FALL PREVIEW : : Culture & Entertainment 2024

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Pilgrim Hall Museum ~ 200^th Anniversary

(1824-2024)

pilgrimhall.org

Plymouth Foodways: Walking Tour of Burial Hill ~ with Paula Marcoux

Co-presented by Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plymouth Antiquarian Society

Saturday, September 7, 1 pm

Burial Hill, Town Square, Plymouth

Admission is free (Click for more info)

Pilgrim Hall Museum and the Plymouth Antiquarian Society continue their partnership, presenting an ongoing free public history-themed tour series. Tours meet live and in-person on the first Saturday of every month at 1 pm, February to December, at the top of Burial Hill, Plymouth’s ancient burying ground. Join the tour group at the very top of the Hill for this one-hour tour with Paula Marcoux, food historian, and author of “Cooking with Fire.”  Wear comfortable walking shoes, as terrain may be uneven, and check Pilgrim Hall Museum’s Facebook page for weather cancellations or postponement.

Step by step, Rinaldo explains her journey in creating a sensitive artwork, which has been hailed for its accuracy by the Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

A House Restored: The Tragedies & Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial ~ a Lecture by Lee McColgan

Thursday, October 10, 6 pm, social hour; 7 to 8 pm, lecture

Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court Street, Plymouth

Tickets:  $10 per person, $5 members, free for students with valid ID (reserve tickets)

2024 Pilgrim Hall Museum Speaker Series sponsored by Tiny & Sons Auto Glass Recently profiled in the New York Times, Lee McColgan, author of “A House Restored” and owner of Helve Historic Trades, presents his fascinating journey from working in finance to becoming a preservation contractor specializing in historic homes and buildings, and now the author of the Amazon #1 publication, “A House Restored.” Part memoir, part history, McColgan’s book is about the painstaking and ultimately rewarding restoration of his 300-year-old South Shore home. As owner of Helve Historic Trades, Lee works to restore historic properties of many eras, including Plymouth’s own Mayflower Society House.

A striking example is the 1762 wedding of Hannah Hovey, a black bondswoman living in Plymouth, and Briton Hammon, an enslaved sailor at the center of the first African American slave narrative. Through their relationship to First Church, Rutgers University Professor Keith Greene explores the early history of Plymouth people of color, following these neglected parishioners through church archives, the records of white members with whom they were affiliated, and the expanding literature on black and Indigenous life in colonial New England, in order to understand life in First Church’s “negro pew.”

Marms & Mentors – Plymouth’s Early Teachers:  Walking Tour of Burial Hill ~ with Donna D. Curtin, PhD

Co-presented by Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plymouth Antiquarian Society

Saturday, November 2, 1 pm

Burial Hill, Town Square, Plymouth

Admission is free (more info)

Pilgrim Hall Museum and the Plymouth Antiquarian Society continue their partnering to present an ongoing free public history-themed tour series. Tours meet live and in-person on the first Saturday of every month at 1 pm, February to December, at the top of Burial Hill, Plymouth’s ancient burying ground.

Who were the educators and mentors that influenced earlier generations of young Plymoutheans? Meet fusty schoolmarms, feisty schoolmasters, and teachers who inspired true learning guided by Dr. Donna Curtin, Executive Director of Pilgrim Hall Museum. Join the group at the very top of the Hill for this one-hour tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as terrain may be uneven, and check Pilgrim Hall Museum’s Facebook page for weather cancellations or postponement.

Pilgrim Hall Museum is celebrating its 200th anniversary year while preparing for a major restoration of its original historic building in the heart of downtown Plymouth. One of the nation’s oldest museums, the museum has been open to the public since 1824 and exhibits an unsurpassed collection of authentic early materials that illuminate America’s beginnings in the region. Triggered by the need to address roofing and building issues, a transformative project is now underway at this nationally significant historic institution.

This August, preparations for the extensive restoration begin with the removal of monumental works of art in the main gallery, some of which have been on display for 150 years. After a new roof, new museum lighting, and updated exhibits are installed, these oversize paintings will return to the gallery where the public can watch them being restored by a team of conservators. The museum will remain open to the public through the restoration for regular hours to early December. Two galleries are fully accessible, including the original collections gallery and a special exhibition, Real/Mythic: People of Early Plymouth, with rare items like the Plymouth Patent, the Commonwealth’s oldest state document, and media displays on Wampanoag and English inhabitants of early Plymouth. To learn more about the 200-year-history of Pilgrim Hall Museum and its range of programs and events, or to purchase tickets, visit pilgrimhall.org, email membership@pilgrimhall.org, or call 508-746-0220, ext. 3.

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The James Library & Center for the Arts

jameslibrary.org

First Lady Fashion, Presented by Cathy Phillips

Tuesday, October 8, 1 pm

James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell

Tickets: $10

Explore the evolution of United States’ first lady fashion in this engaging presentation. Discover how these women’s clothing choices have become symbols of cultural shifts and national identity, reflecting societal expectations, political climates, and changing roles throughout history. From Jackie Kennedy’s elegance to Michelle Obama’s contemporary flair, each first lady has left a mark on fashion and cultural norms. Gain insights into what their attire represented beyond aesthetics—empowerment, diplomacy, or advocacy—and speculate on the future directions of first lady fashion as it continues to shape American values and aspirations.

Cathy Phillips is a former staff member at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of UMass Boston, having presented courses on art, documentary film, and podcasts. Cathy started designing and sewing her own clothes in her long-ago teens and, although she currently lives in yoga pants, she adores the styles of others.

The James Library’s “Fall Juried Art Exhibition” will be juried by Makayla May, Curatorial Associate, Modern and Contemporary Art at The Art Institute of Chicago.  Prospectus coming August 1.  Deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm.  Only online entries will be accepted.  Entries are open to all mediums, cash and prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information and a prospectus, visit jameslibrary.org.  Accepted entries will be announced on October 6, 2024.

“incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colors” and by The Washington Post for “an uncommon degree of heart-on-the-sleeve emotional frankness” and “vivid engagement carried by soaring, ripely Romantic playing.” The group has developed a reputation for exciting programming, finding creative ways to connect well-known masterworks with pieces by lesser-known and underrepresented composers, discovering common threads across cultures and times. The Trio’s debut recording After A Dream (CAG Records) was acclaimed by The New York Times for its “polished and spirited interpretations.” Its most recent album, Mirrors, featuring world-premiere recordings of six works the ensemble has commissioned or premiered, was released in early 2021 by First Hand Records. 

Toddler Halloween Morning at The James
Tuesday, October 29, 10 to 11 am
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
Sponsored by the Susan M. Decker Fund for Children’s Literacy

Join us for a spook-tacular Toddler Halloween Morning at the library, where little ones can enjoy a themed storytime filled with fun and not-so-scary tales. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes as they participate in a Halloween craft station and a lively sing-along session. Tasty themed snacks will be provided to keep everyone energized, and each child will go home with a festive goodie bag. This event is perfect for toddlers and their caregivers to celebrate the season in a safe and joyful environment.

Out of this tradition, the jack o’ lantern is associated with the Irish folk tale of Stingy Jack, a clever drunk and con man who fooled the devil into banning him from hell, but because of his sinful life, could not enter heaven. After his death, he roamed the world carrying a small lantern made from a turnip with a red-hot ember from hell inside to light his way. 

Many people think of Halloween as a truly American holiday. In some ways it really is, because of its recent popularity growth.  Despite that surge, its roots are Celtic-European. Americans began to dress in costumes and go from house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. In the title “Halloween Traditions in Boston,” Anthony Sammarco discusses the history of the Salem Witchcraft Trials which caused such tremendous anxiety and fear and the deaths of many innocent people in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692, to the decorating of Beacon Hill as a veritable neighborhood of whimsy, with macabre skulls, bones, and cobwebs, to pumpkins and lighted jack o’ lanterns. 

Mama Steph Music, Movement, and More!

Saturday, November 9, 11 am

James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell

Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted

Bring your little ones to the James and join Stephanie Chase for traditional music, puppets, sing-a-longs, smiles and lots of laughs. This show is best for children up to seven years of age.  Stephanie “Mama” Chase is an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, entertainer and craftsperson. As Mama Steph she has a vast and loyal audience throughout the South Shore, with well attended and appreciated performances. She has published three albums of her original music, with thousands of copies sold.

Concert: Hanneke Cassel + Dave Wiesler | Keith Murphy + Yann Falquet

Saturday, November 16, 7:30 pm

James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell

Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 seniors, $20 students

Sponsored by Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems and South Coastal Animal Health

Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. Her music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.”  For this duo project, Hanneke joins forces with pianist Dave Wiesler who has built a national reputation for his rhythmic and innovative piano playing, and his sensitive accompaniment of dance music, choruses, and soloists.  Hanneke and Dave have played together for over 20 years, recorded together on six albums, and have toured the East coast of the United States and across France, performing concerts and playing for Scottish Country Dances.

Keith Murphy and Yann Falquet are masters of contemporary Celtic guitar, representing the compelling textures, harmonies and rhythms that the guitar has brought to traditional songs and instrumentals since the Celtic music revival in the 1970s. As singers, they bring a rich blending of the Franco and Anglo song traditions. Falquet comes with a wealth of songs from the French-Canadian tradition. He is probably best known for his work with the Quebecois trio, Genticorum, with whom he has been a driving force since the group’s inception.  Murphy is a highly respected traditional singer and brings a song repertoire filled with gems from his native Newfoundland as well as Quebec and his current home, Vermont. He was a founding member of the groundbreaking trio, Nightingale.

Lori Sheridan is a professional psychic medium and spiritual teacher dedicated to helping others make healing connections through mediumship. Her ability to deliver highly evidential messages of love and comfort from the Other-Side with compassion has brought hope to individuals, families, and audiences of all sizes.  She is a certified medium for the Forever Family Foundation and a contributing author to the book Signs & Synchronicities. She is also the owner of Hope Ethereal, a spiritual center in Norwell, Massachusetts. She believes love and life are eternal. Learn more at www.LoriSheridanMedium.com.

Since 1874, The James Library has served the South Shore community as a warm gathering place. Housed in a landmark Victorian in historical Norwell Center, The James is dedicated to serving the community by providing high-quality programs, resources and materials through a concert hall, art gallery and the operation of a free lending library. As an independent, non-profit arts center we foster a mission for the creation, appreciation, and enjoyment of the arts for residents of all ages on the South Shore, while preserving the historic character of our home. The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org or follow The James Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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The Company Theatre Center for the Arts

companytheatre.com

Over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with everyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm.

Founded in 1979 by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, The Company Theatre (TCT) is an award-winning regional theatre, a true treasure of Boston’s South Shore. The destination center for the arts produces 4 musicals, 1 play, 5 youth productions, and a concert and special event series annually, attracting more than 35,000 patrons. The Academy of Company Theatre (ACT) offers year-round technical training in voice, acting, dance, film and more to both youth and adults, and the heart of ACT – its renowned summer workshop.

The Company Theatre’s widely acclaimed integrity is rooted in presenting highly trained and dedicated actors, live music performances, lavish costuming, elaborate set work, as well as its outstanding educational programs. Its staff and artistic team are on a continuous quest for excellence by producing passionate, energetic, and professional quality performances. TCT attributes its success to its long-time dedicated staff and artisans who are proud to bring their craft to loyal patrons.

The Company Theatre’s box office is open Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, and two hour before each performance.  For more information, visit companytheatre.com, email boxoffice@companytheatre.com, call 781-871-2787, or follow The Company Theatre on social media.

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A Swingin’ Affair

A Swingin’ Affair’s Facebook Page

This rare night of special entertainment is produced with the support of Michelle McGrath PR | Media Relations to the Arts, Nonprofits and Small Business, and Scituate Friends of Music.

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Pilgrim Festival Chorus

pilgrimfestivalchorus.org

PFC’s 2024-25 season features three concert cycles – winter, spring, and summer. Rehearsals are held weekly on Mondays from 7 to 9 pm at Faith Community Church, 29 Carver Road, Plymouth. New members are invited to join for the winter concert cycle after attending an open rehearsal and completing a Vocal Placement Session (VPS). Open Rehearsals are held September 9 and 16, 7 to 9 pm; walk-ins are welcome. Vocal Placement Sessions are held on September 16 and 23, between 6 and 7 pm, by advance appointment which is made at the open rehearsal. To confirm open rehearsal attendance before committing to membership, email Artistic Directors William B. Richter and Elizabeth Chapman Reilly at director@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.  Membership information is available at rehearsal, at pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, or by emailing membership@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.

Pilgrim Festival Chorus’s fall rehearsals prepare the ensemble for its winter concert, “A Basically British Christmas – Seasonal Favorites From Across The Pond,” performing on Friday, December 6, 7:30 pm, Saturday, December 7, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 8, 4 pm, at St. Bonaventure Parish, 803 State Road, Plymouth.

PFC continues its annual tradition of joyful music making at Christmastime, a highlight of the magical season. In the last century, British composers created many beautiful choral pieces commonly used at Christmastime. PFC celebrates by performing four works penned by composer giants Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, John Rutter, and the late James Whitbourn. With the added drama of brass, timpani, cello, and flute, this will be a magnificent concert ushering in the holiday season. Tickets are now available at pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.

Commemorating its 25th anniversary this fall, PFC is dedicated to presenting diverse choral works that educate, enrich, and engage both its members and its audiences. In addition to the winter concert, PFC presents an annual “Messiah and Carol Sing” in late December, a larger choral work with orchestra in spring, and a summer concert featuring Broadway and American traditions. Smaller volunteer groups serve the community by engaging in appearances at various local events.

For more information about membership, email director@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org. For information about this season’s rehearsal schedule, or to purchase concert tickets, visit pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, email info@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, or follow Pilgrim Festival Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

About Pilgrim Festival Chorus

Pilgrim Festival Chorus (PFC) is a volunteer, nonprofit community choral ensemble dedicated to presenting diverse choral works that educate, enrich, and engage both its members and its audiences. PFC is funded in part by grants from several of the region’s Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. PFC concerts are produced in cooperation with See Plymouth and Plymouth County Commissioners.  For more information, visit pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, email info@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, or follow Pilgrim Festival Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

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Concord Women’s Chorus

concordwomenschorus.org

Artistic Director and Conductor Jane Ring Frank welcomes newcomers to visit rehearsal and learn more.  Auditions will be held after rehearsal on September 17.  Rehearsals continue Tuesday mornings, 9:30 am to 12 noon, also at Trinity Episcopal Church, throughout the 2024-25 season.

CWC welcomes singers with prior choral experience including good sight-reading skills, solid intonation and vocal quality, responsiveness to direction and the ability to blend within an ensemble. For auditions, prospective members may be asked to sight-read a short passage and/or sing a familiar tune, arriving with a prepared solo is not necessary.  An information form is available to be printed in advance and brought to the audition at concordwomenschorus.org/wp/sing-with-us.  Chorus members are expected to attend rehearsals and to participate in performing scheduled concerts. Since CWC values opportunities to collaborate and perform with other musical and cultural groups, additional commitments may become available during the season.

For more information, visit concordwomenschorus.org or email manager@concordwomenschorus.org.

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Tutti Music Collective

tuttimusiccollective.org

The concert features the New York premiere of Burckardt’s “Mount Auburn Requiem,” dedicated to memory of deceased classmates from Albertus Magnus High School’s 1972 graduating class. The performance is in close proximity to the high school’s location in Bardonia, NY, 15 miles to the west in Rockland County. The winner of a Silver Medal in the Global Music Awards, the “Mount Auburn Requiem” will features Celtic tenor Ciarán Nagle, the Tutti Music Collective Chorus, and the Modus Operandi Orchestra under the direction of the internationally acclaimed conductor Justin Bischof.  A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Scholarship Fund at Albertus Magnus High School.

The concert also include some of Rachel’s other works, including “For Elaine and Steve” composed for the wedding of Burckardt’s first son, “Ave Maria,” her setting of the prayer to the Mother of Jesus, set for acapella chorus. “Heal Me,” a prayer of petition for God’s loving care to heal us, set for solo voice, piano, strings and winds, featuring Diana Fischer, piano, Darby Clinard and Kayleigh Bennett, mezzo-sopranos.  As the title implies, “Ascendance,” for electric guitar, orchestra and saxophone, is the audible ascendance of the music rising above the social and political noise and negativity prevalent today. Through the use of rising chords and melodic lines, the piece climbs up to a summit – and a better perspective.

The concert also features Boston-based Tutti Music Collective Chorus under the direction of Elijah Langille. The chorus has performed at major concerts of the Tutti Music Collective, debuting at the world premiere of the “Mount Auburn Requiem” in October 2022, featuring a mix of Boston-based professional singers and volunteer choristers from major Boston church choirs.

Tutti Music Collective’s “Resonance of Remembrance” includes the second Boston performance of Rachel Burckardt’s Global Music award-winning Mt. Auburn Requiem for orchestra and chorus featuring renowned Irish tenor Ciaran Nagle, soloist.  

In addition, the program will also feature Rachel’s composition Ascendance, which will be the first collaboration among the Wood Harbor Orchestra, Ishna violinist/fiddler Tara Novak, and members of the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble including Ken Field, saxophone, Phil Neighbors, drums and Blake Newman, bass.  Also on the program are “Psalm 130” by local composers Patricia Van Ness, “Conga del Fuego Nuevo” by Arturo Márquez.  Parking is available at the nearby Hynes Auditorium Garage on Dalton Street for $13 with a coupon available at the door. St. Cecilia Church is fully accessible.

The Tutti Music Collective and Wood Harbor Orchestra are committed to showcasing the music of local minority, LGBTQIA+, and living composers, in the belief that concert music should reflect the diversity of the world we live in.  The Collective strives to create space where these voices are heard and celebrated. Through the Collective’s performances, it aspires to engage audiences, while championing inclusivity and equity in the arts.  Learn more at thetuttimusiccollective.com.

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Sandwich Arts Alliance

sandwichartsalliance.org

Daily Practice

Wednesdays, August 14 and 28, September 11 and 25, October 9 and 23, 11 am to 12 noon

Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich

Admission is free, donations welcome

This popular new group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, presented for writers desiring to establish a daily practice, encouragement, and accountability.

Film Art Workshop ~ with Claude Kerven

Mondays, September 9 through October 7, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich

​Fee:  $100 members, $120 non-members, register at sandwichartsalliance.org/adult-classes1.html

Film art introduces you to the 100-year evolution of cinema. This course covers all the contributions of creating a cinematic masterpiece, including screenwriter, director, cinematographer, editor, and composer. By viewing and discussing each film, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process and appreciate its history and contributions to the ever-evolving world of cinema.

Singer Songwriter Circle

Saturday, September 14, 2 to 4 pm

The Glass Town Stage, Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich

Tickets: $10

Well-known local songwriters will share their secrets of songwriting and how they imagine and create their music. Featuring some of the Cape’s best songwriters including Christine Nordstrom, among others.

Road Map to Better Photography ~ with Richard Mulcahy

Thursday, September 19, 9 am to 12 noon

Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich

​Fee: $75 members, $85 ​non-members, register at sandwichartsalliance.org/adult-classes1.html

Improve your camera skills! Demystify digital exposure modes and other camera settings and learn how to use them. We’ll survey key aspects of composition that are essential for gaining balance, strength, and depth in your images, and review successful practices that bring a unique approach to your work.  Learn the mechanics and gain insight into the judging process when submitting to juried art shows.

A Gathering of Poets

Thursdays, September 19 and October 17, 12 noon to 1 pm

Sandwich Arts Alliance, 130 Main Street, Sandwich

Admission is free, donations welcome

A supportive and informative poetry critique group, meeting monthly on third Tuesdays, all are welcome.  Attendees read their poems aloud during each session, consider suggestions, and make observations.

Exhibits:

Exhibits by members in SAA’s gallery and at community venues

on view during business hours, and at sandwichartsalliance.org

Adding to the magic, PorchFest transforms downtown Sandwich Village into a live music extravaganza! Wander from porch to porch and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians performing live. From folk to jazz, rock to blues, there’s a tune for every ear. While you enjoy the music, make sure to stop into the quaint shops and restaurants of historic Sandwich Village. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music in a unique and intimate setting while exploring all that this lovely village has to offer.

Founded in 2015, Sandwich Arts Alliance (SAA) is an artist-driven nonprofit organization supporting the arts and artists – serving as a platform for new works, cultivating the creative economy, and culturally enriching  the Sandwich and greater Cape Cod communities.  The Alliance is comprised of four groups: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts and Friends of the Arts.  Membership is open to all artists and friends residing in Sandwich and beyond. SAA collaborates with other nonprofit and community-based organizations to help promote a wide variety of cultural programming. SAA’s goal is to identify and support all local artists through a  resource database, providing greater exposure and opportunities for fellow artist networking.

The Sandwich Arts Alliance Center’s offerings include a gallery of original art, art classes for artists of all ages, books by local writers, a gift shop for year-round shopping, and performances throughout the year. SAA’s Gallery, located at 130 Main Street, Sandwich, is open to the public weekly from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. 

For more information about Sandwich Arts Alliance’s gallery, exhibits, programs, events, and membership, call 774-338-5201, email at info@sandwichartsalliance.org, or visit sandwichartsalliance.org, where an online store is also available.  For the latest on Sandwich Arts Alliance, follow its social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram.  Sandwich Arts Alliance is pleased to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program; inquire by phone or email for details on available discounts and information.

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