Important Cultural District Planning Meeting - Jan 19 - 7:00 PM

The Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development invites you to attend a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on January 19, 2017 to hear an update on plans for a Cultural District in Downtown Franklin.

The Cultural District Steering Committee has worked hard for more than two years to draw attention to Franklin’s great cultural resources, advocate for creation of the Franklin Cultural District, and organize the annual Franklin Cultural Festival.

The Committee and Town staff are looking for your input regarding the creation of a state designated Cultural District and related management issues, as well as support for ongoing and potential cultural activities.

Input and ongoing involvement of all Franklin organizations and individuals is desired to develop a strong partnership consisting of cultural organizations, historical and community organizations, non-profits, private businesses, government agencies, educational and faith based institutions, and individual artists. All are encouraged to participate in this partnership.

Anyone in need of additional information should contact the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-1352
Phone: 508-520-4907
Fax: 508-520-4906
Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us


When: 
Thursday January 19, 2017, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 
Franklin Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, Town Council Chambers

Arts Happen Here in Franklin, MA!

Note: I am volunteering my time and effort as part of the Cultural District Steering Committee to make this happen for Franklin.

Victims of Gravity at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

“Vehicle” covered by Victims of Gravity on the Circle of Friends outdoor stage at THE BLACK BOX for the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival.








For more about the Victims of Gravity
https://www.facebook.com/Victims-of-Gravity-325131732559/

Victims of Gravity (photo by Jake Jacobson)

The 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will be held in Franklin July 26 through July 29, 2017. Subscribe for email updates

Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

"Till the Siren Blows Again" performed by Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies on the Circle of Friends outdoor stage at THE BLACK BOX for the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies

Jim Henry http://www.jimhenry.net/

Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies http://www.boxcarlilies.com/

Heath Nisbett at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of the performance by Heath Nisbett on the indoor stage at THE BLACK BOX





For more about Heath, visit his profile online
http://network.online.berklee.edu/public_profile/heathn

Heath Nisbett (photo by Jake Jacobson)

The 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will be held in Franklin July 26 through July 29, 2017. Subscribe for email updates

Kaye Kelly at the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Kaye Kelly's performance at THE BLACK BOX on the indoor stage. 

Kaye Kelly (photo by Jake Jacobson)

• Kaye Kelly

http://www.kayekelly.com/     https://www.berklee.edu/people/kaye-kelly

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of the performance by Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli at THE BLACK BOX under the tent on the outdoor stage presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.




For more about Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli visit http://loridiamond.net/

 

Lori Diamond - Fred Abatelli performing (photo by Jake Jacobson)

Stefilia's Stone at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Stefilia's Stone's performance at THE BLACK BOX under the tent on the outdoor stage presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.




For more about Stefilia's Stone ==>> http://www.stefiliasstone.com/

Stefilia's Stone performing at THE BLACK BOX (photo by Jake Jacobson)

Emma Newton at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Emma Newton's performance at THE BLACK BOX on the indoor stage. 




For more about Emma Newton visit https://soundcloud.com/emma_newton

Emma Newton performing at THE BLACK BOX

In the News: Bellingham Harvest Fest, camera club to share photoshop tips

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Two local churches will be looking to carry on an annual tradition this Saturday, when they host a harvest festival on the Town Common. 

The First Baptist Church of Bellingham and the Bellingham Bible Baptist Church will be holding their "Harvest Fest" starting at 11 a.m. and running to 3 p.m.
Pastor Baron Rodrigues of the First Baptist Church said the event dates back to around 2012. 

"At the time, businesses were struggling and people were struggling," he said. "Money was tight, which is why everything's free at the festival - there's no selling of anything."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160928/bellingham-harvest-fest-set-for-saturday

"The Stony Brook Camera Club will present a program, “Photoshop Tips for Quick Fixes” by Rick Cloran, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Anglican Church of the Redeemer, 31 Hayward St., Franklin. 

Cloran has been a member of the Greater Lynn Photographic Association since 1975, and a member of the Photographic Society of America since 1976. During that time, he participated in workshops with such noted photographers as George Lepp, John Shaw and John Gerlach as he developed his own photographic style. 

Since 1986, Cloran has lectured and judged photographic exhibitions throughout the United States and Canada. In recognition of his work in support of local, regional and national photographic organizations, Cloran has been awarded the honors of fellow of the Photographic Society of America, and is an honorary member of the New England Camera Club Council."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160929/stony-brook-camera-club-to-host-program-by-rick-cloran

autumn colors appearing in Franklin

Jamie Barrett at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Jamie Barrett's performance at THE BLACK BOX under the tent on the outdoor stage presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.






For more about Jamie  https://www.facebook.com/Jamiebarrettmusic

Jamie Barrett performing (photo by Jake Jacobson)

This was originally posted to the Franklin Cultural District page

In the News: cultural district application being prepared, St Mary's presents "A journey in Faith"

"Efforts to name the downtown area a "cultural district" are moving forward, with those involved hoping to complete an application to do so in the coming months. 

The designation - is given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council - would recognize the area as a place in which cultural opportunities and resources are concentrated, and make it eligible for state support and incentives. 

Alan Mercer - a member of the effort and official with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts - said the state has noticed that such areas encourage economic development. 

"A cultural district is a walkable area that contains things like performance venues, farmers markets, restaurants - cultural assets which, by their nature, bring tourists in," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/franklin-seeking-cultural-district-designation

as part of the application for 'cultural district', the annual cultural festivals have been organized

"St. Mary Catholic Church will present A Journey In Faith from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings at the church’s conference room, 1 Church Square, Franklin, starting Oct. 17. 

The events are for anyone interested in learning more about or joining the Catholic faith. 

The sessions are based on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA’s main purpose is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to become active members of the church community and for Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/st-mary-catholic-church-to-present-journey-in-faith

Electric Youth at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Wednesday in July 2016 when the Franklin Cultural Festival opened for the 2nd time. 

Here are some highlights from the opening night concert by the FSPA's 'Electric Youth':





For more about the Electric Youth check out their website
http://fspaonline.com/pages.php?pname=fspa_se_ey

Electric Youth performing at the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

• This was originally posted at the Franklin Cultural District page

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/2016/09/electric-youth-at-2016-franklin.html

"we've gotta be doing something right"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The 38th annual Feast of St. Rocco, put on by St. Mary's Parish, is in full swing, with thousands expected to partake of the carnival rides, games and food. 

Peter Brunelli, one of the organizers of the yearly celebration of the saint venerated as a protector against sickness, said attendance was decent as of midday Saturday, but he expected it to improve as the weekend continues. The festival opened Thursday and will continue through Sunday. 

"I think the rain showers (Friday) night had been holding people back a bit," he said. "We just had an outside Mass, which was filled with 300 people."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160813/feast-of-st-rocco-rocks-on

early Thursday morning before the Feast opened, it was empty and quiet

When open Thursday evening, there was a line at the Italian parties provided by the DeBaggis family 

The schedule of events for Sunday:

Sunday is a 'bracelet day', ride from noon to 4:00 pm for $25

The entertainment schedule

music at the bandstand from noon to 9:00 PM when the 38th Feast of St Rocco's closes

Rides and food booths for St Rocco's open Thursday, Aug 11 for the 38th Annual event

The rides and food booths for the 38th Annual Feast of St Rocco's open Thursday, August 11 and run through Sunday, August 14, 2016.

Ride and Food booth Schedule

overall ride and food booth schedule for 8/11 through 8/14

Entertainment Schedule

2016 Entertainment Schedule

Additional info on the schedule can be found on the St Mary's Parish webpage
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93

“We know that the arts bring economic prosperity”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Roberta Trahan said she always has a song in her head as she makes her way through each day. 

On Saturday though, she said, that daily song was replaced with the music that was in the air at the Franklin Cultural Festival. 

“Today is all about whatever's on that stage,” said Trahan, a member of the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee. 

Both inside and outside The Black Box theater on West Central Street Saturday afternoon, musical acts traded off the spotlight as the festival came to a close after four days of theater, art and food."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160731/franklin-cultural-festival-showcases-music-art-and-more

A sampling of photos from Saturday:

check the marquee for future events

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli

Jamie Barrett

Ferrara's Market was one of several offering a "Taste of Franklin" 

Susan Cattaneo, Jim Henry, Stephanie Marshall performing

the Franklin Cultural Festival closed with a rocking performance by Victims of Gravity

More photos and videos will be shared as they become available


Disclosure: I volunteer for the Cultural District Steering Committee that put together this Festival.

Today's schedule for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Saturday, July 30

Franklin Cultural Festival

Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 30

At THE BLACK BOX

the tent is set up and ready for Saturday's Cultural Festival events at THE BLACK BOX

	Stage inside	Stage outside under the tent
12:45 PM	Emma Newton – voice and harp
1:15 PM		Stefilia's Stone
2:00 PM	Kevin T Wolfe - acoustic guitar
2:30 PM		Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli
3:15 PM	LiveARTS – Don Krishnaswami – viola and Phil Hall – piano
3:45 PM		Jamie Barrett
4:30 PM	Heath Nisbett – classical and flamenco guitar
5:00 PM		Jim Henry with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies
6:00 PM	Kaye Kelly – vocals and guitar
6:30 PM	‘One Acts’ by FSPA
7:30 PM		Victims of Gravity
9:00 PM	Soiree
10:00 PM	Closing Ceremony

Note: each entry in the table above is linked to some additional information for each performer

Also at THE BLACK BOX

• Culinary Arts – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Taste of Franklin … enjoy the food!

 

sample a signature taste for $2 each

• Visual Arts – Afternoon and evening – featuring Franklin Art Association and Robot Designs

Performers outside THE BLACK BOX are presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

July 27 - July 30 in Franklin, MA

****    ****    ****

Get the full Cultural Festival brochure to download and print from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbERFUllKS19id1k/view?usp=sharing
 

• Get updates on the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival on the webpage

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

• or follow Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalFestival/

• or Twitter  https://twitter.com/artshappenhere

* note the schedule is subject to change