The Shea Theater Arts Center Turners Falls, MA welcomes Max Creek. Title photo by Vital Visions Art by Kelly D
In like a lion…
The Shea theater opened in downtown Turners Falls on February 14 1927, nearly one hundred years ago. In all that time, New England’s favorite live band, Max Creek- had never graced the stage. On March 13 2026 that injustice was remedied as the band let loose a two set show before legions of fans in the Vaudeville era theater that has stood the test of time in this tiny central New England town.
Shortly after 8 PM the quintet began with John Rider’s “I Want You to Know” and off they went. The first set included plenty of tasty originals like You Write the Book and Gypsy Blue, along with cover songs from the band’s extensive inventory of material including less frequent choices like Woodstock (Joni Mitchell). In my time of seeing the band (I’ve lost count, probably over 100 times) I can’t recall hearing that one performed before.
I was struck by how good the sound quality was. There was a nice, warm sound, and the open dance floor was a great place to take advantage.
Set two opened with the Scott Murawki led “Jones” and we were off and running again. Set two highlights include a spirited Devil’s Heart. Bill Carbone’s “The Bees” was also a highlight and may be the finest version of the song I’ve heard so far. Mark Mercier led Steve Erle’s “Copperheard Road” next and the set closed with Life During Wartime, the Talking Heads classic.
After a short time off stage the band came back for an encore, the Grateful Dead classic “Scarlet Begonias.” Just like that, the evening was over, just before midnight, and the appreciative audience of Creek Freaks spilled into the New England night. A brief snow shower greeted fans as they departed in to the New England night.
Full show audio:
SETLIST:
Max creek at the Shea theater, Turners Falls MA 3/13/26
I Want You to Know
Columbus stockade blues
You write the book
Gypsy blue
Alabama Getaway
Sweet Wanomi
Woodstock
Speed of the sound of loneliness
Slowdown
Jones
Calling Elvis
Devils Heart
Before you gotta go>
Bees
Copperhead rd
Blood Red Roses
Life during wartime
e: Scarlet Begonias
Photos below by Joel Shover Photography
See Joel Shover Photogrpahy’s full gallery of photos from that night here.
Upcoming Max Creek shows:
March 20 and 21 at Fairfield Theater Company in Fairfield, CT TICKETS for: FRIDAY SATURDAY
April 24 and 25 Broadbrook Opera House TICKETS
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