Weekly Shuffle by Charlene Arsenault

Accept the Challenge - the comics challenge at WAM

2010-09-29T09:14:00.001-07:00

Do you have the creative and physical stamina to draw a 24-page cartoon story in 24 hours? Find out this weekend at the third annual 24-Hour Comics Day Challenge at WAM, which happens Saturday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 3 - 3 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Artists of all ages will pack into WAM's classroom studios to participate in this international comic marathon, which was developed by Comics Professional Retail Organization (Comics PRO). Photographs of completed works will be submitted to Comics PRO for consideration in their annual 24-Hour Comics Day Anthology.

WAM will also offer 3-hour and 8-hour challenges that start at 3pm. All completed works will be displayed in the Higgins Education Wing until Friday, October 29. The cost to participate is $5 per person, and pre-registration is required. All artists under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Register online or by calling 508- 793-4333. This event is sponsored by Boom! Studios.

Event notes, Sept. 10, 2010

2010-09-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, the Jennifer Lee band is rocking Creegan’s; the Brooks Milgate Quartet is at Clark University with an early show at 7:30 p.m.; the Phreaks headline Tammany Hall; Donny Dark and the Black Souls crank out AM Gold ‘70s tunes at the Celtic Tavern in Northboro; Last Call is at Dante’s, which is in the back of Firefly’s in Marlboro; Crumb, White Chocolate and Danny Bedrosian and the Secret Army make it an all out funkathon at the Lucky Dog.

Saturday, there’s a jazz jam at 2 p.m. at the NuCafe; Niki Luparelli and Dan Burke team up for another night of the Speakeasy Combo at Nick’s; it’s a phenomenal pop lineup with Sanveen, Hey Now Morris Fader, Pako and Thinner at the Lucky Dog; MSB is at Boston Billiards.

Other events:

Friday, through 8 p.m., Isador’s celebrates four years. Located in Oxford, you can drop by for samples, giveaways and a chance to congratulate them.

Saturday, it’s CanalFest. In and around the Canal District – Water Street, Harding Street, Millbury Street and Green Street – enjoy food, live music, vendors, contests and a lot more.

Sunday marks the 12th annual Pet Rock Festival, held noon to 5 p.m. at Quinsigamond Community College. It features live music by Charlie Farren, Jon Butcher, Ian Mitchell’s Bay City Rollers and many more. Also food, vendors, speakers, doggie water park, adoptable pet parade, contests and a lot more. Log on to www.petrockfest.com for a full lineup.

Event notes, aug. 27, 2010

2010-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Friday, Panache plays outside at the Oxhead Tavern at 7 p.m.; Subculture Zero shares the bill with Polluted Remains at The Raven; Groove Street’s at JJ’s in Northboro; Jon LaCouture plays every Friday at Art’s Diner; Phase II rocks the Cannery; Trina Vargas sings with the fantastic Bobby Gadoury Trio at Nick’s; Under Pressure’s cooking at Classic’s Pub; CJ Hudson is the headliner at Tammany Hall; Mocha Java regroups at Beatnik’s; the Faith No More tribute Angel Dust is the headliner at The Lucky Dog Music Hall, supported by Burn the Witch, Mafia Bonghit and Mike and Amanda; and Dawn of the Dead joins Toxic Avenger at Ralph’s.

Saturday, Toni Knott and Marc Smith are together at the Gardner Ale House; The Nightlife Band plays outside at the Oxhead Tavern; Shryne for the Love of Sloan is at The Raven; New Pond Fondle is back out at Partner’s Pub in Fitchburg; Whalebone Farmhouse hits the Sahara Restaurant; One Step Further joins the Tone Deffs and Kenny Crisis at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Andy Cummings sings some hits at Vincent’s; The Mike Crandall Band jams at Beatnik’s; Mindset X and lots more are at the Get Your Rock On Festival out in Dover, New Hampshire, which continues on Sunday at the Dover Brickhouse. Apparently, scouts from Capitol Records will be there.
Sunday, Chet Williamson plays the Jazz on the Patio series in the afternoon at the Castle Restaurant.

Other events:

Friday is the opening reception of Love Hope Sex Dreams by Don Hartmann is from 6-8 p.m. on August 27 at the Aurora Gallery, 660 Main Street, Worcester. It is free, open to the public and refreshments are provided. artsworcester.org.

On Saturday, Indian Ranch holds its summer brewfest all day – sample microbrews from the area, and beyond. Also, the Millbury Fire Department holds its annual field day at the Shaw Elementary School with food, demonstrations and performances by lots of artists, including Ayla Brown.

Remember the Worcester Cultural Coalition’s Art in the Park is happening through October at Elm Park.

Event listings, Friday, Aug. 20, 2010

2010-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Friday, The Bee’s Knees join the bill with the Hurricane Horns, Touch 2 Much and the Dave Rivers Group for the Ed Lindberg Benefit Concert at Ralph’s - On July 2, 2010, Eddie was struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding his Harley home. The proceeds from this benefit show will all go to help his mother deal with this terrible burden; Jubilee Gardens is at Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham; Brett and Lisa sing at Point Breeze in Webster; Touched is at Chopsticks in Leominster; Guitar Shorty’s rocking it blues style at the Bull Run; and Steve Foley is at the Black Sheep Tavern in Sterling.

Saturday, Scott Ricciuti is out at Scully’s in Marlboro; Jefferson Starship is headlining Indian Ranch; Sins of America joins Demons Alley and Genre at the Raven; Auntie Trainwreck is rocking the Kaz Bar; harp legend Babe Pino brings his blues band to Greendale’s Pub; The Eisman Hunter Band is playing at Cigar Masters; The Numbskulls headline the Vernon Hotel; The Issues, formerly known as Mood Disorder, return to JJ’s in Northboro; First Class Fool pays tribute to Rod Stewart at Speakers in Marlboro; and Sinfest includes Crazy Train and Primal Scream at Break-Away Billiards.

Synergy’s the cover band for the weekend at Sakura Tokyo, playing both Friday and Saturday night.
Sunday, there’s a hip hop show at Tammany Hall with the Freelance Assassins.
Next Tuesday, Lousy Instruments perform with the Numbskulls, the Closers and Mack the Knight at Ralph’s.
Other events:
Henry Fest is happening Friday, starting at 5 p.m. at the VFW in Millbury. Henry Fest is to help pay hospital bills for Henry, the yellow lab who is a therapy dog at the McGrath School. Bills totaled more than $4,000 to repair his leg, and he’s hoping to get back on those paws again soon and help the kids at school. Henry Fest includes a chicken barbecue, raffles, music and of course meeting Henry, who is coming along nicely in his recovery.

Also Friday, Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield is hosting a CSI New England Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

Mount Wachusett Community College theater group is putting on The Wedding Singer with shows on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday, the annual Latin American Festival takes over downtown starting at noon and continuing through 9 p.m. This popular event features great Latin American food, vendors and of course music.

On Sunday, it’s a picnic with 19th century flair at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard with Alcott’s Family Picnic, starting at noon.

Event notes Aug. 13, 2010

2010-08-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Friday, Cloud Nine does an outdoor show at Oxhead Tavern in Sturbridge, starting at 7 p.m.; Jazzed Up plays every Friday at Luciano’s Cotton Club, located in Union Station; Scarlitt headlines Tammany Hall; Seams to Reason, Seven Minute Stagger and more team up for a heavy night of rock at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Gorilla Radio is with Rare Breed at Beatnik’s; Mack the Knife’s with Go!, the Clozapines and Hello Ninja at Ralph’s.

Saturday, the Electrolux Combo returns to Vincent’s; in the afternoon at the Lucky Dog there is a femme show, starting at 3 p.m., followed by the night’s lineup, which has the return of Spit Shine at the helm, joining Deep Six and Three Years Gone; Herra Terra, Ghost Ocean, the Organ Beats and Desperate Strangers share the stage at Ralph’s; Guns of Navarone are with Rikki Rocksteady at Beatnik’s; Sun Jones and Doghouse Flowers are out in Fitchburg at Partner’s Pub; the Allens return to Speaker’s Nightclub in Marlboro; Lonestar headlines Indian Ranch with an afternoon show.

Touched rocks Sakura Tokyo Friday and Saturday night.

Other events:
On Friday, Life and the Art(s) of Improvisation" takes place at 6 p.m. at ArtsWorcester. The event pairs musicians and artists Lennie Peterson and Mark Campbell to discuss and demonstrate the improvisational creative process blending visual art and music.

The Worcester World Cup takes place Friday through Sunday at Foley Stadium. Check out the Worcester World Cup facebook page for information and times of games.
Illustrations by Doug Chapel and photographs by Joan Gage are on display through September at the Futon Company on Highland Street in a show called “Welcome to Worcester.”

Saturday, the 61st annual antique auction starts at 10 a.m. on the Sturbridge Common.

The famous Bolton Fair is taking place at the Lancaster Fairgrounds throughout the weekend. Also throughout the weekend, Sturbridge Village is all about textiles.
Next Friday afternoon, Aug. 20, Hat On, Drinking Wine is the featured act at the Out to Lunch concert series, taking place at noon at City Hall Plaza.

Event notes Aug. 6, 2010

2010-08-06T16:38:00.001-07:00

Friday, Castine, Hot Protestants and Eolune join the Ten Foot Polecats at Ralph’s; Sheez Late joins the Classic Ruins at Beatnik’s.

Saturday, Hey Now Morris Fader joins This Burning World, Stone Crusher, Leaving Eden and Hard No. 9 at Ralph’s; Touched rocks the Oxhead Tavern; Beatles for Sale is at the Grafton Inn; Ric Porter and the Sons of Soil return to Vincent’s; The Phreaks are at Irish Times; Lisa and Brett sing at Val’s in Holden.

On Friday and Saturday, the Transmission Festival brings in a ton of bands including Silverstein, Story of the Year, Crime in Stereo and Call the Cops to the Palladium. Check out their website for a list and details.
Sunday,

Other events:

On Saturday, the Puttin’ for Paws golf tournament happens at Cyprian Keyes in Boylston. This tournament benefits the Worcester Animal Rescue League.
On Sunday, it’s Art in the Parking lot, the parking lot being that of the Sole Proprietor’s. This free event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes vendors and artists, demos, chalk art, breakdancing, live music, and Art in the Park sculptures.

Weekend highlights, July 16, 2010

2010-07-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, the Borelli Big Band does a concert on the common in Brookfield; the Frank Vignola Trio is the act at the EcoTarium’s Jazz at Sunset series; Sean Taylor sings at Greendale’s; Roomful of Blues is at the Bull Run in Shirley; the Summer Street Band rocks JJ’s.

On Saturday, starting at noon, Trak Productions will be hosting an outside music event with the Lucky Dog Music Hall and the Center Bar and Grill that features live music by Sam James, the Silverbacks and Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse; Soilwork headlines the Palladium; the legendary Babe Pino Band returns to Gilrein’s; and Hey Now Morris Fader joins the Lights Out and Huck at Ralph’s.

Other events:

Snoopy, a Musical opens on Friday at the First Congregational Church of Oxford and continues throughout the weekend.

Saturday, the Big Dipper all you can eat ice cream festival happens 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Elm Park. Arts for the Animals features top quality art for sale, and it benefits the Worcester Animal Rescue League. The event also takes place at the rescue league on Holden Street in Worcester from noon to 5 p.m. Romance author Rita Sawyer will be signing copies of her novel “A Brazen Love Worth Fighting For” at 1 p.m. at Borders Books.

Event listings, Friday, July 2

2010-07-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

Friday, Kenny Ebell, Scott Ricciuti and Jeff Burch jam with Duncan Arsenault at Vincent’s; Orange Diesel is with Prospect Hill at Tammany Hall; the Tokyo Tramps return to Beatnik’s; a band called Apple Crisp is at the Harvest Café; John Riley’s in the pub at Fiddler’s Green; Ed and Dave sing at Greendale’s.

Saturday, Glenn Stewart plays as part of Auburn’s Fourth of July festivities at Lemansky Park; Crishendo joins Manny MacGyver, Rezno, MD, E the Real and Louie Gonz for a big blast at Tammany Hall; Shane Hall opens for Sky Blue Mind and Joe Garcia at Ralph’s; and Danny Dark and the Black Souls share the night with the Flock at the Lucky Dog.

Sunday, the Lou Borelli Quartet plays jazz on the patio at the Castle Restaurant.
Other events:

From 4-8 p.m. on Friday, there’s a Chowder Throwdown at Isador’s in Oxford. Also Friday, it’s the Worcester Fourth of July celebration, which centers around East Park, starting at 6 p.m. with activities, followed by a concert by the Central Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra and then ending with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. They’re shot off from Belmont Hill and there are a few choice spots around the city you can view these.

On the 4th, Sturbridge Village shoots off fireworks.
The Summer Nationals have taken over downtown, its headquarters at the Hilton.

Event notes, Friday, June 18, 2010

2010-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Green Apple Ghost

Friday, there’s a big show at Ralph’s that includes a one-time reunion with the Rectangle Club, People with Teeth (which is from Brooklyn), Green Apple Ghost and Finnegan 10-in-1 sideshow; The Tone Deffs open for the farewell show for the Charles River Music Whores at The Lucky Dog Music Hall; Chyldz Play returns to JJ’s; Mindrift rocks the Cannery in Southbridge; the Rugged Road Band kicks off its summer tour at the Blue Plate in Holden; Hey Now Morris Fader headlines the Vernon; Jason James returns to Beatnik’s; Lisa and Brett Brumby, otherwise known as Brumby, are back at Brian’s in Northboro; and Sax Gordon and the Little House Rockers open up the Jazz at Sunset Series at the EcoTarium.

Saturday, Insufficient Evidence and Challenge the Throne join the benefit for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention from noon to 6 p.m. at Tammany Hall; Niki Luparelli and The Gold Diggers head to Cigar Masters; The Stompers resurface at The Lucky Dog Music Hall; Roger Salloom is with Charles Neville at the Hanover Theatre.

Next Thursday, Hat On, Drinking Wine opens for Sunlea at Tammany Hall.Also, Worcester Center for Crafts holds its first ever open house. They're calling it the "first annual open house," but you cannot call it that if it hasn't happened yet. It might be, and will be, annual, once they hold it again next year.

Other events:

From Friday through Sunday at the DCU Center it’s the New England Gourmet Food and Wine Expo, which features more than 1,000 wines, particularly from California – this year’s theme. It’s also got a Chef’s Stage with education and sampling by local and celebrity chefs. The Cheese Corner’s got the finest cheeses. And the entertainment area features French-style performances.

Saturday brings African American Festival & Juneteenth Celebration to Institute Park.

Event notes, June 11, 2010

2010-06-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

Friday, Brett and Lisa sing at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to Beatnik’s; Keeping Riley plays an early show, at 6 p.m., at Tammany Hall; and Sam James is singing on the patio of the Emerald Isle.
Saturday, Brett and Lisa are out at Oxford’s in Oxford; Scarlitt releases a new CD, supported by acts Before The Rise, Civil Disturbance, Till We Die, New Ditty and Speaker For The Dead at Tammany Hall for an 18-plus show; there’s a Sick Punk event at Hotel Vernon; Hat On, Drinking Wine heads to Beatnik’s; The Wandas will perform with Hard No 9 and Matt Benoit in a concert that will be videotaped for a live recording at 9:30 p.m. at Ralph’s; country singer Suzy Boggus headlines the Bull Run in Shirley.

Other events:

On Saturday, there’s a buffet to benefit VegWorcester at LovingHut on Chander Street from noon to 7 p.m.

And from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday at the Auburn American Legion, it’s a fundraiser for Tyler Beede. A budding pitcher originally from Auburn, this Lawrence Academy student and player is slated to play in quite a few prestigious baseball events this summer. To cushion the travel costs, Tyler’s family is hosting this benefit – it costs $10 at the door, and there’s a huge raffle going on with lots of great prizes.
Beede will head to Florida for the Perfect Game National Showcase on June 17 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Then it’s on to tryouts for Baseball USA’s Tournament of Stars. If Beede doesn’t make the USA squad, he’ll return to pitch for the Virginia Canes, a team he helped to a national title last summer. Beede also has plenty of showcase games lined up, which will have him playing at Petco Park (Aflac All-American Game), Wrigley Field (Under Armour All-American Game) and Yankee Stadium (Rawlings All-American Game).

For more info, search Tyler Beede Summer Baseball Fund Raiser on Facebook.

Also Saturday, Join Alternatives in celebrating 25 years of the Valley Friendship Tour, a wonderful community event at Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville. And the Worcester Animal Rescue League will be hosting our first ever “Hot Rods for Hounds” classic car show From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., classic cars will be lined up across our acre sized field for all to see.

On Sunday, funny poet Joe Fusco Jr. performs at the Poetry Asylum at Jumpin’ Juice and Java.

New Hip-Hop Workout Sessions for the Summer begin on Monday at the Faucher School of Dance.

Socks for Sibera this Saturday, June 12, at Hyland Orchards

2010-06-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Socks for Siberia is coming to Hyland Orchards and Brewery on Saturday, June 12, from noon to 6 p.m. The fourth annual,
this "Caring for Orphaned Children" fundraiser features live music, raffles, food and beverages.

The lineup includes Dick Chase and the Millboys, Philip Newland and Chuck Davis, The Peter J. Newland Duo and The Otters.
There are also children's games, face painting and more.

Raffles include Red Sox tickets, New England Patriots tickets and sports memorabilia.

It's free admission, and Hyland Orchards is located at 199 Arnold Road, Sturbridge. Visit www.socksforsiberia.org.

Event notes, Friday, June 4

2010-06-04T12:40:00.001-07:00

Friday, it’s Naughty School Girl Night 2010 featuring Whiskey Chapel, Scarecrow Hill, Affliction, Fuel of War, Bulletbreed, Apocalypse Highway, Massacre of the Majestic at London Billiards; John Polce sings at the Mill Church Café in Millbury; it’s Jediah with sax player Brian Kearsley at the Cigar Masters at 1 Exchange Place; Demon Valley, Pillowman, Bitch Brothers & Maar split the bill at Hotel Vernon; Chyldz Play rocks Irish Times; Tool tribute Schism headlines with Stone Temple Pilots tribute Tiny Music, and openers no Room To Breathe and Lost in the Paradox at the Lucky Dog; Homebrew’s at Jillian’s; The Rails go off at JJ’s; it’s a punkathon with The Pity Whores, Meat Depressed, For What It’s Worth, Flatout Jones and The Egos at Ralph’s; Hat On, Drinking Wine returns to Nick’s; The Flock does night one of a two-night stint at Sakura Tokyo; and Fear Factory performs with Prong, Silent Civilian and Thy Will Be Done splits the bill at The Palladium.

Saturday, the Walking Tour brings Mark Mandeville, Rainne Richards and Christopher Bell to the front room of WCUW; Jeffree Star headlines the Palladium; the Gibson Brothers are out at the Bull Run; Jon Bowser sings at Cigar Masters; Dusty Cobb sings at Hotel Vernon; Miles Orgasmic is at Three G’s Sports Bar; Mass Octane returns to Jillian’s; Sons of Hiram return to Gilrein’s; Trendkill joins Fear of None at Ralph’s; and Jubilee Gardens hits Sahara Restaurant.
Sunday, The Tom Yates Trio performs for Blues Worcester show with Jon Short, the Racky Thomas Band and Chris Fitz Band with Ken Short at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6, at Mechanics Hall.

Other Events:

Funny man Jimmy Tingle performs at the Bull Run Restaurant on Friday. Also Friday, Death Trap opens at Worcester County Light Opera House and continues with shows throughout the weekend.

Sunday, the McInerny School of Irish Dance puts on a recital at DCU Center. Also on Sunday, Jumpin Juice and Java is home to the Poets Asylum, which welcomes Brave New Voices youth poetry slam team Kendel Joseph, Alice Beecher, Anna Meehan, Devin Samuels, Taylor Liljegren and Eric Devenney — at a fundraiser and warmup performance. Celebrate the return of Central Massachusetts' summer birds with the Birds and Brewery with a stop at Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, the Quaboag River and Hyland Orchard with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, starting at 10 a.m.

BoyBand is playing at Showcase North throughout the weekend – go and see it. It’s locally filmed, and lots of fun.

Locally Produced Film “BoyBand” Opens in Theaters

2010-06-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Artigo/Ajemian Films latest feature length film “BoyBand: Breakin’ Through in ‘82” will open to the public on Friday, June 4th at Showcase Cinema North in Worcester, where it will run for a week. Stars Michael Copon (One Tree Hill, Scorpion King II, Bring it On: In It To Win It), and E-Knock and Lorenzo Hooker III from Boston’s dance crew Status Quo (MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew) will be in Worcester for the opening. The 3 stars will take part in a Q&A after the 7pm screening on Friday the 4th. (Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.nationalamusements.com or at the theater) The film opens at Showcase Cinema in Revere on Friday, June 11th where it will run for a week. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers, and actors E-Knock, and Lorenzo Hooker III from Status Quo following the evening shows on the 11th.

Writer/Director Jon Artigo is flying in from Los Angeles for the opening, and will join Producer Andrea Ajemian and Music Producer Kaz Gamble at the Q&As after Friday and Saturday night’s screenings. There will be an after party open to the public on Friday the 4th at Gilrein’s, located at 802 Main Street in Worcester. Doors open at 9pm with a $7 cover. DJ Kaz Gamble will be spinning 80’s music, as well as music from the film’s soundtrack, which includes over 20 original songs written by Gamble. Members of the cast and crew will be there to mingle, and enjoy live performances from the film’s stars, including local singer/songwriter Sam James.

BoyBand was shot entirely in Worcester County, and is set at the fictional Worcester High. The film was originally called We Got the Beat, when it filmed for 5 weeks during the summer of 2008. Starring a number of Hollywood actors including Robert Hoffman (Step Up 2, She’s the Man), Ryan Hansen (Party Down, Veronica Mars), and Ming Na (ER, The Joy Luck Club), over 30 local actors had speaking roles in the film, with over 20 non-union actors becoming eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild after being cast. Jon and Andrea’s fourth feature film in 9 years, (previous work includes the award winning films Rutland, USA, Freedom Park, and Still Green), BoyBand is a commercial teen comedy set in 1982 about a high school quarterback who quits the team to turn his heavy metal band into the first ever boyband. The film is being self-distributed in select theaters in Massachusetts, and hopes to create a national buzz. BoyBand differs from typical art house indie films, as it’s a wacky teen comedy with commercial appeal. The film isn’t yet rated, but filmmakers anticipate a PG-13 rating for language and sexual references.

For more information, visit www.boybandmovie.com and click on the official blog, which has details for all the events surrounding the film’s opening, or follow the film on Facebook (Boyband: The Movie).

2010-05-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, Ghost Ocean is with the Golden Spurs and Blue Star Burns Red at Ralph’s; the mighty Neil Young is at the Hanover Theatre; the Doors of Deception pay tribute to – you guessed it – the Doors at the Cannery at 12 Crane in Southbridge; the Jeri DeMarco Trio brings jazz to Nick’s; and Jason James tears it up at Beatnik’s; the Pinball Millionaires debut at Vincent’s.

Saturday, the Green Street Mountain Daredevils touch upon all the guilty pleasures, disco and pop from the ‘70s at the Lucky Dog Music Hall with AM Gold; there's a Michael Jackson tribute show at the Hanover Theatre; Rick Potter and the Sons of Soul head out to the Blue Plate; All These Elements joins the Alibi District at the Raven; the Great Escape pays tribute to Journey at JJ’s in Northboro; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to Beatnik’s; Hot Sauce spices up Irish Times; and at noon, the Hot Rod show takes over the Ralph’s parking lot, and later, there’s music by Angry Johnny and The Killbillies, Midnight Creeps, MuscleCah, Demons Alley, and Evil Streaks.

Other Events:

On Friday, Hangin’ on the Wall exhibit opens at the ArtsWorcester Aurora Gallery on Main Street with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Hangin’ on the Wall expands on Worcester’s history of wallpaper manufacturing. It concentrates on Worcester’s Allen-Higgins Wallpaper Company, which was known for its rather artistic wallpaper.

“Blooms” features digital paintings from Gregg Johnson through the end of the month at OneLove Café on Main Street.

Harmony hangs at Booklovers Gourmet in Webster through the month, featuring paintings from three Thompson, Connecticut, female artists.

Club notes, Friday, May 15

2010-05-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, Beatles for Sale provide the music for Shrewsbury’s Relay for Life cancer benefit at Oak Middle School; there’s an informal group sing right here in the front room at WCUW on Main Street at 7 p.m.; it’s Friday Night Frenzy at the Bluri Bar on Main Street; The Change Up starts things up at Ralph’s, followed by Swillmerchants, I, Pistol, Hey Now Morris Fader and Those Wolves Actually Happened; the Hornitz join Stroamata at Beatnik’s; The Knot’s got a big reunion show at Tammany Hall; and the Lucky Dog has The Reach, Second Infinitum and Kung Fu Grip; a Loss for Words is with the Wonder Years and Transit at The Palladium;

Saturday, it’s a scoot and ska, starting with a scooter ride followed by a show with Guns of Navarone at Beatnik’s; and Soulstice is at the 5th Amendment.

Sunday, Janet Ryan is the featured artist at Jim Perry’s famous blues jam at Greendale’s – Ryan’s bringing her guitarist Ray Chaput and of course will be backed by the house band of Perry on guitar, Dana Bonardi on drums and Bob Berry on bass.
Ray Chaput. House band will be Dana Bonardi on drums, Bob Berry on bass guitar, and
Jim Perry on guitar.

Other events:
Friday, there’s a CSI style murder mystery dinner theater at the Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield; and it’s also the very last day to see the Wormtown Rocks exhibit at the Worcester Art Museum.

Weekend notes, April 30, 2010

2010-04-30T15:30:00.001-07:00

Friday, Preacher Roe’s headlining Ralph’s Diner; Hat On, Drinking Wine makes its Beatnik’s debut; Jim Porcella and his daughter Renee play at AJ Tomaiolo’s in Northboro; Go’s with Sasquatch and the Sickabillys and Castine at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; James Keyes splits the night with singer songwriter Ian Adams and the Boston and Maine String Band at the Hotel Vernon.

Saturday, The Flock plays a benefit for the Leicester Firefighters at the Rod and Gun Club in Leicester; at 2 p.m. Vinny T’s patio is opening with an extravaganza that includes a pizza eating contest and music by Dana Lewis; at 5:30 p.m. the Q Arts Corporation is holding a big fundraiser banquet with performances by The Little A Poetry Group, and The Dirty Gerund, including features by established poets James Caroline and Corrina Bain, at the QVCC; the Ten Foot Polecats has their CD release show for “I Get Blamed For Everything I Do” at The Dive Bar; and Cocktails for the Cure: Third Annual Cancer Research Fundraiser is at Maynard Rod and Gun Club, Maynard, and features AM Gold hits from the Mountain Daredevils. And also on on Saturday, you can help clean up Crow Hill with the Greater Worcester Land Trust as part of one of its Earth Day events.

Event notes, Friday, April 23

2010-04-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Friday, Shane Hall and the TickleBomb Orchestra help open for the Dave Rivers Group and Shotgun Blues at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Counter Attack’s rocking out Zeppelin at the Lucky Dog; Oneal Armstrong does instrumental blues at The Dive; from Prince Edward Island, the Sky Family is back doing Christian rock at the Mill Church Café in Millbury; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse, Sunlea and Sky Blue Mind are at the Cannery at 12 Crane in Southbridge; Jim Perry’s singing solo at Brian’s out in Linwood; The Scales rock Beatnik’s; This Burning World and Carnival of Souls are at the Raven.

Saturday, Terry Brennan sings at the Fiddler’s Green; Herd of Cats does jazz at the Rockland Congregational Church; Bill Staines sings at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse, Fennario returns to Tammany Hall; Linda Dagnello sings at Nick’s; Bill McCarthy’s out at the Whistle Stop in Oxford; the Brennan Brothers harmonize at the Fiddler’s Green; and monsters of rock Touch 2 Much and Counter Attack blast the Lucky Dog Music Hall.

Also, the Palladium is home to the annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. On Friday, it’s Mastodon, Between The Buried and Me, Baroness, Valiant Thor, Cro Mags, Doomriders, Earth Crisis, Death Threat, Death Before Dishonor, COA, American Me, Thick As Blood, Forfeit, XTheWarX, Nachtmystium, Architect UK, Grave Maker, Rose Funeral, After The Burial, Conducting From The Grave, Howl and more perform, beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday brings Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Job for a Cowboy, Whitechapel, Skeleton Witch, Eluveitie, 1349, Impending Doom, Lecherous, Nocturne, Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza, Chelsea Grin, Abacabb, Arsonists Get All The Girls, Malefice, Swashbuckle, Cattle Decapitation, Acaro, Holy Grail, Disembodied, Cruel Hand, Reign Supreme, The Mongoloids, xTyrantX, Foundation, Soul Control, Alpha and Omega, Burning Empires, Mother of Mercy, Gaza, Across The Sun, Monsters perform, beginning at noon.

Sunday, Brett and Lisa are the featured act at the blues jam at Dunny’s Tavern – the old Frank’s Pub in Brookfield; the Delta Generators are out at the British Beer Company for a “Bloody Brunch” in Framingham; for blues even closer to home Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood do the blues barbecue at Mechanics Hall.
Other events:

On Friday, Poet-author Jeff Cannon reads selected poems from his recently published book," Eros: Faces of Love" at Borders in Shrewsbury. Special Dessert for the event. Enjoy the open-mic as well with other wonderful musician-song-writers and poets with host Patrick McCarthy. There’s a “porketta dinner” at the VFW in Uxbridge. Music Worcester presents the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Benjamin Zander, Conductor, with Gwyneth Wentink, harp at Mechanics Hall.

Saturday, there’s a fishing derby at Upton Town Beach; and the African Violet show returns to Tower Hill Botanic Garden. The Pet Fest returns to Becker College in Leicester.

Oliver takes the stage throughout the weekend at the Hanover Theatre.

Sunday, it’s the next installment of PechaKucha at the Razzo Hall at Clark University.

And don’t forget – there’s a plethora of Earth Day events. Check in with your town for local groups and jump in and help out. If you don’t jump in to anything organized, at the least clean up your yard and bring a bottle back to the recycling center.

2010-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Pictured: The Drunken Uncles, too busy to remain sober

Friday, it’s the Loft 266 grand opening weekend – Loft 266 is at 266 Park Ave. (Sam James plays Friday, the Drunken Uncles are there on Saturday, and Brooks Milgate plays the keys on Sunday). Back to Friday - Crumb opens for the Charles River Music Whores at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Drunken Uncles start out at Jillian’s early evening and then head over to Allgo’s; Nate Wilson and Johnny Trama are joined by Duncan Arsenault at the Dive Bar; Cobra Kai headlines the Raven; Antje Duvekot is with Ben Pegg at the Bull Run in Shirley; Fourth Gear rocks the Blue Plate in Holden; Mack the Knife, The Terribles and more do a When Pigs Fly and Think About Meat Show at the Hotel Vernon; Kayla Daly, Joe Carcia, Eye Witness, Mike and Greg of Castine and Kid Colossal all play for the Down Syndrome Awareness Show at Tammany Hall; Finntroll is with Moonsorrow , Swallow the Sun and Survivors Zero at The Palladium; Shawn Dennis and Raised Glory is at the Christian Coffeehouse at the Mill Church Café in Millbury; British Blast Sound invades Wesley United Methodist Church; Chris Reddy is out at the Gardner Ale House; Kung Fu Grip chops it up at Mint; Old School does the classics at Beatnik’s; the Ellingtstones throw out the blues at Gilrein’s; and Bill McCarthy sings at Greendale’s.

Saturday, Hey Now Morris Fader headlines Ralph’s; Polluted Remains and Atomic Stereo open for the Mishits at the Lucky Dog; There’s a Team Siart Benefit with Black Helicopter, Huck, Young Leaves, Pillowman, Hey Now Morris Fader, Blanketeer, Shirtz and Skin, Angry Johnny and The Killbillies at Ralph’s; Lesions and She Nasty are among the lineup at The Raven; Obsessions returns to 3-G’s; Richard James and the Hornitz buzz at Beatnik’s; the Dirty Mac Blues Band tears it up at Gilrein’s; Bret Talbert sings at Creegan’s; Shakey Steve blows the harp with the Blue Cats, howling at the Oxford Tavern;

Flock of Assholes hits Sakura Tokyo all weekend.
Sunday.

Next Wednesday, SevereZero is at Ralph’s.

Other events:

Tonight, the Elm Street Congregational Church in Southbridge offers spaghetti and meatballs takeout dinners. Also, the Merely Players put on their one act play festival at Assumption College from 7-9 p.m. The movie Nine is showing at Holy Cross’s theatre, for free. And wear your mystery mask to the “Poe’s Masked Ball” at the Worcester Public Library.

Saturday, the Worcester Contra Dance is back at the Wesley United Methodist Church.
On Sunday, the third Annual College Poetry Competition & Award Ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. at the Worcester Public Library.
Burncoat Middle School is putting on “Annie” all weekend.

There’s a new exhibit of pet paintings by Crazy Dog Lady at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Wormtown Rocks! opened at the Worcester Art Museum yesterday and continues for the next couple of months.

Wormtown Rocks opens at WAM April 8

2010-04-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Worcester has always been known for its lively music scene and its ability to nurture artists of all genres. This photo competition and exhibition - Wormtown Rocks – to be held at the Worcester Art Museum, will be a dynamic and unique snapshot of the music scene of the Worcester area, highlighting both photographic as well as musical talents of the city. In partnership with ARTSWorcester, the Worcester Art Museum solicited photographs for the juried exhibition that will be shown in the Higgins Education Wing from April 8 to May 14, 2010.

The juried exhibition is being held in conjunction with Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present, a photography exhibition on display at the Worcester Art Museum from March 7 to May 30, 2010.

Wormtown Rocks jurors:

David Acton
Curator of Prints, Drawings, & Photography at the Worcester Art Museum

Jim Collins
Photographer, Worcester Telegram and Gazette

Brian Goslow
Managing Editor, Artscope Magazine

Charlene Arsenault
Regional Editor/Reporter CentralMassNews.com, former A&E editor Worcester Magazine, Founding Partner Pet Rock Festival

2010-04-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Friday, Christian band Cross Purpose is at the Mill Church Café in Millbury; Ed and Dave sing at Greendale’s; The Pity Whores, Sadplant, Social Suicide, Opening Night, Midnight Saints, Flatout Jones and Blue Light District are at London Billiards; Go Gadget Go opens for Cyldz Play at the Lucky Dog; Coretta Sellers sings at Gardner Ale House; Jason James is back at the Blue Plate; The Pathetics rock Mill Street Brews; Sons of Heram do the blues at Gilrein’s; The Egos are joined by the Evil Streaks and Evil Bill at Ralph’s; Jim Heffernan, Jon Short and Duncan Arsenault funk out at the Dive; the mighty Cheryl Wheeler sings at the Bull Run; there’s an open mic at the VFW in Millbury; the Delta Generators are back out at Dante’s; and Huck’s doing Vincent’s.

Saturday, The Almost Giant Yes Funk Soul Jazz Get Down Party taking over the Dive Bar; Mindrift plays a comeback gig at the Cannery; Mel Smith, from The Fools, brings his band to the Bull Run; Paul Geremia’s in the front room at WCUW; Hard Number 9 opens for Whiskey Rebellion;

Other Events:
"New Again" is presently at ARTSWorcester. “New Again” is an exhibition of works by ARTSWorcester members who have been inspired to re-appropriate natural, recycled, and found materials into new works of art.

Friday, Mike Coleman is the featured act at Frank Foley’s Comedy Safari at the Fifth Amendment.

Event notes, Friday, March 26

2010-03-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

On Friday, The Flo joins Sunlea at Beatnik’s; Beatles for Sale pays tribute to the Fab 4 at 12 Crane; BYOB brings the blues to the Blue Plate in Holden with openers Danny Dark and the Black Souls; Jason James rips it up at Irish Times; Still Aggravated rocks JJ’s; Guns of Navarone join The Commandos, The Gobshites and Mack the Knife at Ralph’s; The Throttles open up at Vincent’s; Wishbone Ash, known as the best band in the UK in the ‘70s, is at the Bull Run with Caves on Mars; Touched goes out to the Gaslight in Dudley; and Tool tribute Schism is with Gorilla Radio at the Lucky Dog.

On Saturday, it’s the last day for The Q at its current location – the show starts at 3 p.m. and includes performances by the Smilemakers, Dave Magario, Cowboy Matt and many many more; Fourth Gear burns at Chooch’s; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to the Sahara Restaurant; and New Pilot opens for Floyd tribute Gilmour’s Breakfast at the Lucky Dog.

Other events:

Selections from Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present is on display at the Worcester Art Museum.

On Friday, Loretta LaRoche presents “Lighten Up” at the Hanover Theatre.

On Saturday, the Charles Olson Centenary Poetry Conference is at Clark University. Kim Webster, children’s artist, plays at 10:30 a.m. at Union Music. The Celtic Arms and Armor show takes over Higgins Armory Museum.

Weekend Events, March 12, 2010

2010-03-12T15:37:00.001-08:00

Friday, Dan Kirouac sings early at the Black Sheep Tavern in Shirley; Ariband is at the Hotel Vernon; Birch Hill Dam joins Burn The Witch, Born Of Thunder, Bring The Knife and The River Neva at the Lucky Dog; The Disaster March headlines, along with Flatout Jones, Force Fed Lies and Orphan Killbot at The Raven; BB Kings Las Vegas does the blues at Gilrein’s; Bad Andy returns to JJ’s; Cooper’s Escape makes its debut at Irish Times; Kung Fu Grip kicks out rock covers at Mint.

Saturday, No Alibi’s playing rock covers at Beatnik’s; Chuck and Mud are performing right in the front room at WCUW with the Hole in the Dam Banders; Fourth Gear makes a rare appearance at the Blue Plate; Dana Lewis is performing at the Verona Grill; Lisa Marie’s fronting the Workingman’s Jazz Band at the Concord Inn; Auntie Trainwreck returns to the Wheelock Inn; Flock of A-holes does a full night at the 5th Amendment; Revolver fires one off at Irish Times; the Road Dawgs bark at 3-G’s Sports Pub; The Roosters return to Greendale’s; New Bay Colony heads back to Jillian’s for a second time; Deejay Dee is spinning at the Belfry, also running karaoke.

Next Wednesday, The Curtain Society, Gene Loves Jezebel, Tommy Tutone help open for Missing Persons at Mill Street Brews.
Other events:

The Worcester Spring Home Show is happening all weekend at the DCU Center.
Educating Rita is being performed at Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville through Sunday.

The Salem Cross Inn is hosting a CSI Mystery Dinner Theatre on Friday at 6:30 p.m., when the guests help to solve the crime while eating a yummy dinner. Also Friday, Break-Away Billiards in Clinton hosts an APA pool tournament. The film Pirate Radio is being shown at Holy Cross’s Kimball Hall. It’s $1 dog night, which means hot dogs are a buck, at the Worcester Sharks game at the DCU Center. The Odessa Philharmonic performs at Mechanics Hall.

Saturday, there’s a Swedish dinner at Chaffin Church in Holden.

MSB now My Silent Bravery

2010-03-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

According to frontman Matt Schwachman, they are "changing the game."

The MSB announced that they have a new band name, My Silent Bravery.

This name builds upon the MSB identity and to us symbolizes the idea of inner strength and perseverance. MSB will not only still carry the same original lineup and appreciative fans, but will also use this group name to catapult Matt's new CD, Are You Prepared? available March 23.

My Silent Bravery will be celebrating the CD Release with a great line up of shows, starting with a Boston CD Release Show at Harpers Ferry on Saturday March 27 at 8 p.m. and Jillian's on April 3.

Events, Friday, March 5

2010-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, the legendary Mocha Java is in the equally legendary Shiproom at the Vernon; Ed and Dave sing at Greendale’s Pub; Dan joins his brother Steve Kirouac for a show at the Nines; Sara Ashleigh’s Pushin’ the Blues at the Cannery; The Franks join Brothers McCann and Philosopher King at Tammany Hall; Sam James is back at the House of Blues; The Bubbleheads rock Beatnik’s; Kreator blasts the Palladium; Gross opens for a Cat Whisker Radio and Leicester band the Golden Spurs at the Raven; there’s karaoke at both the West Boylston VFW as well as Halligan’s in Auburn; Dirty Deeds gets done dirt cheap at JJ’s in Northboro; Drivin’ Rain splashes at the Blue Plate in Holden; the Granitemen do Irish stuff at the Fiddler’s Green; Stomping Melvin plays covers at Irish Times; The Stumbleweeds blow through Vincent’s; and the Crow Hop Blues band does the blues at Gilrein’s.

Saturday, it’s the Lucky Dog’s 11th anniversary and they’ve got the Fear Nuttin’ Band, Mafia Bong Hit, Speak and Drivin’ Rain; Brett and Lisa Brumby harmonize at Oxford’s Restaurant; The Bee’s Knees plays right here at the WCUW studios in the front room; Nicktoberfest includes live music, a yodeling contest and a chocolate cake eating contest at Nick’s; Bret Talbert sings at Tavern on the Common in Rutland; Whalebone Farmhouse does its eclectic show at Vincent’s; Banned Loot is at the Mill Church Café in Millbury.

Other Events:

Curious George Live happens throughout the weekend – Friday through Sunday – at the Hanover Theatre.

Friday, the Supergirl cup brings together the best in junior gymnasts from across the country to the DCU Center. Also, there’s a benefit for the Sutton Little League and New Bay Colony with food and live music at the Singletary Rod and Gun Club.

On Saturday, the annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival takes place at Mt. Carmel. There’s a book launch party for Louis Despres’s “Five Months,” which is a book of photos he took around Worcester clubs and beyond. The party’s at Dr. Gonzo’s Uncommon Condiments on Main Street at 5:30 p.m.

Christian band at The Mill

2010-03-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Guitarist-singer Paul Lanier wouldn’t say Christian rock is growing by leaps and bounds, but it isn’t losing any fans, either. Like his band Banned Loot, his says it’s “stagnant.” It’s not the most positive sounding word. Perhaps we’ll call it maintaining. Or, better yet, one of the words of the year: It’s got “sustainability.”

Banned Loot is a Christian band hailing from the Hartford area of Connecticut. It grew out of a duo with Paul and his son David, who plays electric guitar. They started the duo in 2003, and shortly after, David brought in his friend Mike Shonk on drums. Through connections at the local churches, Maggie Massicotte joined on lead vocals, as did Mike Smith on bass and Benlio Bussinguer on keys and vocals.
With someone of a generational gap within the band (David and Shonk are now 24), Paul says the age differences add a variety of influences and approaches to the songwriting and style, which gets compared to that of Third Day or Jars of Clay.

“We all pitch in,” said Paul. “If someone has a melody or lyrics, we work on them. I’ve had to stretch myself and other people have had to stretch, too. I think it’s fun.”

Paul writes most of the lyrics, which have found their way onto a Banned Loot disc in 2006 called Refuge, an EP last year called Because You are Loved, and a solo release that came out nine years ago called Ponder the Road.
“Most of my lyrics are about how God interacts in our lives and in other people’s lives, and what we see from our perspectives,” said Paul. “There is an appeal of our music to the non-religious crowd, too.”

DETAILS:
What: Banned Loot
When: Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m.
Where: Mill Church Café, 45 River St., Millbury
Cost: Free-will offering

club notes friday, feb. 26

2010-02-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

Friday, Orange Crush is at the Skybox in Southwick; the Tokyo tramps bring blues and rock Japanese style to Beatnik’s; Adam Trudel’s singing at The Q; Whalebone Farmhouse makes its Greendale’s debut; Sun Jones headlines Tammany Hall; Tori Pyne is singing at the Dive Bar; Mike O’Connell and the Backstabbers play blues rock at the Nines; there’s a Celtic Traditions show at the Hudson Town Hall with Kate Chadbourne and the Irish Music Guy; Dave Magario’s at the Lucky Dog along with headliners the Glenn Stewart Band, the Great Whiskey Rebellion and Merrick Station; Face Full of Shotgun, Two Tickets to the Gun Show, Cadence, Bears and a few more split the bill at London Billiards; Not Boxed rocks Irish Times; Pete the Polak’s the deejay at 3-G’s Sports Pub; Dan Burke is hosting his “Island Getaway Night” at Nick’s; the Drunken Uncles do their weekly acoustic duo thing at Allgo’s; Switchblade Suicide’s with Musclecah at Ralph’s; and the Superchief Trio debuts at Vincent’s.
Saturday, the Brett and Lisa Duo perform at Chuck’s Steakhouse in Auburn; The Brennan Brothers do a benefit in memory of their brother, Jimmy, at the Leicester Country Club to raise money for scholarships; Commander Cody’s rocking at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge; it’s the Rock Your Face Off show with ten bands, including Empire Shall Fall at Ralph’s; Ellis Paul sings at Fitchburg State College; Fat City’s blasting the Bull Run in Shirley; and there’s a Jagfest "Pre-Party2" with Brand New Sin, Stonewall, Orange Diesel, Fuel Of War, Truman Highway, Justice Hill, Bottlefight and more at the Lucky Dog Music Hall.
On Sunday,
Every Tuesday night, the Q hosts an open mic.
Other Events:
It’s the last week to see the Faculty Exhibit at the Worcester Center for Crafts.
“Curtains,” a whodunit sort of play, is being performed throughout the weekend at the Mount Wachusett Community Theatre.
Refreshed American Galleries opens on Saturday at the Worcester Museum, which means they’ve brought back some old favorites to the lower third level. Also Saturday, Blissful Meadows Country Club in Uxbridge hosts a dinner comedy show with Ira Proctor as the headliner. Barnes and Noble in Worcester hosts a poetry reading.

Club stuff and events, Friday, Feb. 19

2010-02-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

Friday, The Ten Foot Polecats are back at Beatnik’s; the Delta Generators are at Tommy Doyle’s; Fergus celebrates the release of “Green Street” at Fiddler’s Green; The Nate Wilson Group is at the Dive Bar; Shane Hall’s singing at The Q with the Ticklebomb Orchestra; the Delta Generators are out at Tommy Doyle’s; Dan Kirouac sings at King Phillip Restaurant in Phillipston; Cirkestra is back at Nick’s.

Saturday, the Whiskerite Beardathon is at the Dive at 6 p.m., raising money for the Worcester County Food Bank; The QVCC holds a community banquet at 6 p.m. as a fundraiser for renovations; Dopapod heads back to Tammany Hall; Whalebone Farmhouse is back at Beatnik’s; Tigerlily’s at the Blue Dog Sports Bar in Milford; The Boogaloo Swamis swamp up the Bull Run in Shirley; The Numbskulls are with the Guns of Navarone at Ralph’s; Dana Lewis is out at the Old Post Office Pub in Grafton; Kung Fu Vampire performs with Twiztid, Blaza and Fury at the Palladium; Tripleshot rocks the Pump House.

Dr. Robert’s got both weekend nights at Sakura Tokyo.

Sunday, there’s a Grafton house concert with Tony Bird, and you can find out more about that by looking him up on facebook, or Googling Bird’s site; Whalebone Farmhouse is playing under the moose on the first floor of Ralph’s; and Peter DePasquale, Paul Provost, Glenn DiTamasso and Chet Williamson get together at Frank’s Pub.

On Monday, Sarah McQuaid is Patrick Moriarty’s guest on WCUW’s “In the Tradition,” which airs 5-8 p.m.

Next Thursday, there’s a Grafton house concert with Sarah McQuaid – and again you can facebook and Google that name for more information.

Other events:

The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek, a coming of age story set in the Depression, is being performed at the Michelson Theatre at Clark University through Saturday.

On Saturday, Helen Beaumont is the main presenter at PechaKucha night at 55 Pearl, starting at 7 p.m.

Seeking artists for Grafton Fine Arts and Music Festival

2010-02-16T17:49:00.001-08:00

The fifth annual Grafton Fine Arts and Music Festival will be held on Friday, March 26, Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28 at the Grafton Municipal Center. Both adults and school age youth are encouraged to submit their art work for display at the Festival.

The interest and participation in this well-received event has resulted in expanding the art categories to include: oil and acrylic painting, watercolor painting, traditional photography, digitally enhanced photography, sculpture, mixed media and assemblage, fiber art and graphic art (pencil, pastels, pen and ink). Thanks to the generosity of the Grafton Suburban Credit Union, cash prizes will be awarded to adults for first, second and third place in the listed categories. Youth will be eligible for savings bonds in two categories: children 11 and under and youth from 12through high school. Art awards will be determined by a panel of qualified judges; adult artists will be recognized in a Friday evening Reception and youth on Saturday morning at 11 AM. Artists will have the opportunity to price and sell their works at the Festival.

The artist prospectus can be found on-line at graftonartsfestival.org or obtained at the Grafton Municipal Center and Library, the Art and Frame Emporium in Westboro and Gaston’s Art and Frame in Shrewsbury.

The postmarked deadline to register art work for the Festival is Wednesday, March 17. There is a $7 per work registration fee which entitles the artist to a free weekend pass for admission to the Festival including all music performances and workshops. Funds generated by admission fees will help fund future festivals. Call 508-887-9969 for more information.

GSMS 9 rehearsal - "Young Americans" with Dan Burke on the mic

2010-02-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Stone Cold Crazy - GSMS rehearsal Jan. 2010

2010-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

Check out www.greenstreetrocks.com for more info on the next show, celebrating the local music scene with the music of Queen, Bowie and Elton John at the Lucky Dog Music Hall on Feb. 13.

2010-01-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Thursday, The LSD Enigma trips out at Ralph’s with Death to New England; Dan Mills joins the Great Whiskey Rebellion at Tammany Hall; and The Tokyo Tramps open for The Flock at the Lucky Dog.

Friday, Goatwhore joins Suffocation and Scalpel at The Palladium; Super Power, Colin and the Cancer, Cheech and Get Laid join forces at The Raven; Billy Cameron sings at Greendale’s; Shane Hall, Dusty Cobb and Humanwine join Dave Magario for his CD release show at The Q; The Resurrection Sorrow joins Mercury Wings as part of Jagfest at London Billiards, along with Run for the Hills, an Iron Maiden tribute; Justice Hill headlines the Lucky Dog; The Ten Foot Polecats splits the bill with Smokestack and the Foothill Fury at The Dive Bar; Playin’ Dead’s laying down at Tammany Hall; Driving Rain splashes the Blue Plate; Keep Me Conscious and The Coming Weak take the Ralph’s stage; Jason James rips it up at Beatnik’s; The Throttles open up at Vincent’s; Carol O’Shaugnessy and Tom Lamark team up at Nick’s; the Hard Drive Band hits the Blue Plate; and Soulstice throws a beach party at the Gardner Ale House.

Saturday, The Great Whiskey Rebellion headlines The Grind at Clark; Hard Number Nine has a CD release show at Tammany Hall; Leaving Eden rocks The Fifth Amendment; Birch Hill Dam returns to London Billiards; Ryan Flaherty performs at the Sahara Restaurant; Critical Condition does covers at Oxford Tavern; Auntie Trainwreck is back at the Wheelock Inn; Wicked Whiskey rumbles with the Throttles and Psychobilly Cadillac at Ralph’s; Jug o’ Punch stirs it up at the Celtic Tavern; Silverbacks bring blues, rock and soul to Nick’s; The Cosby Sweaters return to the Galway Bay; the Barnstormers stomp at Vincent’s; and the Last Call Band hits Irish Times.
The Matt Schwachman Band takes care of the weekend nights at Sakura Tokyo.
Sunday, Jason James returns to Nick’s.

Other events:

The annual Flora in Winter opens Thursday at the Worcester Art Museum.

On Saturday, Sturbridge Village hosts Fire and Ice Day, where you can learn about the ice harvesting industry. Also, the Harlem Wizards take on the Grafton All-Stars at Grafton High School.

Club notes, Thursday, Jan. 14

2010-01-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Bill McCarthy hosts what he’s calling Open Mic World at TJ O’Brien’s; Osious Nine Millz and TGA presents Black light Fridays at Centro las Americas on Sycamore Street; Speaker for the Dead and the Mad Cowboy join Shane Hall at the Raven; Summoning Hate, Goreality and more do metal night at Ralph’s; Ashlands Attic is at Tammany Hall; the Birch Evergreen Band is at the Halfway Café in Marlboro; and Troy, Jeremy, Duncan and Brooks return to the Dive.

Friday, SmartBomb joins Mountain Man, Bear Trap, No Shit and Pit Fall at the Crescent Café (with an early show starting at 5:30 p.m.); Vallon, Malice, Scare Don’t Fear and more do an all-ages show at the QVCC; Lisa and Brett Brumby from She’s Busy sing at Greendale’s; Ayla will take part in a concert with The James Montgomery Blues Band, The Johnny Winter Band, Brad Whitford, Johnny A., Barry Goudreau and The Uptown Horns in the Guitar Legends of Rock‘N Blues at Mechanics Hall; Rose Colored Glasses return to the Kaz Bar, playing classic rock covers; We Met Aliens joins To the Wolves, Levity and At Sincerities End at London Billiards; Slitstitch joins the stage with The Pathetics, The Automatons, The Egos and the Evil Streaks at Ralph’s; The John Austin Band does the blues at City Lights; Johnny Press is out at the Pump House in Southbridge; The Hornitz joins Sophistafunk at Beatnik’s; The Stop is with The Brew at Tammany Hall; Johnny Carlevale and the Rolling Pins rock it at Vincent’s; the Tool tribute Schism headlines the Lucky Dog.

Saturday, Musclecah leads a benefit in memory of Cassie Poulin at Break-Away Billiards; Jazzed Up is in the all new Union Station Cotton Club; Epinero does a night of hip-hop at the House of Worship on Cambridge Street; Bill McCarthy’s singing at Junior’s Pizza; Red Pony joins the lineup in a Concert for Charity at the DoubleTree in Milford; Scalpel is with The Nile and many more at The Palladium; Ken Macy sings at the Spruce Street Tavern in Clinton; The Turkeys head out for a shoot with Hello Ninja at the Lucky Dog; No Alibi’s back rocking Greendale’s; Patty Keough and the Boys headline Ralph’s; Lesions joins a show with nine other bands, on two stages, at Mill Street Brews; Revolver shoots at Irish Times; MASS STAND UP 2 hits Tammany Hall with performances by E The Real, Spit Supreme, Cocaine Robots, Black Ownaz..with special guests Paul Mighty, Skivi B, and Gutta; Panache is out at Chopsticks in Leominster; Auntie Trainwreck’s playing hits at JJ’s; the Mighty Bad Habits open for Joe Louis Walker at the Bull Run in Shirley; and the Last Call Band is packing the Wheelock Inn in Millbury.

Sunday, The Delta Generators are playing a show put on by Blues Worcester at Mechanics Hall. For $15, you also get an all you can eat barbecue buffet, and tickets for the show are $16. The Generators will be showcasing some new tunes to be on their upcoming disc. The buffet is available at 5 p.m. and the show is at 6 p.m.

2010-01-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Catch Second Chance Fund for Animal Welfare President Jan Beckwith's new radio program "About Animals," Fridays, Jan. 15 and 29 and beyond from 12:30-1 p.m. on WCUW 91.3 FM.

Jan addresses a different topic each week, such as the benefits of spay/neuter, Trap Neuter Return programs, and lots more.

And she'll respond to your emails asking questions about your pet cats and dogs, suggestions for future shows, and general comments. Email Jan at WCUW@WCUW.org.

If your radio doesn't pick up WCUW, listen live online at WCUW 91.3 FM.

As Jan readily admits, "Of course I doesn't know everything there is to know about animals, but I have had some experience working with animals, their people, veterinarians, animal control and people doing rescue. So I hope to make the shows interesting."

2010-01-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

James Keyes from the Numbskulls releases a solo disc, Ruminations

Thursday, Troy, Jeremy, Brooks and Duncan are at the Dive Bar; Barbara Kessler sings at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochdale; and Jet Black Stare headlines Tammany Hall.

Friday, James Keyes celebrates the release of his CD Ruminations with a show at Nick’s – his band features Morgan Freeman on bass and Greg Sullivan on drums – opening acts are Steve Cummings, The Boston and Maine String Band and Jason James; Lietrim’s hosts a benefit for the Second Chance Animal Shelter – for a $2 cover, you get $1 beers and $2 mixed drinks; Sean Fullerton sings at Greendale’s; Cacophonous Death, Engraved, The Bathory Silence, Nemecide, Axiom, Dissension and ORCumentary split the stage at London Billiards; Bret Talbert sings at Applebee’s in Sturbridge; Scarlett Fade opens for Intermission at Tammany Hall; Grammy nominated singer Trey Songz is at the Hanover Theatre; Steve Connolly puts on Spirit of the King Elvis show at Mechanics Hall; Mack the Knife and BLOWW is at Ralph’s; Coopers Escape debuts at Irish Times; Old School’s rocking Beatnik’s; the Smokehouse Lightning Blues Band had better be on fire with a name like that at Gilrein’s; and Huck’s settling in to Vincent’s.

Saturday, Born of Ash releases Age of End with a show at the Palladium; Probable Cause plays a playoff party at JJ’s in Northboro; Hat On, Drinking Wine is back at Nick’s; Fourth Gear rocks Chooch’s; Whalebone Farmhouse harmonizes at Beatnik’s; celebrate bassist Hugh Allen’s birthday with the Matt Schwachman Band at Boston Billiards; The Flock is at the 5th Amendment; Bill McCarthy sings at the Whistle Stop; Go Gadget Go does covers at Greendale’s; Jabooda’s jamming at Mill Street Brews; The Rails veer off the road to Emerald Isle; Usual Suspects racks ‘em up at Break-Away Billiards; Angry Johnny and the Killbillies headline Ralph’s; Ed Melikian’s back at Sahara; Night Works bluesify’s Gilrein’s; and the Andy Kaplan Duo debuts at Vincent’s.

Sunday, Creegan’s Pub has a hopping night of karaoke every week.
On Tuesdays, 3 G’s Sports Bar hosts a weekly comedy open mic night.

Other events:
On Saturday, at 10 a.m. Worcester State College hosts a forum that includes some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball: Mike Easler, J.P. Ricciardi, Rich Gedman, Brandon Smith and Kyle Evans. It’s $50 for the clinic, but parents can come for free with their kids.

On Sunday at 2:30, Dr. Gonzo on Main Street is hosting a crock pot and/or finger food challenge at his Emporium.
The Worcester Bridal Show takes over the DCU Center Saturday and Sunday.

Club notes, Dec. 31, 2009

2009-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

Paul Dagnello of Huck, photo by Duncan Arsenault

Tonight, it’s champagne, confetti, champagne and rock ‘n’ roll with The Grift and the Weight of Gravity at the Cannery; new cover band Mood Disorder rocks City Lights; The Dive’s hopping with Troy and Duncan; Huck’s back at Ralphs this year, along with Castine; Lietrim’s has a modified open bar for $25; Black River Sound jams at Jillian’s; Fuzion does pop tunes at Sakura Tokyo with new lead singer Dan Gorman; Mourning the Dead is part of Dirtnap Entertainment’s metal bash at London Billiard’s; Sam James is singing at the Lucky Dog; Guns of Navarone are at Beatnik’s; Jubilee Gardens hits the Sahara Restaurant; Auntie Trainwreck ties one on at the Kaz Bar; Mack the Knife’s in Hotel Vernon’s Shiproom; and doors open at 2 p.m. today at Dr. Gonzo’s condiments on Main Street for Knights of the New Year Colander party – it’s potluck, though plenty of dips and cheeses are provided. Oh, and wear a colander on your head. If you know Dr. Gonzo, you won’t even question this. And of course it’s First Night Worcester – you can find anything and everything you need to know on firstnightworcester.org.

Friday, Bill McCarthy leads a “hair of the dog party” at the Old Post Office Pub; The Grindhouse Takeover headlines Tammany Hall, joining the Dave Rivers Group; The Sift’s got Ralph’s; The Doctors Fox makes its debut at Vincent’s;

Saturday, Sasquatch, Growlers and the Polecats join forces at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; the Racky Thomas Band returns to Gilrein’s; Five Hole rocks JJ’s; Glenn Stewart leads South Station at Ralph’s; The Roosters reunite at Greendale’s; Jason James is ripping it up at Irish Times; Whalebone Farmhouse does its eclectic mix at Vincent’s; and Silhouette of a Small Town headlines Mill Street Brews.

And Sunday, Ryan Cabrera is at Tammany Hall.

Club notes, Thursday, Dec. 17

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Thursday, there’s an opening reception for Home for the Holidays at Salisbury Mansion; Mike Lynch blows the harp at Squire White’s; The Dive Bar’s got its holiday party going on; and the Drunken Uncles perform live on WICN 90.5 FM at 8 p.m., putting a spin on classic Christmas classics.

Friday, Gabe Rollins heads his own supergroup for “its my birthday and I’ll rock the hell out if I want to” to celebrate his birthday at the Lucky Dog Music; Britney’s Spear joins Short Ride and others at the Raven; Driving Rain splashes the Hotel Vernon; Ript tears up Irish Times; performances of A Christmas Carol start at the Hanover Theatre and continue through the following Wednesday; also Friday, it’s the Dirtnap Entertainment Holiday Spectacular with God’s Green Earth, This Burning World, Widow Sunday, Fallen Shall Rise, Name in Vein and Rite of Passage at London Billiards; BYO Blues is at Greendale’s; 8 Amp Fuse fires up the Blue Plate; Mass Elite opens for White Chocolate at the Cannery; Bacchus King releases a CD, joined by The Series and Bonfire Bandit at Ralph’s; The Stream Rollers Band is led by Jack Kelly at Gilrein’s; SPF4 debuts at Beatnik’s;

Saturday, The Leicester Town Band performs in the afternoon at Tower Hill Botanic Garden; Skullfunked headlines Tammany Hall; Bad Dog’s up before 16 stitches at The Raven’ Buggs Moran and the Silver Weasels pay tribute to Gary O with a show at JJ’s; Sunlea opens for Mocha Java at Beatnik’s; Full Tilt’s ahead at Creegan’s; Clamdigger returns to the Galway; the Matt Shwachman Band debuts at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; BLOWW (which stands for Boston League of Women’s Wrestling) is joined by Route 44 and Whitey at Ralph’s; Auntie Trainwreck rolls in to the Wheelock Inn; Loose Salute’s back at Vincent’s; Five Hole rocks Jillian’s; and Old School goes back to the classic covers at Greendale’s.

Sunday, the All Saints Choirs performs at the Worcester Art Museum. Jim Perry’s jam session focuses on drums at Greendale’s with Drummerpalooza; Tammany Hall hosts a battle of the bands.

Event Notes, Thursday, Dec. 10

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Thursday, Isador’s in Oxford hosts a food event in celebration of Terra Madre, a network of sustainable food communities; Cowboy Matt’s having a listening party to celebrate his new CD, Viva Psychedelia, at The Q; speaker John O’Toole is at the Worcester Hibernian Center; Inhale Mary joins Horse at the Palladium; David Wax Museum is at Nick’s; Addison Station opens for Brothers McCann at Tammany Hall; they’re showing the movie MASH at the Shrewsbury Public Library; and Nuncrackers continues through the weekend at the Calliope Theater.

Friday, The Weight of Gravity is at the Wheelock Inn; chamber folk trio The Accident That Led Me to the World is at the Harvard Café; the Tom Yates Group is at the Bull Run; From Sky to Sea headlines the QVCC with Coalmine Canary and the Sharpest; Summoning Hate rocks Ralph’s; Monique and Fingers, Subculture Stereo and Lonewolf James split the bill at The Raven; Ken Tracy Jr. sings at Dinny’s on Lincoln Street with the debut of the Regal Beagles; Umelt opens for Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse at Tammany Hall; Pantera tribute Trendkill leads the Dimebag Darrell memorial show at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; the Speakeasy Combo is back at Nick’s; the Coyotes howl at Greendale’s; Graveheart joins the Soul Remnants at Ralph’s; Hat On, Drinking Wine debuts at Beatnik’s; Hot Sauce spices up Squire White’s; Lori Brooks leads her band at Mill Street Brews; Stone Lily’s rocking the Cannery; Fingercuff does covers at City Lights; Jason James tears up the Blue Plate; Organ Eyes jams at Vincent’s; and Stone Soup celebrates its third anniversary with a big party at the Woo Church with performances by Salsa Storm, Mack the Knife, DJ Juami and Lucelia DeJesus.

Saturday, Powerline opens for Counter Attack, the Zeppelin tribute doing its annual reunion show at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to Vincent’s; Bret Talbert does his final show of the season at Tavern on the Common; The Cosby Sweaters do an all ages show at Junior’s; Mike O’Connell returns to the area, playing the Galway Bay; Herra Terra, Sleep Alive and Ghost Ocean share the bill at Ralph’s; Composted decomposes at the QVCC; meet a 14th century knight at Higgins Armory; Clark takes on Nichols in basketball at Clark’s gym; the Master Singers of Worcester sings at the Boar’s Head Festival at Wesley United Methodist Church; Chris Reddy sings at the Nines while Bret Talbert is out at the Tavern on the Common; Patty Keough’s doing her originals at The Q; benefit Hearts for Heat in Princeton at Norco Sportsman’s Club for a contra dance; Bill McCarthy’s bringing his acoustic to the Old Post Office Pub; the Breakfast jams with Oak Street at Tammany Hall; 7 Minute Stagger is with Rite of Passage and Lesions at The Raven; No Alibi’s back packing Greendale’s; Mike Crandall’s bluesing up Gilrein’s; The Ed Melikian Ensemble is back at the Sahara; and there is a benefit for Debbie Audette's family at the Canal Sports Pub. Debbie is struggling with terminal cancer and not expected to make it through Christmas.

Doctor Robert’s returning to Sakura Tokyo both Friday and Saturday night.
Santa’s at the Hebert Candy Mansion Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Other events: The Gifts of the Magi is being performed at the Statton Players Theatre in Fitchburg throughout the weekend.
Cirque du Soleil continues at the DCU Center through Sunday.

Event Notes, Thursday, Dec. 3

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Thursday, Andy Cummings sings and plays the acoustic at Hooligan’s; it’s a First Thursday celebration at Fitchburg Art Museum early evening that includes tours and refreshments; Worcester State takes on UMass Dartmouth in hockey at Auburn’s Horgan rink; Troy Gonyea and Jeremy Curtis join Duncan Arsenault at the Dive; there’s a holiday open show at the Post Road Art Center in Marlboro; Calliope Productions’ Nuncrackers opens and continue throughout the weekend at their theater in Boylston; Brooks Milgate’s trio is at Nick’s; Dana Lewis sings at Beatniks’; Black Pyramid and Space Train join metal night at Ralph’s; Brett Brumby’s at the bar at Point Breeze (as he is every week);

Friday, it’s the Holiday Open Studios at the Sprinkler Factory; New Pilot, Gutta and Crumb open for Marcy Playground at Mill Street Brews; Last Call rocks the Gaslight Tavern; garage rock hits Ralph’s with the Crybabies, the Time Beings, the Commandos and Musclecah; the Great Whiskey Rebellion’s at Beatnik’s; the third annual Holly Berry Craft Fair hits the Fitchburg Art Museum; the Assumption College Flute Choir performs in La Maison Francaise; Tower Hill holds its annual Holly Days party; the Lucky Dog Music Hall’s the home to Santapalooza, which raises money and toys for Toys for Tots, and it includes performances by Shotgun Blues (the GnR tribute), The Sift, The Dave Rivers Group and Castine; a big band and hors d’ouevres is part of the Winter Starlight Gala at the Southbridge Community Center; the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band plays at Northbridge High School; as part of their film festival, the Shrewsbury Public Library shows “Casablanca”; the Gateway Players performs the holiday play “A Candle in the Window” at its theater; Ed and Dave sing at Greendale’s; the Nutcracker, by Ballet Arts Worcester, is presented Friday and Saturday at the Hanover Theatre; the Chorus and Chorale of Worcester State College performs a holiday concert at Our Lady of Angels Church; Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson wails on his axe at Mechanics Hall; the Barre Players Theatre puts on the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”; the Worcester County Light Opera performs the musical “She Loves Me”; Bill Kirchens goes honky tonk at the Bull Run; Mount Wachusett Community Theatre puts on Peter Pan Friday and Saturday; Dan Burke’s back with the Speakeasy Combo at Nick’s; Out of Sequence rocks The Cannery; Chillset is out at the Blue Dog; the Delta Generators return to Gilrein’s; the Killdevils rumble at Vincent’s; and the Rhythm Party returns to the Sahara.

Saturday, Hat On, Drinking Wine returns to Nick’s; Indobox headlines The Cannery at 12 Crane; The Weight of Gravity is at the Fifth Amendment with MSB and Jediah; Leicester High School holds a craft fair; the Shamrock and Holly Fair hits the Hibernian Center; the town of Sutton holds its Chain of Lights; the second annual Fitchburg Chowdahfest bubbles at the Fitchburg Senior Center; “Barre’s Got Talent” brings together many artists of Barre performing in talent show style at the Barre Players Theatre; Larry Kangas joins local author day at Barnes and Noble in Worcester; Tom Rush sings at the Bull Run; Bill McCarthy’s strumming it at the Whistle Stop; Huck joins The Curtain Society, New Pilot and Gutta at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Barefoot Bob’s with the Monkeyfish at Squire White’s; Orange Diesel opens for Demon’s Alley at The Raven; the Silverbacks do blues and classic rock covers at the Emerald Isle; the Fools get crazy at Firefly’s; the Racky Thomas Band is back at Gilrein’s; The Wandas join Sandal Foot Machine at Ralph’s; Jubilee Gardens pile in to the Sahara Restaurant; and Ron Stone puts on his fantastic annual big band Christmas show at Point Breeze Restaurant.

Sunday, Millbury joins Grafton for their Chain of Lights celebration. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. take the trolley around the towns and visit businesses and sites, enjoying music, refreshments and much more. Tammany Hall holds Bloodfest ’09 – donate blood, and enjoy live bands. Also, it’s stART at the Station at Union Station – 100s of vendors gather for stART on the Street’s annual holiday extravaganza.
Other Events:

Moments in Time continues through the end of the month at the Jewish Community Center. The show features original drawings in colored-pencil and in mixed-media by Elizabeth Freed. A Miniature Milestone: The Marianne E. Gibson Portrait Miniature Gallery at 20 opened this week at the Worcester Art Museum.

Club/Event Notes, Thursday, Nov. 19

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Thursday, Goosepimp Orchestra headlines Tammany Hall; Sean Ryan sings at Beatnik’s; Duncan Arsenault is with Scott Ricciuti and the boys at the Dive.

Friday, Fear Nuttin’ Band is releasing a new CD at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Fourth Gear rocks the Blue Plate in Holden; Johnny Press Mess headlines the Cannery in Southbridge; it’s progressive rock with Sky Blue Mind at City Lights; Guns of Navarone return to Beatnik’s; Hat On, Drinking Wine’s sipping tunes at Biagio’s; the Pamela Hines Duo is the Chloe Bistro; Bill McCarthy’s strumming his acoustic at Old Post Office Pub; Bret Talbert is solo at Applebee’s in Sturbridge; Double Take does covers at Classic’s Pub; Lori Brooks leads her band at Mill Street Brews; the Bubbleheads burst at Squire White’s; Undercover rocks Irish Times; and the Dan Lawson Band debuts at Gilrein’s.Saturday, American folk rocker Tony Bird is at the Bull Run in Shirley; The Empire Shall Fall releases a CD with a show at London Billiards; Dan Kirouac is singing at the Spruce Street Tavern; The Matt Schwachman Band’s getting down at The First Amendment; Floyd tribute Gilmour’s Breakfast does its last show of the year, at Tammany Hall; Whalebone Farmhouse headlines Beatnik’s; Rockhouse 6 blasts the Cannery; Jason James returns to the Galway Bay; Johnny Dollar jazzes up the Dzian Gallery (also enjoy shopping, a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres) and The Balls are back, joining JetSet, The Time Beings, Tony Jones and the Cretin 5 at Ralph’s.

Sunday, Sinfonia performs at Clark’s Razzo Hall; and there’s a new blues jam happening out at Trumbull’s in Spencer.

And next Wednesday, the night before Thanksgiving, we’ve got Lyle Pierce at Carmella’s Italian Kitchen; Fourth Gear at the Blue Plate; The Allens at Speakers in Marlboro; Probable Cause at the Fifth Amendment; Miss Tess and the Bon Bon Parade does the noontime Brown Bag Concert at Mechanic’s Hall; Patty O’Brien joins Patrick Egan at the Hibernian Cultural Center; Hitmen take ‘em out at Irish Times; the Silverbacks belt it at Greendale’s; the Duke Robillard Band packs Gilrein’s; Wilbur and the Dukes returns for its traditional show at Ralph’s; New Pond Fondle jams at Partner’s in Fitchburg; New Pilot pops at Mill Street Brews; and Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse at Beatnik’s.Other Events:

On Friday, there’s a mystery dinner theater called the “Doo-Wop Murders” at Salem Cross Inn; learn about dessert wines at Fitchburg Art Museum; it’s college women’s hoops at its best as Holy Cross takes on UConn at the DCU Center; watch All Quiet on the Western Front for free at the Shrewsbury Public Library; there’s a poetry slam at Clark with featured performer Jamaica Osorio, star of HBO’s Brave New Faces; the Seven Hills Symphony puts on their fall concert at UMass on Plantation Street; Jim McGovern’s 50th birthday and fundraiser are being held, simultaneously, at 55 Pearl Restaurant on Friday. Also Friday, WCCA TV-13 hosts its Harvest Moon Dinner Dance at the Knights of Columbus in Worcester. The Clark University Concert Choir and Chamber Choir presents “Music for the Ages: European and American Treasures” at St. Peter’s Church at 8 pm. Sima Kustanovich is on the piano for that one.

Saturday, the Jewelry, Gem, Mineral and Fossil show rocks the National Guard Armory; the UMass International Craft Fair happens at the EcoTarium; Katie Green hosts the annual Worcester Tellebration of storytellers at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse; and there’s a Zip Trip tour focuses on Norman Rockwell at the Worcester Art Museum.

Club Notes, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

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Thursday, New Pilot rocks at The Mill, and it streams online, live, on evolvingartist.com at 8 p.m. Brooks plays the keys with Duncan at The Dive; Jason James does rockabilly piano at Beatnik’s;

Friday, Trumystic pairs with the Alchemystics, Mafia Bong Hit and Orrin Slips at the Lucky Dog; singer Keri Anderson leads Whalebone Farmhouse at the Belfont Hotel in Millbury; the Holy Ghosts, Mack the Knife, The Terribles and the Numbskulls make it an ideal Friday the 13th show at the Hotel Vernon; the Delta Generators put a new spin on blues at the Cannery in Southbridge with opener Jon Short; Holmes does a free show in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues; The Pathetics do an acoustic set at Beatnik’s; The Ten Foot Polecats are out at the End Zone in Mendon; the James Montgomery Band is blaring at Mechanics Hall; Orange Diesel helps open for Brand New Sin at London Billiards; Elizabeth Lorrey and the Rafters celebrate a new disc with a release party at the Bull Run in Shirley; the Speakeasy Combo returns to Nick’s; Sun Jones joins Gary Backstrom at Tammany Hall; the Right Band is back at Squire White’s; the legendary Swinging Steaks resurfaces at Firefly’s in Marlboro;

Saturday, the Dust Bunnies and Dopapod open for BioDiesel at The Cannery; Before the Fall helps open for Sonic Disorder at the Lucky Dog; the wonderfully talented Sam James is back at Tammany Hall with Boston band Garlic and Moonshine; the Scissormen headline the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge; the Matt Schwachman Band returns to Irish Times; No Alibi rocks Beatnik’s; Bret Talbert sings at the Spruce Street Tavern in Clinton; Brett and Lisa from She’s Busy sing at Chuck’s Steakhouse; B&E’s the duo at The Nines; Richie Havens performs in Percival Hall at Fitchburg State College; Babe Pino blow the blues harp and sings at Nick’s; the Bruce Marshall Band gives it another whirl at Greendale’s; The Ed Melikian Ensemble plays the Sahara; and On the Rocks rocks the Emerald Isle.

On Wednesdays, B3 funk night fills The Dive.

Other Events:

The play Columbinus opens at the Little Theater at Clark University on Thursday and continues throughout the weekend. There are also performances next weekend.
People, Places & Things, photography by John Nunziato will be on display and for sale through November 30 at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster.

On Thursday, there is a wine tasting from 5-7 p.m. at 55 Pearl Restaurant.

Friday, the Pink Floyd laser spectacular beams into the Hanover Theatre; Worcester Storytellers meets at Vasa Hall, as they do the second Friday of each month.

On Saturday, Buddha Hut holds its monthly buffet and fundraiser for VegWorcester. Drop by any time between noon and 7 p.m. and $10 gets you an all-you-can-eat vegan buffet, which is donated to VegWorcester. Visit vegworcester.org for more info. From 1-3 p.m. percussionist David Curry puts on a demonstration and hosts a drum circle at Union Music. The Sharks take on the Hartford Wolf Pack at the DCU Center in the afternoon. Two local authors, Christopher Burton and Jason Lamountian, read their work at Acoustic Java at 4 p.m. Old Sturbridge villages hosts an Evening of Illumination, which includes a guided candlelight tour. A few performances of
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest occurs at Assumption College, with afternoon and evening performances.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dr. Gonzo holds his no mistake steak grilling challenge at the Emporium on Main Street.

Throughout the month, those in active duty and their families get free admission to the Higgins Armory Museum.

Fall Events at Union Music

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And the best part...all of these events are free at Union Music, Worcester, MA.

Visit unionmusic.com for directions and info.

Monday, November 9th, 7:00 PM, Martin Guitars and Union Music present an Evening with Kenny Sultan. Kenny will play and demonstrate his many styles on his signature model Martin guitar. Acoustic Blues is his specialty and I hope you can join us to hear Kenny play and talk about anything guitar. Kenny is a noted teacher based in Santa Barbara and has agreed to offer Private Lessons during the day on Tuesday. Please call 508 753 3702 or email to make a reservation for the workshop or private lessons. http://www.kennysultan.com/

Thursday, November 12th, 7:00PM, Hometown Guitar Hero Cliff Goodwin will be joined on the Union Music stage with drummer Billy MacGillvray, bassist Wolf Ginandes, and vocalist Mike Lynch for some great music in our casual setting. Cliff will share some of the things that have made him a sought after lead guitarist and the important role the guitarist plays in supporting the singer and the band. Maybe he’ll share some of his highlights while touring the world as the lead guitarist with The Joe Cocker Band. http://www.myspace.com/cliffgoodwin

Saturday, November 14th, 1:00PM-3:00PM, Dave Curry returns with his “Drums for one and all” Drum Circle to the Union Music Performance Space. This event is open to all age beginners and players and always brings musical knowledge and fun for all. Bring your own drum or hand percussion instrument or use one of ours. http://www.drumsforoneandall.com/

Sunday, November 15th, 7:00PM, Enjoy the 21st Annual Union Music Sawyer Saxophone Student Solo Workshop Concert in Webster at Point Breeze on the Lake Restaurant. Resident master teacher and arranger Ken Sawyer writes the charts, teaches the students, and the leads the band. This year the big band plays his special arrangements by Jimmy Dorsey, Chicago and Mozart. Thanks to the professional sidemen, Richard Pro Sound Gaudette, Dave Guitar Dick, Bunny Bass Price and Dave Drums Karacius for donating their time and effort. Call Point Breeze for dinner reservations. http://www.pointbreezeonthelake.com/

Friday, November 20th, 3:00PM-8:00PM, Union Music brings the Taylor Guitars Sales Event to Worcester. Sales Manager Guitarist Monte Montefusco will be on hand with some one of a kind and limited edition Taylors, Taylorware gift cards with many Taylor guitar purchases, Free restringing of your Taylor guitar, and 12 month 0%/no interest financing on Taylor Electric guitars.

For the November Sales Event take another 10% off on purchases over $100* (excludes consignment, rentals, repairs and already on sale items). And new this season, for new Union Music students, receive 4 free private lessons with your Electric or Acoustic Guitar, Bass guitar, Keyboard or Drum set purchase during November and December 2009.

Club/Event Notes Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

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Thursday, Michael Thibodeau and Roger Lavallee join Duncan Arsenault at the Dive; Wormtown Trading brings Hot Day at the Zoo back to Tammany Hall; Mythology joins Bog of the Infidel at Ralph’s for metal night; Matt Shwachman’s singing solo at the Blackstone Tap; Brooks Milgate is with a Pony for my Birthday on the bill at Nick’s; and Hustle Simmons spins tunes at the Fifth Amendment.

Friday, deep punk blues meets crazy funk with a killer horn section in Clutch Grabwell, hitting the Cannery with the Ten Foot Polecats; Bret Talbert is at the Stoggy Hollow in Connecticut; The Flo plays a set of Beatles music at Beatnik’s; T’s back with Ed and Dave at Greendale’s; Bobby Vee performs at the Hanover Theatre; Allman Brothers tribute the Peacheaters are with Fennario at Tammany Hall; Worcester’s Got Talent Hip Hop Showcase is out in Nashua NH at the Amber Room; Into the Mouth of Hell Tour brings Trivium into the Palladium; 7 Minute Stagger headlines Sully’s Birthday Bash at London Billiards with Old Cold Faith; Rose Colored Glasses returns to the Wheelock Inn; Naysayer, Fire and Ice, Backtrack and more join forces at QVCC; Lamp Attack headlines Hungerpalooza with From here to Zanzibar at Clark; Dental Plan does duty at Ralph’s with Bovachevo and Cure for Static; Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse joins Mass Elite at Copperfield’s; it’s cabaret night with the Speakeasy Combo at Nick’s; The Cosby Sweaters return with the Jell-O puddin’ to Biagio’s; the Age of Punishment makes it an ‘80s night at the Raven; Hunter Foote sings at Fiddler’s Green; and the Dave Rivers Group jams at the Lucky Dog.

Saturday, Touched rocks Forty’s; Andy Cummings opens for Amy Allison at Nick’s; Olox the Terrible, Renegade and Chatty Mattie spit the bill at the Raven; the Island Castaways pay tribute to Buffett at the Cannery; New Pond Fondle joins New Pilot at Tammany Hall; the New Pale Bluesmen debut at the Blue Plate in Holden; Mourning the Dead joins Nemecide at Ralph’s; Bill McCarthy sings at Junior’s Pizza; Go Gadget Go rock Beatnik’s; The Ten Foot Pool Cats headline Gilrein’s; Vermont singer songwriter Tom Woodbury gets the Green Rooster Coffeehouse series going again; Dr. Gonzo performs in Andy and Linda Levy’s cozy living room at 4:30 to raise money to save Petey the Wondervan. It’s potluck, so bring a dish. You can find more info about this on facebook. Also, bluegrass band Southern Rail plays a special dinner concert to celebrate the release of their long awaited disc, On the Road From Appomattox, at St. Michael's Church in Bedford. It's $15 for a show and home cooked bean supper. visit southernrail.com.

Sunday, the Boston Blues Challenge is happening at Johnny D’s in Somerville.

Other Events:

On Friday, opening night for the play “Big Maggie” is at 7 p.m. at the Hibernian Cultural Center.

On Saturday, the Worcester State College Chorale has its 20 year reunion at the college, with a meeting of old and new members – a concert to happen at some point in the day.

Keep in mind, it's National Shelter Week, so please consider donating food, supplies and money to your local animal shelter. They appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Event/Club Notes Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

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Join the Tokyo Tramps (below) and more at the Hotel Vernon on Saturday night for Helenween, when the ghost of Babe Ruth is sure to rise up from the speakeasy.

Thursday, Jon Short’s playing the Delta blues at the Dive Bar; Organ Eyes does funky jazz at Nick’s; Fires of Old joins DarkWor for metal night at Ralph’s; Wrighteous L and the Wendels are at Beatnik’s; Andy Cummings sings at Hooligan's; and the Flock’s doing its usually Flocking at the Dog.

Friday, Penny Dreadful is live in the WCCA studios on Main Street from 3-7 p.m. for its Halloween Spooktaculer; the Mohegan Sun All-Stars join the Hartford Symphony Orchestra for a performance at the Hanover Theatre; there’s a Police tribute at PJ’s; Probable Cause does what they’re terming a pre-Halloween party at Beatnik’s; singer Maria Muldaur is joined by the Garden of Joy Jug Band at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley; Hat On, Drinking Wine returns to Nick’s; Demon’s Alley, The Erotics, Teenagers From Mars and the Raw join forces for a show at the Raven; the Drunken Uncles first tip ‘em back at McFadden’s and then Allgo’s; Brendan Mahoney’s solo at Greendale’s; The Stumbleweeds blow through Vincent’s; Messin with the Blues does just that at Gilrein’s; Bill McCarthy’s got his acoustic at the Old Post Office Pub; and Jimmy’s Down at Jillian’s.

Saturday, Windfall’s over at the Kaz Bar; The Satellite Rockers join Truth and Rights at Beatnik’s; Sandal Foot Machine reunites at Ralph’s; Five Hole is rocking PJ’s; Auntie Trainwreck’s back to the Emerald Isle; it’s a party with Mass Elite at the Fifth Amendment; The Dive Bar hosts the second annual Dogfish Head Extreme Halloween Mayhem night; The Cosby Sweaters return to Junior’s Pizza early evening; Play for Blood Drive draws Fallen Shall Rise, Promised Eden, Silent Mind and more at Tammany Hall; Larry and the Lobsters claw into WPI’s Alden Hall; Bram and the Stokers headline Nightmare on Millbury Street at Nick’s, along with Andy Cummings; the annual Deadites costume ball is back to the Lucky Dog; Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse has a bus going out to 12 Crane; Touched rocks a non-Halloween party at Greendale’s; The Ten Foot Pole Cats join the Cobramatics and the Tokyo Tramps at Hotel Vernon; Clamdigger’s back at the Galway Bay; Dana Lewis haunts the Whistle Stop in Oxford from 8:30-10:30 p.m.; On the Rocks invites you to wear costumes to Squire White’s; Psychobilly Cadillac pulls into Vincent’s; B&E’s got The Nines covered; Ronnie Earl enlists his Broadcasters at the Bull Run; Groove Alliance hits Irish Times; Lietrim’s throws a party with no cover; and The Allens are at Speakers Nightclub in Marlboro.

Doctor Robert is back at Sakura Tokyo both weekend nights, and folks are encouraged to dress it up on Saturday.

Tuesday night, The Palladium is host to Hethenfest; and Smokestack and the Foothill Fury joins the Ten Foot Pole Cats at The Dive Bar.

Other Events:

Thursdays, the Manor Restaurant in West Boylston hosts trivia nights, as does PJ’s up the street from there.
Friday, The Sharks take on the Bridgeport Tigers at the DCU Center.

The Boston Vegetarian Food Festival hits the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Boston on Saturday and Sunday. Visit bostonveg.org for more info on this incredible event, which includes hundreds of vegetarian and vegan vendors.

On Saturday, the Second Chance Animal Shelter hosts a benefit Masquerade Ball at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, with proceeds benefiting the shelter. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, author Kelly McGovern signs copies of Be Kind to Earth at Isador’s Fruit and Deli in Oxford. The Unknown Works opens at the Sprinkler Factory with an exhibit reception at 6 p.m. There’s a salsa social and food drive sponsored by Salsa Storm at the Hibernian Cultural Center. Three big malls around – Solomon Pond, Auburn Mall and the Greendale Mall invites kids to trick-or-treat in their costumes at 3 p.m. The WPI Concert Band plays selections from Phantom of the Opera at the annual Pops Concert at Alden Hall at 4 p.m.

People, Places and Things by John Nunziato opens on Nov. 2 and continues through Nov. 30 at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster. The artist reception takes place on Nov. 21 from 2-4 p.m.

Tom's Eatin' and Drinkin' Place in Northboro Closed

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Much to Ray Mason's surprise, his band isn't playing at Tom's Eatin' and Drinkin' Place in Northboro this Saturday night. In fact, no one will be eatin' and drinkin' there anymore, and haven't been for two weeks. Formerly known as Tom's Gourmet Marketplace, owners (Joe Seely, pictured with events director Erin Duggan) apparently hadn't let any of the acts know that the place had closed down.

"So nice that they never told any of the performers who were booked there, at least not me," said Mason. "I tried calling there today to find out that their phone was disconnected. Bad sign! A friend of mine headed me off at the pass so that I wouldn't have to drive out there for nothing. Showbiz is tough."

Hopefully Howie knows he's not playing Friday night, though he, and several others are still on the Website.

Club and Event Notes, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

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Uncle Billy's Smokehouse, playing Saturday at Beatnik's for a benefit for William Hurley

Thursday, Scott Ricciuti, Troy Gonyea and Duncan Arsenault play the Dive Bar; The Scales run up and down 'em at Beatnik's; Macey and Hart sing country tunes at TJ's Seafood in Auburn; Sam James sings at The Banner (as he does every week); Brooks Milgate sings at Nick's; and Venerable joins Contortionist at Ralph's.

Friday, Bill McCarthy's bringing his acoustic to Al Fresco in Holden; Anomia headlines QVCC; Ottomatic Slim jams at Gilrein's; Guns of Navarone headline Beatnik's; The Throttles burn it up at Vincent's; a band called the Rubblebucket Orchestra's the main act at Tammany Hall; The Chicken Slacks funk up Ralph's; Bret Talbert and his Six String Thing are at Tavern on the Common; The Right Now opens for OSB at the Lucky Dog; Mulligan's Fancy returns to Fiddler's Green; Last Call is out at Trumbull's in Spencer; Dead tribute Fennario shares the night with Sunlea at The Cannery; Soulstice locks in at the Irish Times; Fourth Gear pulls into the Blue Plate; and the Matt Shwachman Band is at Chaser's.

Saturday, Bill McCarthy sings at Junior's Pizza; WAAF's hosting a big Halloween bash at The Palladium with a ton of bands, including the Pantera tribute Trendkill, Killa T and Bogus Trizzy; Chase Haven joins the bill, which includes Limited Sight and Wednesday Night Coincidence, at Tammany Hall; Melt drips at The Raven with Bullethead; No Alibi's rocking in costumes at Greendale's; Auntie Trainwreck returns to the Kaz Bar; SexCoffee is with Vulgarrity for Rocktober at Ralph's; Gilmour's Breakfast pays tribute to Floyd at the Lucky Dog; Alive and Kickin' does covers at the Fifth Amendment; Destruct-a-Thon plays its last show ever in the afternoon at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain; The Alchemystics bring hip-hop and reggae to the Cannery; and Uncle Billy's Smokehouse plays a benefit at Beatnik's for the family of William Hurley, who passed away tragically after disappearing from a Boston train station a few weeks ago.

Other events:

On Thursdays, Chuck's Steakhouse in Auburn has got team trivia nights.

Point, Click, Shoot – Snapshots Celebrating Life shows more than 200 family snapshots, from poignant to hilarious, at the Fitchburg Art Museum through January. At Booklovers' Gourmet, Sarah Hage's paintings are up through October. Called Small Pleasures, this exhibit features the California artist's bright, whimsical works.

Reckless opens at the Gateway Players in Southbridge on Friday, and continues through Halloween. Also Friday, The Worcester Pride Association hosts Casino Night at Carrington Hall on Harding Street. Bill Maher is out at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston.

Saturday, the West Brookfield Elementary School hosts a Vendor and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mount Wachusett hosts its annual Applefest; taste plenty of apple-induced treats, enjoy music, a moonbounce, farmer's market, take skyrides, and take in the beauty of the mountain in Princeton. And ClayTime Studio on Park Ave. celebrates 10 years with an open house from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. that includes snacks, free gifts and of course painting some pottery. The EcoTarium hosts its annual Great Pumpkin Fest, which includes displays of hundreds of carved pumpkins, hayrides, trainrides, costume contests, crafts, demonstratons and more from noon to 9 p.m.

The EcoTarium in Worcester, MA, Announces Extensive Development Plans

2009-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

The EcoTarium Announces Extensive Development Plans - Top Floor to be completed in 2010 - Guest experience to include virtual trip up Mt. Washington, category-1 hurricane simulator, weather demonstrations and more - Early fundraising includes $1 Million contribution from The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation to Strengthen Ties to Local Schools

WORCESTER, Mass., October 19, 2009 -The EcoTarium, New England's largest and most popular science and nature center, today announced plans to significantly enhance its exhibits, wildlife habitats, educational and family programming, as well as amenities, creating an unmatched experience for its guests. The EcoTarium unveiled its "Third Century Plan" at its bi-annual gala auction, and announced early support for its fundraising efforts, with a gift of $1 million from The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc., adding to the more than $1.3 million already raised. The Third Century Plan is named in recognition of the center's approaching 200th birthday, in 2025. The plan includes $35 million in investments and upgrades that will be implemented in four distinct phases-all with the purpose of enhancing learning opportunities and the experience of inquiry, discovery and exploration in the physical and natural sciences. Setting the Stage for Growth Today's announcement follows several years of intense planning and progress at the EcoTarium. These efforts have set the stage for the organization's continued growth as a dynamic learning and educational resource for students and teachers, and a fun, family-oriented attraction that serves the entire region.

Under the leadership of Stephen M. Pitcher, who has served as its president since 2005, the EcoTarium has laid the foundation for this important expansion. In recent years, the organization has invested in the guest experience, including a nearly one million dollar investment to improve the planetarium-making it the first publicly accessible full dome digital planetarium in Massachusetts; more interactive exhibits; the purchase of two new exhibits that engage the public in both indoor and outdoor experiences; more family-friendly events; and a newly refurbished Animal Corner and Bird House; and wildlife, including otters. These improvements have resulted in an increase in visitors each year for the past three years.

The EcoTarium also is on target to meet its financial goals for the fifth consecutive year. "We are thrilled to be launching our Third Century Plan today," said Stephen Pitcher, president of the EcoTarium. "Each phase of this effort represents a dramatic step forward for our organization. Each phase better positions us to deliver on our commitment to inspire a passion for science and nature through discovery and to create an experience unrivaled by any other science and nature center. With this expansion, we will continue our long, proud tradition of serving our members and the people of Central New England." Creating a World Class Learning Experience When the Third Century Plan is completed, the EcoTarium will feature four new iconic exhibits: creating mountain, forest, water and urban environments and experiences for guests. Taken together, these interactive exhibits will provide families with countless new ways to learn about science and nature through hands-on exploration.

Phase One of The Third Century Plan, with a fundraising goal of $8.2 million, is already under way. The top floor expansion-a major component of Phase One- is expected to be completed by late 2010. The renovated space will enable guests to envision themselves standing on the top of Mount Washington, New England's highest peak and home to some of the most severe weather in the world. As part of this experience, visitors will be able to step out on a glass floor ledge, looking over the museum's landscape as if they are on top of a mountain. At the same time, by looking outward through the museum's three-story glass wall, guests will experience the panoramic views of the center's natural surroundings-an experience that invites both indoor and outdoor exploration. Through a virtual trip up Mt. Washington guests will envision themselves driving up the auto road and cog railway during two different seasons. This experience will introduce guests to the unique conditions and different life zones supported on the mountain. When entering a phone booth sized, hurricane simulator, guests will experience the fury and sound of category one hurricane-force winds. A spin browser will allow guests to explore and learn about New England's notoriously fickle weather. Guests will be able to look out the Ecotarium's three-story rear courtyard window while taking in archived views from the same window, showing the changing weather and seasons. A live Doppler image of Massachusetts will also be available, allowing visitors to see what kind of weather is coming our way. A climbing wall and faux-boulders, where visitors of all ages can test their mountaineering skills and balance. Rocks and minerals of the types found on Mt. Washington will be embedded in the climbing wall, and very young children can step carefully from "safe-rock to safe-rock," painted on the floor, taking care not to step on the delicate alpine fauna found at the mountain's summit. In addition, Phase One of the plan also will bring upgraded guest amenities, added shade and seating at the EcoTarium's "sundial plaza, site of the EcoTarium's popular Jazz-at-Sunset performance series," added wayfinding and signage, improvements to the power plant and exploration into alternative energy options, and a branding initiative to further build membership and attendance.

Community Partners Support Education and Local Economy The EcoTarium recently began fundraising efforts, gaining early commitments from numerous supporters, including The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, EcoTarium Trustees and other foundations. "The Hanover is proud to be partner to the EcoTarium as it plans for its third century of service to our community," said Fred Eppinger, chief executive officer of The Hanover Insurance Group. "More than ever, when science and math play such an important role in our economy, the EcoTarium is a vitally important resource to our city and our region. We look forward to helping develop and sustain exciting new learning opportunities for our families and our children, as well as teaching opportunities for professional educators." Building on a Rich History When it was founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, it was six years before Charles Darwin's historic voyage, nine years before the term "scientist" was coined, and 40 years before the founding of the American Museum of Natural History. Over nearly two centuries of service to the community, the EcoTarium has been an essential resource in the education infrastructure of Central Massachusetts. Indeed, a visit to the EcoTarium has become a well-loved tradition for students, teachers and families from throughout the region, who come to be inspired, challenged, fascinated and educated by the EcoTarium's unique combination of accessible, science-based content and hands-on learning exhibits. The organization and facility have continuously evolved and grown to meet the educational needs of a region and economy that is heavily invested in and reliant upon a workforce highly skilled in the sciences, technology, engineering and math.

Today, as it looks forward to beginning its third century of service, the EcoTarium seeks to build on its commitment to the community and its legacy of inspiring wonder, fostering intellectual inquiry, and nurturing scientific literacy. About The EcoTariumEcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, Massachusetts' first digital planetarium, and a narrow-gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For information, visit www.ecotarium.org, call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.

About The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation: The mission of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc. is to improve the quality of life in communities where The Hanover Insurance Group companies have a major presence, placing a special emphasis on helping to build world class public education systems and inspiring and empowering youth to achieve their full potential. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass. is a leading provider of auto, home and business insurance in Massachusetts. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester; Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover ranks among the top 30 property and casualty insurers in the United States. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

Contact: Liz Foxwell, Manager of Marketing and Communications, 508-929-2738, lfoxwell@ecotarium.org.

Club Notes, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

2009-10-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gold Star Campaign

Thursday, Johnny Dollar does the Third Thursday early evening show at the Worcester Art Museum; Turd Thursday's songwriter's challenge is at Dr. Gonzo's Emporium on Main Street – bring your latest song about monsters and zombies or love hate relationships; Jon Robert and MSB open for Eve 6 at Tammany Hall; Laid in Stone joins metal Thursday at Ralph's; Michael Thibodeau joins the Accident That Led Me to the World at Nick's; and Duncan Arsenault invites Scott Ricciuti and Jeff Burch to jam at The Dive Bar.

Friday, Bill McCarthy slings his guitar to Greendale's; Naughty Nurse Night welcomes This Burning World and more to London Billiards; Holmes funks up Beatnik's; Sean Kershaw's got his New Jack Ramblers at Vincent's; Revolver shoots Irish Times; Fourth Gear pulls into PJ's Bar and Grille; 66 Breakout is with Derek Drowne at the Raven; Jediah's with Ashland's Attic at the Cannery; Brian Richard's out in Boston at Kings; Ominous Black headlines the Grind at Clark; Touched lights up the Gaslight Cafe in Webster; The Weight of Gravity jams at the Pumphouse; and Dan Burke and the Speakeasy Combo joins Niki Luparellia at Nick's.

Saturday, Gold Star Campaign's headlining Beatnik's; Clam Digger's at the Centre Grille's parking lot on Green Street as part of the Green Street Octoberfest, which also includes performances by DRG; Jason James returns to the Galway Bay; Slave to the Metal Tour continues at Ralph's; New Pilot joins The Bargains and the Change-Up at the Middle East in Cambridge; Melvern Taylor returns to Nick's; Probable Cause returns to JJ's Sports Bar in Northboro; Brett and Lisa from She's Busy sing at Chuck's Steakhouse; and of course it's the Dreaded Event at the Lucky Dog, where Bugsy cuts off six years of dreadlocks, set to the music of Hey Now Morris Fader, The Luxury, The Curtain Society and Huck.

On both Friday and Saturday night, Ralph's is home to Slave to the Metal nights – with ten bands playing each night. Visit http://www.slavetothemetal.com/ for details on that one. Rock and Shock pummels the Palladium and DCU Center from Friday night through Sunday.
Sunday, Freedomsong II benefits the Massachusetts Veterans Association with a big show at the National Guard Museum at 4 p.m. with performances by Shakey Steve and the Blue Cats, Doctor Robert, Brett and Lisa Brumby, Big Dawg and many more.

Other Events:
On Thursday, bluegrass guitarist Richard Gilewitz gives a workshop at Union Music at 5 p.m. Michelle Lyons is one of the features at the Poetry Festival at Worcester State College.
Saturday, Haberdash in the Canal District starts at 10 a.m. at Alexis Grace.
Sunday, Worcester Earn-a-Bike and VegWorcester lead a casual 18 mile bike ride from downtown Worcester to Maple Farm Sanctuary's annual picnic in Mendon, MA. Leaves at 10 a.m. from the Major Taylor Statue outside of the Worcester Library. Maple Farm, which is a sanctuary that provides lifelong homes for abused farmed animals, hosts an event that includes music, tours of the farm, raffles, speakers and of course, the animals themselves.

Event Notes, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

2009-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Super 400
On Thursday, Jon Short's bringing in the delta blues to the Dive – it's moving inside this week, folks; Sean McGorty and friends sing at the Raven; Police tribute Ghost in the Machine opens for the Flock at the Lucky Dog, where Nytemare also unleashes a new disc; The Wrecking Coast joins a Vital Might at Ralph's; Demon's Alley, the Suicide Mary's and 66 Breakout join forces at Tammany Hall; and the Dave Rivers Band picks up the Piccadilly in Marlboro.

On Friday, Bret Talbert sings at Beatnik's; Drunken Uncles hit McFadden's for the after-work crowd and then head over to Allgos later on Shrewsbury Street; Super 400's rocking with Township and Shryne at Ralph's; Celtic Crossroads fiddles at the Hanover; Beatles for Sale have got the Fab 4 covered at The Cannery (also in celebration of John Lennon's birthday); The Franks celebrate a new disc with a show along with the Weight of Gravity and Poor Pluto at Tammany Hall; and Taking Dawn joins Dragonforce at The Palladium.

On Saturday, there's a CD release show for Insomniaddict by Shane Hall at the Lucky Dog Music Hall along with Sleep Alive and This Burning World; Dana Lewis sings at Tavern on the Common; Brian Richard and his drummer buddy Maxwell, who also recorded his latest CD with him, do a show at Jillian's; HippoCampus is the act at the Cannery; Burn the Witch (which features Pete Cortese of Seemless) joins Graveyard Barbecue at The Raven; Gilmour's Breakfast nails Floyd at the Music Lady in Plainfield, CT; Auntie Trainwreck (do you say “antie,” or, um, “auntie?”) returns to London Billiards; Trigger's shooting at Irish Times; The Matt Shwachman Band's popping at the Galway Bay; Hat On, Drinking Wine sips it at Beatnik's; Jason James shakes the taxidermy at Vincent's; and Lisa Marie returns to the Sahara.

Both weekend nights, Route 66 rides into Sakura Tokyo.

Sunday afternoon, Rob Adams is the featured artist at the famous Frank's Pub blues jam; Dreaded Silence is with Shroud of Bereavement at Ralph's; Bill McCarthy's lugging his acoustic to Al Fresco; DRG headlines Tamfest at Tammany Hall, where Matt Shwachman and Silent Mind also play; the Tool tribute Schism headlines the Lucky Dog; and the Palladium has got Victims or Armeggedon; What You Missed, The Fighting Judges, Some Assembly Required and Blacklight, among many others, at this all day event.

Other events:

Last chance to view the Metamorphosis of an Object by world-renowned sculptor Rona Pondick at the Worcester Art Museum. The exhibit ends on Sunday.

Next Thursday, Oct. 15, it's Wodehouse Day at 55 Pearl, where you're invited to dress like it's the 1920s.

Charlene's fun prank of the month. Try this at home: If, by some chance, you have a completely overgrown zucchini or squash from this past summer's garden - we are talking one weighing in at more than five pounds here - you can have some fun with this. Sneak it in to a local supermarket, and strategically place the squash among the other, much smaller, squashies in the produce section. Watch as shoppers are confused at the lone monstrous vegetable. "Wow, should I buy this? Honey, look at this thing." Please send video reactions to weeklyshuffle@gmail.com.

Valerie Crockett loses battle with cancer

2009-10-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

Valerie Crockett, 53, a singer, songwriter and musician, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, after a three-year battle with leiomyosarcoma. Valerie, devoted wife of longtime musician and journalist Walter Crockett, most recently recorded and performed with Valerie and Walter Crockett and the Oxymorons, a popular bluegrass-tinged folk-pop outfit that played at festivals and coffeehouses throughout the area.

Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA. A memorial s...ervice will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Road. For information, visit http://nordgrenmemorialchapel.com/.

Club Notes, Thursday, Oct. 1

2009-09-30T17:56:00.001-07:00

Thursday, Shane Hall's joining DJ Merf at Jerky's in Providence for a rap show; Josh Briggs sings at Beatnik's; Closed Casket joins Smite the Righteous and Summoning Hate at Ralph's; Tyra Penn and her Army of Snakes slither into Nick's; and the Dive's got soul – this week welcoming DJ Shame to the fold.

Friday, Ed and Dave sing tunes with T on bass at Greendale's; Bill McCarthy's got his acoustic at the Old Post Office Pub; Lesions is with Underlying Truth at the Raven; The Cosby Sweaters fill Biago's with acoustic '80s pop tunes; Another Soldier Down rocks London Billiard's with Helen Keller; Jason James rumbles at Beatnik's; Fighting Friday is the act on Friday at Jillian's; Ellis Island debuts at the Emerald Isle; Social Failure joins the lineup at the Lucky Dog Music Hall along with Hated and Pitfall; Fergus does contemporary Irish tunes at Fiddler's Green; The Ten Foot Pole Cats return to The Dive; The Rhythm Party is back at the Sahara; Johnny Dollar does jazzy covers of classic rock tunes at Mill Street Brews; The Sonic Explorers do jazz at Clark; Windfall blows in with the blues at Gilrein's; The E Street Shuffle, a tribute to the Boss, hides on the backstreets at Holy Cross College for a show at 8 p.m.; The Middle River Band's got City Lights this weekend; and DJ Corey Hill mixes the tunes at Red.

Saturday, Touched opens for The Fools at the Lucky Dog; Probable Cause is at the Fifth Amendment (which used to be Chasers) along with some comedy acts; Sarah Kauffman sings at Vincent's; Bill McCarthy's singing at Junior's; the Awake and Alive tour pulls into the Palladium with acts such as Skillet and the Letter Black; SBGB resurfaces at Ralph's with Chylde and the Numbskulls; Old School's holding class at Greendale's; Driving Rain splashes 3-G's Sports Pub; Whalebone Farmhouse is making waves all over the city, this week playing Beatnik's; and Marcy Playground smells sex and candy at Tammany Hall.

Sunday, Nick's celebrates two years with many special guest appearances by the club's favorites.

Other events:

Bound by Fashion: the Corset in European Art is one of the featured exhibits at the Worcester Art Museum through the fall.

Friday is World Smile Day. As we know, the Smiley Face was invented here. Be sure to smile a lot. Every Friday, the Wine Vine's got free wine and cheese tastings. The Worcester Library hosts “A Celebration of Authors,” which is a fundraising event that features readings and remarks by nationally renowned authors Marilynne Robinson and Elinor Lipman. This event is 6-10 p.m. Also, the Regional Environmental Council holds its Slow Food Gala at Holy Cross from 6-10 p.m., as well. This five course meal costs $75. And be prepared to spend some time savoring, and waiting. Again, this is not fast food. “Love, Laughter, Comedy and Karaoke” night packs a lot of types of entertainment into one evening at the Holden Chapel. If you don't mind traveling, comedian Paula Poundstone is out at the Wilbur Theatre.

Saturday, it's the Douglas Octoberfest – the only Octoberfest without beer – which features vendors, food and plenty of performances, including the Delta Generators, Hat On, Drinking Wine, the Accident that Led Me to the World, Huck and many more. There's also a fundraiser to combat Polycystic Kidney Disease with an event at the Northbridge American Legion – it includes a buffet and tunes by Beatles for Sale. Waters Farm in Sutton celebrates Waters Farm Days starting at 1 p.m.

Interested in showing your stuff at stART at the Station? Applications are now open at http://www.startonthestreet.org/.

Club Notes, Thursday, Sept. 24

2009-09-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, The Giant Yes plays a mix of funky stuff by the Meters, Herbie Hancock and more at The Dive; Johnny Dollar does jazz at the Dark Horse Tavern at 12 Crane; The G Spots are down at Tammany Hall; Know Nothing headlines London Billiards; PJ's has karaoke (not trivia as they initially advertised) and it's Corey Graves Comedy Buffet at Beatnik's. Meet the clowns from the Barnum and Bailey Circus (which I do not support because of their cruelty to animals, but it's ok to see the clowns) in Elm Park at 6 p.m. There's also some awards night that's happening down in the canal district.

Friday, Jubilee Gardens is at the Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse rocks Beatnik's; the Coyotes rock Greendale's; Sasquatch and the Sickabillys headline a show with Gein and the Graverobbers and the Cadavers at the Lucky Dog; Rose Colored Glasses once again rocks the Kaz Bar; Bill McCarthy sings at Al Fresco in Holden; Reject joins Project Red at London Billiards; Lisa and Brett from She's Busy sing at Brian's in Northbridge; Scalpel joins This Burning World at the Raven; Jeff Norwood's at Gilrein's with the Ten Foot Pole Cats making it a deep blues night along with Jon Short; rockabilly master Jason James tears up Irish Times; Carol O'Shaughnassy returns to Nick's; The Weight of Gravity funks out with Holmes at the Cannery; the Chicken Slacks grease up Ralph's; Scott Ricciuti's doing his stuff with Huck at Vincent's; New Bay Colony's doing covers at Jillian's; and Singuya joins the Hornitz at Beatnik's.

Saturday, Backseat Lover is the ultimate Pearl Jam tribute at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Linda Dagnello sings with the Pamela Hines Quintet at Nick's; there's a Bethlehem Artisan Festival on Sturbridge Town Common; Keri sings with Whalebone Farmhouse at the Sahara Restaurant; Quick to Judge has got London Billiards covered along with Wrecking for brutalfest; Bill McCarthy's singing tunes out at the Old Post Office Pub; and Bob Jordan is singing in the front room of this very studio, right at WCUW on Main Street.

Dr. Robert takes both nights at Sakura Tokyo (keep in mind, the now defunct Pet Rock originally was scheduled for these dates).

On Sunday, Rob Adams sings at the Stoggy Hollow in Connecticut.

Club Notes, Thursday, Sept. 17 2009

2009-09-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, The Dive's always got a great act jamming down on Green Street, and this week it is the DB Trio, which also, earlier, opens up the next installment of the Third Thursdays at the Worcester Art Museum; Lisa Marie's with All Shook Up at Nick's; and it's metal night at Ralph's.

On Friday, Danny Dark and the Black Souls do '70s AM Gold stuff at the Blue Plate in Holden; Pleasure to Burn, When the Deadbolt Breaks, Orange Diesel and Ichabod rock Ralph's; Sunlea debuts at Beatnik's; there's an open mic at Acoustic Java; The Middle River Band returns to the Oxford Tavern; Bloodlined Caligraphy brings its tour to QVCC with The Burial; Bill McCarthy's got his guitar at Greendale's; Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Wheelock Inn in Millbury; SBT headlines London Billiards along with Suicide Marys and the Tin Thistles, who play tunes off their new album; and Lisa Marie sings the blues at the Sahara.

On Saturday, Guns of Navarone does punk reggae at Beatnik's; Beatles for Sale do the Beatles at the Gardner Music Hall; Rock House 6 rocks the Cannery; Over a Cardboard Sea joins the Crockpots at Vincent's; Orange Diesel and Pako join forces at the Lucky Dog; Jason James rips up the Galway Bay; We Are the Romans headline QVCC; The Turkeys are at Tammany Hall; Dr. Robert plays hits at Greendale's; the Barnstormers are back at Vincent's; Beware the Ides are at the Raven; Auntie Trainwreck crashes into Squire White's; Dogfight joins Sadplant at Ralph's; and a band called Right Angle Woman is debuting at Irish Times.

Touched rocks both weekend nights at Sakura Tokyo.

Other Events:

Friday, Russian Regimes in Music by the QX Quartet is at Razzo Hall at Clark University.

Saturday afternoon, there's a Main South Celebrates festival in, you guessed it – Main South; the September Salsa Social hits the Hibernian Cultural Center;

On Sunday, Start on the Street takes over Park Ave. starting at 11 and pretty much throughout the day. Visit 100s of art and craft vendors from all over New England, as well as eat food and enjoy many live performances by bands such as the Wandas, Harry and the Potters and Rich Bound Blues and many more.

Club Notes, Thursday, Sept. 3

2009-09-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Before the Fall, pictured, is part of the Concerts4Charity shows at the Palladium this weekend.

Special thanks to Dr. Gonzo, who visited the Weekly Shuffle radio this week, bringing mayhem, laughter .. and condiments to WCUW. Check out his stuff.

On Thursday, Duncan Arsenault and whatever band he brings with him plays in the beer garden at The Dive; Billy Claire's solo at the Piccadilly Pub in Marlboro; Bloadsoaked joins the metal lineup at Ralph's; Macey and Hart sing at TJ's Seafood in Auburn; The G-spots headline Beannik's; and it's Thirsty Thursday at Hooligan's with Andy Cummings. And don't forget, Shadow's Fall is on the Jimmy Kimmell show.

Friday, Danny Heath's with Workingman's Jazz at the Colonial Inn in Concord; Ed and Dave sing at Greendale's; The Luxury, New Pilot, The Sift and more plays a Concerts for Charity at The Palladium; Tailor Made's with The Humans at Tammany Hall; Fourth Gear rocks PJ's; The Delta Generators return to Gilrein's; Radio Edit debuts at Jillian's; there's a Sublime tribute at Beatnik's; The Doctor's Fox sneaks into Vincent's; The Rhythm Party's back at the Sahara Restaurant; Driftwood floats into Spiritual Haze; Darkwor is in the back at London Billiards; Varsity Drag, The Cretins and the Disconnect open for The Pathetics at Ralph's; Deep Six and Promised Eden help open for Mullethead at the Lucky Dog.

Saturday, The Johnny Dollar Experiment cuts loose at The Cannery in Southbridge; Bret Talbert sings acoustic tunes at the Post Office Pub; Brilliant, Gutta and Brilliant make it a poppy night at The Raven; Soulstice and The Weight of Gravity joins Sky Blue Mind at Tammany Hall. Sky Blue Mind is a new eclectic and esoteric progression, fusion project that features Bob Belanger from The Weight of Gravity on drums and former bandmate Steve Mossberg on keyboards. Jubilee Gardens is led by Jubilee Connolly at the Sahara Restaurant; The Shady Saints crowd the corner at the Galway Bay; The Middle River Band are out at JJ's in Northboro; there's a piano bar at the Other Place Pub (every Saturday); Route 66 rocks the Emerald Isle; Auntie Trainwreck's smashing into Greendale's; Concerts4Charity continues at The Palladium with Lot 54, Before the Fall and many more; Babe Pino sings and blow the harp with his band at Gilrein's; and Whalebone Farmhouse has got roots at Beatnik's.

Sunday, Probable Cause does its Boston Harbor Booze Cruise.

Other events:

Thursday, there's a reception at Rollstone Studios in Fitchbug for Feline, Canine, All Mine, which is an exhibit that includes pet portraits by Reverend Blamo, and Animal Translations, an in person appearance by “pet whisperer” Maureen Harmonay. The opening reception is 4-8 p.m.

The Rhythm and Roots Festival fills out the weekend with New Orleans R&B, zydeco, swing, Americana and more at Ninigret Park in Rhode Island.

Friday evening, Worcester State College takes on Assumption College football at Coughlin Stadium at 7 p.m.

Saturday, there's an open studio at the Sprinkler Factory; and Boxer Buddies Rescue holds its Wiggle Butt Walk fundraiser at Hopkinton State Park.

Sunday, there's a Wachusett Reservoir History Program at Old Stone Church in West Boylston.

Club Notes, Thursday, Aug. 27

2009-08-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Bret Talbert sings at Beatnik's.

Friday, Guns of Navarone joins Orange Diesel, Overshine and Build a Machine split the bill at Tammany Hall; The Roosters are back at JJ's in Northboro; Bill McCarthy sings at Greendale's; Broken Cross rocks London Billiards; Bill McCarthy sings at Greendale's; Rose Colored Glasses returns to the Kaz Bar; Girl Haggard is part of the bill at the Lucky Dog along with Jason James and the Cobramatics; Tori Pyne debuts at the Dive Bar; Sunlea opens for Uncle Billy's Smokehouse at Beatnik's; the Chicken Slacks funk up Ralph's;

Saturday, the Gears of Worcester Music bring the Hoosegow Kings to play the blues at Vincent's; the Cosby Sweaters return to Junior's; the annual spectacle and yard sale led by Bob Jordan takes place at 13 West Street in Grafton; Beatles for Sale does just that at the Grafton Inn; Bruce Marshall makes his Greendale's Pub debut; Craving Lucy headlines the Raven; Clamdigger is a fave at the Galway Bay; Clamdigger returns to the Galway; Dub Sack Dynasty does Moynihan's; and Emptyhead headlines Irish Times.

Sunday, it's the Boulder Beer Party's 30th birthday at The Dive Bar; Chris Brunelle makes his debut at Emerald Isle; and the Summoned is the one at London Billiards.

Tuesdays, Jon Short's always at Armsby Abbey.

Other events:

On Friday, They're showing The Firm at 2 p.m. at the Worcester Public Library.

Club Notes, Thursday, Aug. 13

2009-08-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Pictured, Emilie Poulin, owner of The Q, this week's guest on The Weekly Shuffle. Be sure to head to the Q on Sunday for their second year anniversary celebration.

Thursday, Chet Williamson's blowing the harp at Oxford's Casual Dining; Sean Ryan of Uncle Billy's Smokehouse sings at Beatnik's; Driven's rocking Ralph's; The Change-Up and the Alchemystics join the lineup as part of the Wonderland Music Series at Mechanics Hall; and the Tokyo Tramps join The Flock at the Lucky Dog.

Friday, Ben Cooley Hall and Sarah Winant return to Nick's; Shane Hall is part of the bill at the Raven that is called a Last Minute Awesome Fest and also features Greg McKillop; Christopher Bell debuts at Spiritual Haze; In Harm's Way opens for Zero Point at London Billiards; Fergus does contemporary Irish at the Fiddler's Green; The Ten Foot Pole Cats are back at The Dive Bar; Orange Diesel opens for, East Coast Runaways and All in Blind at Ralph's; and Lisa Marie is All Shook Up at the Sahara.

Saturday, Guns of Navarone fire at Beatnik's; The Curtain Society and the Bee's Knees are out at Sally O'Brien's in Somerville; Huck's hitting Finnegan's; the Thrash and Burn tour pulls into the Palladium with Seize the Day and Periphery; Stuart Ferguson sings at the Grafton Inn; Switchblade Suicide is with Sorry and the Sinatras at The Raven; Color Me Badd is with This Burning World, opening for Ozzy tribute Crazy Train, at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; The Mike Cranville Band debuts at Greendale's; Ben Cooley Hall sings at Nick's; SuperVolcano headlines Ralphs and also invites the Retakes; The Ed Melikian Ensemble is a favorite at the Sahara Restaurant; and Whalebone Farmhouse heads back to Vincent's.

Touched takes care of the weekend at Sakura Tokyo.

Sunday, Rounding Off Numbers is out at Boston Billiards on Grove Street; and Bobby Gadoury and the Speakeasy Combo gather at Nick's.

Monday, it's a bon voyage party for Brian and Goff with Sam Politz at Nick's.

Other events:

Thursday, it's Peterman Bobblehead night at the Worcester Tornadoes game - the first 1,000 gets one.

Friday, All Shook Up opens at Mount Wachusett Community Theatre and continues through the weekend; Worcester Storytellers returns to Vasa Hall (where readers get up to eight minutes of stage time).

Saturday's the annual and fantastic Latin Festival, taking over downtown with bands, food and frenzy; at the DCU bank in Marlboro there's a huge Soap Suds for Schools car wash all day; the Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival flutters at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sunday, the Q's celebrating two years in business with a big celebration, most likely including poetry and music.

Sunday, Julio's Liquors in Westboro is hosting a Belgian Beer Fest from 1-4 p.m.

Club Notes, Thursday, Aug. 6

2009-08-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Lisa Barthelson (pictured), interviewed today on WCUW's the Weekly Shuffle. Barthelson talked about Art in the Park, which opens Thursday, Aug. 6, at Elm Park at 6 p.m. The opening includes artist talks, food and tunes by the mighty Dinosaurs. This 22-piece exhibit, which will be on display through October, featuring an exceptional, and eclectic, mix of media by artists Andy Campbell, Vicente Garcia, Susan Champeny, Susu Wing and many more. Barthelson's piece, "Found Nest, After Ice Storm," was inspired by last year's monstrous ice storm that pummeled the area at the beginning of the winter.

Thursday, WCUW is presenting Duke Robillard at the Hanover Theatre as part of their series; Reverend JJ and the Casual Sinners preach at Tammany Hall; Eternal Embrace is part of the Ralph's metal show; Twitch the Ripper joins Streak at the Raven; Joshua English, Ghost Ocean and Nate MacKinnon do acoustic performances at Nick's; Ken Macy Jr. sings at Block 5, and down the street it's a funk party in the beer garden at The Dive.

Friday, Saint to Sinner joins Levity at London Billiards; Bill McCarthy brings his guitar to the Old Post Office Pub; Bottlefight hits the stage with Designer Drugs, Slitstitch and Sadplant at Ralph's; Hat On, Drinking Wine debuts, along with Only at Night, at the Lucky Dog; The Summer Street Band returns to Speakers; Ripcord racks 'em up at Jillian's; Shirley Lewis belts the blues at Gilrein's; BlackSheep herds at the Fiddler's Green; and Gold Star Campaign rocks Beatnik's.
Saturday, The Lights Out's at Ralph's with the Bad Bads; Still Aggravated rocks PJ's Bar and Grill; Slack debuts at the Emerald Isle; Beatles for Sale does the Fab4 at JJ's in Northboro; White Chocolate melts at Chaser's; Ben Cole's heating up the Boiler Room; Never Enough Bullets and New Ditty split the bill at The Raven; the Gobshites do surf at the Cannery; The Weight of Gravity jams at Oxford Tavern; The Trick Bag Blues Band improvises at Gilrein's; Go Gadget Go does covers at The Nines; the Middle River Band rocks Breakaway Billiards in Clinton; and DJ Reckless spins at Red 1888.

Friday and Saturday night, the Matt Schwachman Band returns to Sakura Tokyo; and speaking of Sakura Tokyo, a favorite there, Pet Rock, is calling it quits and doing so with two farewell shows this weekend at Foxwoods Casino, Friday and Saturday night. Speaking of breakups, Cathy's Clown and New England Soul Revue, too, have unfortunately called it quits, with no appropriate glue for repair in clear sight at this time.

On Sunday, Poison the Well, Bane and Madball are part of the $10 for 10 bands tour at the Palladium; Jason James tears down the place at Nick's; CD Stone and his Screamin' Blue Orchestra jams at the Blue Plate in the afternoon; and Letterday does an all ages show at the Raven.

Other events:

Art in the Park opens at Elm Park on Thursday, and will be on display through October. It opens at 6 p.m. with live music, artist tours and food.
Saturday is the Puttin' for Pawz event at the Leicester County Club to raise money for the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Also Saturday morning, at 10, Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary runs a program for kids called Insects Have Six Legs.

Saturday and Sunday the Worcester World Cup takes place at Foley Stadium.

On Sunday, the Import Evolution Car Show is at the DCU Center; there's a birthday celebration for Smokey the Bear at the Riverbend Farm Visitor's Center in Uxbridge; the fantastic Fat City Band swings at the Elks Club for their weekly Dance2Swing in Leominster; the Poet's Asylum brings words to Jumpin, Juice and Java; there's a Stone Beer Dinner at Armsby Abbey; and Jo Dee Messina sings country at Indian Ranch in Webster.

Do you have a show coming up? Want to be a guest on the weekly shuffle? Have your tune played on the show? Email Charlene at carsena882@aol.com. Mailing address PO Box 310, Auburn, MA 01501.

Club Notes, Thursday, July 30

2009-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

Pictured: The Delta Generators, photo by Bree Bailey

On Thursday, The Dialogue plays the Cantina Bar; the Worcester Tornadoes present Beatles for Sale at Fitton Field; Organ Eyes crank at Nick's; Graveheart headlines metal night at Ralph's; Intermission is with the JC Young Band at Chaser's; Bret Talbert sings at Beatnik's; Jon Short and Jeff Burch join Duncan Arsenault at the Dive Bar; Pako opens for The Flock at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; and Build a Machine debuts at Tammany Hall.

Friday, The Cosby Sweaters sing '80s stuff at Greendale's; Windfall blows into the Kaz Bar; Tester's rocking the Raven with 7 Minute Stagger; Castine pops up the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Andy Dow is with Bruce Marshall at PJ's in West Boylston; Necktie Party ties one on with Vullgarrity at Ralph's; Chet Williamson's blowing the harp at Nick's; Jimmy's Down rocks Jillian's; Sunlea opens for Uncle Billy's Smokehouse at Tammany Hall; and Ken Tracy Jr. returns to Creegan's Pub.

Saturday, Zac Galen is at Milly's Tavern; Clamdigger is over at Breen's; Jumping Ship is with Challenges and Tales at QVCC; The Cosby Sweaters return to Junior's; The Walking Blues Band shuffles to the Old Post Office Pub; Leaving Eden joins the lineup at The Raven; the Delta Generators are out at Tommy Doyle's; The Roosters crow at Greendale's; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse joins Holmes at the Bull Run; The Rectangle Club joins the lineup at Ralph's, which also includes Mr. E. Floyd; Irish Times has Believer this week.

On Sunday, Chylde, You Need New Glasses and Shirts and Skins play Ralph's; and DJ Reckless is at a Club Universe under 21 party.

Other events:

On Thursday, the Blackstone Valley Community concert band packs onto the stage at Whitinsville Common.

MacBeth is in the park – Green Hill Park – through August 2.

Willy Wonka Jr. is performed at Calliope Productions in Boylston throughout the weekend.
Sunday, there's a bat program at the Elm Hill Center.

Club Notes, Thursday, July 23

2009-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Coyote Run, playing at the Blackstone Celtic Fest.

Thursday, A War for All Seasons joins The Sharpest at QVCC; Vance sings at Tower Hill Botanic Garden; Only at Night helps open for The Flock at the Lucky Dog; Leslie Crozier sings at Beatnik's; For What It's Worth, The Pity Whores and Sadplant do metal night at Ralph's; and DJ Soup mixes it up at Irish Times.

Friday, She's Busy is on Brookfield Common from 7-9 p.m.; Candy Striper Death Orgry joins The Summoned and more for an all agest show at QVCC; Sonic Bridge debuts at Tom's Gourmet Marketplace; John Small is back at Borders Books in Shrewsbury; Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Kaz Bar; Badmajik pays tribute to Godsmack at The Raven; Highfire Skyline comes in to Tammany Hall with The Cold Beat; Little Red's back at the Sahara; The Roosters reunite at the Lucky Dog, opening for Italy's number one Stones tribute; Alan and the Alligators take a bite out of Oxhead Tavern; The Jennifer Lee Band joins Phase 2 at the Cannery; Treadwater rocks Creegan's; Runaway Roses is out at JJ's; and Jason James rips up the Irish Times.

Saturday, Worcesterfest hits the Palladium, bringing in Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals and many more; Bill McCarthy's singing down at Junior's Pizza; Ropetree headlines Tammany Hall; Go Gadget Go packs 'em into Greendale's; Castine pops up Spiritual Haze with Necktie Party; Critical Condition rocks the Raven; the Black Eye Bone Daddy's tear up the Lucky Dog, opening for the mighty Mullethead; Nytmare's hip hopping at Creegan's; The Cosby Sweaters return to the Galway Bay; the Fat City Band blasts the Bull Run; Animal Crackers hit Jillian's; Jim Weeks brings his Little Big Wheel to the Sahara; Superbug joins the Golden Spurs at Ralph's; The Pandas debut at Nick's; and Birch Hill Dam joins the lineup in the back room at London Billiards.

Other Events:
MacBeth is being performed in Green Hill Park through Aug. 2.
Paintings by Tom Mahoney are on display at the Worcester Public Library through July 31. Twelve Zodiac Animals opened at the Worcester Art Museum.

On Saturday, the Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival takes over Indian Ranch, featuring Coyote Run and Jug O' Punch and many more. The event also features plenty of ethnic food as well as the Men in Kilts contest. 12 Crane holds a Classic Car Show.

Musical Masonry - Ray's got a new disc out

2009-07-22T12:04:00.001-07:00

You can trace Ray Mason's gritty, down in the dirt rock and roll sound to one thing: his 1965 Sears Silvertone guitar. OK, that might be a slight exaggeration, but as Mason says, "I try to base my sound on good songs and a guitar that sounds like a guitar."

His new disc, Like Bugs Chewing on Paper (now how Mason-like is that?), isn't a drastic departure from his past efforts, and if you're a fan, you wouldn't want it to be. With out of left field lyrics, pure rock 'n' roll riffs and an honest delivery, Mason keeps the spirit of bands such as the Kinks and the Stones alive. "These are songs that remind me of listening to the AM radio," says Mason. "Three minute blasts that bring back feelings of summer, heartbreak...all those good things."

Mason credits producer Jim Weeks (not the one from Little Big Wheel, though he's a talented bugger) as having a major effect on his new disc. "His relentless creativity is mind-boggling to me," says Mason. "Couldn't have done it without him. He knows the way I think and I know he knows this. "

He started his first band in Holyoke in 1966, calling it The Gladiators. Mason gobbled up records, and had been doing so for years, holding myself in his room listening to music for hours on end. From the late '60s through 1980, he played bass in a variety of bands in Western Massachusetts, including the Buck Rogers Movement, The Fourgone Conclusion, Seagull, The Sailcats and Signal. During that time, Mason has stockpiled quite a few songs of his own, and decided he needed an outlet for them. In the early '80s, he self-released at least five cassettes (yup, cassettes) and then later a single on his own Captivating Music label. His first full-length CD, Between Blue & Okay, came out in 1994 and 11 more followed. In 1985, he and Jim Armenti also started the Lonesome Brothers in 1985, producing seven CDs.

"Is that too many," says Mason. "Yikes."

Turning 60 next year, Mason has no plans to slow down on writing and recording. Already armed with 11 new tunes for his band to record, he's got the the framework and lyrics for 18 more. Mason appears solo at the Harvest Cafe in Hudson on Saturday, July 25 from 8-10 p.m. You can also find out more about Mason, and his band the Lonesome Brothers, at myspace.com/theraymasonband and myspace.com/lonesomebrothers.

Live Clips of the Cosby Sweaters at Junior's, July 2009

2009-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Club Notes, Thursday, July 16

2009-07-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Sean Ryan sings at Beatnik's; Lisa Marie's All Shook Up at Nick's; Darkwor and Cursed for Eternity are among the acts for metal night at Ralph's; Worcester's Got Talent takes place at Gilrein's; and Sunlea shines at the Blackstone Tap.

Friday, Stuart Ferguson performs and Sweetwilliam Farms in Upton; Skullfunked headlines Chasers; The Chicken Slacks funk up Ralph's; Henry Gale is with White Mountains, Deep Fried Eagle and more at Spiritual Haze; Monkeyfish is with Barefoot Bob at the Kaz Bar; the Have Nots play a benefit for the West Boylston Arts Foundation at Goodale Park; New Ditty joins Social Suicide and Panther Lee Johnson at London Billiards; Brokedown Serenade joins the Revival Preachers and Sawmill at the Lucky Dog; Ken Tracy Jr. returns to JJ's; Bow Thayer and Perfect Trainwreck heads back to The Dive; Niki Luparelli and Dan Burke present the Speakeasy Combo at Nick's; Bret Talbert sings at Tom's Gourmet Marketplace; and Jug O Punch mixes it up at Fiddler's Green.

Saturday, the Matt Schwachman Band returns to the Irish Times; the Summer Slaughter Tour hits the Palladium; The Young Leaves fall at the Hotel Vernon; Owl Watcher joins rock for your face at Hotel Vernon; Ape Debris opens for Vultures at Ralph's; Chyldz Play rocks Chasers; Auntie Trainwreck pulls into Squire White's; the Red Riders head back to the Sahara Restaurant; New Pilot and Nude Black Glass teams up for a night of pop at Mill Street Brews; Treadwater's swimming at Beatnik's; Collin Raye and Restless Heart countrify Indian Ranch; and Crumb joins Ill Conceived and 16 Stitches at the Lucky Dog Music Hall.
Touched rocks Sakura Tokyo both weekend nights.

Other events:

Calliope Productions puts on Bye Bye Birdie through the weekend at its theater in Boylston.
Thursday, the Worcester Chamber Music Society puts on the Thayer Chamber Music Festival at Atlantic Union College.

Saturday morning, learn about Dragonflies in a program with the Massachusetts Audubon Society at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. It's Fire and Ice Day at Old Sturbridge Village, which means such things as a fire muster as well as homemade ice cream. The movie A Good Year shows for free at the Worcester Public Library.

On Sunday, the Art and Music Fest takes over Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features live music, vendors, food, face painting, kids stuff, karate and much much more. Admission, too, is free. The Oak Ridge Boys headline Indian Ranch. And there's jazz on the patio every week at the Castle Restaurant in Leicester. This weekend, it's Dick Odgren and Bob Simonelli. The 85th Romanian Festival takes place at St. Michael's in Southbridge.

Club Notes, Thursday, July 9

2009-07-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Billy Claire is solo at the Piccadilly Pub in Marlboro; Sean Ryan is with Matt Bruce at Beatnik's; and Sarah Collett joins Grand Evolution at Chaser's.

Friday, Uncle Billy's Smokeouse is at Mechanics Hall, of all places, as part of the Wonderland Music Series, also including performances by Sam James, Skullfunked, The Gary Backstrom Band and Black River Sound; Tomorrow's World teams up with the Search and Rescue and Teamwork at the India Center in Shrewsbury; Sean Ryan sings at the Galway Bay; Bill McCarthy sings at Al Fresco in Holden; the Matt Schwachman Band is at Biagio's; Fergus brings Irish to the Fiddler's Green; Johnny Press stomps into Gilrein's; Your Move is a tribute to progressive rock, headlining Ralph's; Soulstice funks out with the Weight of Gravity; Jason James rocks Beatnik's for the first time; Never in Vegas rocks Jillian's; and The Flock is at Boston Billiards.

Saturday, it's the annual cancer benefit at the Singletary Rod and Gun Club with Rose Colored Glasses, Rock House Six and many more; Absense of the Sun joins Nova Project and more at the all-ages QVCC; No Alibi does cover tunes at Greendale's; Jerkus Circus livens up Ralph's; Revolver rocks Irish Times; the Boston Slang Band makes its PJ's Bar and Grille debut; Beatles for Sale is the act at the Grafton Summer Concert Series; Treadwater's swimming at the Nines; Andy Cummings sings tunes at Vincent's; Whalebone Farmhouse tries out Beatnik's; Identical Image is at Mint; and A Rising Eclipse headlines Tammany.

The New England Soul Revue does Friday and Saturday in the Atrium at Foxwoods.

Other events:

Batter Up! Peanuts at Bat showcases some of Charles Shultz's best baseball themed comics at the Worcester Historical Museum through August 8.

Tonight, Beatles for Sale is in the park – Elm Park, that is.

Among the many cruise nights around town is Friday nights at Sam's Club. Also Friday, Shakin' All Over does the Friday night concert series at Brookfield Common. The Worcester Jazz Orchestra hits the EcoTarium for the wondeful Jazz at Sunset series.

Saturday, the Big Dipper smothers City Hall Plaza with ice cream, in many varieties and brands – apparently Ayla Brown is performing at it, too. And of course Paulie's NOLA Jazz and Blues Festival takes place from noon to 11 p.m. at John and Son's Fairgrounds on Chandler Street. It features traditional New Orleans food, a Harpoon beer tent, vendors and performances by the Hurricane Horns, Henri Smith, River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs, the Chris Fitz Band and Lisa Marie.

Club Notes, Thursday, June 25, 2009

2009-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Join Arsenault on Thursday, June 25, in a chat with Vinnie Pendleton, Scott Brown and Jamie Briere of the band Orange Diesel at noon on WCUW 91.3 FM. The band debuts Saturday night with a show at the Lucky Dog Music Hall.

On Thursday, the acoustic duo Animal Crackers is at 55 Pearl; poet Cowboy Matt opens for Sweet Hollow Drive and more at Ralph's; Brooks Milgate and Jeff Burch is with Duncan Arsenault at the Dive; Same Mistake Twice opens for the mighty Flock at the Lucky Dog; Chet Williamson's calling his band Organ Eyes at Nick's; and Intermission headlines Tammany Hall.

On Friday, Andy Cummings is with Johnny Moore at PJ's; Lisa and Brett sing at Oxford's; Stop is the New Go, Your Favorite Ex and more rock QVCC; Duke Robillard is the act at the Jazz at Sunset series at the EcoTarium; Will Roos hits the back room at London Billiards; Propain and Sworn Enemy headline the Palladium; Guerrero's back – briefly – for a show at the Middle East; Bullethead is with Tool tribute Mantra at The Raven; The Chicken Slacks make Friday funky at Ralph's; the Delta Generators crank out the rock-flavored blues at The Dive Bar; the Guns of Navarone headline Tammany Hall; Skullfunked returns to the Irish Times; speaking of Irish, Black Sheep is down at the Fiddler's Green; The Cosby Sweaters sing '80s pop stuff at Biagio's; Jason James tears up the Blue Plate; the mighty Clutch Grabwell blasts Gilreins; the Joshua Tree pays tribute to U2 at Boston Billiards; Moonshine joins Rusty Crow at Chaser's; and DPR is with the funky Fear Nuttin' Band at the Lucky Dog.

On Saturday, Uncle Billy's Smokehouse packs the Galway Bay; Tuesdays with Morrie, Half Hearted, Comeback and more join the lineup at QVCC; Bill McCarthy's singing at Junior's Pizza; the Silverbacks return to Greendale's; Reach the Sky is with Loss for Words at the Palladium; Rose Colored Glasses tries out the Emerald Isle; Vulgarrity joins Gold Star Campaign at Ralph's; Still Aggravated rocks PJ's; Go Gadget Go! is down at The Nines; Clamdigger's down in Southbridge at the Pump House; and Rugged Road debuts at the Blue Plate.

Sunday, of course Jon Short's at Vincent's; and this week, Jason James is at Nick's.

Other events:

On Friday, Mechanics Hall is home to Gala en Verano 2009 Latin Dance Party, a tribute to Caribbean music with the Eduardo Ortiz Orchestra and many more. It starts at 8 p.m. Also, enjoy ballroom dancing with Elliot Lockwood at the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center. Changes in Latitude pays tribute to Jimmy Buffet with a show that includes members of Jimmy's Coral Reefer Band at Indian Ranch in Webster.

On Saturday, Higgins Armory hosts a Celtic Arms and Armor Show at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, the Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary hosts an early morning nature program called “Skull Detectives.” And Our Lady of Mount Carmel hosts the annual Asian Festival all day.

Club Notes, Thursday, June 18, 2009

2009-06-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Herra Terra

Thursday, All Shook Up headlines Nick's; and DJ Nathan's in the Boiler Room.

Friday, Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Kaz Bar; Bill McCarthy's strumming his guitar early evening at Greendale's; Common Coz is at Chasers; One Lane Bridge returns to London Billiards; Necktie Party helps open for the Wandas at Ralph's; Five Hole's rocking PJ's in West Boylston; Lil' Stevie and the Westsiders make their Gilrein's debut; Rugged Road does covers at Williker's in Shrewsbury; The Johnny Press Mess gives it a go at the Cannery; Last Call does covers at Trumbull's in Spencer; The Brew's in the lineup at Tammany; Gutta joins One Lane Bridge at London Billiards; and Jason James is ripping it up at Vincent's.

Saturday, Uncle Billy's Smokehouse is officially helping to open up Beatnik's on Park Ave; Stuart Ferguson returns to Tom's Gourmet Marketplace; Over Aggression joins Worth the Weight, Lions, Tigers and Bears, and Malice for an all-ages show at QVCC; Lisa and Brett (from She's Busy) sing acoustic stuff at Brian's in Northboro; Herra Terra's headlining a show with Makeup Breakup, Superbug and Young Leaves at Ralph's; Wreckoning welcomes its new rhythm guitarist with a show at London Billiards; Bill McCarthy sings at Al Fresco; Critical Condition rocks the Oxford Tavern; Usually Normal packs JJ's; Alive and Kickin tries out Chasers; Gilmour's Breakfast pays tribute to Floyd at the Lucky Dog; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to Vincent's; DJ Reckless is spinning at the Amsterdam Lounge; Fourth Gear steers into The Nines; Clamdigger's at the Emerald Isle; the Jennifer Lee Band celebrates the release of “The Bridge” at the Polish American Citizens Club; Nite People, Nokside, AV, Serious and more band together for Hip-Hop Power Part Four down at Creegan's Pub; Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade are in from Boston to play Nick's; Michael Vincent is with Double Shot at Gilrein's; and Force Driven joins Bob Bourque at Tammany Hall along with Backseat Lover, the area's premier Pearl Jam tribute.

The Matt Schwachman Band takes the weekend at Sakura.

On Sunday, Jon Short does his weekly blues at Vincent's; Cathy's Clown plays the Dance2Swing night at the Elks in Leominster; and Johnny B. Morbid is with Mogrel, Scarecrow Hill and End of an Era at Tammany Hall.

Other events:
Garden Goddesses – sculptures by Ginny Gillen is on display at the Hanover Theatre.
On Saturday, the 6th annual Molly Bish Kid Expo takes place from 9 to 1 at Mount Wachusett Community College. It features activities to raise awareness of child health and safety issues by providing hands-on learning activities. Includes free bike helmets, a Teddy Bear Clinic, Smokey the Bear, dances, music, raffles, arts and crafts and much more. Also Saturday, Beyond Belief – the Curious Collection of Rufus Excaliber Bell opens at Higgins Armory Museum.

Sunday, there is a classic car show at Indian Ranch; the Massachusetts Audubon Society hosts the program “The Life of Insects” at Moore State Park in Paxton from 1-3 p.m.; and All Creatures Great and Small – Watercolors by Sarah Lynn Richards opens at Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

Video From the Dive's 100th Thursday Anniversary

2009-06-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlenearsenault/3620474112/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlenearsenault/3620494102/in/photostream/

Video Clips - The Dive's 100th Thursday Anniversary

2009-06-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

2009-06-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Pictured: a Red Riders Medley O' Pics

Thursday, And Then There Were None joins Drop Dead Gorgeous and He Is Legend at the Palladium; Pako helps open for The Flock at the Lucky Dog; Crishendo's at Gilrein's; the Dive Bar celebrates its 100th Thursday of music; and DJ Reckless is in the Boiler Room.

Friday, Annie Souza, the one and only “Little Red” is up from Texas, joining her old band the Red Riders for a show at Gilrein's; Jubilee Connolly does a solo show at 55 Pearl; Johnny Walker's band is at the Sahara; Prying Eyes helps open for the Dave Rivers Group at the Lucky Dog; Sean Ryan's back singing at Greendale's; Five on Friday rocks Cancun's in Grafton; Jim Walsh sings with Merrick Section at Nick's along with Hat On, Drinking Wine, which celebrates its debut release; Beast Over Boston pays tribute to Iron Maiden, Badmajik does Godsmack and Rosetta Stoned runs through Tool – all for the big tribute night at Ralph's; Doctors of Flight joins the lineup, along with DPR, at Tammany Hall; Still Aggravated is annoyed at The Raven; funny man Howie Newman combines comedy and music at Tom's Gourmet Marketplace; The Town Pants joins Jug O Punch at the Worcester Irish Festival at Worcester Hibernian Center; the Jeff Mason Band is out at JJ's in Northboro; and Ledfoot rocks London Billiards.

On Saturday, the Ed Melikian Ensemble tears up the Sahara before taking a summer break; The Luxury and Castine share the night with Huck at the Lucky Dog; Joint Damage and Crimson Bile put on an all ages show at the Palladium; the Summoned, Underlying Truth, I Hate Your Girlfriend and many more put on a benefit show at the QVCC; The Joey Velluci Band headlines at Spiritual Haze; Bill McCarthy sings at the Old Post Office Pub; The Bad Bads, Kindergarten and more headline Ralph's; 8 Amp Fuse hits the Blue Plate; Barefoot Bob and the Monkey Fish debut at the Emerald Isle; the Mike Crandall Band rocks Greendale's; Beatles for Sale do exactly what you'd think they'd do...at JJ's; and the Doctors Fox makes its Vincent's debut.
Sunday, The Weight of Gravity joins Holmes and Jabooda for a benefit for the Center of Hope in the afternoon at the Hyland Brewery; and of course at night it's Danny Dark and the Black Souls at the Lucky Dog.

And remember, Tuesdays, Bill McCarthy hosts his long-running open mic at Greendale's.
Other events:

Calligraphy & Photography by Yvonne Elizabeth Ashworth will be on display at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster throughout the month of June.

This Thursday, the Post Road Art Center has an opening reception in the evening for Budding Artists.

Friday, the Love Dogs start off the Jazz at Sunset series at the EcoTarium; comedian Brian Regan headlines the Hanover Theatre.

Saturday, there is a family festival to raise funds for Socks for Siberia at the Hyland Brewery, starting at noon and happening all day. It includes live music, food, raffles and a lot more. The Worcester Library shows “A River Runs Through It” for free at 2 p.m. The Paxton Summer Jam showcases young bands from the area at Paxton Center Sports Field from 4:30-10:30 p.m.
Sunday is the 10th Firefighters Memorial Run or Walk, taking place at Institute Park. The event includes food, a deejay and prizes. There is also canoing offered at Institute Park on Sundays starting at 1 p.m.

On Wednesdays, the Seven Hills Wheelmen host weekly bike rides that leave from Old Stone Church in West Boylston at 6 p.m.

Next Thursday, the 18th, the world premier of the Documentary Razing Faith shows at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge.

ArtsWorcester just opened Journeys...Steps Along the Way, which features two works each from these members – one from the early days, and one that was recently finished.

learning to care about animals

2009-06-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Activists come in many packages.

Some are quiet, perhaps writing letters to senators or even sneaking into labs at night and letting monkeys free. Others help organize events. And others are just great at talking, and put their beliefs where their mouth is – and vice versa.

One such mouthy sort is Jamie Kordack, who, as an activist lists the environment and animals as two of her passions. Both, she says, are so tightly fused that it is senseless not to care about both. Animals, she argues intently, have rights, too, and many people need to learn how and why. She’s hoping to reach these people through the New England Animal Rights Workshop, which will be held for the second time Saturday, June 13, at Worcester State College. Last year's event was canceled due to scheduling complications.

For Kordack, this workshop is her way to cast a wider net.

“I tried for three semesters to teach humane education at adult continuing education classroom situations,” she says, “and never quite got the numbers that I wanted. I tried to get in through the colleges, but have yet to find a professor to host me. So, I decided on my own to put together a workshop. I’m all about education. I thought, rather than dribs and drabs, how about a conference and we’ll see what we can get.“

The New England Animal Rights Workshop is an educational forum and networking event that includes special guest speakers, exhibits, a cruelty-free shopping area, literature, after hours wine and un-cheese tasting and more.

A federal park ranger by trade, Kordack has been concerned with “saving” the animals since she was a youngster growing up in Mississippi (she moved here 18 years ago). As she describes it, while lots of parents shoo away the kid who brings a snake into the house, her mom never did. Even though her mom would stay six feet away, she never “went crazy” about things like that. “I was dragging home everything I find to help,” says Kordack. “Instead of scaring me and thinking they should be dead, she encouraged me to learn all about them. I learned respect for all beings that way. “

Always outspoken, she got into being an activist in high school, and even more so in college, where she really found her niche. “I went through a time period where all I did was write letters to companies and newspapers,” she says, “and I’ve done the protests. I’ve done the peaceful and not so peaceful demos. But the thing I’ve found I’m best at is speaking and teaching. I have friends who think this is a waste of time, teaching to the uneducated, but they are more radical. I cannot be that way in my current state of life.”

In her continuing ed classes, Kordack says she’d have a room full of students ranging in high school age to 60s. The younger folks, she said, were more challenging. “They aren’t so wise to stay quiet,” she laughs. “The teens have to talk. Everything I would bring up, this young man would ask me where I got my figures and everything. I don’t think I ever quite convinced him on most subjects until the very last night of class. He was skeptical about factory farming and how I could it be that bad and everything else. He is now one of my leading advocates for animal rights.

He’s in college and quite active.”

With a degree in conservation and wildlife management and an avid recycler and conservationist, her love of the outdoors is a close second to her love of animals. As with all animal advocates, she’s pleased with the progress we’ve made, but is frustrated with how much further there is to go. Comparing other areas, Massachusetts is more progressive than other states, but we still have our fair share of issues. “We live in the best part of the country for companion animal issues for the most part,” says Kordack. “We have pretty good welfare laws on the books for animals overall, but it can always be better.”

DETAILS:
What: New England Animal Rights Workshop: An Educational Forum for Sharing Knowledge and Networking
When: Saturday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, West Brookfield, Second Floor Grand Ballroom
Cost: $15 workshop, $10 after-hours social
Visit http://www.nearw.org/ for more event information and updates.

Club Notes, Thursday, May 28

2009-05-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Tinsel Teeth's joining Suffering Bastard at London Billiards; Old Cold Faith is part of Metal Thursday at Ralph's; the Nate Wilson Group debuts at Chasers; and Shana Morrison’s playing The Dive Bar.

On Friday, Rock House 6 debuts at the Cannery; the Delta Generators return to Gilrein's with opener Jon Short; Sean Fullerton sings at Greendale's; Katrin's got the mic at 55 Pearl; Of the Gods reigns at the Lucky Dog Music Hall along with Pantera tribute Trendkill; The Raven's got Demons Alley, The Raw and Guns 'N Roses tribute Cocaine Tongue; Widow Sunday has its CD release party with a Dark in the Light at Tammany Hall, which is 18-plus on this night; Jim Devlin's singing out at JJ's; Tony Yodice is a favorite at Block5; The Stumbleweeds roll back through Vincent's; The Tubes brings a taste of the '80s to the Bull Run; Mulligan's Fancy keeps the Fiddler's Green Irish; it's a cabaret show with Nikki Luparelli and Dan Burke at Nick's; and Lisa Marie's All Shook Up at the Sahara.

On Saturday, Shana Morrison does a second area show at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster; White Chocolate’s sweet at Tammany Hall; Sasquatch and the Sickabillys headline the Dog; The Silverbacks rock the Emerald Isle; Gilmour's Breakfast does justice to Pink Floyd at the all new PJ's Bar and Grill; Lisa and Brett from She’s Busy sing at Oxfords in Oxford; Andy Cummings sings tunes at the Gardner Ale House; New Pilot joins Goodnight Ghost, Tall Heights and Very Orange for an all ages show at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge; Kashmir pays tribute to Zeppelin with a show at the Hanover Theatre; The Wandas joins Necktie Party, Dental Plan and 28 Degrees Taurus at Ralph's; The Allston Pants suit up at the Hotel Vernon; Rugged Road takes a turn into the Blue Plate in Holden; singer songwriter John Cate is back at Vincent's; the 10th annual Futurestars event comes back to the Bull Run, showcasing a bunch of the area's new talent; and Ken Tracy Jr. sings at JJ's, opening for the triumphant return of the Roosters, who haven't crowed together for a good two years now.

On Sunday, there's a battle of the bands at Tammany Hall, the winner getting an opening slot on the summer Slaughter tour; and Ken Reid is with Electric Youth at Mechanics Hall.

Other events:

On Thursday, Kenny Rogerson and Paul Nardizzi co-headline the Comedy Legends show at Hanover Theatre.

On Friday, the Friday Night Cruizin' series starts at the Auburn Elks Club and continues every week through the summer. Dr. Cook's Garden, presented by the Stratton Players, opens tonight at their theater in Fitchburg.

The Canal District Clothing Swap is happening all weekend. Visit punkystyle.com for the details on that one.

On Saturday, the Mass. Audubon Society hosts a program called “Getting to Know the Blackstone Better,” which is a hike through the Blackstone Bikeway. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, the Master Singers of Worcester present “Feast of Song: a Madrigal Dinner” at WPI at 6 p.m. A five course dinner is included with the ticket price. Visit mswma.org for more info on that one.

Sunday, there's a nature walk/birding event that starts at 8 a.m. in Institute Park.
Outback Abstractions, works by ARTSWorcester member Barbara Kahn is showing through August at Hanover Theatre.

Club Notes, Thursday, May 21, 2009

2009-05-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone.

Tonight, Thursday, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes bring a taste of the Jersey shore to the Hanover Theatre, joining The Stompers and The Grease Rockets; Lisa Marie belts out the blues with All Shook Up at Nick’s; Go Gadget Go opens for The Flock at the Lucky Dog; and Sean Fullerton sings at Cornerstone’s Restaurant in Leominster.

On Friday, Bill McCarthy’s trusty guitar is going with him to Greendale’s; All Teeth comes to the area to play the Hudson Eagles Club with COA and For the Worse; Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Kaz Bar; Mindset X hits Before the Fall at Ralph’s; there’s a battle of the bands contest at Indian Ranch, Rite of Passage joins the lineup at Mill Street Brews; Evenspeak rocks Classic’s Pub in Leominster; Mark Renburke sings at the Greyhound Pub; Fergus returns to the Fiddler’s Green; Tim LaRoche sings at PJ’s in West Boylston; Meattoast and the Deliciousness opens for Alive! The Kiss tribute at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; CD Stone’s got his Screaming Live Orchestra shaking the walls at Gilrein’s; Wibble and the Harmony Whores are out at Trumbull’s in Spencer; and Jon Short is the special guest of the Delta Generators, making their debut at The Cannery.

Saturday, there’s an Elvis impersonator at PJ’s Bar and Grill on West Boylston Street; Ralph’s hosts the Kulture Hot Rod and Kustom show with acts such as the Long Goodbyes, Jason James, The Preston Wayne 5 and Pulp 45; there’s an autism benefit at the Rockdale American Legion with Black Eye Bone Daddys, Red Sky, Stonecrusher and Of One Mind; Anomopoly headlines Mill Street Brews with Demi; Mountain Town joins Character Vs. Author at Spiritual Haze; the annual Bob Dylan show takes over the Green Rooster, featuring Lydia Fortune and many more; No Alibi is back rocking Greendale’s; Mullthead’s back, this time with Full Blooded and the Uncomfortables at the Lucky Dog; Leaving Eden’s at the Irish Times; Pretty Pollution headlines the ADC Center; Chyldz Play is down at Chasers; Mission Hill plays an 18-plus show at Tammany Hall; Billy Claire’s out at Speakers in Marlboro with his band The Allens; Dr. Robert’s digging classic rock at JJ’s; the Bubbleheads pop at The Nines; Hammond B-3’s duke it out for some of the coolest funk around for Funk You! at The Dive; and the legendary Doo-Wop band The Flamingos are at 12 Crane.

On Sunday, Lisa Marie’s the featured act at the weekly Frank’s Pub blues jam during the afternoon; Unearth shares the stage with Testament at The Palladium; DRG is at Chasers; and Ralph’s is home to poetry, welcoming The Pen Floats event with feature The Dirty Gerund.
Next Thursday, Shana Morrison is coming back to the Dive to play some of her originals. Shana, of course, is the daughter of Van.

Other events:

On Thursday, guitarist Richard Starkey hosts a Martin Guitars workshop at Union Music.
Art-A-Fact is on display through August at WPI’s George C. Gordon Library, and it features images and artifacts created through research at the school.

On Friday, Kate Lewis’s Interactive Installation and Pottery exhibit opens at The Sprinkler Factory with a reception at 6 p.m.

Calliope Productions puts on Oliver starting on Saturday at its theater in Boylston.

On Saturday, the Celtic Arms and Armor Show takes over Higgins Armory Museum at 11:30 a.m. Learn about vernal pools in Lincoln Woods with the Mass. Audubon Society. Meet at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary at 1:30 for van transportation.

Don’t forget – if you buy wine with animal on it at The Wine Vine on Highland Street, or condiments from Dr. Gonzo on Main Street, you can support the Pet Rock Festival, which is coming up in September. Read all about that on petrockfest.com.

gooey gooey mac 'n' cheese

2009-05-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

As of late, the mac 'n' cheese dish has been elevated from a Kraft staple for kids to entrees at the most upscale restaurants. Many menus feature the dish, and are getting more and more creative with that base of noodles and cheese.

The Gateway Players’ Relay For Life team Drama Dearies announced its winners of the Mac & Cheese Fest ‘09 tasting recently held at V.F.W. Post 6055 in Southbridge.

Judges Dottie Gajewski, Lou-Ellen Corkum, Ariana Kennedy, Michael Day and Rep. Geraldo Alicea tasted all 12 dishes and made their decisions.

Brad Demers won the Kid’s Favorite with his “Classic Mac & Cheese.” Bill Guy took honors for Pot Luck Favorite with a cold “Summertime Macaroni & Cheese.” And Lou DeMauro’s "Ed Stearns Beef Terraki with 5 Cheeses and Ritz Cracker Topping" won the People’s Choice. Lou’s “Maryland Crab with Guyere Cheese and Ritz Cracker Topping” took awards for Gram’s Favorite, Chef’s Favorite and overall Master of the Mac & Cheese. Honorable Mention awards went to Pat Jeffries’ “Super Rich Macaroni & Cheese,” Lucille Gregory’s “Greek Mac & Cheese,” Lou DeMauro’s “Panchetta Pasta & Cheese,” Philomena Rodriguez’ “Anonymous Mac & Cheese,” Ali Cleaveland’s “Four Cheese & Bacon Mac & Cheese,” Billy Bolster’s “Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Gluten Free),” John Polakowski’s “Gluten Free Macaroni & Cheese” and Patricia Haddock’s “Tangy Macaroni & Cheese.”

Drama Dearies recognizes V.F.W. Post 6055, Big Bunny Market, Tradewinds Clubhouse, and Red & Nina for their contributions to making this Relay For Life event a success. Special thanks to all who entered, helped out, and attended.

Club Notes, Thursday, May 14

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Shroud of Bereavement, Frozen and Dreaded Silence split the bill for metal night at Ralph's; the Delta Generators are out at the Chicken Bone in Framingham; Ben Cooley Hall sings at Nick's; and the Michael Martin Band plays a movie premier show for Still Green at Chasers.

On Friday, Killer Queen rocks Queen (and a few other classic rock, er, classics) at JJ's in Northboro; Full Tilt celebrates a new CD, opening for Promised Eden at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; Runaway High pays tribute to Motley Crue at Ralph's along with a Tool and Alice in Chains tribute; Sean Ryan's back at Greendale's; Bill McCarthy's bringing his guitar to Al Fresco in Holden this week; Windfall rocks the Kaz Bar; The Matt Shwachman Band debuts at PJ's; The Weight of Gravity joins Burnpile at The Cannery; Craig's back – this weekend at Irish Times; Jesse Dee opens for Brothers McCann at Tammany Hall; Diana Jones, fresh from a tour of the UK, is singing at the Bull Run in Shirley; Touched does rock covers at the Gaslight Tavern in Dudley; Jimi and the Invisibles show up at the Blue Plate; and Chyldz Play rocks Boston Billiards.

Saturday, don't miss it – it's the 8th installment of the Green Street Music Series, celebrating the music of REM and U2 at the Lucky Dog Music Hall with the band Rattle & Hum, backing more than 20 guest singers from local bands; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse is cramming into the Galway Bay; Wild Stone joins Crambone as well as ska band Ruckus at The Palladium – in fact there are a lot of acts at the Palladium on Saturday, so check out their site for a full lineup; the Alchemystics jam at Tammany Hall; Big Gunz shoot out the Kaz Bar; The Cool and Deadly and Guns of Navarone split the bill with Destroy Babylon at Ralph's; the Herland Brothers debut at Fireflys; The Pathetics punk up the Greyhound Pub; Still Aggravated is with Dana at Speakers in Marlboro; Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band is out at the Rockdale Congregational Church in Northbridge for a coffeehouse type show; the Diving Ducks Blues Band is out at the Turtle Taven in Milford; Jim Perry's solo at the Spruce Street Tavern in Clinton; Mike Crandall returns with his band to Gilrein's; She's Busy at Point Breeze in Webster; and Fourth Gear does its show at PJ's.

Other events:

Clayscapes by potter and clay artist Carol Mecagni are on display at the Westboro Art Gallery through early August.

Marvin's Room is at the Barre Players Theatre this weekend. And You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown opens at Foothills Theatre.

Saturday, the Worcester Art Museum hosts a fast and furious Zip Trip exploring Venetian Water Carriers by John Singer Sargent. And legendary comedian Jimmy Tingle's being funny at the Bull Run; The Oxford Community Center hosts a salsa dance party starting at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, take a hike to Lookout Rock – meet at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge at 8 a.m. Or, at 1 p.m., meet at the Riverbend Farm Visitor Center in Uxbridge and go on a canal walk - a guided walk suitable for the whole family. Also in the afternoon, there is a Wedding Expo at Union Station, and the very popular Velvet Elvis does the Dance2Swing dance at the Leominster Elks.

Club Notes, May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Barefoot Truth is headlining Tammany Hall; metal Thursday's got Untombed, In the Flesh and Forced Asphyxiation at Ralph's; Chet Williamson's got his chromatic at Nick's; Andy Pratt's the feature at the Rose Room open mic; and The Flock welcomes openers GreyMarket at the Lucky Dog.

On Friday, the guys in Hothead are reuniting for a show at Creegan's Pub – and this show is being videotaped, so wear your best outfit; Sin City rocks PJ's on West Boylston Street; Nytmare's getting things going at the Lucky Dog; Ruckus is playing at the Wachusett Regional second annual dodgeball tournament; Kim Jennings sings with Ruthann Baler at Tom's Gourmet Marketplace; The Cosby Sweaters sing '80s stuff like Eye of the Tiger and Sunglasses at Night – acoustic style – at Greendale's; Lisa Marie sings the blues at the Sahara; Allan Sheinfield and Stan Kozlowski from The Spurs join Jack Hanlon from the Stumbleweeds for a special show at Vincent's; Columbia Fields it the act at the Cannery; Last Call is out at Trumbull's in Spencer; Chet Williamson's band headlines Gilrein's; Singuya celebrates its 100th show (who keeps track of this?), joining Clear the Way and The Mass Elite at Ralph's; Bill McCarthy's slinging his guitar at the Old Post Office Pub; Brian Richard celebrates the release of his new EP at Tammany Hall; Shane Hall's singing down at The Q; and Burning Aces ignite the Raven.

Saturday, there's a battle of the bands at Camp Marshall in Spencer; Birch Hill Dam's back at the Lucky Dog; Head First covers modern rock at Creegan's; the Pit Pickers rock Greendale's; Jim Devlin sings at the Irish Times; Auntie Trainwreck pulls into the Belfont Hotel in Millbury; Whalebone Farmhouse returns to Vincent's; Five Hole's got the night at McFadden's; The Law, Humblebee and The Attic split the night at Tammany Hall; the Silverbacks do blues and rock tunes at The Cannery; Skulltoboggan, A Dark in the Light, Southern Bastard Church, Beware the Ides and Hated make it a heavy night at The Raven; and, this is a big one – Ralph's is celebratings its 30th year with a big show that includes The Odds, Jason James, Hot Rod Fury and Slik Family Orchestra.

Other Events:

Animal Show opens on Thursday at the Post Road Art Center in Marlboro and continues through early June. It's the center's first animal themed art show.

Cruise Nights have started on Thursdays at the Hebert Candy Mansion. An annual tradition for 11 years, this is the place to show off your hot rod or antique car each week. There are deejays, prizes, food and lots of camaraderie.

On Friday, Fancy Nancy hosts a kids show that complements the “Yours, Mine, Ours” exhibit at the Worcester Art Museum. Kids take a look at the gorgeous gowns in the exhibit and then make something fancy for mom on mother's day. In the evening, the Joy of Music Spring Quarter puts on a performance at its recital hall on Gorham Street. Also Friday, the Heart and Soul show at the Hanover Theatre brings back the Chi-Lites, The Stylistics and Harold Melvin's Bluenotes. The guest host for this one is Jimmy “JJ” Walker of “Good Times” fame. Worcester Storytellers has its open mic at Vasa Hall, with feature Ted Blackler.

On Saturday, there's a Worcester Contra Dance at Wesley United Methodist Church.
ArtsWorcester's Biennial 2009 is still going on at the Aurora Gallery on Main Street, and Doubt continues to occupy the stage at Foothills Theatre.

And Sunday, of course, is mother's day. Do something special for one of the most important people in your life.

Random Video - Tom Hurley at the Banner

2009-05-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Tom Hurley playing solo at The Banner, Green Street, 2008.

Ready to Erupt!

2009-04-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was once Club Ice (in fact, that was the most recent name), as well 20 other places. But Leslie and Delmy Ramirez are bringing soon to 3 Mill Street, Worcester, the eruption known as Conchagua Bar. The alcohol license is pending, and details are forthcoming.

booze at the airport

2009-04-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

According to Phil Niddrie, airport liaison, the City has already approved a wine and beer license for Mirage Express, the restaurant at the Worcester Airport. Just waiting on the state, and you can now order a brew or glass of Merlot while waiting for your flight to Florida or South Carolina, which are the only states to which it currently offers service. Hey, at least you can catch a buzz up there.

Club notes, April 30, 2009

2009-04-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Pretty Pollution and the Pity Whores open for The Flock at the Lucky Dog; and Rick Berlin's singing at Nick's.

Friday, welcoming May with a bunch of good shows. Sunlea Sunbeam, Whisper Campaign, Another Option and Mass Octane split the bill at the Lucky Dog; Paganfest America part II takes over The Palladium; Tom Beaudreau sings at Spirits Lounge; Ed and Dave are back at Greendale's; Bill McCarthy's bringing his guitar to Al Fresco; Dan Burke's singing at Nick's; The Sift headlines Ralph's; Beatles for Sale are at the Old Post Office Pub; Raposo rocks JJ's in Northboro; Captain Cutthroat joins Whisper Campaign at the Lucky Dog; The Knot's doing the Dead (mostly) at Tammany Hall; and Rose Colored Glasses nabbed a last minute show at JJ's in Northboro.

Saturday, it's a Radix's “Welcome Home” show with DJ Shorty & Ryan Durkin, Family Business, 16 Lips, Junclassic, Chrishendo, Poorly Drawn People, FTC, Black Element and of course RADiX at the Lucky Dog; The Chariot pulls in upstairs at the Palladium with Car Bomb; Sarah Kollet opens for Grand Evolution and Captured – The Journey Show - at Tammany Hall; The Peacheaters pay tribute to The Allman Brothers at PJ's on West Boylston Street; Fourth Gear rocks The Nines; Dave Magario sings at the Bean Counter, Bill McCarthy's got his guitar at Junior's Pizza; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse is down at Chaser's; Public Uproar debuts at the Wheelock Inn in Millbury; Clamdigger's in the sand at Emerald Isle; Nightworks does the blues at Gilrein's; Jubilee Gardens returns to the Sahara; Probable Cause does covers at Irish Times; Fergus plays contemporary Irish tunes at the Galway Bay; Ken Macy returns to Block5; Ten Foot Pole Cats howl at Vincent's; and what a night at Ralph's with WBCN battle of the bands winner The Luxury along with Wheat, Huck and Preacher Roe.

Sunday, Danny Dark and the Black Souls does its weekly '70s thing at the Lucky Dog Music Hall;
Other events:

Every Wednesday at the Lucky Dog Music Hall is Mister Smartass Theater, this week featuring "The Giant Claw.”

Other notables:
On Friday, there's a fun “overknight” at Higgins Armory Museum, a program for elementary school aged kids that features a medieval meal, crafts, programs and more. Also, Seven Hills Charter Public Schools puts on Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Quinsigamond Community College's Hebert Auditorium. The Master Singers of Worcester host a wine tasting and auction at the Pakachoag Church in Auburn.

Saturday, the Worcester Pub Run takes off from the Greyhound Pub in Kelley Square at 1 p.m. The Worcester Public Library is showing the film The Music Man for free at 2 p.m. The hilarious Louis CK is at the Hanover Theatre. Nunsense II: the Second Coming is on stage at Girls Inc. The Berlin Town Hall is home to the New England Contra Dance.

On Friday and Saturday, Freddie Stone's the headlining comedian at the Beantown Comedy Escape at the Crowne Plaza.

Doubt is still on stage at Foothills through May 10.

Throughout May, the Massasoit Art Guild's “Five Artists ... One Heart” is on exhibit at 12 Crane in Southbridge. Works are in oils, acrylics, pastels and photos from a variety of artists.
Westboro Rotary Club's spring festival at Westboro High School, which includes a 5K run.

And Monday, the Sole Proprietor and the Wine Vine pair up for a wine pairing education dinner in the Wine Vine's Tasting Loft. Enjoy a six course dinner matched with the appropriate wines from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with guest chef Dominic Mercurio.

Jazz just sounds better when the sun's going down

2009-04-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

If it's Friday, and it's summer, that means there's a Jazz at Sunset concert at the EcoTarium in Worcester. This unique setting allows the audience to bring a picnic and sit out on the lawn, bringing blankets, lawn chairs and their favorite snacks.

The 19th annual season, as always, draws an array of styles - all with the thread of jazz tying it together.

Jazz at Sunset concerts run for six Friday evenings, through July 24. (There will be no Jazz at Sunset concert on July 3.) Major support for the series is provided by Commerce Bank and media support is provided by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Living. Concerts are held at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.), rain or shine; in case of threatening weather, concerts are held in a tent pavilion.

Light dinners, snacks and beverages are available at all concerts. Beer and wine are available by the glass. Tickets: $18 per person (includes museum admission), $15 for EcoTarium and WICN members. Free for children under 12. Advance tickets are available up to 4 p.m. the Thursday before the show by calling 508-929-2703, or buy them online at www.ecotarium.org. No refunds. Tickets are also available at the gate on the night of show. Advance Table Seating: reserve one table with seating for up to four people for $80 per table (includes concert and museum admission).

2009 JAZZ AT SUNSET PERFORMER SCHEDULE

June 12: The Love Dogs - Based out of Boston, this hard blowing septet just celebrated its thirteenth year wowing audiences and critics alike with their combination of great musicianship and pure fun. The Dogs combine elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock 'n' roll into their own powerhouse sound.

June 19: Greg Abate - World renowned jazz saxophonist Greg Abate is widely considered one of the best post-bebop alto players around today.

June 26: Sunny and her Joy Boys featuring Duke Robillard - A soft yet powerful rhythm reminiscent of the heyday of jazz of the '30s. Sunny's beautiful voice and the stylings of this talented group of musicians will entrance you while taking you through the Great American Songbook.

July 10: The Worcester Jazz Orchestra - Hot jazz. Cool tunes. Sizzling performances. The Worcester Jazz Orchestra is celebrating more than 13 years of critically-acclaimed Big Band music. This 18-piece orchestra highlights music from Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and others.

July 17: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas - Experience traditional Southern Louisiana Creole roots music without leaving New England through the accordion-driven dance music of these zydeco masters. Fast and furious musical beats with percussion, electric guitars, R & B influences and a definite Caribbean lilt.

July 24: Cassandre McKinley - The rich sound of accomplished vocalist Cassandre McKinley has impressed audiences all across Boston and beyond and has inspired the Boston Globe to anoint her the queen of "jazzsoul." Drawing from a diverse group of influences, McKinley has developed a sound and style that is so unique, there are no comparisons.

Club Notes, April 23, 2009

2009-04-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Thursday, Tammany Hall is hosting the Pulse's Worcester Music Awards; Duncan Arsenault's always got something cooking at The Dive; and Go Gadget Go opens for the mighty Flock at the Lucky Dog Music Hall.

Friday, Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Kaz Bar on Route 20; Therefore I Am joins Transit and Canada's Confide upstairs at the Palladium; Jim Devlin sings at the Irish Times; Hat On Drinking Wine (which has a new album out available for download at www.myspace.com/hatondrinking) does Assumption College's version of Relay for Life; Bill McCarthy strums his acoustic at Greendale's; Katrin sings at Block 5; The Change Up's on the bill at Ralph's; Zack Borer and the Dave Rivers Group share the bill at the Lucky Dog Music Hall; the legendary AC/DC tribute Touch2Much is back in black at The Raven; The Demisers, The Wandas, Traphiq and New Pilot make it an awesome night of pop at Mill Street Brews; The Weight of Gravity's landing at Spiritual Haze; and Skullfunked and Uncle Billy's Smokehouse open for Ernie and the Automatics at Tammany Hall.

Saturday, Cathy's Clown heads out to Watertown to play the popular Boston Swing Dance series at the St. James Armenian Church; World in Arms joins the lineup, which includes Back of Tha Neck and Few And Proud, at the all-ages venue QVCC; Dan Burke's leading the Orange Ocean at The Dive Bar; Hallelujah The Hills joins Hey Now Morris Fader, The Wandas and Werewolves at Ralph's; the Cassevettes return to the Dive Bar; Torbin Harding's down at The Q; Leaving Eden rocks The Raven; No Alibi returns to one of its favorite spots – Greendale's; MojoSonic's filling The Rose Garden; The Jennifer Lee Band is always warmly welcomed at the Whistle Stop; Clamdigger's slipping on its rubber boots at The Nines; Jason James is ripping it up at The Galway Bay; Andy Cummings sings cover tunes at Vincent's.

Other events:

Hymn to Earth – Photography by Ron Rosenstock is on display at Alternatives Unlimited through May 31. Garden in the Woods in Framingham opened for the season last week.
On Thursday, modern, jazz and ballet students put on a Spring Dance Concert at Holy Cross's Fenwick Theatre at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Assumption College is putting on a performance of the Fantasticks at the Hanover Theatre; there's a fund raiser with local comedians at Hotel Vernon.

On Saturday from 2-4 p.m. there's an author signing and reading at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster with Michael Presutti, whose new book is Last Words, in which a bio-terror virus lets loose on the world. Humans and animals are infected, and the world is filled with terror and madness. Apparently this collection of short stories will “haunt you long after you've finished it,” so if you enjoy being tormented by such things, it's the perfect read. Also Saturday, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, children's author Christopher Tremblay talks about and signs copies of “Beyond the Dragon,” an autism awareness sports book for kids, at Barnes and Noble in Worcester from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also, has it been three years already? The Wine Vine on Highland Street (right near the Sole) is celebrating its three year anniversary with an event on Saturday evening from 5-8 p.m. The festivities include a grand wine tasting and food pairing with a visit from Chef Chris Palios. Palios is from Sofia's Tuscan Grille and will be demonstrating how to make food exciting every day with his new line of locally made and hand-crafted spices (which are available exclusively at the Wine Vine). Crystal Brook Farms owner, Ann, too will be on hand. This master cheese maker will be talking about her specialty goat cheese line. Also, special offers, a free rose and baguette to the first 50 customers, as well as prizes and gift baskets.

The Wine Vine, which is also sponsoring the Pet Rock Festival (buy any bottle with an animal theme and 5% goes to Pet Rock) is also sponsoring a wine dinner with the Sole Proprietor on May 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Wine Vine's Tasting Loft. Tickets are $59, and feature a six course dinner with Dominic Mercuria, the “wine guy.” Dinner includes cheese, antipasto, shrimp, clams casino, salmon, flan and much more, each course paired with the perfect bottle. Visit http://www.winevine.org/.

Shoestring in the News

2009-04-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, or just want to see it again, check out Punky and friends as their clothing swap was featured on Chronicle.

The latest issue of Shoestring Mag is out, too. Check out www.shoestringmag.com.

Club Notes (and more) Thursday, April 16

2009-04-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Pictured: All That Remains, part of the Metal and Hardcore Fest at The Palladium this weekend.

On Thursday, the Matt Shwachman Band does the Third Thursdays series at the Worcester Art Museum; Wrighteous L joins the Hornitz and Soul Sex at Tammany Hall; Ralph's metal night contains Ravage, Armory and Zero Point; and a band called Bill is shooting scenes for its movie, opening for the Flock at the Lucky Dog.

On Friday, Lisa and Brett are singing tunes at Brian's in Northboro; Sean Ryan from Uncle Billy's Smokehouse is singing at Greendale's; Strange Design is a Phish tribute playing Tammany Hall – Strange Design recreates Phish shows in their entirety; The Joshua Tree pays tribute to U2 at Speakers Nightclub; Copperhead does modern country at The Cannery; Nowhereman Band is a new Beatles tribute playing PJ's; Leaving Eden rocks Jillian's; Goofyfoot's jamming TJ O'Brien's; Peter, Paul and Mary harmonize at the Hanover Theatre; get the Last Laugh at Irish Times; Necktie Party, The Cold Beat and more fill the bill at Ralph's; Tom Yates's group plays the Colonial Inn in Concord; Ken Macy sings at Block 5; Houndstone rocks JJ's in Northboro; Bill McCarthy's singing acoustic tunes at Al Fresco in Holden; Orrin Slips and Dani Reed open for the tour kickoff show by Shane Hall at Spiritual Haze; it's a reggae hip hop jam with Wrighteous L at the Lucky Dog; Lisa Wilson and Brett Brumby are out at Brian's in Northboro (which, by the way, has a great - and large - menu); Muck and the Mires are out at TT the Bears for their record release – the band is just back from London, and this is just about the closest they're going to get to Worcester for a while; there's a battle of the bands featuring Metro-west acts at the Westboro YMCA; and the 11th annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival kicks off at The Palladium, continuing throughout the weekend. Check their site for this one, but included on this jam packed bill are White Chapel, Rose Funeral, Toxic Holocaust, Aggressive Dogs, All That Remains, The Haunted, Lamb of God, Book of Black Earth and Napalm Death.

Saturday, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines are at the Bull Run in Shirley; Sonic Garden is apparently the ultimate Grateful Dead tribute, playing at the Lucky Dog, jamming after the DCU show as the actual Grateful Dead with Warren Haynes is at the DCU Center; Old School returns to Greendale's; Herra Terra headlines Ralph's; Gilmour's Breakfast pays tribute to Floyd at JJ's; Five Hole does covers at PJ's in West Boylston; and Cathy's Clown opens for the legendary Herman's Hermits and the Young Rascals at The Hanover Theatre.

Next Wednesday, Dope Sick Love, The Stop and more play a free show at the Lucky Dog;
Other events:

Winged Things, which is a show by Thomas Radcliffe, is on display at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster through the end of the month. The Biennial 2009 opened at ARTSWorcester and will continue through May 29. This juried show features the best in painting, photography, works on paper, sculpture and mixed media in the area.

On Friday, the Worcester Pride Committee hosts a Casino Night at Castellana's Restaurant; and WCCA's 8th Annual Art Attack-Film, Music and Art Festival called “Art in Miniature” takes place at their studio on Main Street from 6-8 p.m. The event features video clips from the 100second Film Festival, miniature art works on display from Janeen Paul, James Washington, and Dana Wolfson, and short song and miniature forms performed by Pico Canto (piano and guitar).

On Saturday, Salsa Storm's hosting a club party at their studio at 7 p.m. with live music by Curubande Orchestra.

Saturday and Sunday, Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston hosts the annual African Violet Show.

The Tony-award winning Broadway play Doubt opens at Foothills Theatre this weekend.

And next Wednesday, April 22, Edwards' Emporium at 201-205 Main Street in Webster hosts the second annual Earth Day Expo from 5-8 p.m. This huge event includes exhibits, giveaways, food and lots more. And it's free.

Flock Flicks

2009-04-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

Some recent clips of Flock of Assholes at The Lucky Dog Music Hall, April 9, 2009

Lap of Luxury

2009-04-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Luxury won its preliminary battle last week at the WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble. Not, it's on to the semis. Other winners in the battle so far include Gravehaven, Dirty Truckers and Sarah RabDAU.

Support The Luxury in the semi-finals on Thursday, April 16, at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge. The show is 18-plus and it's $10 to get in. Visit http://www.mideastclub.com/.

Club Notes, April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Badfish, at the Palladium with Uncle Billy's Smokehouse on Saturday

Thursday, Creepin' Cadavers and Murder Weapon are on the bill at Ralph's; The Weight of Gravity jams at Chasers; Duncan Arsenault is joined by Troy, Jon and Jeff at The Dive while Brooks Milgate is down across the rotary playing at Nick's; and Girls, Guns and Glory headlines Tammany Hall.

On Friday, it's a funk dance party with Humblebee and Holmes on stage at the Lucky Dog; Traphiq crams The Hotel Vernon; Flock of Assholes bring their shenanigans to the new Jillian's stage; Sun Jones joins the Gary Backstrom Band at Tammany Hall; Rose Colored Glasses rocks The Cannery; Gilmour's Breakfast pays tribute to Pink Floyd at Rick's Billiards in Putnam, CT; The Cosby Sweaters sing '80s song acoustic style at the Greyhound Pub; the Doctors Fox sneaks into Vincent's; Jason James debuts at Irish Times; Rapaso is with Akasha from Costa Rica at London Billiards's Club Oasis; and Pet Rock does its first night of a whole weekend at Sakura Tokyo, where it returns to play dance tunes from the '70s and '80s on Saturday night as well.

Also on Saturday, Matt Shwachman's band is at the Galway Bay; the mighty Arthur Dent Foundation is reunited for one show only at Tammany Hall; Switchblade Suicide, Treadwater, Silent Season and Griffon share the stage at the Lucky Dog; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse opens for Sublime tribute Badfish at The Palladium; Bret Talbert sings at Tom's Gourmet Marketplace in Northboro; Andy Dow joins the Underberrys at Clark University; Wheels of Fire burn The Nines on Millbury Street; The Valves blast PJ's Bar and Grill; Los Maestros are at the White Eagle; Matt Shwachman sings at the Galway Bay; Bill McCarthy is singing at the Whistle Stop; Route 44 opens for the Cobra-matics at Ralph's; Auntie Trainwreck rocks Greendale's; the Swaggerin' Growlers are with Sawmill at the Greyhound Pub; the Ed Melikian Ensemble heads back to the Sahara Restaurant; the Babe Pino Band does the blues at Nick's; and Commander Cody leads his Lost Planet Airmen at the Bull Run in Shirley.

Other events:

The Sprinkler Factory hosts the opening reception on Saturday for sculptor Jon Williams's exhibit called Familiar: Objects from a Hidden Landscape. The reception is from 6-9 p.m., the exhibit will be on display through May 8.

On Saturday, there's a Zip Trip (which means a relatively fast tour) that examines the exhibit Union by Bill Viola at the Worcester Art Museum. At 6 p.m., it's a “Celebration of the Theatre” at Foothills Theatre, which is an evening of food, drinks, an auction and live entertainment brought to you by some of the great talent that has performed on the Foothills stage over the years.

Show at The Lucky Dog Music Hall April 4, 2009/Video Clips

2009-04-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Curtain Society

Hey Now Morris Fader

Thinner

Club Notes, April 2, 2009

2009-04-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday, it's metal night at Ralph's with Fires of Old and more; Michael Nappi sings at Allgos; Duncan Arsenault's teaming up with Jon Short at The Dive; Jimmy Eat World puts on a concert at Fitchburg State College; and Atomic Stereo opens for Flock of A-Holes at The Lucky Dog.

On Friday, Golden Spurs and Prying Eyes open for the Delta Generators at Tammany Hall; The Continental presents Thinner, The Curtain Society, Huck, Hey Now Morris Fader (pictured) and The Bee's Knees in what will prove to be an extravaganza at The Lucky Dog (this one's because Barry Dennis is back in town); Rose Colored Glasses rocks the Cannery with Stillburnin' in Southbridge; Dave Magario's at The Q with Matt Fox; The Devil Wears Prada joins A Day to Remember at The Palladium; Tom Boudreau sings at Spirits Lounge; Ed, Dave and T are back jamming at Greendale's; Bret Talbert rocks Creegan's; The Campaign for Real Time returns to Ralph's with The Wandas; The Sworn In headlines; Stomping Melvin rocks the Irish Times; Last Call does covers at Trumbull's in Spencer; Bruce Marshall's got his whole band at The Bull Run in Shirley; Toni Lynn Washington belts out the blues at Gilrein's; and Jason James plays the guitar at Vincent's.

Saturday, The Uncomfortables help open for Seatttle's Villians and Victims at The Lucky Dog, along with a Tool and Black Sabbath tribute; Dan Burke sings with the Orange Ocean at The Dive; Sean Fullerton sings at the Whistle Stop; in the afternoon, The Black Raspberries have a CD release show at St. Michael's Church; the Battle of the Bands explodes in the afternoon at Tammany Hall; the wonderfully creative Pandas headline Ralph's; Devoid rocks The Raven; the oldies TV phenom Sha Na Na has got a stage show, and it's at the Hanover Theatre; Stuart Ferguson plays acoustic folk rock at the Grafton Inn; Devoid and Seven Minute Stagger share the bill at The Raven; The New Deal's upstairs at The Palladium; Jon Short does the oldtime blues at Nick's; Clamdigger's in the sand at the Galway Bay; The Rollin' Pins slide into Vincent's; Barefoot Bob and the Monkeyfish is playing Squire White's; Sugar Ray's got his Blue Tones at Gilrein's; Jubilee Gardens mixes world music, folk, pop and whatever else comes out of Jubilee Connolly's brain, at the Sahara; Lisa Marie's All Shook Up at The Nines; and the Jagfest takes over The Artist Development Complex starting in the afternoon and continuing throughout the evening, featuring Skulltoboggan, Social Suicide, Anger Rising and Mindset X (and we'll be talking with Adam from Mindset next week).

Keep in mind – Jon Short's singing in the corner at Armsby Abbey every Tuesday night.

Other events:
An otherworldly view, collected during 40 years of robotic space missions and then processed into breathtaking images is the subject of Beyond: Visions of Legendary Landscape, on display at the Worcester Art Museum through Memorial Day weekend.
On Saturday, “This is My Song,” which is a cabaret, is happening at Pakachoag Music School in Auburn as their fundraiser. The very funny, and clever, Joe Fusco Jr. is performing at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse along with musical guests.

Club Notes, March 26, 2009

2009-03-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Pictured - Jody Ryan of Uncle Billy's Smokehouse. Many thanks to Jody, who was, along with Steve Sullivan, my guest this week on WCUW. Look out for the new EP on June 1 by UBS, and check them out this weekend (see below). UBS also has a big show with Bigfish (Sublime tribute) on April 11 at the Palladium.

On Thursday, ADX joins with Stressbomb, The Thickness and more at Ralph's; The Way Out is Through is at the Grind at Clark University; there's an open mic at the Raven; and Tammany Hall's got Green Tea, among others, that night.

Friday, Bill McCarthy and his guitar hit Greendale's Pub; Jagfest 2009 hits the Lucky Dog Music Hall with Anger Rising, Train of Thought, Skulltoboggan, Lot 54 and many more; Onslo, River Raid and more hit the stage at Ralph's; Touched rocks Jillian's; Crishendo explodes at Tammany Hall; Audio Nation comes up from Rhode Island to hit Irish Times; Jason James tears up the Blue Plate in Holden; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse is with Sun Lea at The Cannery in Southbridge; Dan Burke joins the Speakeasy Combo at Nick's; and Quintana's Revenge headlines London Billiards.

Saturday, the Sam James Band joins Mike Burke and Ray Hendrix for a Taylor Guitars sponsored night at The Lucky Dog; the mighty Super 400, which is a retro sounding rock band from Boston, is joined by The Sharks and Red Quiet at Ralph's; Promised Eden is in the land of Tammany Hall; Five Hole rocks JJ's in Northboro; Tonekat makes its debut, along with Mike O'Connell, at the home of the blues, which around here is Gilrein's; it's all metal at the QVCC with a benefit show with Tales, Say Uncle, Empty Orchestra and more (this show starts at 5 p.m.); The Cosby Sweaters are back at the Galway Bay; starting at 6 p.m., Mill Street Brews hosts the Wormtown Carnival; Matt Shwachman sings with his band at Irish Times; Journey tribute Captured plays at PJ's New England Bar and Grill; Soulstice funks out at Partner's Pub; and Uncle Billy's Smokehouse hits Greendale's once again.

And on Sunday, there's an all ages battle at Tammany Hall starting in the afternoon. Also Sunday, Brian Richard does his weekly thing at Funky Murphy's whereas Jason James is down at Nick's.

Other events:

Sponsored by the National Art Education Association, Worcester Art Museum is the home to Youth Art Month. Young artists grades K-12 from schools in central Massachusetts create the artwork for this annual month-long exhibit in the Higgins Education Wing. The Stratton Players are staging Neil Simon's Prisoner of Second Avenue through April 5 at their theatre.

The Tastefully Tower Hill Event returns to Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston on Friday evening, when you can sample gourmet food from central New England's top restaurants.

On Saturday, Old Sturbridge Village hosts Girl Scout Day – girl scouts are inited to hang out, work on badges, and take part in events that focus on Women's History.

On Sunday afternoon, Mechanics Hall hosts Global Rhythms, which features outstanding musicians, singers, artists and dancers grades 4-8 throughout the Worcester Public Schools.

Organic Fruits and Veggies - On Your Doorstep

2009-03-23T15:37:00.001-07:00

Isador's Organic and Natural Foods opened quietly more than two years ago at 250 Main St. in Oxford. Nestled behind a house next to PT Pet Supply, you've got to catch the sandwich board sign out front, or know that it's there. And thankfully, more and more people are realizing it's there.

Featuring Boar's Head deli meats, gourmet cheeses, nuts, veggies, fruits, marinades, and other fine deli type items, it's a great place to do a part of your weekly shopping, and grab a soup and sandwich (he also offers specials every day that go far beyond the sandwich).

But Isador's offers another service that is relatively new for them - monthly home delivery (though they have offered catering for some time).

Starting with the "Food Miles Box" at $25 and topping off at the "Large Box" and "Fruit Box" for $45, Isador's picks from the best local, organic growers around, putting together a shopping list of fruits and/or veggies and delivered to your door each month. Everything in these boxes is from local growers, when possible, only occasionally extending to Maine or Florida when absolutely necessary.

Obviously, what ends up in the delivery box is largely based on the season's bounty - you're not going to get an abundance of nectarines in December. And hey, that's the whole fun of it all - an experienced produce buyer choosing what's best for you. Also, Isador's tailors your box according to your tastes (if, for instance, you cannot stand broccoli, you won't get any or if you cannot get enough strawberries, it'll be heavy on that...when possible).

Add-ons are also available for delivery, such as Hebert Honey, Cooper's Milk, Boar's Head meats and cheeses and GT Dave's Kombucha.

Sounds like a fine complement to Dr. Gonzo's Condiments on Main Street in Worcester, which will be featured soon.

Visit http://www.isadors.com/ to browse the menu, and read more about home delivery options.

Call 508-987-1211.

Arthur Dent - Reunite!

2009-03-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Despite all odds, it's happening again. The Arthur Dent Foundation is coming together again for a special show on April 11 at – where else? - Tammany Hall.

ADF came together in 1997 with Keith McLinden, Jayson Graham, Bob Belanger (who is in The Weight of Gravity) and Anthony Rogers Wright, and often considered by many to be the birth of a local revolution. Adding Steve Mossberg on keyboard, eventually, the band was a phenomenon and packed Tammany as well as the Plantation Club (and we're talking Monday nights, here) on a regular basis. A funked out assault of jamming guitars, soulful keyboards, ripping congas and rhythm section, the vibe was right on for the time. Before breaking up three years later, the band shared the stage with Parliament as well as Run DMC. The lineup hasn't played together for four years.

“The idea for the reunion really came about,” says Belanger, “when I found out that Anthony was going to be in town from LA due to our good friend Greg Campbell's birthday. I was talking to him on facebook, and asked what he would think about doing a show while he was in town and he was up for it. I got in touch with the rest of the old bandmates who are still in Mass., and everyone was in. We are all looking forward to this. I think it's going to be a great night.”
Visit www.myspace.com/adfreunion.

Club Notes, March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Pictured - The Kottonmouth Kings

Thursday, there's an open mic at the Raven; and Andy Cummings sings tunes at Hooligan's in Fitchburg.

Friday, Sasquatch & The Holy Hellraisers, Seven Minute Stagger, Felix Tucker and the Black Eyed Bone Daddys split the bill at The Lucky Dog Music Hall; Fergus mixes its contemporary Irish at the Galway Bay; Rose Colored Glasses rock the Kaz Bar on Route 20; the Delta Generators return to Gilrein's with opener Jon Short; Potluck, which just released a new CD, joins Kottonmouth Kings, Blaze and more at the Palladium; Bon Jersey it at Chasers; Katrin makes a return – reappearing to sing at Block 5; Pilfered Innocence is the headliner at London Billiards; the Dinosaurs return to the Blue Plate; Farewell June does Chapel at the Mill in Millbury; The Gobshites are out at The Cannery; Dave Magario is back at the Q; Dan Lewis sings the hits from the '60s to the '80s at Blissful Meadows Country Club; Soulstice has got the groove at Irish Times; Fertile Crescent shines at the Grind, which is the pub at Clark University; there's some sort of Elvis impersonator at PJ's in West Boylston; Lisa Marie's singing the blues at the Sahara; Vincent's has got Greg Mackenzie and the Greenbacks in the corner; Kashmir pays tribute to Zeppelin at JJ's in Northboro; Brendan Mahoney sings solo at Greendale's; Watcher joins Traphiq at Ralph's; and The Weight of Gravity celebrates it new CD, sharing the bill with New Pilot and Jediah at Tammany Hall.

Saturday, it's a Mass Cann benefit with The Goosepimp Orchestra, Singuya, The Alchemystics and Guns Of Navarone at the Lucky Dog; The Cosby Sweaters do their '80s thing at Junior's Pizza; Hoodrat and the Pity Whores are among the lineup at The Raven; The Borderland All-Stars rock the Galway Bay; the wonderful John Cate does his stuff at Vincent's; The Curtain Society joins Preacher Roe, a Pony For My Birthday and Scarce at Ralph's; Bret Talbert sings at Al Fresco in Holden; Big Tall Buildings and Roxbury Secrets team up at QVCC; Darkhorse, the Progressions and Public Uproar join forces at the Wheelock Inn in Millbury; Frank Carillo leads the Bandoleros at Gilrein's; Nevercon joins the Search and Rescue at Tammany Hall for a St. Patty's Day bash with Uncle Billy's Smokehouse; and One Lane Bridge joins Pet Rock, Herra Terra, Carry the Zero, The Rectangle Club and many more for a benefit at the Polish Club in Grafton, raising money for the children of Timonthy Winslow, who passed away in December of complications of asthma. You can read more about that one at http://www.timothywinslow.com/.

On Sunday, Josh Kelley sings at Holy Cross.

Next Tuesday, Arcadian Winds performs at noon in Razzo Hall at Clark University.

Other events:

The Taylor Guitars Traveling Road Show stops at Union Music on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with a special collection of guitars made just for the show, as well as a selection of new stuff for 2009.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is still on stage at Foothills, and Calliope Productions has got The Front Page on its stage througout the weekend.

On Friday, The Capitol Steps bring political satire to Hanover Theatre, and we definitely need a little bit of that these days. Together, these formers have worekd 18 congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective house and senate staff experience.

Come Saturday, The Easter Bunny makes his arrival at both the Solomon Pond Mall and the Greendale Mall. Also Satuday mornings for the season, Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm in Rutland hosts pancake breakfasts – the all you can eat kind. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary holds a winter birding program starting at 11:30 a.m. And this is a special one – on Saturday, Chuck and Mud and the Hole in the Dam Band hosts a benefit for Chestnut Nursery School at the Hanover Theatre, which also includes music and puppetry by Kim Webster. That's for the kids performance at 4 p.m. But at 8 p.m., Chuck and Mud also invite Valerie and Walter Crockett and the Oxymorons, The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band, Riverbend and much more. The event is called “Let Me Play: 30 Years of Music With Chuck and Mud.” This duo is legendary, and a longtime fixture of the folk scene around here. Visit the Hanover site for tickets to that one.

Weight of Gravity Drops One

2009-03-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Join my interview with The Weight of Gravity's drummer Bob Belanger tomorrow, March 19, on WCUW 91.3 FM at noon. Listen online at www.wcuw.org.

Just because a band jams doesn't make it a jam band. Take The Weight of Gravity, for instance. This local band can jam with the best of the patchouli squad, and pulls in the fans to prove it, but considers itself more of a melodic rock band. The evidence will be in its upcoming self-titled debut, which The Weight of Gravity celebrates with a release show at Tammany Hall on Friday, March 20.

“I would say we jam about 15 to 20% of the time during any given show, and often it is during cover songs,” says drummer Bob Belanger, who joins guitarist Daniel LaFleur, guitarist Steve Lamoureux, bassist Dan Cook and sax player Laura Ramsey. “We do have one original that clocks out at about 10 to 12 minutes.” The band has been together around four years.

Though it took some drastic turns during the lengthy process, Belanger says the debut turned out even better than they could have imagined. With a great deal of honest input from producer Bill Ryan, the band spent grueling hours fine tuning the product, and it took almost a year to complete. “It was well worth it,” says Belanger. “We are very proud of it. The process was amazing and we look forward to the next.”

So far, LaFleur and Lamoureux have penned the music, with a fair amount of input from the rest of the band once the framework is introduced. That said, the songs usually take a few different paths before reaching a final destination that is often rather different from what anyone envisioned. As any songwriter knows, that evolution from concept to stage is painstaking and miraculous at the same time.

Indian Ranch Hosts Battle of the Bands

2009-03-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Indian Ranch hosts a battle where bands compete to win a spot as an opener for the 2010 concert series. One band each night will be chosen to go on to the final competition September 13th. Bands will perform in the banquet room with the exception of the finals, which will be held outside on the main stage. The competition is geared toward classic rock and country performances. No heavy metal or rap music will be included in the competition. Please do not submit material if you fall into those catagories.

Event dates: May 22nd, June 12th, July 10th, & Aug. 14th. Doors open at 7 pm. Must be 21 to attend. Final event is September 13th at 1 pm. All ages are welcome to the final event.

To be considered for the battle of the bands please send a demo CD to the address below. Material must be received by April 1st. Bands will be selected and notified by May 1st. Bands will be given a set day to play. There will be no alternative date given. Links to band websites or myspace page with soundtracks will also be accepted. Please email link information to battleofthebands@indianranch.com.

Mail to:Indian Ranch, Attn: Battle of the Bands, 200 Gore Road, Webster, MA 01570

Club Notes, Thursday, March 12, 2009

2009-03-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Castine, visit www.castinemusic.com.

On Thursday, Sadplant and Pity Whore joins The Pathetics at Ralph's; local spoken word legend Bill MacMillan is the featured artist at the weekly poetry open mic at The Hotel Vernon; Brooks Milgate joins Rick Berlin at Nick's; Dusty Cobb's singing at Tammany Hall along with Brothers McCann; and there's always a cool jam of sorts going on down at The Dive – tonight it's with Troy Gonyea.

On Friday, Irish band Jug O' Punch does a show at Shrewsbury's Knights of Columbus; The Boston Slang Band is at the Soco Rose Bar and Grille in Franklin; Sean Ryan of Uncle Billy's Smokehouse brings his acoustic to Greendale's; Hat On, Drinking Wine serves it up at Biagio's; Jim Perry brings his blues band Hothouse back to Gilrein's; Devoid helps open for Sinister Urge, the White Zombie tribute, at the Lucky Dog; get the Last Laugh at Irish Times; Buckcherry joins Papa Roach at The Palladium; Pendleton joins Necktie Party at Ralph's; the Allston Pants and Pity Whores rock The Vernon; Jason James heads down to the Galway Bay; The Great Escape does Journey at London Billiards; James Montgomery leads what he's calling The Soul Band at the Hanover Theatre; and Dan Bowden plays roots and blues guitar at the Sahara Restaurant.

On Saturday night, shake your booty with Pet Rock at the Colonial Restaurant in Webster, where you're encouraged to wear green in honor of St. Patrick's Day; the Bobby Darling Band debuts at the Irish Times; the Boston Bluegrass Union concludes its 33rd concert series with a special show pairing up the Seldom Scene and Southern Rail at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington; it's a fantastically poppy night with Castine, The Orange Ocean, The Luxury, Logan 5 and The Dental Plan at The Lucky Dog; The Delta Generators do the blues at the Acton Jazz Cafe; Terry Brennan is singing at The Banner; Fiske and Herrrara harmonize at the Green Rooster Coffeehouse; Spread Eagle pays tribute to the Eagles at The Cannery; Go, Gadget, Go! Solves crimes at Greendale's; The Red Riders rev it up at the Sahara; Humblebee leads the lineup, which includes the Gary Backstrom Band, at Tammany Hall; Bret Talbert does originals and covers at the Post Office Pub; Goofyfoot and Jabooda jam at Mill Street Brews; Mollies Misfits play a St. Patrick's Day show at the Bull Run; and Soulstice hits the groove at Chasers.
On Sunday, Jon Short does the blues at Vincent's; Brian Richard sings at Funky Murphy's; the Gobshites are at Tammany; and of course earlier in the day the St. Patrick's Day Parade winds down Park Ave., sporting floats with lots of live music on 'em, including the Delta Generators on the Tammany Float and Fergus on the Mercy Centre float. The official after parade party takes place at the Hibernian Cultural Center, but we're sure any bar with an Irish name...or beer...is hosting something fun that night, especially if it's on or around Park Ave.

Tuesdays, the wonderful Sam James is taking over the weekly slot at The Lucky Dog. And this Tuesday happens to be the official date of St. Patrick's Day. Fergus is out at O'Connor's, which is always a jam packed nuthouse (in a fun way); Five Hole does an acoustic set out at PJ's (which offers a $9.99 corned beef dinner all day); Fergus keeps it green at the Galway Bay; Bill McCarthy forgoes his usual open mic and sings at the Blackstone Tap; Aloud and Hey Now Morris Fader rock Ralph's; Sin City is out at Classic's Pub; and the Vienna Historic Inn and Restaurant hosts a dinner show featuring the Patrick Fyfe Trio.

Other stuff going on:

On Thursday, through photos, documentary film footage and audio clips, Professor William Matthews presents the Irish Fight For Freedom at the Hibernian Cultural Center.
On Friday at 10:30 a.m there's a preschool story hour called “Animals in Winter” at the Wachuset Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton.

On Saturday at 1 p.m. at Union Music, Dave Curry leads a program called Drums for One and All, which is an open drum circle open to all ages and levels. At 6 p.m. out at the ADC Performance Center in Southbridge, there's a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas takes the stage at Foothills Theatre throughout early April. This fun performance could be the struggling theater's last show, if sponsors...and patrons...don't step in. Support this local gem by heading out to a show.

If your idea of St. Patrick's Day is a little more subdued, Clark University is showing the Oscar winning The Tin Drum in Razzo Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
And don't forget WCUW is in the midst of a major fund drive, and needs you, the listeners, to help keep it alive. As a true community radio station, WCUW relies solely on contributions to stay afloat. Please consider being a member or contributing. You can find more at http://www.wcuw.org/.

2009-03-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

WCCA has signed a new five year agreement with the city of Worcester. The previous agreement expired in January of 2006.

"We are grateful to be able to continue to facilitate Public Access in the city of Worcester," says WCCA's Mauro DePasquale. "We thank everyone who has worked closely with us throughout the negotiation process and who stood in support of WCCA. Also special thanks to all of WCCA TV staff and board members for their patience and endurance. We also want to take time to thank former city manager Thomas Hoover for giving us the opportunity for WCCA to accomplish amazing progress in programming and membership diversity and expansion in all phases of our operations between the years 1996 through to 2006. Today we stand committed and hope to continue to provide the best public access services as we can. Stay tuned for more great things to come."

WCCA TV 13 has a robust full cable cast schedule and the more than 500 videos uploaded and made available for viewer ship around the world. Visit http://www.wccatv.com.

The Pulse Worcester Music Awards Voting Has Begun

2009-03-02T11:20:00.001-08:00

Well, the nominations are in for The Pulse Worcester Music Awards, and the finalists leave a little (or a lot, in some cases) to argument, indeed. The method of determining these finalists is strange, in that first the public nominates the acts, and that is a write-in. Then, the magazine takes those write-ins and churns it into a ballot based on those votes. So aren't you really just voting twice? Doesn't this nullify any hope for a credible or unbiased ballot?

That said, it's official, and up. And you can vote at http://www.thepulsemag.com/wordpress/.

Looking Good for Its Age: The Lucky Dog Music Hall Turns 10 This Weekend

2009-03-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

Photo of Erick Godin by Duncan Arsenault

When The Lucky Dog Music Hall opened, longtime Worcester music fans wondered if it could ever sustain the magic that was Sir Morgan's Cove. For years (and still), some people around here still called it The Cove. Of course The Cove fosters some memorable performances, and we all proudly boast of when The Stones rehearsed their Tattoo You tour there as The Cockroaches.

But if anyone could keep that magic alive, it was Erick Godin. A musician himself (at the time, he played bass for Chillum), part of the fabric of the scene, and an all-around likable bloke, he was an easy fit for live music club owner. Godin bought the club with two other investors, and officially opened it on March 5, 1999, making it one of the few venues around to consistently book live music more than five nights a week.

“Can you believe it's been this long?” says Godin. “I really can't. It flew by, but then again, that's life, right? I knew back then that it was what I wanted to do for the long haul. I'm thankful of every night that goes by and that my key still works in the door. We have had some of the best people walk in and out of our place, be it bands or the people who love them. We are very fortunate.”

Ten years is a long time, and Godin has accumulated countless memorable shows and moments at the Dog. He mentions the Green Street Music Series. Orchestrated by Greg Munro and Duncan Arsenault, the series now has its own Web site, greenstreetrocks.com, and the 9th in the series is coming back to the Dog on May 16 (celebrating the music of U2 and REM). “There have just been so many great shows here,” says Godin, “such as The Fixx, Jim Carroll, Michael Imperioli of the Sopranos, and even Korn showed up to play a couple of songs after they played the DCU Center. Some of the more ridiculous nights were always the Disco Hell shows. These guys had no filter whatsoever. From smashing TVs on stage to drinking 'Satan's Juice shots' out of toilets on stage, they set the bar for what's crazy. There was always a line out the door every Sunday, and they provided some of the best times I can remember here.”

This weekend, The Lucky Dog Music Hall celebrates those 10 years with a full lineup. On Thursday night, of course it's Flock of Assholes (in which Godin is the lead singer) along with their “sister band” Danny Dark and the Black Souls. Following Danny Dark are pals The Pathetics, and a rocking visit from one of Lowell's finest The Reverend JJ and the Casual Sinners. Friday's headliner is the Elton John tribute Bennie and the Jets. “This guy has a baby grand he'll be lugging up onto the stage,” says Godin. “I've seen them before and they will not disappoint.” Opening Friday's show is The Charles River Music Whores followed by the Cosby Sweaters, the local acoustic duo that covers '80s pop classics. Mullethead, the tribute to '80s hair bands that played regularly at the Dog for years, makes a triumphant return to headline on Saturday, March 7. Opening is Quintana's Revenge, Chyldz Play and Birch Hill Dam.

Today, Godin owns the club with Greg Petronio and Bill Luff, and attributes the success, too, to a great family of staff. Folks such as John P. Nelson, for instance, has been a valuable friend and asset to the plight of the club. Noelle, that happy face behind the bar, has been a steady allure to the place, too. And despite the economy, Godin has no plans of letting it go. “If I didn't own a bar, I'd probably be working in the art field in some capacity,” says Godin, who could perhaps tour as a pro-bowler, too. “It's a true release to create something from scratch and I wish I had more time for things like that. I have been working on a bunch of new art to install at the club. I originally wanted to have the whole package done by this time to really make our anniversary special. Alas, time did not allow, but it will be real soon. I want to do a complete overhaul of the interior decor.”

Listen to an interview with Godin on The Weekly Shuffle this Thursday, March 5, at noon on WCUW 91.3 FM, streaming www.wcuw.org with guest host Roger Lavallee.

The Hurricane Horns, Feb. 14, 2009 at The Dive

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Club Notes, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009

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Thanks to Shane Hall for coming on the show this week, promoting his new disc, Basic Draining. And of course, on Thursday, Hall's holding his CD release party at Spiritual Haze. Listen and learn at www.myspace.com/hallofshane. Also Thursday, Sam James does an acoustic performance at Chasers; Country Dave is at 3-G's, offering karaoke and also performing and dancing a bit himself; Roots of Creation joins Indobox at Tammany Hall; and Jim Devlin returns to Irish Times.

Friday, Uncle Billy's Smokehouse, The Howl and Hey Now Morris Fader team up at Ralph's for a night of blues and rock; Jug O Punch does Irish stuff at the Fiddler's Green; The Breakfast cooks at Tammany Hall; Jason James plays his guitar down at Creegan's; Lori Brooks leads her band at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge; the New Riders of the Purple Sage are out at the lake, Webster Lake, that is, at Point Breeze Restaurant; the Coyotes return to the Blue Plate in Holden; funny guy Howie Newman tells jokes and sings at the Harvest Cafe in Hudson; Mike Crandall plays the blues at Gilrein's; The Matt Schwachman Band heads to Chasers (which is where Voodoo once sat on Commerical Street); Flock of A-Holes brings its wacky '80s show to Irish Times; Touched rocks Sakura Tokyo and God's Green Earth joins Skulltoboggan the Lucky Dog, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next weekend, so tune in to my show for an interview with owner Erick Godin.

Saturday, by popular demand, The Hurricane Horns makes a swift return to the Dive Bar; Bret Talbert sings at the Whistle Stop in Oxford; Holmes gets funky at the Cannery in Southbridge; Moral Dilemma works it out at the Lucky Dog; The Pathetics rock The Hotel Vernon with The Numbskulls, Can't Kill Katie, Sadplant, Reign of Pestilence and the Groinoids; Go Gadget Go is down the street from the Vernon at the Nines; Ralph's is helping Amanda Lirange celebrate her birthday with a show that includes 7 Minute Stagger; Rob Ledoux's band Atomic Stereo is back at JJ's in Northboro along with good friends Huck; Kayla Daly opens for the mighty Castine at Tammany Hall; First Class Fool pays tribute to Rod Stewart at PJ's in West Boylston; The Cosby Sweaters sing tunes that were out when the Cosby Show was on at the Galway Bay; The Matt Swhachman Band heads out to Copperfield's in Boston where he "heads a ridiculous lineup" (that means good), a band called Dirty Taffy pulls its band into Partner's Pub in Fitchburg; harp guy Shakey Steve's bringing his band to Gilrein's; Psychobilly Cadillac pulls into Vincent's along with Jason James; Uncle Billy's Smokehouse always feels back at home at Greendale's; Of One Mind joins the lineup at London Billiards; Bill McCarthy's singing with his guitar at Al Fresco in Holden; and Jon Short does his oldtime blues thing at Nick's.

Sunday, Lisa Marie and All Shook Up is joined by guest Greg Tower for an afternoon show at The Nines (that one is at 2 p.m.); Detour 45, Shakey Ground and the Abominables join the Gorilla Battle (which is an Indie label) at Tammany Hall; and Brian Richard sings over at Funky Murphy's.

Other stuff going on:

On Friday, spoken word artist Cowboy Matt is doing an intimate set at The Q at 8 p.m.; The Producers opens at Mount Wachusett's Theatre at the Mount and continues with performances throughout the weekend; and pianist Ellis Marsalis, the elder Marsalis, performs a night of hot jazz at Mechanics Hall.

On Saturdays now, the Worcester Art Museum is offering the WAM Zip Trips, where visitors are invited to take a fast paced tour, and gallery talk, throughout the museum, which is designed to be short, but offer in-depth views of some of the exhibits there. The Hibernian Cultural Center is hosting a St. Patrick's Corned Beef Dinner Dance, with dinner and traditional Irish dancing.

On Sunday, The Tatnuck Bookseller in Westboro is hosting its first ever juried exhibit of local student art. Artists from grades 9-12 from many of the surrounding towns are showing their work in drawing, painting and more. The opening reception is from 2-5 p.m. And there's a working called Poetry Writing from Life led by Heather Macpherson from 2-4 p.m. at Vasa Hall.

Get on TV With Brian Richard

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This Saturday, Brian Richard's playing at Paisanos in Leominster, where they will be filming footage for a local access TV show call “Scene Local with Joe Parker." This will be an hour long special featuring Richard, and will be a mix of footage from Saturday's show at Paisanos as well as an interview. This TV show will air a bunch of times on the Leominster and Fitchburg local access channels. Get your face in the audience by going.

Christopher Walken and William H. Macy Come Back to the Scene of the Crime

2009-02-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Worcester Art Museum and the Hanover Theatre host the worldwide premiere of The Maiden Heist, which, stars Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman and William H. Macy on March 7. The film includes scenes filmed at WAM last year.

Director Peter Hewitt, Producer Rob Paris, and Writer Michael LeSieur will join co-stars Walken and Macy for the formal screening of the film at the Hanover Theatre.

The Maiden Heist follows three museum security guards (played by Walken, Freeman and Macy) who, upset over the new curator’s decision to change the museum’s entire collection, plot to steal a beloved work of art from the museum. Filmed in Worcester Art Museum’s Renaissance Court and galleries, The Maiden Heist will be released worldwide in May 2009. This will be the first film premiere presented by Worcester Art Museum.

Prior to the screening, the museum will host a VIP reception where guests are invited to mingle with Walken, Macy, Hewitt, Paris and LeSieur. Following the premiere, an after party will take place at the museum. Guests are invited to explore the spaces where the movie was filmed, view the paintings that appear in the film and participate in an auction of reproduced paintings signed by the film’s stars.

"The Worcester Art Museum should be extremely proud of its participation in The Maiden Heist and its ability to secure Worcester as the host of its premiere," said Linda McGowan, president of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation. "Hosting a world premiere benefit for WAM, featuring some of the most talented actors of our time, represents a great moment for both our city and The Hanover Theatre and we are very pleased to be a part of it. This landmark event exemplifies what we set out to do in our support of the theatre—to help build a signature facility that would attract world class entertainment to Worcester, drawing people from all over to experience the many great things that our city has to offer."

For more information, visit http://www.worcesterart.org/.

Schedule of Events and Ticket Prices

6 p.m. VIP Reception, The Hanover Theatre. Go all out and mingle with our friends from Hollywood on stage at The Hanover Theatre. Includes an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Limited tickets available.
Scheduled to attend the VIP Reception:
Christopher Walken
William H. Macy
Peter Hewitt, Director
Rob Paris, Producer
Michael LeSieur, Writer

7:30 p.m. The Maiden Heist Screening, The Hanover Theatre. View the World Premiere in the grand setting of Worcester's own world-class theatre.

9 p.m. After Party, Worcester Art Museum. In true Hollywood style, party the night away in the Renaissance Court. View the spaces where the movie was filmed, and see if you can find the real works of art that appeared in the film. Also, a silent auction of a few reproductions from the off-site shoot, some signed by the stars. Includes a cash bar as well as sweets & savories.

Pricing and TicketsTickets can only be purchased through The Hanover Theatre by calling the box office at 877-571-SHOW (7469) or online at http://www.thehanovertheatre.org/.

$200 pp VIP Reception, Film Screening, After Party; $75 pp Film Screening, After Party; $30 pp Film Screening