Apple Picking, Pumpkins and Farms

Celebrate the Harvest–Family Fun, October 11-13 at the Tower Hill Botanical Garden

Apple Picking in Stow, MA – Honey Pot Hill is ready to go this season but rumor has it that conditions haven’t been optimal for apple growing in our region this year so make sure you get out to the farm of your choice this weekend.  In one of our previous apple picking posts we did identify ApplePickingBoston.com where you can find apple orchards by county.  Given the conditions I mentioned I would make sure to call beforehand.  I for one go for the Cider Donuts as much as the apples…

AppleFest at Wachusett – Not happening this weekend but next and is a combination of apple picking and Oktoberfest celebration all in one:

October 18-19, 2014
10am – 5pm

Our most popular fall festival, AppleFest features over 75 Craft Fair & Farmers’ Market Booths, Family Entertainment, Scenic Foliage Skyrides to the Summit, Mountainside Barbecue, Pony Rides, Clowns, Climbing Wall, Jugglers & Magicians for the Kids. Live chainsaw wood carving demonstration!

Applefest will once again feature an Oktoberfest Celebration complete with authentic German cuisine, a multitude of tasty beers in the Beer Garden and LIVE music.

Fall Foliage

For your options for catching the last peaks of the wonderful colors that come with the changing leaves we still recommend the Mass Vacation Instafoliage tool that we wrote about last year.  Conditions are close to peaking so make sure to squeeze that in if you are interested.  Otherwise you may try some of the Eastern Mass routes as they will peak later.

Festivals

OktoberFest Related:  Enjoy Shrewsbury Street with not one but 3 different events related to both Columbus Day and OktoberFest 2014 in Worcester.  This weekend there will be a race, a Columbus Day Parade and the Annual Oktoberfest on Shrewsbury St.

Participating restaurants on Shrewsbury St. will be serving German food, beer, music and fun! Try Oktoberfest seasonal beers from Sam Adams, Wachusett Brewing Company, Leinenkugel and Harpoon at your favorite watering hole. Enjoy music from Live South, Hellenic Express, The Bubble Heads, and XS Dance Band.

Participating Restaurants:

Brew City

Flying Rhino Cafe – Drive South

Funky Murphy’s

Meze Greek Tapas Bar & Grille – Hellenic Express

Parkway Restaurant & Bar

The Pic

Piccolo’s

Ralph’s Tavern – The Bubble Heads

Rivalry’s Sports Bar

Sweet Kitchen & Bar

Victory Bar & Cigar

Vintage Grille – XS Band

Volturno Pizza

Also see AppleFest at Wachusett above.

The weekend looks mostly rainfree so enjoy!

The post Worcester in October – Festivals, Foliage, Apples and Pumpkins first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

Yes Halloween is around the corner and we are happy to update our annual list of events to help you enjoy the Halloween Season in and around Worcester in 2014.  This year Halloween night is on Friday so you won’t have to worry about getting up for work (or school) the next day.  The good and bad news is that there are so many events to pick from.

More Family Oriented-Kid Friendly Halloween Events*:

Great Pumpkin Fest, EcoTarium – October 25th, Considered the biggest Halloween celebration for families in Central Massachusetts, watch as over 1,000 carved pumpkins are lit after dark; attend spooky science programs, watch a free planetarium show, gain access to all the museum attractions, go trick-or-treating. There will be loads of entertainment, and a brand-new heart-pounding walk through the “Fallout Zone.”

Canalloween allows for both family fun during the day and some hot Halloween parties at a number of bars and clubs in the Canal District. Saturday Oct 25th The Scary Monster Dash is part of this which is a great way to burn some calories for the kids(and adults) before the Halloween treats.

Frozen Day and Magic Show at the Halloween Outlet Saturday October 11

Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook, Worcester October 10th– At sundown, Broad Meadow Brook transforms into a magical, slightly haunted forest. Meet the resident spirits, primarily native wildlife, during a gentle guided tour through the woods on the trails lit by softly glowing luminaria.

Spooky Acres Trail of Terror, Millbury –  October 17th thru 25th – Four nights of terror put on by the Millbury Youth Camp. October wouldn’t be complete without some frightening fun! You’ll be sure to get into the Halloween spirit with a haunted journey through ‘spooky acres,’ where you are warned to hold on to your loved ones, for when the dead arise from their sleep, towards the light they will creep!

ZooBoo Days at Southwick’s Zoo — Mendon, MA
October 20, 2014 to October 26, 2014
Southwick Zoo, 2 Southwick Street, Mendon – Come to Southwick’s Zoo for a week of Halloween themed fun. Trick or treat around the zoo and watch animals play with their special pumpkin enrichment.  Time : 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission : Adults, $22; seniors, $17; children age 3 and older, $17 Phone : 800-258-9182

Horror October at the Mendon Twin Drive-In thru November 1

Factory of Terror – 344 Franklin Street, Worcester
Factory of Terror is New England’s premier haunted house. When you visit us, be prepared to be scared out of your mind! A well-known haunted attraction in the Boston area, The Factory of Terror lures fear seekers from all over New England, including Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

More Adult Oriented*:
RockandShock.com The 11th Annual Rock and Shock Horror Convention and Rock Concert Series, this takes place October 17th, 18th and 19th at the DCU Center and the Worcester Palladium.

Worcester Halloween Cemetery Ride  October 26 – Have you ever wanted to ride your bike while decked out in your favorite Halloween costume? Take part in our 12-mile community ride the Sunday before Halloween and visit some of the city’s best-known cemeteries. Costumes welcome and encouraged but not required (please make a helmet part of your costume). Meet at Elm Park at the stone gates at 1pm. Brooms acceptable but bikes preferred. Need more information? Contact us at walkbikewoo@gmail.com.

Halloween Party featuring The Plagiarists Jillian’s – Worcester

The Deadites Halloween Extravaganza Lucky Dog Music Hall November 1

Dogfish Head Halloween Bash The Dive Bar (Having a hard time finding information on this annual event but you can always call the number on the website)

Nick’s Halloween Party check under upcoming shows

MT Presents: 3rd Annual Heavy Metal Halloween Covers Weekend! 3 NIGHTS!  Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner

Saints & Sinners Exotic Halloween Ball Presented By WXLO DCU Center- Arena and Convention Center

Well that is the information we have found so far.  Though there is plenty to do we do need to note sadly that some of the events we have previously listed are no longer taking place.  Haunted Higgins is gone since the Higgin Armory was closed.  Old Sturbridge Village seems to have removed Halloween specific events and Tammany Hall was closed last year.  If you want options for your Halloween entertainment be sure to support these local Halloween events…As usual have a safe and enjoyable Halloween season!

*Please be sure to use your own judgment when deciding whether or not an event is appropriate for your children/family.  What is fun scary to one group may be too scary for another…

The post Worcester Halloween 2014 – Events Update first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

The Salsa Storm event seems not to be happening or there may just be a problem with their website(please let us know).  The ThatsE event from last year did not turn “annual”.  The Palladium is now having a benefit party instead of their Throwed Party from last year.

We have added Nick’s and the Halloween Outlet’s Trick or Treating for the kids event.  Here is the Worcester Halloween Events listing for 2013.  Don’t hesitate to contact us with your suggestions.  This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive list…

More Family Friendly:

Haunted Higgins Higgins Armory Museum

Treat or Trick Halloween Event Old Sturbridge Village

In an effort to make programs at Old Sturbridge Village more affordable for families on a budget, the museum has revamped its popular “Things that Go Bump in the Night” event and will waive entrance fees and offer free admission for the new offering — “Treats & Tricks” set for 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 25.

Canalloween allows for both family fun during the day and some hot Halloween parties at a number of bars and clubs in the Canal District. Saturday Oct 26th The Scary Monster Dash is part of this.

Trick or Treat at the Halloween Outlet from 4:30 to 7:30pm.

More Adult Oriented:

Halloween Party featuring Probable Cause Jillian’s – Worcester

The Deadites Halloween Extravaganza Lucky Dog Music Hall

Dogfish Head Halloween Bash The Dive Bar

Halloween Party Tammany Hall (not sure if they are doing something on Halloween)

Nick’s Halloween Party check under upcoming shows

The 80’s Halloween Bash at the Palladium benefits the Worcester Animal Rescue League(Sunday October 27th).

As mentioned last year another good list to check out for night parties is the list of establishments that have signed up to be part of Canalloween (look under Bars & Clubs).

As always we wish you a safe Halloween season.  Our past Halloween posts should be referenced below if you want to explore some of our past lists and tips for celebrating Halloween in the Worcester Area.

The post Worcester Halloween Events 2013 first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

They have added pictures and even live video feeds of certain areas.  They are definitely going high tech on it.  They still have the foliage predictions too when you click on dates into the future.  I am writing this on Friday 10/11 but if you click on the 12th or the 13th you see that Worcester and the Central Mass area are peaking.  If you click on the Driving Routes you still have the ability to see the routes as well as possible visiting locations on the route.  For Central Massachusetts The Country Rambler and the Quabbin Reservoir Run are closer bets.

The Country Rambler Fun Stops:

• Bunkerville Covered Bridge
• Look Memorial Park
• Mt. Holyoke
• Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
• Dar State Forest

The Quabbin Reservoir Run

• Quabbin Reservoir
• Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
• Davis Farmland and Megamaze
• Willard Brook State Forest
• Old Stone Church

You can click on the fun stop pictures for more details.

For more ideas on what to do in Central Mass and Worcester on the Columbus Day weekend please look at the related posts below.

The post Central Mass – Fall Foliage Tool Gets a New Look first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

Besides the usual festival fun and acts WXLO will be conducting “Wachusett’s Got Talent”.  They will be crowning the winner at the festival.  Registration is closed for this year but if you have a kid that has some sort of talent(singing, dancing…) this is something to keep in mind for next year.  If your house is anything like mine my kids are obsessed with these talent shows so it would be neat to see one live.

Saturday is also Free Museum Day which is annual event sponsored by the Smithsonian.  We have written about this in the past and it is a great way to visit not just Worcester Area Museums but those in other parts of Massachusetts as well.  Many museums are participating including local favorites like:

Worcester Art Museum

Higgins Armory Museum

Ecotarium

The Higgins Armory Museum is being integrated into the Worcester Art Museum in January so this might be a great time to see the collection in it’s “original” form.  I have included a video put up by the Telegram above.  It seems that though we may miss the old building and displays the Worcester Art Museum wants to add to enjoyment and context of the Higgins Armory collection.

Please remember you need to sign up for the free tickets in advance at the Smithsonian site.

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Late summer and fall are known for festivals and this weekend Worcester is the place to be for food and art.  stART on the Street is holding it’s fall Art Festival on Sunday September 15th starting at 11 am.  If you are new to the Worcester/Central Mass area don’t miss what has become one Worcester’s signature events for arts, music and culture.  This annual festival has been chugging since 2002.  Here is the main info:

Join us Sunday, September 15 (rain date 9/22) between 11a and 6p as we take over Worcester’s Park Avenue from Pleasant to Highland Streets.

– Over 250 artists & crafters, including jewelry, painting, sculpture, soap, candles, lotions, blown glass, drawing, textiles, pet good

s, youth artists, woodwork, mosaic, photography, stained glass, ceramics, henna, and so much more!

-Over two

dozen stage and street performers, including two stages of music – one stage in memory of our friend and Worcester

legend Scott Ricciuti

– Worcester

Roller Derby (WoRD)

– Interactive creative features for all ages

– Area non-profits

As mentioned in the announcement they are honoring Worcester music legend Scott Ricciuti of the bands Huck & Pistol Whipped who sadly passed away in a car accident back in 2012.

Also this weekend JetBlue (newly to the Worcester Airport) is sponsoring the 7th Annual Shrewsbury St College Shuffle where area college students can attend a food festival put on just for them.  This takes place tomorrow Saturday September 14th from 12-3.  The Colleges of the Worcester Consortium are the participants and advance tickets can be bought at each school’s Student Activities Office for $10.  If you are getting there live you will pay $15 and you do need to present your valid college ID.  This a great opportunity to check out the food options available to you on Shrewsbury St.

The weather this weekend is supposed to be clear and sunny so get out and enjoy the Worcester “Fall” Festivals.

The video above is of Scott Ricciuti playing with Pistol Whipped in one of his last performances(thanks to Garciadann Dann on YT):

The post stART on the Street Honors Scott Ricciuti – Worcester This Weekend first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

She is an accomplished pianist and singer/songwriter and has been dedicating a lot of her time on that of late…We have chosen to have her as a featured video for a while to let you see how talented she is.  Tickets can be bought at Mechanics Hall website.

They moved the original video so we added a live performance of Anyway.

The post Worcester’s Alicia Witt to Perform on FirstNightWorcester first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

The holiday tree lighting is scheduled to take place at 5:45 PM and then children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa on the Worcester City Hall Plaza. The ceremonial first skate will be led by members of Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Greater Springfield and North Section Bowling, Sailing and Skating, as well as members of the Worcester Junior Sharks Youth Hockey, Skate Club of Worcester, North Star Figure Skating Club, Colonial Figure Skating Club, Why Me/Sherry’s House, Becker College Ice Hawks, the College of the Holy Cross Women’s Ice Hockey, Assumption College Ice Hockey Team and Finz. The Colonial Figure Skating Club’s 2013 New England Regional Champions and 2013 Eastern Sectional Competitors will cap-off the procession with a mini-skate show performance for attendees.

It will be pretty cold tonight with temperatures being forecast in the 20’s and low 30’s with possible snow flurries so dress accordingly.  Making sure the kids are ready for the weather will allow them to enjoy the events as well as the skating that will be open to the public from 6:30 to 8:00.  Also be sure to bring a toy gift for Toys for Tots if you are able.  One of the things I enjoy so much about the holidays is the spirit of giving so if you can, give.

Worcester’s City Manager Michael V. O’Brien touts this as “another success story for our Downtown”.  I can’t agree with him more.  Making downtown Worcester a destination for family friendly activities will keep people in town after work and will also attract people from other Central Mass towns.  For the ice skating please note that Skate Rentals will be available for $3, admission is $2 and children 6 and younger can skate for free.  More details about the Worcester Common Oval Schedule and tonight’s Worcester Festival of Lights can be found at the below links.

Worcester Common Skating on the Oval

 Worcester Mass Festival of Lights

Here is a video announcing the skating festivities for tonight’s opening of the oval and a quick view of the Worcester Oval as it stands today ready for skating.

The post Worcester Tree Lighting 2012 – Worcester Common Oval Grand Opening first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

Last week we gave you a heads up on the PumpkinFest and AppleFest events that took place the past weekend.  Both Ecotarium and Wachusett events are a good example of the family friendly events that take place each year during the Halloween season.

Each year we look to update our list of Halloween events and parties available in the Worcester area for both families and more adult focused fun.  This year we have a new event that adds to both categories.  Canalloween allows for both family fun during the day and some hot Halloween parties at a number of bars and clubs in the Canal District.

Canalloween features a Monster Dash for kids starting at 2:30pm on Saturday and a Halloween parade that begins at 4pm.  The kids race is only 1k whereas they also have a 5k starting a half hour later.  You can get more information about the race including registration and course info at a dedicated website www.scarymonsterdash.com.  There are fees to participate and online registration will need to be done by the end of October 24th.  The other option is you can register in person.

Since Halloween is in the middle of the week this year most events are taking place on Saturday.  Our 2012 update of the Halloween scene continues with another new event that takes place next Monday October 29th.  The Worcester entertainment store ThatsE is sponsoring a free showing of A Creature Double Feature at the Elm Draught House Cinema in Millbury.  They are billing it as the That’s E Halloween Bash.  The 2 movies are Ghostbusters and BeetleJuice and the event starts at 6pm.

Here is an updated listing of annual parties and events that take place in and around Worcester.  Another good list to check out for night parties is the list of establishments that have signed up to be part of Canalloween (look under Bars & Clubs).

More Family Friendly:

Haunted Higgins Higgins Armory Museum

Things that Go Bump in the Night Halloween Event Old Sturbridge Village

More Adult Oriented:

Haunted Mansion Halloween Costume Party The Palladium Takes Place this week Thursday October 25th!

Halloween SALSA Dance/Social Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre

Halloween Party with Mass Octane Jillian’s – Worcester

The Deadites Halloween Extravaganza Lucky Dog Music Hall

Dogfish Head Halloween Bash The Dive Bar

Play for Blood Halloween Party Tammany Hall

As always we wish you a safe Halloween season.  We have included some of our past Halloween related posts that are good references for other things like planning your own Halloween party and places to buy costumes both online and off.

Worcester Halloween Events and Activities 2010

Worcester 2010 Halloween Planning Guide

Plan Your Halloween Party 2010

I also found a video to the old Creature Double Feature intro from Channel 56 (yes sadly I remember this):

The post Worcester 2012 Halloween Events Update first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

We are doing a quick update for Halloween Season inspired events for this weekend October 20-21.  We will be updating our bigger Halloween related information next week but we didn’t want you to miss these earlier events.  The Worcester Ecotarium is putting on their annual PumpkinFest event that is not only fun for kids but educational as well.  We have included a video from the Telegram that does a great job spotlighting what to expect.  It takes place tomorrow from 12 noon to 9pm.  Tickets can be bought at the door.  More information including a full schedule can be downloaded at the Ecotarium website.

The second event we wanted to mention is Wachusett’s Applefest which includes a Pumpkin contest, Apple Pie contest and Hike just to name a few of the events scheduled.  More information can be found on their website as well.  The event takes place on both Saturday and Sunday to be sure to see their detailed schedule.

The post Halloween Events Around Worcester this Weekend – 2012 first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

The Fall Foliage season is in full swing in New England so depending on where you want to go you want to make sure you haven’t missed the best.  The forecast for this week (Sept 30 – Oct 6th) most of Massachusetts based on the MassVacation foliage tool I use every year shows that they think most of Massachusetts is still turning.  I would have to agree since the weather has been more on the warmer side.  The tool has forecasts by week and the week of (Oct 7th to October 14th) shows that it thinks the peak for Western and Central Mass will be happening. So you might get some good views of the leaves this weekend.

An activity that might cover all of my Columbus Day weekend favorite activities would be a visit to the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston.  Each year they hold a Shades of Autumn event that includes pumpkins, Apple Orchard Tasting Tours and Hayrides.  It is a great day trip to participate in their Family Celebration of the Fall Harvest Season.  For those not familiar with the area Boylston is just NorthEast of Worcester about 20 minutes by car.

For those that may prefer indoor activities you should check out the Ringling Brothers Circus which will close out it’s latest visit to the DCU center on Monday.  The circus is always a great hit for kids and adults alike and there still are tickets as of this writing.  Another indoor option would be catching the 3d version of FrankenWeenie.  A good way to get into the upcoming Halloween season.  As mentioned in a previous post the closest Imax 3D theater to Worcester is the Jordan’s Furniture IMAX in Natick.  They do have Frankenweenie showing this weekend too.

As usual whether you get a chance to catch the foliage or pick apples in the Central Mass area this Columbus Day Weekend or not you can always check out our previous posts to help you make the most of the Fall Season in and around Central Massachusetts.

Here are some related posts:

 Central Mass Actvities Columbus Day Weekend

Central Mass Fall Foliage Season 2010

Apple Picking in Stow, Massachusetts

As a preview here is the trailer from FrankenWeenie which is getting good reviews.  Tim Burton can be hit or miss for me but based on the reviews I’ve seen this movie plays to his strengths.

The post Columbus Day Weekend 2012 in Central Mass first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

Fireworks always seem to symbolize American Independence Day to me so if you don’t get a chance to catch those that are scheduled today as part of Worcester’s annual Independence Day activities it is definitely worth checking out the Worcester Tornadoes Fireworks Friday schedule for the summer.

The 2 main Independence Day celebrations that we will highlight today are the annual Worcester Fireworks and Concert and the Old Sturbridge Village Fireworks displays that happen tonight, July 3rd.  You can also return to Sturbridge Village tomorrow to continue the celebration since they offer a full day of Patriotic activities that are great for families.  Here are the highlights of tonights event per their website:

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

19th-century magic with Robert Olson

Comedic juggling

Concert on the Common with the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band

Games and contests, including pie-eating, sack races, and quoits (similar to horseshoes, popular in early New England)

Food, beverage and souvenir tents – including beer and wine

And of course, FIREWORKS!

Worcester’s Fireworks Celebration also includes the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra.  They have a few free summer concerts that they put on including this one.  The event will be held at Christoforo Columbo park on Shrewsbury Street with activities starting off at 6pm.  According to the Worcester Chamber of Commerce (a sponsor of the event) the schedule is a follows:

6:00 pm – Park opens – Kid’s Korner
7:30 pm – Festivities will begin with a flag raising ceremony
8:00 pm – Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra performs
9:30 pm – Fireworks Display

As of right now the weather seems to be on track to cooperate though given the weather lately being prepared for an errant thunderstorm might not be a bad idea.

For other Independence Activities and events in the Central Mass area the Worcester Telegram attempts to gather as much information about the Central Massachusetts towns that hold events.  I have found that sometimes it is hit and miss.  Going directly to the town website like the Town of Shrewsbury for example gets you the best information.

Keep safe and enjoy celebrating the birth of the United States!  If you are really lucky you may have a super long weekend too.

The post Celebrate Independence Day in Central Mass – 2012 first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

I think one of the things that continue to make these concerts popular is the range of performers.  From today’s jazz to indie rock , blues, irish folk rock, latin and reggae, there is something for everyone.  It is also a way of showcasing local talent like Dom which performs next week.  They are from Worcester and received a 2010 Boston Music Awards for Song of the Year.

The following is taken from Worcester’s press release for the schedule of performers:

June 29: Linda Dagnello Jazz Quintet
Led by the hip, mainstream vocals of Linda Dagnello, the quintet brings its jazz experience to the Worcester Common. Well-known for their appealing recreations of jazz standards, the series is happy to have the quintet for what is sure to be a sublime afternoon in the sun.

July 6: Dom
Dom has recently ascended to become one of the best indie rock bands in the nation. Having won Song of the Year at the 2010 Boston Music Awards, and having since opened for acts like Jane’s Addiction and Ratatat, Dom brings a renowned, popular and sunny rhythm to the City of Worcester.

July 13: Twangbusters
Boogie on down on this date to hear American roots music from a super group of well-known local musicians, including Paula Bradley, Dr. Z, and “Wild Bill” Nadeau who have played with luminaries Junior Brown and Tony Trischka. With drums, guitar, piano and even a ukulele, the Twangbusters are sure to rock the Common with their unique blend of music.

July 20: Delta Generators
This band, nominated for a Boston Music Award in 2011 for their contributions to the blues scene, creates a fun and unique atmosphere for their listeners. Employing musical devices from rock & roll, soul, funk and a smattering of country, the Delta Generators are sure to get the Common moving and swinging.

July 27: Dale LePage and the Manhattans
With all of the hits from the “Mad Men” generation, Dale LePage and the Manhattans are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Sounds from Sinatra and Elvis will radiate across the Common, bringing people back to well-loved and memorable pieces of music across a few decades. Dale LePage lends his vocal talents to a band that “swings with soul,” whenever they’re in town.

August 3: Stone Clovers
Bringing Irish Folk Rock to the masses by fusing it to their musical interests in jazz, reggae, rock and funk, the Stone Clovers, all from Worcester, have honed their skills playing all over New England to reach their current prowess. Punching out music inspired by the emigrant to America’s experience, the Stone Clovers are an impressive bunch you won’t want to miss.

August 10: Boogaloo Swamis
Boston Blues News called them “the best New Orleans music you’ll find outside the bayous.” Their infectious rhythm and song choice will have you on your feet in no time, grooving and clapping to the beat. Combining influences from Cajun zydeco and Americana strands, the Boogaloo Swamis bring a rarely seen rhythm and style to the Northeast.

August 17: Grupo Fantasia
Sounds of the Caribbean will ring out when Grupo Fantasia comes to the Common. After having netted the 2009 New England Urban Music Award for Best Latin Band, the band continues to produce and play live music. The group’s leader, Angel Wagner, began touring with a musical group at age eleven, and has even played at Madison Square Garden. With so many years of experience, their honed talents and large repertoire are sure to impress all who come to listen.

August 24: Dis-N-Dat
Reggae has come a long way since the days of Bob Marley, and Dis-N-Dat is here to prove just how far it’s come. With a four-time Grammy nominated band member in Rangotan, Dis-N-Dat brings its neo-reggae style to the Common for an afternoon fusing musical influences from dancehall, reggae and roots music. Known for their energetic performances, be sure to save the date for this band.

August 31: SPF-4
Kicking out the jams on one of the final days of the summer, SPF-4 is a surf band with great rock riffs and amazing instrumental talent. Delivering each measure with tremendous purity and tonal quality, the band is on the breaking lip of the new wave of surf music here in the United States. Don’t miss out.

As a testament to the popularity of the concert series is that 2 weeks were added and more vendors have signed on so you don’t necessarily have to pack up a lunch.

Here is a video of one of DOM’s live performances of Living in America(courtesy of VacantMoon on Youtube):

The beat is so contagious… Enjoy the summer concerts!

The post Free Lunch Time Concerts Return to Worcester Common in 2012 first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

We put together some videos for Memorial day where we posted some Elementary School Students singing some wonderful American classics on YouTube. Though they were performed for Memorial Day they are very much a part of celebrating Independence Day.

This is the Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies…. Enjoy!

The post Patriotic in Worcester – Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies first appeared on Worcester News - DirectoryofWorcester.com.

Courtesy SharksVision on YouTube

Our favorite Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski made the trip out to Worcester last week to perform his famous spike move with a puck at the opening of the Worcester Sharks game.

Though some of us still are wincing at the Patriots loss to New York poor Gronk did the best he could with his hurt ankle.  Based on the video he has a positive attitude about the recovery of his foot surgery so we will all cross our fingers as we hope for return to the Super Bowl next year for the Patriots.

Though the Sharks lost to the Providence Bruins that day there is still plenty of hockey to be played with a stretch of five home games starting next Tuesday March 6th.  Check out the remaining schedule at the Sharks Website.

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