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| ArtsUnion Markets Bring Eclectic Fare |
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Last month the folks at Magpie and their companion crafters showed us how creativity really can transform any kind of trash into a marketable treasure at their "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recraft!" Market. This was just the start as three more markets presented by Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion arrive this fall. Some are still seeking vendors.
The Rock 'n' Roll Yard Sale takes place on Saturday, September 15 (raindate Sunday, September 16) on the plaza in Union Square from 3-7 pm. It's a music-oriented sale of every sort, including records and CDs, posters and t-shirts, equipment and instruments, as well as DIY hand-made items. To be a vendor contact the curator of the show at what_cheer_records@yahoo.com.
Don't want to part with your memorabilia but still want to show your stuff? There's going to be a very unusual light show at the Rock 'n' Roll Yard Sale. Enter in the world's first "Better to Curse the Darkness" lamp exhibit. It's a call for the ugliest lamps - those with character, great personality or just plain hideous. To enter the ugly-off, RSVP for a spot to Erin Graham, aterinvgraham@yahoo.com by September 12.
The Urban Country Fair is curated by Truth Serum as part of the ArtsUnion series. It takes place Sunday, September 23 from 3 to 7 pm with a raindate of September 30. Inspired by country fairs that feature neighbors sharing knowledge, showing off their own talents and having fun, the Urban Country Fair does the same for city folk. There will be Boston SkillShare workshops, old time countrified musical entertainment, exhibitors and craft and art sellers.
Crafters, artists and home growers who want to sell their wares at the Urban Country Fair are sought that fit within the wide themes of recycling, natural items, farming, growth, etc. Could be potted herbs, artistic bird houses, yarn spinners, urban beekeepers, soap makers, etc. The curators are especially looking for vendors who can do demos at their table of their craft. Deadline to apply is tomorrow so respond right away.
The last of the ArtsUnion markets is The Import Market on October 6 (raindate October 7). The Somerville Arts Council is highlighting imported products from around the world, with a hope of highlighting the countries of Somerville's immigrant communities. Items might be baskets or beads from Africa, traditional Indian clothing and jewelry or Brazilian CDs, DVDs or clothing. Those interested in presenting workshops and/or participatory activities are encouraged to apply. The deadline is this Friday, September 7, 2007. Contact Bess Paupeck at the Somerville Arts Council -- artsunionsomerville@yahoo.com -- for more information.
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| How to Look Good on Your Birthday |
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Fashion Way Hair Design in Union Square is ten years old and to celebrate they're giving away free haircuts to anyone that is also celebrating a birthday. If your birthday is between now and the end of 2007, go in to 18 Union Square on your special day with a valid ID and get a free haircut. Is your hair already looking good? If you'd prefer a pedicure or manicure accept that instead as your birthday gift from Fashion Way.
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| Third Life Studio Hosts International Acts |
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Third Life Studio is taking on the title "Third Life Studio and Center for the Performing Arts" and judging from the weekend of September 14th, the moniker is well deserved. 33 Union Square welcomes innovative and internationally recognized performers again this month.
For example, as part of the Boston Guitar Project series of concerts, you can listen to classical guitarist Thibault Cauvin. From France, this 23 year old has already won thirteen international guitar competitions and tours the world in solo and concerto engagements. In this one of two rare Boston engagements, his program will embrace the gamut of guitar compositions, from Spanish-Baroque sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti to popular jazz arrangements by Roland Dyens.
Cauvin's playing embodies a flare fueled by his youthful exuberance and his ideas about the classical guitar. The young artist says, "Classical guitar is heading into an era where a variety of musical styles will collide and form new streams. In my concerts I try to reflect the multiplicity of the guitar tradition, both past and present." The concert take place Friday, September 14 at 8 pm. Tickets are just $15 and available at the door and through Gold Star Events.
Also coming up is Rakiya!, a concert and dance part with Balkan Rom. This 8-piece gypsy band performs passionate, high energy songs and very danceable music from the Rom people of eastern Europe. Rakiya is named for the fiery fruit brandy popular in the Balkans and mentioned in many songs of the region. Just $10 at the door on Saturday, September 15. Event is 8 to 11 pm. For more information about this event e-mail ddeanbrown@comcast.net
On Sunday, September 16 you can take part in a Public Urban Ritual Experiment. Boston PURE takes place at Third Life the third Sunday of every month from 12:15 to 2:15. PURE is a collective of dancers and drummers who take music and dance out into the streets for the purposes of healing and peace. Movements from ancient sacred world traditions including Middle Eastern, Chinese, Romani gypsy, Israeli folk, Flamenco, Indian dance and drumming are incorporated into the PURE experience.
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| Union Square Not Gone to the Dogs |
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Growing up, whenever we begged for a dog, my mom always said, "Having a dog is a big responsibility." Som|Dog, the Somerville Dog Owners Group, agrees and is working to help improve the lives of Somerville's canines and their loved ones. They're celebrating "Responsible Dog Ownership Day" on Saturday, September 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Nunziato Field on Summer Street, adjacent to the Nunziato Off-Leash Recreational Area. Rain Date is Sunday, September 16.
Bring your furry friend so you can pamper your pet with nail trimming, a massage or a professional portrait.
Local dog rescue groups, training clubs and businesses that serve the dog-owning community, as well as the Somerville Animal Control Officer will help som|dog kick off their responsible dog ownership campaign: No Pile Left Behind. On Responsible Dog Ownership Day, you can sign a pledge to clean up after your dog every time and learn more about organizations that promote Responsible Dog Ownership in Somerville. That's good news not just for our dog friends, but for all of us.
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| Local Produce At Its Peak |
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From the juicy peaches to the sweet tomatoes, from the tender corn to the crunchy cucumbers, the perfect zucchini to the tangy apples -- right now the produce to be found at the Union Square Farmers Market is to die for. Come and taste the incredible harvest. Check out our photo gallery to see all the succulent produce.
Beyond that, we've got a great line up of performances coming up at the market including Damien Israel Shiner & the Displayers on the 8th, The Pixie Sticks, a family band with storytelling on the 15th, the folk/pop duo of Kirsten and Dave on the 22nd and Tokyo Tramps on the 29th.
On September 22 Nadine Nelson of Discerning Taste will be at the market with a cooking demo that makes use of the wealth Union Square's ethnic grocers and the seasonal produce of the farmers market.
You likely know that the Union Square Farmers Market accepts both cash and food stamps but did you know we also accept WIC Farmers Market coupons? WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant and post-partum women, infants and children under 5 years old and provides these $10 coupons to purchase fresh produce. Participants also receive the "Joy of the Harvest" recipe book. To find out more visit this website or call the local WIC office at 617-666-5059
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| Project SUM and the Last Word on MUM |
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If you didn't get a chance to dance under McGrath highway during Project MUM presented by ArtSomerville you can do more than flip through the photos on-line and view the videos wistfully. During Project SUM - Sculpture Under McGrath -- you can once again dance, mingle with neighbors, and see some art in a very unusual place.
The work of 17 artists will be on display under McGrath Highway at Washington and Somerville Ave from September 8 until the 30th.
This Saturday, September 8 is the Opening Reception Block Party from 3 to 7 pm. It's a Brazilian themed night with music by Banda Ponto Com and dancing lead by Glenio de Oliveira. Follow along to dance samba de Gafieira, forro and other brazilian styles. Food by Café Belo and more. The event is free and open to the public.
Project SUM is produced by the SSPSomerville and like Project MUM is presented by the Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion with funding by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
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| Local Park Openings |
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It's been a long process of community meetings and then construction but two community gardens near Union Square are about to officially open. The City of Somerville is organizing "First Harvest Festivals" at the Durell Community Garden on Beacon Street and the Allen Street Community Garden.
The celebration for Durell Garden will be held from 4 to 6 PM on Tuesday September 18th and the celebration for Allen Street will be held from 4 - 6 pm on Wednesday September 19th. There will be tours of the gardens, info about the garden program and light refreshments.
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| Historical Walking Tour Focuses on Victorian Treasures |
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"From the Summit to the Square" is a walking tour presented by the Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion and produced by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission. On September 16 from 2 to 4 pm explore Union Square's Prospect Hill with its Victorian era homes and Prospect Hill Monument, the site of Washington's revolutionary war encampment.
Led by Edward Gordon, President of the Victorian Society of America, the tour includes a visit inside the interior of one Victorian era home.
Meet at the Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. For more information contact the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission at 617-625-6600 x2525 or bwilson@ci.somerville.ma.us
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| Walnut Street Center Opens New Offices |
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The Walnut Street Center main office isn't on Walnut Street. They recently moved from the heart of Union Square to new digs at 35 Charlestown Street, behind Target. Their retail store, "It's a Gift" remains in place to sell crafts and art made the organization's clients: adults who have developmental disabilities.
The Walnut Street Center folks are showing off their new home with guided tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 20. There will be a gallery display from the artists of It's a Gift, door prizes and a slideshow. RSVP so they'll know you're coming by calling them by 9/14 at 617-629-3434.
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| Become a Member of Union Square Main Streets |
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| Union Square Main Streets, a non-profit organization, is a partnership of local businesses, residents and the City of Somerville to enhance the Union Square business district through active community collaboration. Become involved in making Union Square a more vibrant neighborhood. Join us for an upcoming event, participate in one of our committees and become a member.
Memberships are $50 for Union Square businesses and $25 for residents and general supporters.
Become a Member On-Line! |
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Fairies and More at the Community Growing Center
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| There's a range of happenings at the Somerville Community Growing Center on Vinal Avenue this month.
Celebrate Brazilian Independence Week at the Brazilian Veggie Fest tonight, Wednesday, September 5 from 6 to 8 pm. Learn how to grow taioba, jiló, & maxixe. Enjoy children's entertainment, dinner from Shape- Up Somerville-approved restaurants and organic locally-grown vegetables. Declare Your Independence from imported vegetables at this free event. Presented by The Growing Center and Somerville Community Corporation.
Wednesday, September 19 at 6 pm as part of the Food, Farms and Films Series Potluck it's a "Massachusetts Meal." Learn about local food and farms from Molly Anderson who focuses on Food Systems Integrity. Bring a dish for the potluck dinner and her what Molly has to say about the Farm Bill, food systems, ecological integrity, and social justice. In case of rain, meet at Somerville Community Access TV, 90 Union Square.
Two special events evoke the spirits of the garden. The annual Fairy Night takes place on Sunday, September 23 from 4 to 6 pm. Don your fairy wings and play, sing and dance in the garden fairy land. Build a fairy house and be sure to bring a teacup to partake of fairy tea and to wear your loveliest fairy attire. For more information this special event contact Su Eaton at 617-623-3521.
The following week, on Sunday, September 30, Spirits of the Garden from 4 to 6 pm is the annual autumnal celebration with multi-media performances, participatory activities including a potluck dinner. Visitors are encouraged to dress up as a garden spirit-plant, animal, or fairy.
Visit the Community Growing Center website for a complete calendar including Open Garden times. |
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