By Max Sullivan

Farren Butcher Inc (FBI) teamed up with popular WAAF DJ Carmelita last Thursday night to kick off a new free music series, one that Carmelita said will be focused on playing music for the sake of art, not the dollar.

FBI, comprised of Boston music veterans Charlie Farren of the Joe Perry Project and Farrenheit and Jon Butcher of the Jon Butcher Axis, played roughly 50 minutes of free, live and intimate music at the café inside Arts at the Amory on Highland St, casually swapping songs and, as Farren put it, “horsing around.”

The series, “Bay State Rock Bistro Busk,” will now take place on the first Thursday of every month at the Amory and will showcase live local entertainment. The word “busk”, explained Carmelita, refers to musicians that put out their instrument cases for tips as they play to those walking by on the street.

Carmelita said that she is very grateful for FBI’s willingness to help her out. The two are used to playing much larger venues than the small café in the Armory. “Its beyond generous,” said the DJ. “I’m truly honored that they’re here tonight to perform.”

Having worked in the music business for many years, Carmelita saw so many people get shafted financially. The greed of the industry inspired her to create this series, where money is no object. At “Bistro Busk”, the only cash to be divided will be, much like with the buskers that sparked the name of the series, placed by fans into an open guitar case.

Butcher said that he was glad to help out an old friend in Carmelita. The relationship between these musicians and this radio personality goes back decades.

“Well, we’ve known each other for a long time. We go back to the early days of WBCN, so we’ve had a longstanding friendship,” said Butcher. “She sent me an email and said, ‘I’ve got this new series that I’m trying to get off the ground. Would you guys mind sitting in and helping me kick this thing off?’ And when a friend asks you to do something, you do it.”

The evening was a success. The room was packed, and the crowd was receptive. FBI put on a fantastic show, covering plenty of material from both players’ catalogue. Farren stood up, charismatic and chatty, while Butcher remained seated, calm and reserved. Regardless of their mannerisms, both put their heart into their performances. Butcher’s raw vocals and ripping guitar roared, while Farren’s soulful voice and creative rhythm playing balanced the stage. The two were visibly enjoying themselves.

“Tonight was fun,” said Farren. “It was a good time, it was a good thing to do for Carm (Carmelita) and people enjoyed it.”

“I hope (the series does take off),” said Butcher. “I hope it becomes successful for her, and that people hear about it and follow it and come out to see it. If we’re helpful with that in any way, then being here was worth it.”

Next month’s artist is not yet scheduled, but Carmelita is eager to keep the series going, and expects it to grow and move into a larger room. Keep watch for postings on the Armory’s webpage: http://artsatthearmory.org.