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In this issue...
WPS Arts Festival
New Women's Voices
Abby Online
Masterpiece Restore
Around the World
Community Transportation Day
Open Studio
Spring Garden Fest
Grand Night for Singing
Lutes, Lyres & Leisurely Concerts
Pizzarelli Pizzazz
Don't forget Mom
State of Slavery
Rachmaninov Fantastique
Rousing Ringers
JOMP Gala
Farewell to Tsars Cabinet

Welcome to the WOO!

Public WOO Card

 

Get your WOO Card to receive discounts and special offers at nearly sixty area arts and culture destinations, along with  restaurants, hotels, retailers and more throughout Worcester County! Earn WOO points every time you use your WOO Card and be entered to win fantastic prizes!

WOO & Win    
 Featured Prizes:

Center of Creativity

Win a $10 gift card to CC Lowell Art Supply on Park Avenue! Supplying the Worcester area with thousands of necessities for the creative as well as fun gifts, stationary, decorative paper and more!

 
Play Ball!
Win tickets to an upcoming Worcester Bravehearts baseball game and a team baseball cap! The newest member of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League brings baseball back to Worcester with its season home opener on Thursday, June 5th at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field!

 

Encore, encore!
Win a $10 gift card to Theatre Cafe, on Main Street in Worcester, offering homemade soups, specialty sandwiches, unique dinner entrees and more just steps away from The Hanover Theatre in downtown Worcester!
 

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WOO Cards now available for sale at the Box Offices of both The Hanover Theatre and DCU Center,
or online anytime.


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 May 7 - 20, 2014
WPS Arts Festival

 

Enjoy more than 800 pieces of artwork created by students of the Worcester Public Schools at the annual arts festival at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester through Friday, May 30th. A special public performance - honoring the legacy of Pete Seeger - will be held on Friday, May 9th from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main Street, Worcester. Bring you own guitar or just your voice to join in! Free admission and open to all.
New Women's Voices

 

The Worcester Jewish Community Center, 633 Salisbury Street, Worcester, will host an evening of poetry featuring Jennifer Freed and Susan Elizabeth Sweeney, on Wednesday, May 7th at 7 p.m. Freed's first poetry collection was selected as a finalist in the 2013 New Women's Voices Chapbook Competition. Her work has appeared in Poetry East, The Christian Science Monitor and Cloudbank, among others. Sweeney has been published in The Worcester Review, The Journal of Irish Literature and elsewhere, having earned numerous awards. Her recent collection of poems, a semifinalist in the 2012 New Women's Voices Chapbook Competition, came out last year. Following the reading there will be a book signing and dessert reception. Admission is free and open to all.
Abby Online

 

The American Antiquarian Society and the Worcester Historical Museum have collaborated to digitize their collections of Abby Kelley Foster papers, resulting in the recent launch of over 600 papers now available to the public online! A radical abolitionist and woman's rights activist, who dedicated her life to social justice worked relentlessly to end both race and gender prejudice at a time when society demanded that women be silent, submissive and obedient. The combined online archive provides  a detailed look at the anti-slavery movement and also illuminates the role of women in politics and reform movements, as well as that of reformers generally. The collection details the work of both Abby and her husband Stephen, and their relationship to and influence upon major figures of the period, including correspondences to and from many well-known and influential nineteenth-century personalities. View the collection online.
Masterpiece Restored

 

First published during the reign of Czar Nicholas II by Anton Chekov, Uncle Vanya undergoes an adaptation by David Mamet, resulting in a sparkling restoration of a masterpiece. 4th Wall Stage Company's production of Uncle Vanya on stage at the Alternatives Whitin Mill Complex Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, Fridays - Sundays, May 9th through 18th. The action of Uncle Vanya takes place on a rural estate during the visit of a retired professor and his young, beautiful wife, both of whom are supported in their urban lifestyle by the labor of the estate's permanent residents. Mamet's dialogue is precise and clear, thoroughly modern yet respective of Chekhov's finely etched characters, partnered with 4th Wall's additional spin make this a must see production. Tickets available online or by calling 774 262-5675.
Around the World
 

Enjoy a sumptuous evening of great wines from around the world and exquisite hors d'oeuvres, complemented by sublime songs from various nations performed by soprano and baritone team of Elisabeth and Michael Gondek when the All Saints Music Series hosts Around the World in 80 Minutes: Wine & Song Recital at All Saints Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester, on Saturday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $35. Reservations required.

Community Transportation Day

 

The public is invited to be part of and contribute to a Community Celebration Day at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. as the Worcester Incubator for Innovation hosts an urban transit forum featuring experts in local and regional planning and transportation jams featuring hands on activities including design a vehicle, boarding a new fully electric WRTA bus and even trying out for Director of Traffic at the museum. As part of the Art of Science Learning, a National Science Foundation funded project, the Worcester Incubator for Innovation has been launched to focus on seeking innovative solutions to the area's transportation challenges. Admission is free with museum admission and open to all.
Open Studio

It was a long winter indeed! Come see how the talented artisans of the Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow Street, Worcester, kept busy! Don't miss their 11th Annual Spring Open Studio and Sale on Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to all. WOO Card holders can swipe for Double WOO points Public WOO Card

Now Showing...

Worcester Windows Community Gallery

 

   

Click Here for Details 

Call for Art

 

ArtsWorcester now accepting submissions for its upcoming summer exhibition, One, Redux

Deadline to register is Thursday, May 22nd

Additional details and submission guidelines available online.

 

 

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Tails 'n Trails

Now hike Tower Hill Botanic Garden's beautiful woodland trails with your favorite pooch

Weekends 9 -11 a.m.

Tuesday 3-5 p.m.

Get Additional Details 

------------------------

 Click for Details

Coming Up in Culture


May 7th - West Boylston Arts Foundation to host African Drums for All workshop at Beaman Memorial Public Library
 
May 8th - Worcester Arts Council Spring Grant Reception at the EcoTarium, free admission, open to all
 
May 8th - The Pill: Worcester as Serendipity lecture at the Worcester Historical Museum
 
May 9th - Orpheus: The Homecoming featuring the Massachusetts Symphony Ensemble at Mechanics Hall
 
May 11th - Silent film Steamboat Bill Jr. accompanied by Mighty Wurlitzer organ at The Hanover Theatre
 
May 16 & 17th - Friends of the Worcester Public Library Spring Book Sale
 
May 16th - Pirates! The Musical on stage at Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester
 
May 17th - Park Spirit Bird Walk at Dodge Park, meet at Gazebo at 81 Randolph Road, Worcester, Free and open to public
 
May 17th - A Night at the Museum fundraising gala at the EcoTarium
 
May 20th - Worcester JCC to host Paternity Test author Michael Lowenthal for a lecture at Temple Emanuel Sinai 
 
May 20th - Worcester Art Museum bi-monthly book club to discuss Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
 
Ongoing thru May 23rd - Alter Ego: Senior Concentration Seminar Exhibit at Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, free admission
 
May 24th - EcoTarium's Tree Canopy Walkway opens for the season, weekends only thru June 22nd
 
May 24th & 25th - Worcester Shakespeare Company auditions for the Merry Wives of Windsor and The Winter's Tale at Clark University's Little Theatre  
 
May 24th - 26th - Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village
 
May 30th - Music Worcester hosts the Worcester Chorus for a concert of Choral Masterpieces with Brass and Organ at St. Paul's Cathedral, Worcester
 
May 31st - My Poland, My Love piano concert by Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester faculty member Vladimir Odinokikh
 
Visit the Worcester Cultural Coalition's online calendar often for more information about these and many, many other cultural happenings!
 

This editon of

Your Arts & Culture Connection

brought to you by

Fred Harris Daniels Foundation
GWCF
MCC
WBUR
socialweb
Spring Garden Fest

Spring has sprung! Join the Regional Environmental Council for its Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17th between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the REC YouthGROW Farm, 63 Oread Street, Worcester, to kick off the growing season and celebrate spring! Enjoy free gardening workshops, music, food and an assortment of children's activities. Community members are invited to help create a mural for the farm, a project funded in part by the Worcester Arts Council. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. WOO Card holders can get a free seedling with any plant purchase.Public WOO Card
Grand Night for Singing

 

Are you a fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein? You won't want to miss Calliope Productions',whom we are thrilled to welcome to our Worcester Cultural Coalition membership, 
upcoming musical revue, A Grand Night of SingingFridays - Sundays, May 16th - 25th. Showcasing songs from such lesser-known works as Allegro, Me and Juliet, State Fair, and Pipe Dream, along with big hits like Carousel, Oklahoma, The King and I, and The Sound of Music, performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday & Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets available online or by calling the box office at 508 869-6887.
Lutes, Lyres & Leisurely Concerts
 
Join Conservator Birgit Straehle at the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, onSaturday, May 10th between 1:30-3:30 p.m. for an art history themed tour and explore works of art relating to the theme, Lutes, Lyres, and Leisurely Concerts - Music in Art. Visitors will learn surprising facts and hear about hidden details from an insider's point of view. Subsequent to the tour WAM Librarian, Debby Aframe will welcome you back to the library to discuss relevant literature and create an appetite for further reading. Feel free to stay as long as you wish, the museum closes at 5 p.m. Both Birgit Straehle and Debby Aframe will remain available to continue any conversations with you about Art & Books! Included with regular museum 
admission 
WOO Card holders enjoy 2-for-1 adult admission Public WOO Card
Pizzarelli Pizzazz

Versatile, entertaining, engaging, personable and back by popular demand - John Pizzarelli returns to Worcester with his famed quarter, hosted by Music Worcester, Inc. at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, on Saturday, May 10th at 8 p.m. Don't miss this evening of American songbook standards! Tickets available online or by calling 508 754-3231. WOO Card holders can save 10% off two adult tickets and swipe for Double WOO points Public WOO Card

Tickets to this concert also available for WOO Card holders through a Wow WOO Package, featuring tickets to the show along with dinner at either Caffee Espresso Trattoria or Flying Rhino Cafe & Watering Hole.
Don't forget Mom 

All moms will get free admission to Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11th, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The first 200 moms will also receive a free gift - a blend of favorite heirloom seeds from the OSV gardens! Highlights of the day will include a spirited Moms vs Kids tug of war contest on the Village Common, a raffle to win a Village-made tea set and a variety of crafts for children to make as Mother's Day gifts. Most activities included with regular admission. Use your WOO Card to save $5 off adult daytime admission and swipe for WOO pointsPublic WOO Card

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston, will welcome moms with free admission both Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wonderful opportunity to browse the gardens, both indoors and out, which are bursting with blooms with the onset of spring! Spring Blooms: Botanical Drawing & Painting exhibition on view all weekend, with a special portable herb garden workshop planned for Saturday 1:30-3:30 p.m. Use your WOO Card to save $2 off adult admission Public WOO Card
State of Slavery

Regional people of color submitted three important petitions to the provincial legislature: one calling for an end of slavery in the colony, another asking that former slaves be transported back to Africa, and a third that the legislature set aside lands in the western part of Massachusetts for former slaves. The American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, will host Thomas Doughton for a lecture, Slavery in the Bowels of a Free & Christian Country, on Tuesday, May 13th at 7 p.m. The presentation will explore the relationships of people of color in central New England and an emerging political discourse of revolutionary freedom. Admission is free and open to all. WOO Card holders can swipe for Double WOO points Public WOO Card
Rachmaninov Fantastique

Music Worcester, Inc. is thrilled to welcome the New Haven Symphony Orchestra to Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, for a blockbuster performance on Saturday, May 17th at 8 p.m. The program of Rachmaninoff and Berlioz will feature extraordinary pianist Ilya Yakushev, marrying musical subtlety and piano pyrotechnics. Tickets available online or by calling 508 743-3231. WOO Card holders can save 10% off two adult tickets and swipe for Double WOO points Public WOO Card

Tickets for this concert also available for WOO Card holders through a Wow WOO Package featuring tickets along with dinner at either Caffee Espresso Trattoria or Flying Rhino Cafe & Watering Hole.
Rousing Ringers
 

The Music at Trinity Series will host the New England Ringers for a performance on Sunday, May 18th at 4 p.m. at 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester. The fifteen-member community handbell ensemble offers performances which are a blend of lively and diverse musical moods and styles with a repertoire which includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions. The outstanding music is matched by touches of entertaining humor and the artful visual presentation of this unique instrument. Admission is free and open to all. Donations gladly accepted.

JOMP Gala

The Joy of Music Program Youth Orchestra, conducted by Tim Terranella, is celebrating its 16th anniversary and will be showcased at a Spring Gala at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, on Wednesday, May 21st at 7 p.m. The concert will also introduce an exciting new ensemble of strings and winds, Sinfonietta conducted by Ralph Metcalf. JOMP Jazz Ensembles will greet the audience and perform during the reception following. Admission is free and open to all. WOO Card holders can swipe for Double WOO points Public WOO Card
Farewell to Tsars Cabinet

The Tsar's Cabinet: Two Hundred years of Russian Decorative Arts under the Romanovs has had a great run at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street, Clinton, but all good things must end. Museum registrar Laura Garrity-Arquitt, who installed the exhibition, will lead visitors on an hour long farewell tour on Thursday, May 22nd 4:30-5:30 p.m. An encore tour will be held on Saturday, May 24th at 1:30 p.m. The farewell tour will highlight the best examples of the exhibit and discuss how they fit in to the history of the Russian Tsars. Included with regular museum admission, no advanced registration required. WOO Card holders can swipe for WOO points Public WOO Card

Save 25%

 Spring into the fun - and savings - with a WOO Card!
 
Use a WOO Card to visit more than 65 area cultural institutions, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, hotels and more... while enjoying fantastic special deals and winning fabulous prizes!
 
Use the coupon code SPRING to save $5 off the online purchase of a WOO Card today!

Offer Expires: 5/31/14, valid for online WOO Card sales only