Franklin Cultural District Committee Appointments scheduled for approval

One of the agenda items for the Town Council meeting November 29 will be the appointment of the 7 member Cultural District Committee. This committee would oversee and coordinate the cultural efforts for Franklin. The memo to the Town Council summarizes the proposal.


"We are requesting the Town Council ratify the following individuals to be members of the newly formed Cultural District Committee:

1. Christopher Brady for a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2020.
2. Stacey David for a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2020.
3. Robert DeRobertis for a two-year term to expire on June 30, 2019.
4. John LoPresti for a two-year to expire on June 30, 2019.
5. Philip Regan for a one-yeart erm to expire on June 30, 2018.
6. Nancy Schoen for a one-year term to expire on June 30; 2018.
7. Tyler Warren for a one-year term to expire on June 30, 20.18.

Please note all seats are three-year terms. These are the initial terms to introduce the staggered years of the committee for initial appointments. It's anticipated the one-year termed candidates will be
considered for reappointment in June 2018.

In June 2017, the Council approved Resolution 17-44 authorizing the creation of a Cultural District Committee (resolution, map and memo attached). Over the summer, the Town held an open application period for anyone in the community to apply. We received almost two dozen applications. Through the fall, Jeff and I met with each candidate in person. Suffice to say, choosing seven folks out of the group was very difficult given the passion, creativity and interest from all applicants.

Given the work the Committee will be doing moving forward, it was important to get a diverse set of skills and interests. Our recommendation includes backgrounds in arts and culture, media, marketing, public relations, downtown economic development and more.

As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have."






Earlier this year, the Town Council approved this step
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/the-town-is-excited-to-move-to-this.html

Franklin Cultural Festival

BLACK BOX Jazz Presents Mark White Octet CD Release Party - Dec 1

Help celebrate the release of the Mark White Octet debut recording with a live performance at THE BLACK BOX!

Friday, Dec. 1, 8:00 PM

Tickets: Adults ~ $20
Students/Seniors ~ $15

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

BLACK BOX Jazz Presents Mark White Octet CD  Release Party - Dec 1

For more about the Mark White Octet visit their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/MarkWhiteOctet/
 

THE BLACK BOX: Flashback Friday - Nov 24

Enjoy performances by FPAC alumni in a program of "Flashback Friday" – reprising favorites from the archives of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, and Electric Youth!

Friday, November 24, 2017 7:30PM

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

THE BLACK BOX: Flashback Friday - Nov 24

Artists, educators, performers & venues wanted for ArtWeek Franklin

We want YOU for ArtWeek Franklin! The Franklin Cultural Council is bringing ArtWeek, a statewide arts festival, to Franklin April 27 - May 6, 2018...and we want YOU involved! ArtWeek is a 10-day festival featuring unique and unexpected arts and cultural experiences that are participatory, interactive, or offer behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process. Anyone can host an ArtWeek event…organizations, businesses, schools and individual artists. And while the VENUE has to be in Franklin to be part of ArtWeek Franklin, the HOST or participating organization does not! Successful events are often partnerships between artists and venues, such as a theater or dance performance in a restaurant, or an art workshop in a retail space.   What makes an event an ArtWeek event? ArtWeek events should be unique, memorable and inspired experiences that offer a taste of the arts, culture, and/or creativity unlike others that you can traditionally experience throughout the rest of the year. Plenty of events are outside-the-box, but you can also easily transform an existing event or performance that would normally be available to the general public by adding a simple "ArtWeek twist" like: Inviting the public to what is typically a closed rehearsal or offering a free pre- or post-show talk or discussion  Hosting a hands-on workshop or demonstration (and it's extra cool to host them in an unexpected place) Adding a twist to open studios by including a 30-minute mini-workshop or how-to session with an artist Creating a partnership event between artists and businesses Offering a tour, hosting a lecture or creating a panel to discuss a relevant topic in arts, culture or creativity If you're a restaurant, consider participating in the Art of Food. Learn More Why participate? ArtWeek brings tourists to town, customers to your business, and  attendees to your events. It can drive revenue, raise awareness, create a sense of community, promote good will, and get more people interested in your goods, services, programs, and more. Plus, ArtWeek will promote you for free! Need inspiration? The great people at ArtWeek have created handy inspiration sheets for every type of business, organization and venue. Follow the link below to start generating ideas for how YOU can create a unique ArtWeek event. ArtWeek Inspiration Sheets So let's talk money... ArtWeek events must be open to the public (though you can limit the number of attendees through ticket sales or other means), but they don't have to be free. All events must be under $50, and you keep all revenue. Want to host a free event? Well, that's certainly encouraged too! In fact, the Franklin Cultural Council believes so strongly in ArtWeek that we are providing special grants just to those programs offered free of charge! To apply, click here: FCC ArtWeek grants Let's talk promo... The beauty of ArtWeek is that it's a partnership! ArtWeek helps coordinate and promote the events through their unique, searchable database (they'll create a web page for your event free of charge!), as well as ads, press releases, and on social media. State and regional partners such as the Mass Office of Travel & Tourism, the Mass Cultural Council, and the MetroWest Visitors Bureau will promote ArtWeek through their channels. The Franklin Cultural Council, the Town of Franklin, and our local partners will also help raise awareness through all of our efforts. That's a whole lot of extra visibility to amplify your own efforts! Location, location, location... Have an idea, but don't know where to host the event? Have a venue, but looking for a program? We can help! We are putting together a list of events and venues to help match up partners. If you're interested, simply fill out this Google form: ArtWeek Partnership Form So where do you sign?? Ready to participate? If so, follow the link below to apply directly to ArtWeek for your event to be part of the fun! It's a short form and easy to fill out – we promise! The early bird deadline is Jan. 8; final deadline is Feb. 28. And if you don't mind, drop us a line at the Franklin Cultural Council at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com so that we know you want to be involved. We can't wait! Still have questions? Visit ArtWeek's FAQ's for more info. Apply Now Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved.

FPAC To Stage Three Holiday Season Productions

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holidays with three festive productions. Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, FPAC’s original musical ’Tis the Season!, and the Company’s third annual holiday panto, with a twist on a fairy tale classic.

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet delights the imaginations of audiences of all ages with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC’s production is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. Middlesex Savings Bank is The Nutcracker 2017 Production Sponsor.

FPAC To Stage 3 Holiday Season Productions

’Tis the Season! is an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995. The upbeat, jazzy holiday extravaganza features members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band and contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to rock, pop, and Broadway. FPAC presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School auditorium on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m.

FPAC’s original panto will be staged at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Friday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m., with two shows on Saturday, December 23 at 2:00 and 7:30. The production follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along to favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works. THE BLACK BOX theatre, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers, and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC celebrates its 27th season. 

Tickets are $32, $34, and $36 for The Nutcracker and ’Tis the Season!, with a $34 ticket price for the holiday panto. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: DayBreakers with Copilot - Nov 22

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents DayBreakers with Copilot at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. Combining rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. 

Copilot is an American Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion and unique Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven’t heard before. 

Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: DayBreakers - Nov 22

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Copilot - Nov 22

Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles! - Nov 25

Franklin Federated Church presents "Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles!," a concert featuring the New England Ringers and organist Richard Bunbury, on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street.

This concert is a great opportunity to get in the mood for the season! The church will be decorated with lights and greens, and the concert will feature such favorites as Joy to the World, Greensleeves, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Silent Night, The First Noel, and Go Tell It on the Mountain.

This concert will mark the first time that the New England Ringers - the region's premier handbell ensemble - will perform accompanied by an organ (which, after all, is a big whistle.) The 14 ringers perform with a 6 octave set of Schulmerich Handbells.

Tickets for the concert are $15 each. They can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches.

Franklin Federated Church is accessible to the disabled via a ramp off the left driveway next to the church. 

Christmas with All the Bells and Whistles! - Nov 25

For more about the New England Bell Ringers, visit their web page  http://newenglandringers.org

For more about the Franklin Federated Church, visit their web page http://www.franklinfederated.org/

FPAC’S The Nutcracker To Feature Guest Soloists, Professional Orchestra And Area Dancers

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing special guest artists, a 27-piece orchestra, and some 100 area dancers to one suburban stage. FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. 

A popular holiday tradition for more than two decades, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak Street, in Franklin.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who also dances the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Ms. Madeux formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre (ABT) companies. A summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program and an examiner for the ABT National Training Curriculum, she is Ballet Director at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Joseph Jefferies will perform the role of the Cavalier. Jefferies, who also choreographed the Arabian and Waltz of the Flowers dances for this production, danced professionally with Pittsburg Ballet Theater, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Memphis, and Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo. He is an award-winning choreographer, creating more than 30 works for companies including Ballet Memphis, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Trockadero, and Ballet Yuma. 

FPAC performs The Nutcracker Dec 2-3

Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, and Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island will perform the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. FPAC’s The Nutcracker also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

The production features a professional orchestra under the direction of Broadway conductor/arranger Eric Stern. With 19 Broadway shows to his credit, including Shrek, Xanadu, Follies, Parade, and Candide, Stern has recorded over 30 albums. He has performed in concert with renowned artists Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Barbara Cook, Dawn Upshaw, Dianne Reeves, Deborah Voigt, Jesse Norman, Thomas Hampson, the Irish Tenors, and many others. 

Stern has conducted many of the world’s top orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Boston Pops. He won an Emmy for his work for PBS, and his albums have been honored with a Grammy and two Gramophone Awards. He has enjoyed a long association with the National Orchestra of Wales as frequent guest conductor, and he currently teaches conducting at Berklee College of Music.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC celebrates its 27th season. Middlesex Savings Bank and Waters Corporation are FPAC 2017 Holiday Sponsors. 

Tickets are $32-$36. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 10

New England Irish Harp Orchestra will share a wonderful medley of Holiday music that will put you in the perfect mood for the season!

Sunday, December 10 - 7:00 pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church 
237 Pleasant Street Franklin, MA 

Tickets $10 (payable at the door) 

FREE  With Dean College ID 

Transportation provided call (781) 708-1327 

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 10

Historical Museum: Joe Landry presents "You Remember When" - Nov 19 - 1:15 PM

This will be the last presentation of the year of Joe Landry's popular series of You Remember When. This presentation looks at the events of the year 1938, including the effects of the 1938 hurricane. Join us for an interesting and memorable look at Franklin's history.

Historical Museum: Joe Landry presents "You Remember When" - Nov 19 - 1:15 PM

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19

The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stagewith such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Tickets: Big Band Only ~ $20
Big Band & Brunch ~ $45

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19

 

Dean College performs Legally Blonde - Nov 15 through Nov 19

Dean College performs Legally Blonde.
 
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner. 

Right from the start, Elle encounters negative reactions from both the establishment and the university’s students. In the course of this musical, however, she not only discovers that her knowledge of the law can help others, but she also realizes an equally important faith in herself.

Clive Barnes, in his New York Post review, wrote that he loved the "effervescent and radiant Laura Belle Bundy” (the original Elle Woods), and that the "dances certainly have a slick snap, crackle, and pop."


November 15th-18th at 7:30pm
November 18th & 19th at 2:00pm

Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Book by Heather Hach


Tickets available http://www.dean.edu/legallyblonde2017/

Dean College performs Legally Blonde - Nov 15 through Nov 19

Alice Wiggin gets a Grave Marker - Saturday, Nov 18 - 10 AM

"Alice Wiggin 1878-1966 - Alice Wiggin was a much beloved English Teacher at FHS for 42 years. A graduate of Radcliffe College, she dedicated her life to her passion of teaching, to her students, and to her friends. She was a strong and positive influence on all who knew her. The Rotary Club of Franklin voted her 'Citizen of the Year' in 1956. 

When she died, at the age of 88 in 1966, she was buried in the family plot of a close, life long friend. It was recently discovered that there was no proper marker on this amazing woman's grave. 

Next Saturday, November 18th at 10 AM there will be a small dedication ceremony for the placing of a grave marker for Alice Wiggin in the Union Street Cemetery. 

The Franklin HS Class of 1929 dedicated their yearbook to Ms. Wiggin. Their words. 'Scholar, Counselor, Teacher, Friend' have been inscribed on her marker. "

Alice Wiggin gets a Grave Marker - Saturday, Nov 18  - 10 AM

BLACK BOX Cabaret: Rising Stars - Nov 17 - 7:30 PM

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents a special cabaret revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers! This third annual Rising Stars Cabaret is presented in an intimate, nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment.

November 17, 2017 - 7:30 PM

Tickets:Adults ~ $15
Students/Seniors ~ $12

Tickets available  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1041 

BLACK BOX Cabaret: Rising Stars -  Nov 17 - 7:30 PM

Reminder: Classical Series: Quartett Giocosa - Nov 12 4 PM

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa. Violinists Heather Goodchild and Irina Fainkichen are joined by Irina Naryshkova on Viola and Elizabeth Schultze on Cello to presents selections from Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Still and Gershwin. 

Tea will be served. 

at THE BLACK BOX  Sunday, Nov 12 at 4:00 PM

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1054

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series: Quartett Giocosa - Nov 12   4 PM

Reminder: Ben Gardner's Boat - Chick Magnets - Nov 11

Presented by THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 8:00 PM.

• The Chick Magnets features a lineup of veteran players and multi-instrumentalists, featuring bluesy keyboards, saxophone and trombone, plus a healthy commitment to vocal harmonies.

• The acoustic rock band, Ben Gardner’s Boat, features members Jeff Roy, Don Larsen, Tom Grillo, Pat DeGregorio and Scott Mueller.

Tickets available at THE BLACK BOX
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1067

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Ben Gardner's Boat - Chick Magnets

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series: Quartett Giocosa - Nov 12 4 PM

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa. Violinists Heather Goodchild and Irina Fainkichen are joined by Irina Naryshkova on Viola and Elizabeth Schultze on Cello to presents selections from Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Still and Gershwin. 

Tea will be served. 

at THE BLACK BOX  Sunday, Nov 12 at 4:00 PM

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1054

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series: Quartett Giocosa - Nov 12   4 PM

Reminder: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10

"The eight-piece blues band is led by guitarist Chris Vachon and features singer Phil Pemberton, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals to the ensemble’s jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. 

Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Along with new members, bassist John Turner, trumpeter Doug Woolverton, drummer Chris Anzalone, and keyboardist Rusty Scott, and longtime members baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, Roomful keeps on rockin’ in 2017."

Scheduled for THE BLACK BOX on Friday,November 10, 2017  8:00 PM
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1043

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series: Roomful of Blues - Nov 10

For more about The Roomful of Blues  https://www.roomful.com/

Circle of Friends Coffehouse: Richard Shindell Nov 18 with Michele Kelly

Famed songwriter and performer Richard Shindell returns to Circle of Friends Nov 18th with special guest Michele Kelly.

View this email in your browser RICHARD SHINDELL with special guest Michele Kelly Nov 18th 8PM $25 Noted songwriter Richard Shindell returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, November 18th at 8PM.  "Are You Happy Now", "A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress", and "The Ballad of Mary Magdalen" are just a few of his wonderful songs. An expatriate New Yorker now living in Argentina, Richard Shindell is a meticulous craftsman.  He is a writer whose songs paint pictures, tell stories, juxtapose ideas and images, inhabit characters, vividly evoking entire worlds along the way and expanding our sense of just what it is a song may be. From his first record, Sparrow's Point (1992) to his current release, Careless (September 2016), Shindell has explored the possibilities offered by this most elastic and variable of cultural confections: the song. Richard is a part of the Cry, Cry, Cry trio with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky. They recently completed a reunion tour which included a concert at the Wilbur Theater in Boston. Local singer and performer Michele Kelly will open the show.  Michele has a lovely voice and writes emotive, thought provoking songs. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $25.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Dec 9         Winterbloom Jan 6         Gretchen Peters with Open Book Jan 27       Seth Glier Feb 10       Chelsea Berry Mar 3         Patty Larkin

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA