upbeat live music acts in the area. Food, drink, and advance tickets will be available.

First on Thursday, the Funky Divas of Gospel return to the Castle on Charles for an evening of uplifting soul, gospel and holiday favorites. An a capella trio with a talented four piece band, these Divas will rock the Castle and bring out the holiday spirit. The Divas will be joined by special guest 'Mixtape,' a group of Seacoast area a cappella singers who will open the evening with Christmas celebration strong on harmonies and the spirit of the season.

Then on Saturday the final Castle on Charles party features 'Last Blast' Castle Holiday Dance Party with Sharon Jones and the Downtown Express.

This will be one bluesy, rockin' party with this talented five-piece R&B band, spearheaded by Seacoast favorite Sharon Jones, a New England musical legacy who for decades has performed throughout Boston, the Northeast and New York.

With her band The Downtown Express she will be grooving out hits from Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Credence Clearwater, The Doobie Brothers, BB King / Steely Dan, Marvin Staples and Chuck Berry.

For both Thursday and Saturday concerts, The Castle's Tavern opens at 6 p.m. with drinks and a small menu; the shows begins after 7 p.m. Both cost $8 online with guaranteed seating, or $8 at the door. The Castle website is www.CastleNH.com