Locations for displays of Art and Photography during the Cultural Festival

The Franklin Cultural Festival will feature displays of Art and Photography by the Franklin Art Association at multiple locations throughout downtown Franklin. The Festival will open on Wednesday, July 29 and close on Sunday, August 2, 2015.

Franklin Art Association

During Business Hours:  

• Dean Bank
• Hair@Nail It
• Jane’s Frames
• My Optics
• Pisini Shoes

Dean Bank - Main St, Franklin

Jane's Frames, East Central St, Franklin

My Optics, Main St, Franklin

• Hair@Nail It (while no photo available at this time, it is located in the same row of buildings between My Optics and Pisini Shoes)

Pisini Shoes, Main St, Franklin

During Performance Hours: 

• THE BLACK BOX 

THE BLACK BOX Theater, 15 West Central St

Saturday and Sunday Afternoon 

• The Methodist Church 

Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts happen here

If there are any changes, they will be posted here.  It would be good to subscribe for updates via email (there won't be more than one per day)

The schedule of events can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/p/schedule.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, we got together to put some answers out there for what we anticipate might be some questions that you would ask.

If we covered them all, great.

If we missed any, please let us know.

Arts Happen Here! - Franklin Cultural Festival

Where do the events take place? 

The events will take place in a number of downtown locations including the Town Common, THE BLACK BOX, The Sculpture Park, the Franklin Historical Museum, the Franklin Library and many other downtown locations. Check the locations tab for more information. 

When should I arrive? 

The opening ceremony is on Wednesday, July 29th at 6:00 P.M. The first performance begins after the opening ceremony on the Common. Events and performances will continue through Sunday, August 2nd. Check the schedule of events for the time and location of each event. 

Do I need a ticket to attend? 

All performances and events are free and open to the public with the exception of “School House Rock” at THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, August 1st which is a ticketed event. You are welcome to come and enjoy all of the performances or just for select performers. 

What happens if it rains? 

Some of the events scheduled for Saturday will be moved to Sunday. Check the website for updated information. 

Are there events specifically for children? 

All events are for both children and adults, but on Saturday the Franklin Art Center will have a special art project for children at the Sculpture Park, and on Saturday on the Town Common, the Franklin Art Association will facilitate a number of interactive art projects for both children and adults. 

Can I bring my own chair? 

Yes, in fact you are encouraged to bring chairs and or a blanket for any of the outdoor events. 

Will there be food available onsite? 

There will be food available for sale from local restaurants at “The Taste of Franklin” on THE BLACK BOX property on Sunday, August 2nd, 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. 

Can I bring my own food? 

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own prepared food for the outdoor events and concerts. Please note, cooking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. 

Where should I park? 

Around the Town Common, there is parking available on the streets. For Sunday and the stage at THE BLACK BOX, there will be parking available at the Rockland Bank parking lot in addition to the normal street parking. 

Will there be restrooms onsite? 

Yes, there will be portable public restrooms for use on the Town Common on Saturday. The restrooms at THE BLACK BOX will be available during the outdoor concert on Sunday. 

Is the event handicapped accessible? 

Yes. Will there be any security on site? There will be a police detail on Sunday during the outdoor event on THE BLACK BOX property. We ask that you be vigilant of your surroundings and contact security personnel immediately if you see something of concern. 

Will there be medical personnel onsite? 

No. In the case of an emergency, please contact the nearest festival volunteer or police officer. If someone is not around, please call 911. 

What do I do to report or find a missing child? 

Immediately report any missing children to the nearest festival volunteer, or police officer. 

Can I bike to the events? 

Biking and walking would be good ways to get around Franklin. 

May I bring my dog to the Festival? 

Yes, for the outdoor activities. However all dogs must remain on a leash at all times. 

Can I make a donation to the Festival? 

Yes, a GoFundMe site has been established to help defray some of the costs of the Festival. Go to GoFundMe.com/tx62gs. A donation in any amount is appreciated.

Get your copy of the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival brochure!

The 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival starts on Wednesday, July 29 and runs through Sunday, August 2. 

Arts Happen Here! - Franklin Cultural Festival

This one page (two sided print) tri-fold brochure gives you a handy copy of all the info of what, when, and where the events of the Festival will take place.

If you have a mobile device, you can check out the webpage or Facebook. If you would like the hard copy, the Festival team put one together for you.

You can download and print on your own!

You can make your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcGNsUnpKMzhRTTQ/view?usp=sharing


or from here



Check the webpage for any updates (especially in case of weather)
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Get your copy of the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival brochure!

The 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival starts on Wednesday, July 29 and runs through Sunday, August 2. 

Arts Happen Here! - Franklin Cultural Festival

This one page (two sided print) tri-fold brochure gives you a handy copy of all the info of what, when, and where the events of the Festival will take place.

If you have a mobile device, you can check out the webpage or Facebook. If you would like the hard copy, the Festival team put one together for you.

You can download and print on your own!

You can make your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcGNsUnpKMzhRTTQ/view?usp=sharing


or from here



Check the webpage for any updates (especially in case of weather)
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Check for updates

As the day for the Festival kick off approaches, there are lots of fine tuning to do. Confirming this arrangement, that schedule, etc. The work behind the scenes to create the Festival is almost endless. The many volunteers, organizations, businesses, and performers are all working together to put on a great show.

This website will be the 'master' schedule and source of information. Check back for updates. Consider subscribing to the daily email. It will keep you posted of the latest information.

The 'master' schedule is kept here. Click on the "Schedule of Events" tab at the top navigation of the page, or select it on your mobile view.

screen grab of schedule for Saturday and Sunday

 
If you have a question, please comment on a post here or via Facebook. Someone will get back to you with an answer.

If you follow the Cultural Festival on Twitter, you can also ask a question that way.

Circle of Friends - Sunday Stage Performers

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will set up stage outside THE BLACK BOX to provide a round of good music Sunday, Aug 2 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Also around the parking lot at the same time will be the 7 restaurants offering a "Taste of Franklin" with a $2.00 minimum for 1 signature taste. You can sample from: 3, BAMBOO HOUSE,  ELIZABETH’S BAGELS, MAC DELI, THE CAKE BAR, THE CURRY HOUSE, and THE ROME.


Carolyn Waters - website

Carolyn Waters

Stefilia's Stone - website

Stefilia's Stone

Jamie Barrett (Franklin music teacher) - website

Jaime Barrett

Jesse Hanson - website

Jesse Hanson

Kim Jennings  (originally from Franklin) - website

Kim Jennings

Lydia Warren - website

Lydia Warren

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known 

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Let's Laugh Today with Bill and Linda!

On Friday, July 31st from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the Franklin Town Commons, Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Bill and Linda HA HA HAmaker of "Let's Laugh Today"  will show you how to bring more laughter into your life without using comedy, jokes or humor! 
 

Bill and Linda HA HA HAmaker

Enjoy this unique exercise of laughter and clapping combined with gentle breathing that brings more oxygen to the body's cells. This oxygen boost gives enhanced vitality, energy and a feeling of real well-being even after only one session! 

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this fun and uplifting experience! You can sit or stand. There no fancy poses. 

Let's Laugh Today Laughter Club

You can just come and watch as it is FREE! 

You will see how contagious laughter can be! 

Bill and Linda are graduates of both The American School of Laughter Yoga and The Dr. Kataria School of Laughter Yoga. They founded the successful Let's Laugh Today Laughter Club in Franklin, MA six years ago. 

They also teach and certify others to lead laughter sessions and have been named Ambassadors to Laughter Yoga by Dr. Madan Kataria, the Indian physician who created Laughter Yoga. They have appeared on community television, radio, and have been in many community newspapers and the BOSTON Magazine and the Norwood Magazine. They also run private events for companies, assisted living homes, senior centers, schools, and individuals.



The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/
 

Empty Bowls Project to help the Franklin Food Pantry

Clay is shaped to a bowl, hand painted, then glazed and fired. The collaboration around the art of making the bowl is at the heart of the Franklin Cultural Festival.

finished bowls for the 'Empty Bowls Project'

Franklin Art Association members Dick Fotland, Tina Guarino, Paul Peterson and Adele Corrigan are shown painting bowls for the "Empty Bowls Project."

Dick Fotland, Tina Guarino, Paul Peterson and Adele Corrigan

Over 300 bowls were made by association members, then glazed and fired with help from Brenna Johnson, ceramics teacher at Franklin High School. 

These colorful bowls were donated to the Franklin Food Pantry and will be for sale during the festival. 

Dance and Art - together at the Sculpture Park

Dean College’s Palladino School Of Dance 

And The Franklin Art Center Present 

Site specific Dances 

at The Franklin Sculpture Park

Saturday August 1st at 12pm and 1pm

Franklin Sculpture park - hands

The Franklin Art Center and Dean College’s Palladino School of Dance will host site specific dance performances and an art project at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Saturday August 1st during the Franklin Cultural Festival.

There are two performance tours, beginning at 12:00pm and again at 1:00pm. Come join the talented dancers and musicians on a stroll of the sculpture garden as they perform at/with/around sculptures and other areas in the garden.

After the half hour performance tour, children can join the Franklin Art Center in a community sculpture project and paint wooden fish that will be installed on the Sculpture Park fence. 

Franklin Sculpture park - 2 faces

Rain date August 2nd at 12 pm and 1 pm

Schoolhouse Rock Live! - Aug 1

FSPA Summer Theater proudly presents the iconic Schoolhouse Rock Live! With timeless hits such as “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill” and “Three Is a Magic Number,” the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series taught an entire generation lessons about grammar, science, math, money and American history in a most animated and catchy way.

School House Rock - Live

Don't miss this concert musical adaptation featuring the best of the beloved TV show. With clever and high-energy educational jams, it's fun, nostalgic and can't-miss entertainment for audiences of all ages! 

The August 1 performance of Schoolhouse Rock! will be presented at THE BLACK BOX at 4:00 PM as part of the Franklin Cultural Festival.

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/
 

Franklin Public Library: Pumpernickel Puppets, Davey the Clown, All Hands Drumming

The Franklin Public Library is pleased to host three events for the Franklin Cultural Festival. Information on the three events can be found here:

Wednesday, July 29 -- 1:00 PM - Pumpernickel Puppets

Pumpernickel Puppet shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices and sound effects and fast paced scripts that not only entertain, but stimulate children's imagination and creativity. A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes.

All performances last approximately forty minutes and are appropriate for children ages three and up.  

Peter Rabbit

Friday, July 31 -- 1:00 PM - Davey the Clown

"DAVEY THE CLOWN is a physical comedian, juggler, unicyclist and accordionist. DAVEY'S SHOW IS BIG AND FUNNY - Perfect FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT for events - large and small

It contains silly JUGGLING, amazing MAGIC, incredible UNICYCLING (on a six-foot unicycle, space permitting) wacky antics, beautiful and rousing ACCORDION MUSIC, BALLOON SCULPTURE, tons of audience participation, and a RUBBER CHICKEN! Best of all, KIDS LOVE DAVEY (and adults, too!)

Stellar, but silly, juggling, amazing magic incredible unicycle tricks (on a 6-foot unicycle!), wacky ant balloon sculpture, audience participation, and a rubber chicken!"

Davey the Clown

Saturday, August 1 -- 1:00 PM - All Hands Drumming

For over 40 years I have been studying, playing, and teaching drumming. My influences are in the traditions of West Africa, Cape Verdean and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The drum-fun entertainment from All Hands Drumming is interactive to create an exciting, fun, and memorable experience for children, youth, and adults. I travel all throughout New England to various venues for classes, workshops, parties, events, and more.

all hands drumming

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

FPAC's Whatever Theater Festival performs at the Franklin Cultural Festival

This year’s Whatever Theater Festival will be part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 

The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2. 

FPAC’s Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin and Norfolk Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The 2015 Whatever Theater Festival will feature a production of Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin Town Common and a series of one-act plays staged at THE BLACK BOX.  Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present the Whatever Theater Festival from July 29 - August 1, with performances offered free to the public.
 

Whatever Theater Festival

Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 pm - One-Act Plays staged at THE BLACK BOX

Thursday, July 30, 8:00 pm - Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin 

Town Common Friday, July 31, 8:00 pm - Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin Town Common  

Saturday, August 1, 8:30 pm - One-Act Plays staged at THE BLACK BOX

arts happen here - Franklin Cultural Festival

For more information on the Franklin Cultural Festival visit www.franklinsculturalfestival.org.

Ben Gardner's Boat - July 30

The band Ben Gardner's Boat will perform at THE BLACK BOX on Thursday, July 30 beginning at 7:00 PM.

Ben Gardner's Boat Band plays for Best Buddies

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/p/schedule.html
 

Electric Youth to Open Cultural Festival - July 29

Just back from their 12th European tour,  Electric Youth will open the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The free concert is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m. on the Franklin Town Common.

Electric Youth’s 12th European tour featured three shows at Disneyland Paris and several concerts along the coast of Normandy. Performances in England included a July 4th show for U.S. troops stationed at Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell Air Force Bases and concerts at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre and in Arundel and Hastings. Electric Youth first debuted in England and France in 2013 and this season’s itinerary marks a return to those countries after last summer’s tour of Austria and Italy. 

Backed by the eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Adele, Aretha Franklin, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, Frank Sinatra, Styx and more. 

Electric Youth 2015

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 15-17, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). Electric Youth 2015 includes Adriane D’Amato of Foxboro; Madison Asgeirsson, Kendra Dombroski, Jocelyn Jones, Shaina McGillis, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans of Medfield; Maddy Williams of Medway; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; and Jenna McDermott, of Wrentham. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison. EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on tenor saxophone, Ben Whiting on baritone saxophone, John Wilkins on guitar, and Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. 


For more information about Electric Youth call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

The full schedule for the first annual Cultural Festival can be found here
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/p/schedule.html

Festival Schedule - Sunday, August 2

Sunday, August 2 

Circle of Friends stage (on THE BLACK BOX property )

12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• Lydia Warren
• Jamie Barrett
• Jesse Hanson
• Kim Jennings
• Stefilia’s Stone
• Carolyn Waters 

Taste of Franklin (on THE BLACK BOX property )

12 Noon – 5:00 PM

• 3 
• BAMBOO HOUSE 
• ELIZABETH’S BAGELS 
• MAC DELI 
• THE CAKE BAR 
• THE CURRY HOUSE 
• THE ROME

COST: The cost is $2 or less for each signature taste.

also on THE BLACK BOX property

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Ceramic bowl fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Historical Museum 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Wool Spinning, Rug & Straw Braiding, Historical Film 

Franklin Methodist Church 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - FAA Art and Photography & Robots and Magical Machines 

Inside THE BLACK BOX

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - FAA Art and Photography by the FAA  


5:00 PM: CLOSING CEREMONY, THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known

Festival Schedule - Saturday, August 1

Saturday, August 1

Performances 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Kevin T. Wolfe Band 
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM - Dean College & The Star Players Massachusetts, preview The Wiz 

The Franklin Library 

1:00 PM - All Hands Drumming

The Sculpture Park 

12:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance & Franklin Art Center
1:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance & Franklin Art Center

THE BLACK BOX 

4:00 PM - School House Rock (ticket purchase required)
7:30 PM - FPAC: One Acts

Events 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Empty Bowl fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Watercolor Painting & Mural Painting for adults & children, FAA
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Fashion design with newspaper and dance for children and adults: FAA & Dean College

Franklin Methodist Church 

-- FAA Art and Photography & Robots and Magical Machines

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known

Festival Schedule - Friday, July 31

Friday, July 31 

• 11:00 AM - Student art and music performances, Franklin High School
• 1:00 PM - Davey the Clown, Franklin Library 
• 4:00 – 8:00 PM - Music and art, Jane’s Frames 
• 6:30 - 7:30 PM - Laughter Yoga, Town Common
• 8:00 – 9:30 PM - Shakespeare on The Common

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known

Festival Schedule - Thursday, July 30

Thursday, July 30 

• 7:00 PM - Ben Gardner’s Boat Band, THE BLACK BOX 
• 8:00 PM - Shakespeare on the Common

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known

Festival Schedule - Wednesday, July 29

Wednesday, July 29 

1:00 PM - Pumpernickel Puppets, Franklin Library 
6:00 PM - OPENING CEREMONY, Town Common 
6:00 PM - Zentangle at Jane’s Frames (pre-registration req'd but a no cost event)
6:15 PM - Electric Youth, Town Common 
8:30 PM - FPAC: One Acts, THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated here as soon as known

Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" - July 24-26

The best way to experience Shakespeare is to see a performance in person. To see an outdoor performance is an opportunity that is just around the corner for folks here in Franklin.

The Star Players of MA is collaborating with Dean College to perform "The Taming of the Shrew" in the open on the Dean quad.

This free performance is scheduled for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the Franklin Cultural Festival kicks off.

• Friday, July 24 - 7:00 PM
• Saturday, July 25 - 7:00 PM
• Sunday, July 26 - 2:00 PM

Star Players and Dean College perform Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew"

In case of the rain, the performance will move inside to the Chapel in Dean Hall.

For a quick recap of "The Taming of the Shrew" check the wikipedia entry here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Taming_of_the_Shrew

Art and Photography exhibits during the Franklin Cultural Festival

The Franklin Cultural Festival will feature displays of Art and Photography by the Franklin Art Association at multiple locations throughout downtown Franklin. The Festival will open on Wednesday, July 29 and close on Sunday, August 2, 2015.

During Business Hours: 

• Dean Bank 
• Hair@Nail It 
• Jane’s Frames 
• My Optics 
• Pisini Shoes 

During Performance Hours: 

• THE BLACK BOX 

Saturday and Sunday Afternoon 

• The Methodist Church 

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts happen here

If there are any changes, they will be posted here.  It would be good to subscribe for updates via email (there won't be more than one per day)

The schedule of events can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/p/schedule.html

Share the fund raising for the Franklin Cultural Festival

The fund raising for the 1st Franklin Cultural Festival is still underway. 

Lots of $5 or $10 contributions go a long way to helping making this event. 

If you would like to share this flyer at your workplace or other appropriate common gathering spot, please download/print and feel free to share.



This helps to spread the word so folks can contribute via the GoFundMe page set up for the Festival: gofundme.com/tx62gs.