Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 2025-2026 season announced

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 2025-2026 season announced

We have an amazing 2025-26 season coming up.

Tickets to all these shows are now available. -> https://www.circlefolk.org/schedule

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 17, 2025 ???

Saturday, May 17

7:30am FBRTC 5K Road Race - pre-registration (SNETT Trailhead, 234 Grove St) 

9:00am  Annual Electronics Recycling Event (St Mary's school parking lot) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

9:00am Library Books Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am FBRTC 5K Road Race (SNETT Trailhead, 234 Grove St)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church) 

10:30am Music at the Blissful (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am  All School Art Show - "Art from the Heart" (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

12:00pm La Cantina Winery Celebrates 10 Yr Anniversary 

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Holi Celebration (Franklin Town Common)

6:30pm Italian film Festival - "Cabrini" (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm John Gorka (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

John Gorka to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on May 17

John Gorka

John Gorka May 17,2025    7:30 PM $30  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

From New Jersey, John Gorka is a world-renowned singer-songwriter who got his start at a neighborhood coffeehouse in eastern Pennsylvania. Though small, Godfrey Daniels was and is one of the oldest and most venerable music institutions and has long been a hangout for music lovers and aspiring musicians. In the late 1970's, John was one of these aspiring musicians. Although his academic coursework at Moravian College lay in Philosophy and History, music began to offer paramount enticements. Soon he found himself living in the club's basement and acting as resident MC and sound man, encountering legendary folk troubadours like Canadian singer-songwriter Stan Rogers, Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton and Claudia Schmidt. Their brand of folk-inspired acoustic music inspired him, and before long he was performing his own songs – mostly as an opener for visiting acts. Soon he started traveling to New York City, where Jack Hardy's legendary Fast Folk circle (a breeding ground for many a major singer-songwriter) became a powerful source of education and encouragement. Folk meccas like Texas' Kerrville Folk Festival (where he won the New Folk Award in 1984) and Boston followed, and his stunningly soulful baritone voice and original songwriting began turning heads. Circle of Friends schedule and ticket information is available at https://circlefolk.org/ 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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Tickets for this show are $30. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Please visit circlefolk.org for tickets and more information. Upcoming Shows

Chris Smithers, September 13th  Richard Shindell, October 18th Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

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

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John Gorka returns to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - May 17

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - May 17

John Gorka returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 17th at 7:30 PM. He is perhaps the quintessential iconic singer-songwriter of the 80's folk scene. Hailing from New Jersey, but forged in the Greenwich Village Fast Folk scene, he honed his craft and persona into an unmistakable image.

Many well known artists have recorded and/or performed John Gorka songs, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, Mary Black and Maura O'Connell. John has graced the stage of Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, etown and has appeared on CNN. http://johngorka.com/

"The leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement" – Rolling Stone

"Gorka is widely heralded for the sophisticated intelligence and provocative originality of his songs." -The Boston Globe

 

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Whether you're in the "Circle of Concern" or "Circle of Control" nurture your circle of friends

nurture your circle of friends 

Via Dr. Julie Gurner (@drgurner)

"Great reframe for any day that you feel a bit out of the right headspace, is to focus on the "Circle of Control."

If you can't control it, you don't need to spend energy on it.

Shift up your perspective, and take on the right things."

Shared from ->  https://t.co/Fa7YLujU4t

The Kennedys scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on April 5

The Kennedys April 5th,2025  7:30 PM $25  Doors open at 7:00 pm.  The Kennedys 1st CD, "River of Fallen Stars" was released in January of 1995 - 30 years ago! Since then they've released 17 albums, and for their 30th anniversary tour, they'll play songs from all 17 albums at each show, with different song selections at each show. Upcoming Shows Last show for the 2024-2025 season will feature John Gorka, May 17th

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

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The Kennedys to perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Apr 5

The Kennedys return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, April 5th, as part of their 30th anniversary tour. They will be celebrating 30 years of recording albums with a specially curated tour featuring songs drawn from the full spectrum of their 17 releases. 

The Kennedys are an American folk-rock band, consisting of husband and wife Pete and Maura Kennedy. They are recognized for their harmonies and instrumental prowess, blending elements of country music, bluegrass, Western swing and janglepop. 

The Kennedys at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Apr 5

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. 

Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission is $25.  

Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Upcoming Shows

• May 17 John Gorka

Reminder: Joe Crookston Scheduled to Perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Mar 8, 2025

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin is thrilled to welcome Joe Crookston back on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 PM. 

Joe is a force of nature on stage. Pure magic. He’s in his power and communes with his audience. He’ll surprise you. He awakens the cynics. His rhythm is infectious. In concert, he is funny as hell one moment and transcendent the next. Whether he’s weaving through lap slide songs or fiddling an American Southern tune, he’ll draw you in.

Joe Crookston March 8 

Joe has toured with Gordon Lightfoot, headlined major US festivals, and received a Folk Alliance International “Album of the Year" award. He’s played with Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, David Francey, John McCutcheon, John Gorka, Judy Collins and 100’s more. Please join us at this outstanding show. https://www.joecrookston.com/

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. 

Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission is $25.  

Please  visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Upcoming Shows

• Apr 5  The Kennedys
• May 17 John Gorka

Joe Crookston Scheduled to Perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - March 8

Joe Crookston March 8 

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin is thrilled to welcome Joe Crookston back on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 PM. 

Joe is a force of nature on stage. Pure magic. He’s in his power and communes with his audience. He’ll surprise you. He awakens the cynics. His rhythm is infectious. In concert, he is funny as hell one moment and transcendent the next. Whether he’s weaving through lap slide songs or fiddling an American Southern tune, he’ll draw you in.

Joe has toured with Gordon Lightfoot, headlined major US festivals, and received a Folk Alliance International “Album of the Year" award. He’s played with Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, David Francey, John McCutcheon, John Gorka, Judy Collins and 100’s more. Please join us at this outstanding show. https://www.joecrookston.com/

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. 

Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission is $25.  

Please  visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Upcoming Shows

• Apr 5  The Kennedys
• May 17 John Gorka

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 8, 2025 ???

Saturday, February 8

• Last days to order charCUTEerie box - Food Pantry fund raiser

9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)
10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Lunar New Year Celebration! (Franklin Public Library)
10:30am 6th Annual Valentine’s Brunch (Central Park Terrace)
12:00pm Monday Night Jazz Band EE Regional (Endicott College)
4:00pm Galentine's Candle Party (ticketed event) (Greco Design)
6:30pm Galentines Night Out, Annual Fundraiser (ticketed event) (Fiori and Fern)
7:00pm FREE Community Concert - The Padula Trio (Franklin United Methodist Church)
7:30pm Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry (live music) (Circle of friends Coffeehouse)
8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

 

 

 

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry scheduled to perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, February 8 - 7:30 PM

Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry

February 8, 2025 = 7:30 PM  - $25  

Called "a musician and singer of dazzling versatility", Tracy Grammer is among contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her pure voice, deft guitar and violin work, and incantatory storytelling, Grammer has recorded and performed with Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter, headlined several of the nation's top folk festivals, including Philadelphia Folk Festival and Falcon Ridge, and enjoyed 12 consecutive years as one of folk radio's 50 top-played artists.

Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry

Jim Henry is an American folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He started out as a member of the Sundogs, a New England "swamp-boogie-swing" band, in the late 1980s. In 1993, he released his first solo album, Into the Blue. He has toured with Mark Erelli, Deb Talan, and The Burns Sisters, and has added instrumental parts to hundreds of albums. He toured for many years with Tracy Grammer and his accompaniment has appeared on both of her solo albums.

More artist information is available at http://www.tracygrammer.com/ 

 and  https://www.jimhenry.net/

Circle of Friends schedule and ticket information is available at https://circlefolk.org/

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Tickets for this show are $25. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Please visit circlefolk.org for tickets and more information.

 

Upcoming Shows

• Joe Crookston, March 8
• The Kennedy's, April 5
• John Gorka, May 17

 Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Tracy Grammer scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, Feb 8

Tracy Grammer returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse stage on Saturday, Feb 8th at 7:30 PM.  She is a nationally-touring multi-instrumentalist and singer who has accompanied and opened for Joan Baez and recorded with Mary Chapin Carpenter. Grammer has become one of folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her springwater-clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, She is also a masterful storyteller with an ease and charisma on stage as well as a riotous sense of humor.  http://tracygrammer.com/

Tracy Grammer scheduled to perform Feb 8 

"Her pure voice conveys the simple truths of these songs; her gifts as a musician are like that of a painter who is a master of chiaroscuro, offering light and shadow at every turn." - Mary Chapin Carpenter

Tracy will be accompanied by world class guitarist/dobro/mandolin player Jim Henry.  http://www.jimhenry.net/ 

Admission is $25.  

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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. 

Upcoming Shows
Mar 8  Joe Crookston
Apr 5  The Kennedys
May 17 John Gorka

Please  visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Peter Mulvey scheduled to perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, January 11, 7:30 PM

Peter Mulvey

Peter Mulvey With Jenna Nicholls January 11, 2025  7:30 PM $25

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and Milwaukee native Peter Mulvey began his musical career busking on the streets of Dublin, Ireland, more than two decades ago,  Mulvey, whose music is influenced by Americana, jazz and folk music, has had a productive career, which has included eighteen studio albums, numerous national and international tours, a children's book and teaching music and writing workshops across the United States. Opening for Peter will be singer-songwriter Jenna Nicholls. More artist information is available at https://www.petermulvey.com/  and https://jennanicholls.com/  Circle of Friends schedule and ticket information is available at https://circlefolk.org/ 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 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Tickets for this show are $25. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Please visit circlefolk.org for tickets and more information. Upcoming Shows

Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry, Feb. 8th Joe Crookston, March 8th The Kennedy's, April 5th John Gorka, May 17 Circle of Friends Coffeehouse