March 2010

Mon, Mar 15th
Evening Coffee & Conversation with State Rep. Pam Richardson
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Annie's Bookstop, Nobscot Shopping Center. Join Pam Richardson and other members of the Framingham community for a discussion. Featuring Paul's Famous Chocolate Cake! (compliments of Pam Richardson)

Wed, Mar 17th
Broadway Dance for Girls - Workshop
5-7 pm March 17 and 31, at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, 140 Pearl St., Downtown Framingham. For students in grades 6-12. Learn Broadway-style dance, and commonly used jazz and contemporary dance steps. $65 for two sessions, advanced registration required. More information at www.PACMetroWest.org, or call 508-875-5554.
http://pacmetrowest.org

Wed, Mar 17th
Celtic Crossroads St. Patrick's Day Concert
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY WITH MECHANICS HALL AND WICN 90.5 FM, NEW ENGLAND'S JAZZ AND FOLK NPR STATION - PRESENTING:CELTIC CROSSROADS -- THE VERY BEST OF AUTHENTIC IRISH ENTERTAINMENT!Wednesday, March 17, 2010 7:30 pmJust when you think you have seen the best that Irish music has to offer, a fresh new show from Ireland is taking the art form to an entirely new level. Celtic Crossroads presents Irish music like never before -- set to do to Irish music what Riverdance has done to Irish dance.Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as "the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades – not to be missed!" It is an explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz while pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Spontaneous mid-show ovations are the norm, and enraptured Celtic Crossroads audiences are always compelled to shout and shout for more!For the first time ever, Celtic Crossroads tickets are only $25. Reserve yours today at www.mechanicshall.org or by calling 508-752-0888.MECHANICS HALL, 321 MAIN STREET, WORCESTER, MA 01608 - inexpensive adjacent parking and easy access off the Mass Pike.
http://mechanicshall.org

Wed, Mar 17th
John O'Neil presents "Back To Enniskillin: An Irishman's Journey Home"
IRNE award winner John O'Neil takes you on a delightful journey back home to the Emerald Isle. John toasts the many people who have given him their Irish blessings including Sister Bernadette, Father Callaghan, Mrs. Mary Genevieve Curry Smith, and a host of neighbors and relatives you are sure to recognize, remember, and love. If you're a fan of the Irish Tenors, The Clancy Brothers, or The Irish Rovers, you will love this Irishman singing the Great Irish Songbook, including Fare Thee Well Enniskillen, Molly Malone, and of course Danny Boy.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1394

Wed, Mar 17th
Office Hours with Senator Spilka at the Danforth Museum
Join Senator Spilka and Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District and Constituent Services Director, for coffee and conversation at the Danforth Museum on Thursday, March 18 from 2:30 to 3:30. They will update constituents on the latest news and events, and answer any questions constituents may have. Any resident unable to attend should feel free to contact the Senator's State House office at (617) 722-1640 at any time, or go to www.karenspilka.com to sign up for email updates.
http://karenspilka.com/district-events/

Wed, Mar 17th
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
Singer and harp man Sugar Ray Norcia's career kicked into high gear in 1979 when he formed the original Sugar Ray & the Bluetones with guitar giant Ronnie Earl, and it's stayed there ever since.Norcia has appeared on nearly 50 albums including discs with the Bluetones, Earl, Otis Grand, Ann Peebles, Michelle Willson, Sax Gordon, Duke Robillard, and his 1999 "Best Traditional Blues" Grammy nominated collaboration with fellow harmonica virtuosos James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite and Billy Branch called Superharps.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1402

Fri, Mar 19th
Moving West Repertory Dance Theater
8:00 pm, at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, 140 Pearl St., Downtown Framingham. A program of original contemporary dance works. Due to limited seating availability, advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PACMetroWest.org, or by calling 508-875-5554.
http://www.pacmetrowest.org/movingwest/index.cfm

Fri, Mar 19th
Sons of the Never Wrong with Cameron Burke opening
This turbo-charged Altfolk trio from Chicago has won over hearts across the land for over 18 years, as they deliver witty, whimsical songs with their signature soaring vocal harmonies and gorgeous arrangements. In case you're wondering, they're 2 gals and a fella. Their odd ball humor and spontaneous stories ignite their live shows and have earned them a cult-like international following. Combining influences of folk, jazz, pop and rock, their sound is decidedly eclectic, and their energy most definitely electric. Their latest, 6th recording, "On a Good Day...I Am" has received kudos worldwide, has charted #7 on folk radio, and has made the "best of" lists nationwide. Framingham native son Cameron Burke will be the opening act.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1382

Sat, Mar 20th
Artful Afternoon
See an invitational art show, browse Crafts for a Cause, and enjoy gourmet hot chocolate and treats, as our guest!Saturday, March 20 at 1-4 pmat Edwards Church, UCC39 Edwards St, Framingham, MA (off Maplewood St. at Stapleton School)See www.edwardschurch.org for directions or call 508-877-2050..Snowdate: Sunday, March 21, 2010
http://www.edwardschurch.org

Sat, Mar 20th
Dane Vannatter and Friends
Dane Vannatter was awarded the 2006 Bistro Award for Outstanding Vocalist by the critics of BackStage in New York. Dane has been acclaimed by reviewers at The New York Post, The Boston Globe and BackStage for a style that "blends facets of cabaret and jazz with intelligence and care."
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1383

Sat, Mar 20th
MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL AUCTION/DINNER
Please join us at the annual Marian High School Auction, "A Night for Marian…Treasures from the Heart", to be held on Saturday, March 20th at The Sheraton Framingham Hotel. The evening's activities include a Welcome Reception, Silent and Live Auctions, a Grand Raffle, Dinner and Dessert, and continuous Games and Raffles. This year's Grand Raffle winner will receive a five night stay for two at the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel in San Francisco, California. Tickets for the event are $75. Tickets for the Grand Raffle are 1 for $50 or 3 for $100. For tickets or additional information, see the Marian High website www.marianhigh.org or call the Marian High Development Office at (508) 875-7646 ext. 205/206.
http://www.marianhigh.org

Sat, Mar 20th
Moving West Repertory Dance Theater
5:00 pm, at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, 140 Pearl St., Downtown Framingham. A program of original contemporary dance works. Due to limited seating availability, advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Prices in Advance: $14 Adults, $12 Seniors, $10 Children. $2 more at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PACMetroWest.org, or by calling 508-875-5554.
http://www.pacmetrowest.org/movingwest/index.cfm

Sat, Mar 20th
Moving West Repertory Dance Theater
8:00 pm, at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, 140 Pearl St., Downtown Framingham. A program of original contemporary dance works. Due to limited seating availability, advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PACMetroWest.org, or by calling 508-875-5554.
http://www.pacmetrowest.org/movingwest/index.cfm

Sat, Mar 20th
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC)
A local group of volunteer acupuncturists is offering free community acupuncture for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and their families or those from any past conflicts. The program addresses issues related to post combat stress such as sleep, anxiety, panic or other mood changes. VAC is located at St. Andrew's Church 3 Maple St. Framingham MA. The ongoing clinic will be open the hours of 10-12 every Saturday. Last sitting is 11:30 am. Walk in. No appointment needed. For more information and snow cancellation, call 508 626 0896.
http://vac.anotherexample.com

Sun, Mar 21st
"Fancy" Al Cath and Rick Gottlieb
The fingers have been flying across the fretboards lately at the Amazing Things Art Center. But where some see creativity, others see rivalry. On this afternoon, two champions of the fingerstyle guitar art form have arisen to challenge each other to an artistic duel of dexterity.In one corner we have fingerstyle master "Fancy" Al Cath, so nicknamed by his musical peers because of his clean, intricate guitar work, which routinely incorporates the melodic responsibilities of up to three musicians at the same time (bass, rhythm, and lead), and often sounding more like a full band than a single instrument.And in the other corner we have "DADGAD" Rick Gottlieb, known for his finesse with both steel and nylon guitars in the altered guitar tuning of DADGAD, adapting it to and bridging different genres of acoustic music from Bossa Nova to Contemporary Folk to Great American Songbook Standards.Lots of fun!
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1384

Tue, Mar 23rd
Hal McIntyre Orchestra
The Hal McIntyre Orchestra has been known as "The Band America Loves." Don Pentleton, veteran Hal McIntyre drummer and present band leader, is keeping the McIntyre tradition by playing the band's original arrangements from the 40's and 50's. The orchestra will feature original material that lulls the listeners into subtle romantic moments with lush ballads, such as its 1943 recorded hit, "Sentimental Journey" and the hit sensation, "Moonlight In Vermont." Be prepared to jump off your seats as the band fires its way through footstomping tempos.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1403

Wed, Mar 24th
Family Education Course on Mental Illness
Free 12-week course for family members caring for someone with mental illness. Wednesdays, March 24 to June 9, 7-9:30pm. Preregistration is required. Call Larry, 774-571-0071 or Tina, 508-272-9061. Sponsored by NAMI Greater Framingham and Advocates, Inc.
http://namigreaterframingham.intuitwebsites.com

Wed, Mar 24th
Scholar Led Book Discussion: "The Power of Ideas: High Achievers"
7:00pm.Title: The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR's Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience. by Kirstin Downey.Guest Speaker: Prof. Jon Huibregste, Chair, Dept. of History, Framingham State CollegeModerator: Dr. Mary Murphy, past president of the History Center.In 1933, Franklin Roosevelt named Frances Perkins as the first female Secretary of Labor. She worked tirelessly to improve the working lives of Americans, while juggling personal and family responsibilities. Her ideas became the cornerstones of historic changes in social welfare, including: unemployment compensation, child labor laws, and the forty-hour workweek. Copies of the book are available at both libraries. Refreshments. Framingham Public Library, Costin Room, 49 Lexington Steet.
http://www.framinghamlibrary.org

Thu, Mar 25th
Literature Sessions: "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare
Thursdays, March 25 and April 1, 10:00am-12:00noon.Guest speaker: Dr. Helen Heineman, past President of Framingham State College.No other writer in the language has so penetrated our common knowledge and vocabulary as has William Shakespeare. Over the centuries, he still depicts and reveals the dilemmas of mankind and provides materials that help us to judge and evaluate our own lives. In these sessions, participants will read the comedy, Twelfth Night, and join a group of shipwrecked characters that will pursue their passions in a charmed, timeless land and discover the true nature of love without the interference of real life. Participants may use any edition of the plays. Refreshments. Framingham Public Library, Costin Room, 49 Lexington Street.
http://www.framinghamlibrary.org

Fri, Mar 26th
Satinwood presents: The Legendary Songs of Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot
The classic folk rock band SatinWood returns to Amazing Things with a tribute to two outstanding singer songwriters. The seven piece band will perform fully arranged renditions of Croce and Lightfoot classics "Don't Mess Around with Jim", Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" "Operator", If You Could Read My Mind" and many others.The band includes veteran cellist Eric Roth and Jonathan Weeks (Viva Quetzal) on woodwinds and percussion. Accomplished fingerstyle guitar accompianist Jeff Tisdel joins the band for those great Maury Meuhleisen and Terry Clements licks. Also appearing Melanie Motter on piano and vocals, drummer Joe Fitzpatrick and Worcester native, Hugh Allen on bass. Paul Motter's spot on vocal emulations have garnered SatinWood fans from across the United States SatinWood has shared the stage and performed with Al Stewart, Jonathan Edwards, POCO, Aztec Two Step, Tom Chapin, and other legendary artists.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1385

Sat, Mar 27th
Molasses Creek
Together since 1993, Ocracoke's Molasses Creek has toured throughout the United States, released 9 CDs and received worldwide radio airplay. Members of the Southern Arts Federation and award-winners from Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion," they have been featured at Our State magazine's "Best of NC," frequently headline at 'First Night' Williamsburg and in 2008 opened for Garrison Keillor at East Carolina University's concert series. Band members Gary Mitchell, Fiddler Dave Tweedie, Marcy Brenner, Lou Castro, and Gerald Hampton have just released a brand new album "Follow the Heron Home." This high-energy acoustic group continues to win loyal followings with their captivating stage presence, elegant harmonies, blazing instrumentals, and a quirky sense of humor.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1386

Sat, Mar 27th
Piti Theatre presents "Elmer and the Elder Tree"
Elmer and the Elder Tree s the Piti Theatre Company's artful, arboreal fable which teaches children about nature--- while it's capturing their imaginations. (This adult learned a thing or two about Elder trees, as well.) Elmer (Jonathan Mirin) plays a citified everyman who flees to the forest and finds helpful bees, birds and a comforting Elder tree (all painted and animated through mime and dance by Godelieve Richard).
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1390

Sat, Mar 27th
Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC)
A local group of volunteer acupuncturists is offering free community acupuncture for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and their families or those from any past conflicts. The program addresses issues related to post combat stress such as sleep, anxiety, panic or other mood changes. VAC is located at St. Andrew's Church 3 Maple St. Framingham MA. The ongoing clinic will be open the hours of 10-12 every Saturday. Last sitting is 11:30 am. Walk in. No appointment needed. For more information and snow cancellation, call 508 626 0896.
http://vac.anotherexample.com

Sun, Mar 28th
Alla Nikitskaya
Pianist Alla Nikitskaya will perform music of Romantic and Modern eras. Her program includes works by romantic composers such as F.Chopin, F.Liszt, R.Schumann,P.Tchaikovsky, A.Scriabin, S.Rachmaninoff and also modern jazz/ new age composers and her own original compositions (contemporary/jazz/new age styles).Alla Nikitskaya is a concert pianist from Manchester NH USA. She was born in Zhukovskiy (Moscow county), Russia, in a family of professional musicians and started playing piano at the age of 5. Her first piano teacher was her mother, Lada Nikitskaya. She is a graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory Music College and Moscow Gnesin Institute.
http://amazingthings.org/frontpage2.asp?DC_ID=1387

Sun, Mar 28th
Douvan Jou pou Haiti: A Fundraiser to Benefit the Earthtquake Victims of Haiti
The Plymouth Church of Framingham, UCC joins the Eritaj Foundation, the Haitian Seventh Day Adventist Group and many other area churches and Haitian community leaders in a fundraising event, Douvan Jou pou Haiti, to aid the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. The event will be held on Sunday, March 28th at the Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham starting at 4:00 p.m. The community is invited to celebrate Haiti's culture and its people with a concert featuring Haitian musicians and performers, as well as music from choirs of local area churches. Following the concert, there will be a reception featuring a variety of authentic Haitian foods and appetizers. There will also be artwork from Haitian artists and Haitian crafts available for purchase. Dick Clarke, member of the Plymouth Church in Framingham, UCC, says "This is a cultural exchange. We want to show the beauty of Haiti, its people and its culture. Yes, there is poverty and yes, there is desperation. But this is a country whose people have a genuine enjoyment of life and of each other." The free-will offering collected during the concert will go towards the earthquake relief efforts of the Eritaj Foundation, which works with the Association of Evangelical Leaders for the Development of Haiti to provide funds to local area churches who use it to aid those in need; Church World Service, which has the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund and helps continued emergency relief efforts as well as facilitates the immigration process for Haitians living in the United States; and the Haitian Seventh Day Adventist Group, which works with the St. Jean Bosco Organization in Port au Prince and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Merger to provide direct aid to those in need. Mirlande Butler, Director of the Eritaj Foundation, states "Such effort by the Plymouth Church to help Haiti by enlisting Haitian leadership is comprehensive and effective because it takes into account the views of the people in crisis and could reduce the inefficiencies of bureaucracy, allowing aid to be distributed more swiftly and efficiently". More information about the Eritaj Foundation can be found online at www.eritajfoundation.org and information about Church World Service can be found at www.churchworldservice.org

Tue, Mar 30th
Shop at Whole Foods, Help N.E. Wildflower Society
Shop at Whole Foods Framingham store on Tuesday, March 30, and your purchases also support New England Wild Flower Society's celebration of Earth Day at Garden in the Woods. 5% of the proceeds will be donated to New England Wild Flower Society. Earth Day at Garden in the Woods has FREE admission, special storytelling, Mother Earth, games, scavenger hunts, and more. Stop by the Society's information table at Whole Foods Framingham on March 30 to learn more about Earth Day and all of the other activities planned by the Society for 2010.
http://newenglandwild.org/

Wed, Mar 31st
"A Visit with Isabella Stewart Gardner: America's First Patroness of the Arts."
7:00pm. Portrayed by actress Jessa Piaia.Character reenactor Jessa Piaia will present a dramatic portrayal of Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924). The drama is set in 1909, six years after the opening of Fenway Court, which Mrs. Gardner designed and built for her extensive art collection and willed to the City of Boston. A recognized leader of Boston's emerging salon scene, Mrs. Gardner, with characteristic verve and candor, relates episodes about her luminous circle of family and friends, relives journeys to exotic lands, and shares other potentially scandalous encounters. Piaia uses drama to reveal the accomplishments, struggles, and contributions of women to American history. Clad in period attire, she is acclaimed for "recreating history in the fullest sense." Refreshments provided by Trader Joe's! Framingham Public Library, Costin Room, 49 Lexington Street.
http://www.framinghamlibrary.org

Wed, Mar 31st
F-SEPAC hosts Q&A session w/Superintendent Hiersche - 3/31 @ 7pm - King Bldg.
* F-SEPAC * The Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Councilinvites parents & guardians of children with special needs who are served by the Framingham School District to a Q&A session with Dr. Steven Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools, Framingham. This is an opportunity for parents & guardians of children with special needs in Framingham to meet with Superintendent Hiersche to discuss a number of special education issues including the school reorganization plan and how it will affect our children plus any other concerns regarding special ed in Framingham School District. DATE: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 or another day if postponed by the School Committee. Please note that the date may be changed if the school committee decides to meet that night. Check our web site after March 26 to confirm that it will be on March 31 before coming.www.F-SEPAC.org - TIME: Doors open at 6:45pm, Q&A from 7-9pm - PLACE: King Building, 454 Water St., Framingham, MA, 01701 - FORMAT: Open mike, with a time limit of 3 minutes per question (so that everyone has a fair chance to ask questions). We will also make it possible for you to pose your questions anonymously, if you so desire. - Additionally, you may send questions in advance to:info@f-sepac.org and an F-SEPAC board member will ask the question for you at the meeting. - WHO MAY ATTEND: Parents & guardians of children with special needs served by the Framingham School District. - RSVP: No RSVP is necessary. - MORE INFO: email info@f-sepac.org - ETC.: Light refreshments served.
http://www.F-SEPAC.org

Wed, Mar 31st
Promote Your Business Online Class at Keefe Tech
If you have a small business with a limited marketing budget, then this is course for you. Learn how to harness the power of blogs, social media and search engines to turn your web presence into a revenue generating machine. Course fee of $44 includes resource CD ROM with course material. This course runs for 3 Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM at Keefe Tech starting on 3/31/2010.
http://www.jvf.com/events/