Where We Belong
2025-02-28 19:30 - 2025-03-23 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Umbrella Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Mohegan theatre-maker Madeline Sayet’s ground-breaking one-woman show, Where We Belong.
With great humor, insight and imaginative storytelling, the autobiographical play weaves together indigenous history, Shakespeare, colonialism, cultural legacy, the power of language and legend. It recounts Sayet’s 2015 journey to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, in the shadow of the Brexit vote. Moving between nations that have failed to reckon with their ongoing roles in colonialism, she grapples with what it means to remain or leave her own home at Mohegan, but finds comfort following in the footsteps of her ancestors who traveled to England in the 1700s to help her people.
Performed for the first time by an artist other than Sayet herself, the show has been completely restaged by fellow director and playwright Tara Moses. Its staging in Concord during the semiquincentennial of the “shot heard round the world” raises timely questions of whose stories about history are told, how, by whom, and in what language.
The show runs Feb. 28-Mar. 23, including a special Student Group Matinee Wed. Mar. 12 at 4PM, and select performances will feature engagement opportunities including optional pre-show catered dinners on Thursdays, childcare through The Umbrella’s Kid-Care program for parents interested in attending the March 9 matinee, and others.
The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/WWB for more information.
Student: $20
Senior: $45
Adult: $48

WATERSCAPES | February 26 – March 30, 2025| Loading Dock Gallery
2025-03-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, United States
Loading Dock Gallery announces its latest exhibit, Waterscapes, opening February 26th, featuring the work of C. Murphy, N. Hockenbury, S. Hodge, B. Peck, J. Wolohan, E. Monahan Skoff, T. Mulray, K. Hill, and G. Courage. The inspiration for this reflective and serene showcase comes from a deep love for our aquatic ecosystems and a desire to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect ponds, lakes, rivers, and the wildlife they support. The exhibition blends art and environmental advocacy to inspire conservation efforts. This exhibition is more than a collection of art—it’s a call to action. Through diverse artistic expressions, it highlights the fragility of our waterways and encourages visitors to reflect on their role in preserving these vital ecosystems.
The Loading Dock Gallery show, Waterscapes, will be on display February 26 to March 30, 2025 at the Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, Noon-5:30 pm, Wednesday-Saturday, until 4pm Sunday. Admission is free. The opening reception is on March 1st from 3-5 pm. More at www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

Live Greek & Middle Eastern Music and Bellydancing
2025-03-01 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-08 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-15 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-22 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-29 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-05 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-12 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-19 20:00 - 23:00 | Athenian Corner Restaurant, 207 Market Street, Lowell, 01852, United States
Live music and dancing featuring the Athenian Corner Ensemble

Discover What’s Next at Discovery Museum! Reception with our CEO
2025-03-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
What’s next for the Discovery Museum? You’re invited to find out!
Join us at the Museum for an exclusive opportunity to find out what we learned from our community during a 6-month data collection period, and hear our vision for the future as we launch our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
Meet our CEO, Marie Beam
• See the results from out community research
• Dive into our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
• Mingle with other Museum enthusiasts
• Enjoy light refreshments
Choose the date and time that work best for you:
• Thursday, February 6, 6:00pm to 7:00pm
• Wednesday, February 26, 11:30am to 12:30pm
• Sunday, March 2, 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Please RSVP to events@discoveryacton.org

“The Light of Seven Days”: An author event with Mass Book Award-Honoree River Adams
2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Chelmsford Public Library, Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Rd, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
Join the Chelmsford Public Library for a special event with Mass Book Award-honoree River Adams! River will share their acclaimed and richly textured novel, The Light of Seven Days.
Living with her Babby after her parents’ death, 10-year-old Dinah Ash is invited to train at Leningrad’s legendary Vaganova Ballet School. In the world of elite dance, she works hard, falls in love, and weathers the Soviet Union’s ubiquitous antisemitism, but despite an impressive talent, she quickly learns that dancers of her “profile” don’t make prima ballerinas. Love of Leningrad, ballet, friends, family, and books sustain Dinah until history intervenes.
The Soviet war in Afghanistan, the rise of perestroika, and a re-emergence of Nazism leave her vulnerable and exposed. Realizing escape is her only option, she applies for refugee status in America. Dinah’s adjustment to life in the US is a test as much of her identity as of her perseverance. Is who she is something Dinah can forge on her own? Or is identity imposed by upbringing, public opinion, and the myths of our cultures? As Dinah struggles with the questions of religion, race, and worth, her choices and the people she encounters will determine whether the dream of a better life can survive the weight of the past.
This program is sponsored by the Mass Book Awards Speakers Bureau and is presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Center for the Book.
River Adams (they/them) grew up in late Soviet Russia, pursuing a career as a concert pianist, and came to America at the age of 19 as a Jewish refugee. They graduated from Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania, earned their BA at Rosemont College and their MTS at Harvard Divinity School, then returned to Philadelphia to teach religious studies and work as a medical interpreter for Russian-speaking patients. Today, having earned an MFA from Emerson College, they live in Massachusetts; care for their noisy family of eight humans, two dogs, and a cat; and write. They are the author of many published short stories and essays and a biography of Leonard Swidler, There Must Be YOU (Resource Publications, 2014). Their debut novel, The Light of Seven Days (Delphinium Books, 2023) was named finalist by the National Jewish Book Awards and an honor title by the Massachusetts Book Awards.
For more information, visit their website: riveradamsauthor.weebly.com

Gallery Talk with Guest Speaker, Dr. Sabine Stanley
2025-03-15 11:00 - 13:00 | New England Quilt Museum, New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
In conjunction with the Fierce Planets exhibition, the NEQM welcomes special guest speaker Dr. Sabine Stanley, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in Planetary Science at Johns Hopkins University. The artists featured in Fierce Planets drew inspiration from Dr. Stanley’s work in planetary science at Johns Hopkins University, the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and NASA, as well as her recent book, What’s Hidden Inside Planets?

Wood Type Use, History, and Identification with James Grieshaber
2025-03-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill, MA, 01832, United States
Title: Wood Type Use, History, and Identification lecture and workshop, 1 pm
Event leader: James Grieshaber
Cost: Free with Museum admission
Date: Saturday March 15
Start time: 1 pm
This lecture will cover aspects of wood type history, as seen through the lens of the historic Wood Type Pattern Library of Virgin Wood Type. James Grieshaber, who wrote The Virgin Wood Type Bible, is a
noted type historian and type designer who will also speak to some of the uses of wood type printing historic broadsides. He will be in residence at the Museum of Printing for a week prior to the lecture helping identify and organize the museum’s wood type collection, and will be presenting on what he’s found there.
Virgin Wood Type produces twentieth-century wood fonts using original patterns from historic wood type manufacturers, as well as developing revivals of Victorian-era wood type classics. They also issue new designs from contemporary type designers, produced in the traditional manner, using a vintage pantograph router, originally owned by American Wood Type Mfg. Co.
The Virgin Wood Type Bible enables the reader to gain insight into the history of, and be able to identify, over 500 historic wood type designs. To accomplish this, Grieshaber has located and researched all of the known printed catalogs from the makers, as well as considered physical clues on the over 300 fonts represented in the Virgin Wood Type Pattern Library. These include patterns from American, Acme, Allied, Empire, and some from Stephenson, Blake who had a US distribution agreement with American Wood Type. Also included are new fonts manufactured by Virgin Wood Type, designed by the Grieshaber and others, which often draw on historical models.
James Grieshaber has been a designer for newspaper and advertising agencies, and a type designer for P22 Type Foundry, Typeco, and others. James is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and has taught Typography at RIT. While working as a wood type designer and cutter for Virgin Wood Type, Grieshaber cleaned, cataloged, and identified all the historic wood type patterns in their collection, which led him to create this book.
Funding by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) Massachusetts 250 Grant Program. Supporting the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant “firsts” in Massachusetts history, or take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state’s past 250 years.

South Acton Walking Tour with Tour Guide Amy Cole
2025-03-22 12:55 - 14:30 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton starting at 1 PM (Arrival time is 12:55 PM)
Join tour guide Amy Cole to visit the Iron Work Farm sites and walk South Acton’s historic Mill Corner. You will learn about Acton’s earliest colonial settlement. Important Details: Registration is required. Details on parking and where to meet will be sent via email closer to the walk date. Register at tinyurl.com/Acton250-March22
Tour leader Amy Cole is an accomplished professional tour leader. She grew up near Acton Center and knows the town well. She has a wide- ranging interest in Acton’s unique history. This tour is sponsored by the Acton 250 Committee and the Iron Work Farm.

Addison Gallery Spring Opening Reception
2025-03-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Addison Gallery of American Art, Chapel Avenue, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810, United States
Join us in celebrating the new exhibitions: June Leaf: Shooting from the Heart; Playing to Our Strengths: Highlights from the Permanent Collection; On and Off Stage: Performance and Persona; and Dynamic Duos. Enjoy great company, light refreshments, and the best of American art! Free and open to the public.

Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Harmonies of Lowell – A Gala for All
2025-03-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Mount Pleasant Golf Club, 141 Staples St, Lowell, MA, United States
Grab your tickets for our gala! 🎟️
Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Harmonies of Lowell – A Gala for All ✨
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community, featuring live performances, local food, exciting raffles & auctions!
📅 Sunday, March 29th, 6-9 PM
📍 Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lowell, MA
Early Bird Tickets Before 2/22: $100 per ticket. Use code Earlybird at checkout.
After 2/22: $150 per ticketSecure your spot today and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Lowell with us! 🎶✨ #LowellPhilharmonic #HarmoniesOfLowell #LPOGala2025

WILD WOMEN | April 2 - 27, 2025| Loading Dock Gallery
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00 | The Loading Dock Gallery, The Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Ave, Lowell, MA, United States
WILD WOMEN, Loading Dock Gallery’s April show explores the voice of the divine feminine in sculptures and paintings by Heidi Jackson and Noel Soucy, and paintings and mixed media pieces by Tracy Levesque. Three distinct voices come together to remind us that Nature is the root of all that is right with the world, that beauty is in everything.
The show celebrates that we are all Nature. The wild woman connects us to the heart of the Earth, our Mother, teacher, oracle and sustainer. At the core of any woman artist lies a passion for what is wild in human nature. She is the daughter of the Earth, the shower of sights, singer of songs, and maker of magic. These three women artists show the raw beauty in Nature and life.
The Loading Dock Gallery show, WILD WOMEN will be on display April 2 – 27 at the Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, Noon-5:30 pm, Wednesday-Saturday, until 4pm Sunday. Free Admission. The opening reception is on April 5th from 3-5 PM. More at www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

Public Health Week at The Public Health Museum
2025-04-07 08:00 - 2025-04-12 17:00 | Public Health Museum, East Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876, United States
Public Health Week is celebrated each year during the first week in April. Join the Public Health Museum for a week of free activities highlighting public health – now and in the past. Events include:
Monday, April 7- Free virtual program: Go Behind the Headlines with state epidemiologist and public health veterinarian Dr. Katie Brown about avian influenza or bird flu.Hosted with the Tewksbury Public Library
Tuesday, April 8- Free Narcan training: You Could Save A Life: Visit the Public Health Museum at 12 noon and learn about naloxone and how to spot an overdose. Fentanyl is everywhere and with just a short training, you could help someone until professional help arrives. 365 East Street in the Old Administration Building
Thursday, April 10-Free tours of the museum from 10AM-2PM. Visit the museum for FREE and see the new exhibit- Pandemics: Is Hindsight 2020? as we draw parallels with the 1918 Influenza pandemic and COVID-19.
Friday, April 11- Virtual Public Health Forum with local public health officials. Learn how your municipal health agents are working hard to keep us all safe.
Saturday, April 12- Tour the Pines Cemetery. * This is a fee-based event. See museum website for details.

Reception: Art Thou Neurodivergent?
2025-04-08 17:30 - 18:15 | Lowell City Hall, Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
Join the celebration of the Art Thou Neurodivergent exhibit in the lobby of City Hall on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 5:30-6:15 PM. Meet the artists, listen to live music from the MCC Guitar Department, and enjoy free food!
Organized by the City of Lowell’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in collaboration with Rylie Hegarty, this exhibit showcases and uplifts neurodivergent student artists. The art is on view from April 4th through 29th.

Concord’s Secret History (World Premiere Screening)
2025-04-12 20:00 - 21:30 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
April 12 – 8PM
April 14 – 2:30PM
World premiere of new documentary about the history of slavery in the region surrounding Concord, Massachusetts, in co-production by Kogainon Films (USA) and GTVdocs (UK). The documentary reveals a long-suppressed secret, set in Concord, Massachusetts—the birthplace of the American Revolution, where the first shots were fired on April 19, 1775. While Concord is often celebrated for its role in the fight for freedom, few are aware of the untold stories that extend beyond its borders. The film also explores hidden narratives from both Medford and Harvard University, offering a richer, more complete picture of the region’s colonial past.
The premiere will take place in Concord on April 12, 2025 at The Umbrella Arts Center, followed by distribution to over 500 PBS member stations across the United States via PBS+. After the screening, the filmmakers and historians involved in the project will participate in a facilitated talk-back, providing an opportunity for deeper engagement and discussion.
Partners: Concord250, Concord DEI, The Umbrella Arts Center

"Weaving an Address" Exhibition
2025-04-15 - 2025-06-22 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Exhibition: April 14 – June 14, 2025
Opening Reception April 14, 6PM
The Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord Center will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution and “the shot heard round the world” with an ambitious outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition, Weaving an Address, curated by artist Marla McLeod.
For the first time, Weaving an Address combines The Umbrella’s popular Art Ramble public art installation, on view April 15 through October 7 at Brister’s Hill in nearby Walden Woods, with an indoor exhibition (on view April 14 through June 14) in The Umbrella’s Allie Kussin Gallery. The exhibition features site-specific work by eight prominent Black artists combining sculpture, fiber art, installation and live performance inspired by little-known experiences of historical Black inhabitants of Concord and its Walden Woods.
Featured artists in the exhibition are Ifé Franklin, Stephen Hamilton, Whitney Harris, Ekua Holmes, Perla Mabel, Marla McLeod, Kimberly Love Radcliffe, and Anthony Peyton Young.
Outdoors, large-scale work will be installed on Brister’s Hill, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved.Indoors at The Umbrella, inter-related fiber artworks will weave narratives from fragmented pasts to offer a vision of how history shapes the present and influences the future.
Supporting community activities include an opening reception on April 14, monthly curator talks, a processional with artist Ifé Franklin, and participation in the town-wide Revolutionary Concordians Trading Card program.
This exhibition is presented as part of the Concord250 commemoration, in partnership with The Walden Woods Project and The Robbins House, in association with Gather 2025, a month-long exploration and celebration of fiber and textile art in Greater Boston, and with permission of Concord Natural Resources Division.
See https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Weaving for more information about special engagements, wayfinding, artist bios, and background to the exhibition.

Friday, April 18 - Acton Minutemen Activities
2025-04-18 | 87 hayward rd, acton, ma
Isaac Davis Walk: Please join the Acton Minutemen from 6:30-10:30 AM or the Isaac Davis March (meet at Haartz Corp. parking lot, 87 Hayward Rd.)
Robbins Ride: Leaves at 5 PM from the soccer fields at the bottom of Concord Road.
The Acton Minutemen will be in Lexington, Concord and Arlington on the weekend. For further details see: actonminutemen.org/calendar/

Jim Lauderdale & the Game Changers in concert
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:30 | Crossroads Music Series, Crossroads Music Series, 190 Academy Rd, North Andover, MA, 01845, United States
For a man who recently put out his 37th album, Jim Lauderdale still has the glimmer in his eye of the young man who first made his way to Nashville back in 1979. Actively writing and recording music for the past four-plus decades, Mr. Americana—as Lauderdale has grown to be known around town—has fine-tuned his brand of country music, taking influences from his upbringing in the Carolinas, the bluegrass and string music of surrounding Appalachia, the folk and Grateful Dead catalog of the 60s and beyond, and the twanging, honky tonk of the town he’s long called home and distilling them into a sound distinctively his own.
“He’s a man of great style, an exceptional songwriter and tremendous singer.” Elvis Costello
“He’s my favorite part of Americana music.” Keith Secor, Old Crow Medicine Show

The Town and the City Festival
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26 | Downtown Lowell, Various Locations, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
(Lowell, MA -February 5, 2025) Lowell, MA’s multi-day celebration of music and art, The Town and The City Festival (TACF), has released the full schedule* of artists performing on stages across Downtown Lowell Thursday April 24th through Saturday April 26th. Single
day passes priced at just $40 and individual show tickets go on sale this Friday February 7th at 10am EST at TheTownandtheCityFestival,com.
The sixth annual edition of The Town and the City Festival takes place in event spaces, bars, cafes, and galleries throughout downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. The festival celebrates the spirit of Jack Kerouac in direct and indirect ways. It is named after Kerouac’s earliest novel which was primarily set in this historic mill city. The Town and The City Festival is inspired by the creativity and exploration for which the author was so famously known and presents a diverse mix of musical genres and artistic disciplines to inspire discovery and to celebrate a love of life.
Nine acts have been added to the line-up including Hannah Connolly as well as New England- based artists, The Evolutionists, Elsa Kennedy, Barefoot Young, Joanne the Band, Bobbo Byrnes, The Infinite Wet Secret, Kingshot, Main Era, and Wildfeuer.
“We’ve got a very diverse line-up of musical acts this year,” said Festival founder Chris Porter. “It’s always been a point of emphasis that the Festival showcase New England based talent alongside national acts, and we’re proud that more than half of this year’s artists are home-grown.”
Taking the stage at Taffeta on Thursday for the kick-off concert featuring three Indie Rock acts are Lady Lamb, Ezra Furman, and Class President
Things get into full swing on Friday with eight shows spread across downtown Lowell. The Sheila Divine, Heretix, and The Dear Abbeys take over Zorba Music Hall; The Infinite Wet Secret, Lake Saint Daniel, and Jennifer Tefft & The Strange play The Worthen Cafe; and Warp & Weft rocks with Rocking Horse Music Club. At Christ Church United, festival-attendees can listen to singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault, along with Americana band Twisted Pine, and up and coming music artist Maya DeVitry. Koto will host Lovina Falls and Night Visions.
Friday night’s shows also feature Dom the Composer, Main Era, and Kid Renaissance at Smokehouse Tavern; Stay at Home Dads, Oddie, Dead Vapor, and The Peacocks at The Old Court; and last but not least Thirsty First features Kingshot, The PA’s, and The Freqs.
Venue hopping will be in full swing on Saturday with 14 different shows on the docket, Things get an early rockin’ start at Thirsty First at 2:30pm with The Deluxe Fiasco, Girl with a Hawk, and The Chelsea Curve; Stewart Hall at Christ Church United will host an intimate show with Elsa Kennedy, Bobbo Byrnes, and Joanne the Band; and The Worthen Café will be the place to find indie rockers Paint by Numbers, Ron’s Car, and Roaches.
Two free all ages shows are also on Saturday’s schedule, with singer-songwriters John David, Hazel Adeline, and Julia James performing at Brew’d Awakening’s Outdoor Stage starting at 3pm (indoors pending weather); and at 6pm The Music of Words at lala Books features various local spoken word and poetry artists.
Christ Church United’s stage welcomes the legendary Loudon Wainwright III along with Hannah Connolly; Knock Over City, Mold, and The Big Sun are at Koto; national touring band Couch plays at Zorba Music Hall with Lekha and Friends opening. Warp & Weft will be groovin’ to Jack Swamp & The Pine as well as New York based duo Deni Bonet & Chris Flynn; and back at The Thirsty First indie rockers Hilken Mancini & Melissa Gibbs, Winkler, and Senseless Optimism will be performing.
The Evolutionists take over The Lass Stop with more acts to be announced; and Comedy at Cobblestones presents a line-up of New England’s finest comedians, including Frank Santorelli, Kristin O’Brien, Greg Boggis, Steve Albert and Katie Coughlin.
Knock Over City, Mold, and The Big Sun will be at Koto; The Old Court will rock with Wildfeuer, Escape Durgin, Gross Girls, The Ghouls, and Caesura; and Good Karma, Barefoot Young, and blindspot will be on Smokehouse Tavern’s stage.
“It’s always exciting for me to bring the festival back to my hometown,” said Festival founder Chris Porter. “Lowell is such a great place for this kind of event; it’s a very walkable town so venue hopping is very easy to do. Kerouac said, ‘The only truth is music,’ and the festival gives music lovers a lot of truth to enjoy.”
The Town & The City Festival takes place at more than a dozen venues throughout downtown Lowell, including Taffeta (at Western Ave. Studios), Zorba Music Hall, Warp & Weft, Christ Church United, Stewart Hall at Christ Church United, The Old Court, The Thirsty First , The Worthen Cafe, Smokehouse Tavern, lala Books, Brew’d Awakening, Cobblestones, Koto, and a brand new venue called The Lass Stop.
The Town and the City Festival is produced by Porter Productions with support from the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, and the Lowell Cultural Council.
The Town and the City Festival will take place Thursday, April 24th, Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th at venues across Downtown Lowell. Multi-day passes are currently on sale for $70, Single Day passes for Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26th will be on sale for $40; individual show tickets prices vary. Tickets and information can be found at TheTownandtheCityFestival.com
*Performance schedule and artists are subject to change.

The Spitfire Grill
2025-04-25 19:30 - 2025-05-18 15:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, The Umbrella Stage Company’s The Spitfire Grill follows the journey of Percy Talbott, a spirited young woman who perseveres through personal hardship, violence and incarceration to seek redemption in rural Wisconsin. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more – a second chance in a new community that she in turn transforms forever.
The production is helmed by award-winning Director/Choreographer Ilyse Robbins, whose recent projects include last season’s Lizzie at The Umbrella, Noises Off (Lyric Stage), and the Elliot Norton Award-winning All is Calm (Greater Boston Stage Company) among others. The show’s rich score by James Valcq and Fred Alley is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm.
Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical’s rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistable charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community.
Says Producing Artistic Director Brian Boruta, “The Spitfire Grill is one of those hidden gems that are rarely produced. Its focus on community, rediscovery, and transformation will uplift the spirit, and its soaring score will satisfy the soul. I can’t wait for audiences to discover, or rediscover The Spitfire Grill.”
The show runs Apr. 25-May 18 (press opening Sunday Apr. 27, 3:00PM), and select performances will feature engagement opportunities:
Dinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances
Talk Backs scheduled following select performances
Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for select performances
“…soul-satisfying…freeing…penetrated by honesty and it glows.” – The New York Times
“Soulful…the amiable country-flavored tunes and lyrics are rendered with the kind of conviction and expertise that make them transcendent…sheer nourishment.” – New York Magazine
Presented by The Umbrella Stage Company, Concord, MA, Apr 25 – May 18, 2025. Directed by Ilyse Robbins.

Freestyle Paint to Music: Pink Floyd Edition
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Moonlight & Mindfulness, Moonlight & Mindfulness, 91 Mill St # 7, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
Let your creativity free and join us for a relaxing painting experience! Every month, join us in an opening meditation followed by creating your own “freestyle art” masterpiece while listening to the featured album of that month. April’s album of choice is Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon! There will be a variety of tools and paints to create whatever comes to mind while taking in the music! No prior art experience needed.
You’re encouraged to just let your paintbrush and creativity flow to the music.
All materials are provided for you, but you can BYOB if you’d like. We will also have free tea samples.

Downtown Public Art Walk // Paseo del Arte público por el Downtown
2025-04-26 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
All Ages • No Registration Required • Hosted by: Lowell National Historical Park
Location: Mack Plaza, Corner of Market St and Shattuck St, Lowell
Join rangers from Lowell National Historical Park to celebrate International Sculpture day with a Public Art Walk through downtown Lowell. Starting at the Workers Statue on the corner of Market St. and Shattuck St. The walk will cover about a mile in total, ending at the Arts League of Lowell garden sculpture show.
Únete a los Ranger del Parque Histórico Nacional de Lowell para celebrar el Día Internacional de la Escultura con un Paseo de Arte Público por el Downtown de Lowell. Empezaremos en la estatua de los trabajadores, en la esquina de Market St. y Shattuck St. El recorrido será de aproximadamente una milla y media en total.

Dance Prism Ballet Presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
2025-04-26 14:30 - 16:30 | J. Everett Collins Center, 100 Shawsheen, Andover, 01810, United States
Dance Prism Ballet presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s shimmering fantasy of fairies and foolish mortals, coming to theaters for two performances only.
J. Everett Collins Center, Andover | April 26th at 2:30
The Performing Arts Center in Littleton | April 27th at 2:30
Dance Prism’s production is a magical mix of fairy fun and silly adventures! Watch as four young friends get tangled in love and laughter, and giggle at Bottom the weaver, who gets turned into a donkey by the cheeky Puck. This delightful tale of fairies, humans, magic, and mix-ups is set to Mendelssohn’s lively and sparkling music and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Visit www.danceprism.com for tickets Group rates are available by sending an inquiry to danceprism.groupsales@gmail.com. Tickets are non-refundable but exchanges for same performances can be accommodated. All Seats are Reserved.
