Play It Forward 2026

An epic show to support the next generation of musicians

Soulful ska and reggae band Westbound Train comes to Taffeta as this year’s Play It Forward headliner! Play It Forward is an all ages rock show that supports the 42 year old nonprofit Nashua Community Music School. We believe that music should be accessible to everyone. Now in its 9th year, Play It Forward raises money for scholarships for students in need, and delivers concerts, lessons, classes, and music therapy for 300+ people every week FOR FREE. Your ticket has the power to build community, ignite social change, and inspire artistic expression for the next generation of musicians. So come for a great show and leave knowing you’ve made a difference in the world.

Since forming in 2001/2002 at Berklee College of Music, Westbound Train has shared their love of soulful ska and reggae music with audiences all over the world. Influenced by pioneers ranging from The Skatalites to Otis Redding, Hepcat to The Slackers, the band's infectious vocal hooks and high-energy live shows have found them performing all over the world--from the Vans Warped Tour to Summer of Ska to Rude Cat Festival to countless reggae festivals and national and international tours. Members Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone), Rich Graiko (trumpet), Carlos Menezes Jr. (saxophone), Gideon Blumenthal (keyboards), Alex Brumel (guitar), Alex Stern (guitar), Thad Merritt (bass), and Eric Novod (drums) are fathers and sons, teachers and business owners, studio musicians and band leaders. After releasing five full albums they remain dedicated to continuing Westbound Train's unique recorded take on classic Jamaican music.

Fates Collide, the NCMS teen rock band, opens the show with covers of Green Day, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Neon Trees, The Beatles, Freya Skye, and more. Your ticket helps support the only FREE teen rock band program in NH!

Learn more about the Nashua Community Music School & Play It Forward at nashuacms.org/playitforward