Providence, Lowell & Boston offering free outdoor performances

Providence, July 28, 2022

Summertime is a good time for outdoor performing arts. And when the location is the Waterplace Park in Providence for a performance by Trinity Rep, put it on the calendar! 

"Meet the cast of "La Mancha!" This Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote" is part of Teatro en el Verano, produced by @rilatinoarts in association with Trinity Rep. It features local Latinx artists, and is completely free to attend.

"Don Quixote" ... closes with a special performance on the Waterplace Park  in Providence on July 28. 

For more information, visit trinityrep.com/lamancha."

Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

Lowell Folk Festival Returns July 29-31, 2022

The 35th Anniversary Lowell Folk Festival, a staple cultural event of the region since its inception in 1987, will take place in person on July 29, 30, and 31. The 2022 festival will feature close to 20 performing groups sharing their unique musical traditions on stages throughout downtown Lowell. The Lowell Folk Festival attracts more than 150,000 people for three days of music, food, and art.

Ethnic food vendors will serve traditional dishes representing over a dozen different cultures. In the Folk Craft Area, the theme is Crafting Sound: Making & Restoring Musical Instruments, which will feature demonstrations playing and building the instruments. The Foodways Area will explore comfort foods from an array of communities. Art In The Courtyard will offer the opportunity for visitors to view and purchase some of the finest art and craftwork. The Family Fun area is back on Shattuck Street.

Check this site to stay up to date on all Lowell Folk Festival updates.

The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, the City of Lowell, Lowell National Historical Park, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information visit -> https://lowellfolkfestival.org/

35th Anniversary Lowell Folk Festival

Boston, through August 7, 2022

Shakespeare on the Boston Common -  Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) and Artistic Director Steven Maler are pleased to announce the return of Free Shakespeare on the Common in the summer of 2022 – William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian. Performances will begin on The Boston Common on Wednesday, July 20 at 8PM (with press opening on Wednesday, July 27 at 8PM) and end on Sunday, August 7.

Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently performed plays. The plot revolves around two couples — witty Beatrice and Benedick, who publicly proclaim their disdain for each other but fall madly in love; and naïve Hero and Claudio, who fall quickly in love only to be thwarted and then reunited (in both cases, with a bit of help from their friends). But it’s more than just a comedic romp. The play tackles serious themes too: trust and betrayal, power and privilege, gendered expectations around chastity and violence. This is a comedy entangled with a tragedy, where love and justice nevertheless manage to prevail with vigorous joy — a perfect play for our uncertain times.

For more info please visit -> https://commshakes.org/2022/01/28/free-shakespeare-on-the-common-2022-much-ado-about-nothing/

Shakespeare on the Boston Common

Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

Summertime is a good time for outdoor performing arts. And when the location is the Waterplace Park in Providence for a performance by Trinity Rep, put it on the calendar! 

"Meet the cast of "La Mancha!" This Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote" is part of Teatro en el Verano, produced by @rilatinoarts in association with Trinity Rep. It features local Latinx artists, and is completely free to attend.

"Don Quixote" runs at La Galería del Pueblo in Central Falls July 15 - 24, with a special performance on the Waterplace Park  in Providence on July 28. 

For more information, visit trinityrep.com/lamancha."

Complete press release and performance schedule

https://www.trinityrep.com/teatro-en-el-verano-presents-la-mancha/

(Yes, there is nothing wrong with Central Falls but the schedule for the Providence performance is better for me.)

Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

THE BLACK BOX: Zajac Brothers - June 25

Brothers Matt and Tyler have been playing music for years but only recently began collaborating and performing together when Tyler moved back east from California after attending Musician’s Institute. Matt graduated Berklee College of Music in 2018 and has since been performing, recording and teaching.

The band is comprised of a revolving cast of session players with the core members being the brothers and longtime bass player friend Ryan Philipps. “Changing guitar players and having different personnel in and out of the group really keeps things fresh and interesting by allowing different tones and colors and tendencies to shine through on different nights” says Matt.

On 6/25/21 you can expect the amazing Luke Okerlund on guitar with the band. Luke is a local musician hailing from Worcester, MA. He owns his own business as a luthier at Okerlund Guitarworks.

The set will be comprised of new and old songs with an emphasis on classic rock cuts of the 60’s & 70’s.

Join us outdoors at THE BLACK BOX , Friday, June 25 at 8 PM, for an amazing night of music and fun!!

Get your tickets online = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1471

THE BLACK BOX: Zajac Brothers - June 25

Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band -> June 18-19

Electric Youth 2021, featuring 14 super talented singer dancers, headlines a weekend at THE BLACK BOX with two different performances to enjoy on June 18 and 19.  The show features choreography by the Electric Youth Creative Team and well as Broadway's Clay Thomson and Christopher Rice.  Backed by the world class Boston Show Band, Electric Youth shows deliver high energy fun for audiences of all ages! 

Livestream and In-Person ticketing options available. 

• Click here to purchase In-Person Tickets  (https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1046671)
• Click here to purchase  Livestream tickets. (http://showtix4u.com/events/fpac)

Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band -> June 18-19

Watch "The Music Behind "Bright Star"" on YouTube

The Music Behind "Bright Star" = Podcast produced by Abigail Drake
 

Video link => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i80LLCyiT34

Visit the link to reserve your tickets now ->   https://t.co/rtXoYNv23S 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/JZxNSthZO4 

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

THE BLACK BOX supports the return of live music and enthusiastically welcomes food trucks to Downtown Franklin!

When not attending this special event, please support our local restaurants!

Saturday, May 29th and and Sunday, May 30th from 5-10 PM, General Admission tickets are $20 per day.

Saturday, May 29

• 5:00 Racky Thomas
• 6:00 Kaye Kelly
• 7:00 Ken DoRosario
• 8:30 Diane Blue
  

Sunday, May 30

• 5:00 Britt Connors Duo
• 6:00 David Thorne Scott
• 7:00 Honest Mechanik
• 8:30 The Gravel Project
  

Food trucks include Caribbean Press, Pangea Cuisines and Larry Joes' New England Fire Pit  

Tickets = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

 

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

Concert at Senior Center - June 2 - two shows (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM)

Hi everyone,

We are having another outdoor concert at the Senior Center next week.  Please see the attached flyer. There are 2 shows.  

An early one where folks can enjoy a late-lunch break (yes, our Senior Center is supplying individual snack-boxes) and a second one that is late enough that students can walk up from the school to attend. 

Special thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council.  Let's do more of this stuff !!!!  Call if you have any questions.

Senior Center Phone: (508) 520-4945

Concert at Senior Center - June 2 - two shows (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM)

Boston Camera Club: The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views

Experience The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views A 250-ft Long Photo Exhibition at Fan Pier

The Boston Camera Club invites the public to view 88 large-scale photographs displayed in a series along an entire city block at Fan Pier on the Public Green in Boston's Seaport District

Free and open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through November 2021

May 17, 2021 – BOSTON, MA – The Boston Camera Club this week announced The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views, an outdoor photography exhibition on the Public Green at Fan Pier in Boston's bustling Seaport District. Spanning an entire city block at Northern Avenue and Marina Park Drive, the photo banner exhibition will run from Memorial Day weekend through November 2021. 

For the first time in the club's history, the imagery of BCC members will be on display outdoors in an immersive exhibition featuring 88 images printed on a large-scale banner, 5-feet high and 250-feet long. One image from each participating member's submissions was selected, and expertly sequenced by curator Emily Belz. Each image speaks to the next by subject, color, composition or use of light to form a bridge, creating a compelling visual experience, honoring each individual's view as well as that of the collective whole.

"It's a joyful experience for me to curate connections between photographs, pulling out what are sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden, and sometimes even humorous, parallels between pictures," said Belz. "Indeed, in this installation each photographer presents a Unique View and a meaningful contribution to this collective public art project," she added.

This project has a companion website, www.BostonCameraClub.photos, featuring an artist statement from each photographer and creative contributions from community groups from across the greater Boston area, including: Actors' Shakespeare Project; Boston Latin Academy Photography Club; Boston Latin Academy 7th Grade English Language Arts class; Mission Hill Women's Writing Group; Never Too Late to be a Poet; Rehearsal for Life; and Zumix. Participants from these organizations contributed poems, prose, audio, video, and artwork in response to the exhibition's photographs. All viewers of the banner and website are encouraged to share their own reactions on social media using the hashtag #BCCPHOTOBANNER.

"The community partner collaborations enhance the viewing of the individual images as does the professional sequencing of photographs on the banner," said Boston Camera Club President Tom Hill, who noted that the project was entirely conceived and developed by club members. "Collaboration with these community groups has built bridges among artists of all ages who would not otherwise have had opportunities to connect within the greater-Boston community. The timing of the exhibition could not be better and will supplement the diversity of outdoor art in Boston at a time when residents, workers, and visitors are breaking out of their pandemic cocoons." 

The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views is generously funded by Tufts Medical Center, Blue Hour Photo Ventures and two anonymous gifts. The Boston Camera Club is especially thankful to the owners of Fan Pier for warmly welcoming the photo exhibition to the Public Green.

About the Boston Camera Club

Founded in 1881, the Boston Camera Club is dedicated to the advancement of photography as an art and a science. The club currently has over 150 members, ranging in experience from novice to professional, from all over the greater Boston metropolitan area. Meetings are held weekly and include photo competitions, critiques, educational lectures, and studio portrait sessions. Additionally, the club sponsors exhibitions, field trips to local points of interest, and special events and workshops led by well-known photographers. For more information on club activities and membership, visit www.bostoncameraclub.org or connect with the BCC on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

 

The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views 

FHS Theatre Company announces year end performance to be held June 18-20

FHS Theatre Company (@FranklinHSDrama) tweeted on Tue, May 11, 2021:

We are super excited to bring our two year end productions to our season. Bright Star Concert Version (a completely live-in-person-outdoor event) and Bethel Park Falls (a film adaptation). Shows will be held on the weekend of June 18th-20th. Stay tuned for ticketing information! https://t.co/ByttY6Tlun

 Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1392205132788609024

FHS Theatre Company announces year end performance to be held Jun 18-20

Free Jazz Concert - Franklin Senior Center - May 11

There are two shows scheduled for Tuesday, May 11. You should call the Senior Center (508-520-4945) to reserve space at either the 1:00 or 2:30 PM shows.

The Mark Shilansky Jazz Trio is composed of professors from the Berklee College of Music. They performed at the Senior Center last fall and they were a big hit.

Free Jazz Concert - Franklin Senior Center - May 11

Viral A cappella Sensation T.3 at THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 24

THE BLACK BOX will welcome back viral a cappella sensation T.3 as part of their Spring Arts Awakening Series on April 24. T.3 is a New York based vocal group composed of Liam Fennecken (School of Rock), Jim Hogan (Waitress), and Brendan Jacob Smith (The Simon & Garfunkel Story).  They gained popularity on social media platforms with covers of Disney, Broadway, and Pop hits. Both in-person and virtual tickets will be available. Masks and social distancing required for the in-person concert. 

Jim Hogan is a New York City based actor, singer, and musician.  His Broadway National Touring credits include Waitress, The Phantom of the Opera, and Spring Awakening.  Hogan has performed as a soloist with Symphony Orchestras across the US and Canada.  

Liam Fennecken is a proud graduate of the Penn State BA Theatre program.  He is an actor, musician, and songwriter living in NYC.  He recently toured the US and South Korea in School of Rock, and has toured North America with Once, American Idiot, and Peter Pan 360. 

Brendan Jacob Smith is an actor, singer and songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. A recent graduate of Ithaca College, Brendan will be playing Art Garfunkel in the US/Canada Company of The Simon and Garfunkel Story. He recently finished up his time as a member of Hyannis Sound, Cape Cod’s professional A capella group, and was seen as Frankie Epps in Parade at The Rev Theatre Company. 

In-person and virtual tickets are available at  www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings. 

 

Viral A cappella Sensation T.3 at THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 24

James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23

THE BLACK BOX will welcome back The James Montgomery Band on April 23rd at 7:30 pm as part of THE BLACK BOX Spring Arts Awakening for an outdoor, socially distanced evening of live music.  Tickets are available for the live show Under the Tent at the BLACK BOX and also to watch the live-stream from home. Masks and social distancing are required. 

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, The James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.

Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist, "Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven Is On."

Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax."

Over the years, Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.

In-person and virtual tickets are available at  www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings. 

 

James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, will present three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland on April 16 to kick off Spring Arts Awakening- nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue’s parking lot. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin as well as virtual live-stream tickets available. 

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway, for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include star turns as Belle in Beauty and The Beast, The Sound Of Music, and Disney's On The Record. Ms. Brown has also performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America, including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and more. Ms. Brown’s PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown is the voice of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebrations, singing the newly-penned Richard Sherman song, “A Kiss Goodnight.” Both Ms. Brown’s album of Broadway and American Songbook standards “Speak Low” and her newly recorded Christmas EP “The Secret of Christmas” are available on Ghostlight/Warner Brothers. 

Michael James Scott has played the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin internationally including Broadway, London, the North American Tour and originating the role in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf and Hair. On the West End he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Scott was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Théâtre du Châtelet. 

In 2006, Josh Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor," which skyrocketed to the top-five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance.” In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Strickland has also appeared internationally with the all-star cast of Disney’s Broadway Hits, including the Emmy®-winning concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He most recently reprised his role as Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan in Oberhausen, Germany at the Stage Metronom Theatre.

According to director of THE BLACK BOX Raye Lynn Mercer, “The Disney Stars of Broadway show is a fantastic way to kick off our Spring Arts Awakening and we look forward to welcoming audiences back to the theater.” The Spring Arts Awakening celebrates a comeback for arts and entertainment and offers an opportunity to support THE BLACK BOX in its recovery from the pandemic. To purchase tickets for this special concert, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021

Franklin Senior Center: Outdoor Concert - Tuesday, 1:00 and 2:15 PM

Free 45 minute concert in the Senior Center parking lot. Sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council. 

 

Enjoy the concert from your vehicle or bring a lawn chair to sit out.

 

Please call 508-520-4945 to sign up! 

 

When: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 2:15 PM

 

Franklin Senior Center: Outdoor Concert - Tuesday, 2:15 PM

Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is pleased to present You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, October 17-25th under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX! 

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now!!

Enjoy and all-star FPAC cast including Nick Paone as Snoopy, Katie Gray as Lucy, Austin Davy as Schroeder, Tim Ayres-Kerr as Linus, Ali Funkhouser as Sally, and featuring Julian DiChiara as Charlie Brown.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production is creatively staged with the actors socially distanced. Audience seating will be socially distanced and face coverings are required.

GET TICKETS = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1418

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX  "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

THE BLACK BOX Sings... WICKED - Sep 26-27

Starring Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero! Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Join us at THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz!

September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30; September 27 at 2:00

 

Get tickets online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1404&month=09&year=2020

 

 THE BLACK BOX Sings... WICKED - Sep 26-27

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.  

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com. 

Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch

 

The Peacheaters: An Allman Brothers Band Experience - 2 shows on 9/11/20

THE BLACK BOX Fall Concert Series presents The Peacheaters! Friday, September 11 at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. 

The Peacheaters dig deep into the 40+ year catalog of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an EXPERIENCE like no other. No 2 gigs are ever alike. The Peacheaters make these songs feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Fueled by admiration and passion for the music of the ABB, The Peacheaters have been rocking audiences for over 15 years. 

The Boston Globe, WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock Radio, and many other media outlets have raved about the authenticity of the band's performances. From festivals to concert halls, the band's success has taken them all over the U.S.—including performances at venues such as Showcase Live, The House of Blues, Daytona's Bike Week, The Big House in Macon, GA, and B.B. Kings, NYC. 

The band's dedication to this music, and to “hitting the note” every night, has helped them build an loyal and ever-growing fan base. The “Peach” has won multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, and shared stages with legends such as The Outlaws, Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), The Zen Tricksters, and James Montgomery. 

Get tickets  https://cts.vresp.com/c/?FranklinPerformingAr/44df79fb76/9b055c5183/32b72351e3/id=1399

Find out more about the band on their web page  https://www.peacheaters.com/ 

Or listen to this video sample of the band: https://youtu.be/iJCBDhQNiME

 

"Fed said that restaurants in Boston are 'faring worse than the rest of the state'.”

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

"Al fresco dining has become an important part of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts, having “dramatically increased” when state government prohibited indoor dining to slow the spread of the coronavirus, analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank said.

In its latest Beige Book, which draws information from banking and business contacts, the Fed highlighted that more than one-third of restaurant sales in Massachusetts this summer came from outdoor dining, which it said “is unusual in Massachusetts where fewer than 20% of restaurants had outdoor dining options before the pandemic.”

While restaurants in coastal areas operated at roughly 75% of typical sales on average through the summer months, the Fed said that restaurants in Boston are “faring worse than the rest of the state.”

Restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining in June, but many eateries have expanded into outdoor spaces in order to serve customers who might not yet be comfortable venturing indoors for a meal during the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/fed-outdoor-dining-tied-to-one-third-of-restaurant-sales?rssfeed=true

3 Restaurant is one of several in Franklin offering outdoor dining

Reminder: THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.  

James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020.  They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.  

Get tickets online or call the box office  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28