More Than Words, the used book and music store at 242 East Berkeley Street that provides work training and experience to youth, launched a monthly Acoustic Music Showcase on Saturday, September 16 from 2:00-5:00 PM as part of a growing schedule of special events. The premiere showcase's lineup included guitarist Alex Stern of The Pomps and the popular ska bands The Void Union and Big D and the Kids Table; singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zack Cutler and Millbury-based roots-music duo Haak and Borus. According to Evan Scarlett, business training manager at More Than Words warehouse, the showcase drew about 25 guests for the three acts, all of whom learned of the showcase through More Than Words staff.

Haak and Borus played a mix of pop and traditional music, originals from their other band, and an old English ballad. They led off with a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire", breaking from Cash's trademark baritone with carefully woven vocal harmonies. The pair lightened the mood with "You Are My Sunshine" and followed with the early 20th century folk ballad, "Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)" and ending the set with the 16th century English ballad, "The Death of Queen Jane".

More Than Words was pleased with the response to its new concert series, which will return on October 21 and recur through December. "Our primary objective for the showcase was to liven up the space and boost foot traffic, and I would say that this Saturday was definitely a success on both of those fronts," Scarlett said in a follow-up e-mail.