Natick Report

More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Still time to apply for Natick Cultural Council grants

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The Natick Cultural Council is accepting grant applications until Oct. 17 from those who have great ideas for arts, humanities or science projects that would benefit the Natick community.

The Council has more than $14K to divvy up for projects in fiscal year 2023.

Last year’s grants ranged from $200 to $1,000, and included programs such as hip hop dance chair exercise for seniors, know Natick history, and juggling.

Ask questions of the Council at natickculturalcouncil@gmail.com

We once scored a Wellesley Cultural Council grant for a project called Wellesley Dump Art.

dump art

 

Please send tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

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Natick PorchFest ’22 rocks, grooves & croons its way across town

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Natick PorchFest kicked off fall in town with dozens of talented performers entertaining the public at venues ranging from a stage in front of the police station to driveways, front lawns, and yes, porches.

Singer and guitarist Roberta Lamb, looking around the classic porch she got to perform on, told the the crowd before breaking into a Bob Dylan tune how lucky she was to play there on this beautiful Saturday. Attendees felt pretty lucky too, with performers sharing their skills and local homeowners welcoming the public to gather ’round at this free music festival.

Musical styles varied, as you would hope, with hard rockin’ music on the stage in front of the police station wafting into the neighborhood across the street where we spent most of our time. Other bands, like Always in Season, brought more old-timey music to the event, while the Grateful Teds jammed for fans tie-dye, or not, and Miguel Melendez sang and strummed under a shade tree. Covers included songs from Woodie Guthrie, the White Stripes, Elton John, No Doubt, and the Animals.

Entertainment extended beyond porches to the streets. A dog wearing goggles due to light sensitivity grabbed lots of attention and pats, and you had to keep your head on a swivel to avoid cyclists and skateboarders weaving through at some points.

It was clear that the PorchFest party was going to last well beyond 6pm at some homes as well. Now that’s the sign of a successful event!

Thanks to Natick Center Associates, the Natick Community & Economic Development Department and a team of community volunteers for organizing PorchFest.

porchfest

porchfest

Please send tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

Friends of the Morse Institute Library’s book & music sale on Sept. 24-25

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The Friends of the Morse Institute Library book and music sale runs from  8:30am-4:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 24, and from 12-3pm on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the library, 14 East Central St., in Natick.

Most of the book action is on the lower level of the library, with $1 adult books; $0.50 books for children/tween/teen readers; selected special-price books; and games and puzzles.

The music part of the sale (CDs and vinyl) will be open the same hours, in the Morse Room (old part of the library) on the main floor.

Restocking will take place throughout the sale.

Masks are encouraged.

Groove with the music at Natick PorchFest on Sept. 24

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Natick Center PorchFest is a grassroots community music festival, and it’s free!  This fun annual event takes place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, 2pm-6pm, on the porches of generous hosts, who are sharing their porches and lawns with neighbors and the community around Natick Center.

Natick Porchfest

 

Musicians play on front porches, driveways, and front yards.  Attendees enjoy lots of free music as they walk and bike around the neighborhoods. It’s a great opportunity for local musicians to share their talents with their neighbors, and for residents to discover their neighborhoods anew. 

Natick PorchFest will conclude with a Finale Concert on the front lawn of the Natick Police Department at 20 East Central Street,  at 6pm. 

An event map and schedule will be available at (natickporchfest.org) closer to Sept. 24. 

The rain date is Sept. 25, 2pm-6 pm. 

Natick PorchFest is generously sponsored by Music Go Round of Natick, located on Route 9.  

Natick Arts/Entertainment

The A Capella Singers: The A Cappella Singers are a choral group for treble voices. The group performs a diverse selection of music including Jazz, Contemporary and Classical, Sacred and Secular, both accompanied and a cappella. Rehearsals are Monday evenings, 7 – 9 pm, at Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick, Massachusetts. 

Actors Company of Natick: A professional theatre company established in 2022 that promotes arts and culture in the community of Natick and beyond.

IMAX 3-D movie theater: At Jordan’s Furniture, 1 Underprice Way, Natick, MA 01760

Metrowest Symphony Orchestra: In 2018, the MSO began a relationship with Natick High School (NHS). The orchestra performs in Jeremiah Healy Auditorium and provides symphony performance opportunities for all capable NHS students. Special support for NHS string students is provided, as there is no formal string program offered by the school system.

Natick Center Cultural District: Home to over 200 working artists. District associates work in partnership with the Town of Natick and committed members to cultivate a lively and diverse downtown neighborhood by enhancing the cultural, economic, and social life of the community.

hearts art alley

Natick Cultural Council: Supports local arts and culture through grants. The Council awards grants based on the cultural needs of the community, as assessed by Council members with input from the community. They support activities and events that appeal to a diverse population and encourage diversity in performances and events. The Council accepts grant applications on an annual basis between September 1st and October 15th, with allocations made before the end of the calendar year.

Natick Drama Workshop: For more than 50 years, Natick Drama Workshop has introduced young people from Natick and the surrounding area to the fun of being involved in community theatre. 

Natick Public Schools Performing Arts

Sound & Spirit: a multigenerational choir based in Natick that performs public concerts. Learn about membership.

Sound & Spirit ad

The Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN): The arts center at 14 Summer St., in Natick Center offers a wide range of concerts, shows, movies, and other entertainment.

tcan outside

Walnut Hill School: the private boarding and day high school for the arts offers training in dance, music, theater, visual art, writing, film, and media arts, complemented an academic curriculum. Many of its musical and theatre performances are open to the public.

Walnut Hill School, Natick