July 2023
Weaving Community through Art & Music at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill
ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services, is proud to announce the return of its Free Summer Concert Series featuring an incredible line-up of local bands playing a wide variety of popular music. Enjoy Rock n' Roll, Big Band, Country, Folk, New Orleans Jazz, Bluegrass, Classic R&B, Funk, Reggae, Blues, and even a Symphony Orchestra.
The concert series, now in its 14th year, is one of ValleyCAST’s most popular events at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill drawing hundreds of people each year.
This year the series kicks off with a special event on Thursday, June 29th. Two bands will play back-to-back in the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza on the same night as the opening reception of the new interactive Weaving Community exhibit in the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery at the same location. Blue Cat Groove will play from 5:00-6:30 pm and then The Blackstone Valley Community Concert band will play from 6:30-8:00 pm. Concert goers are invited to wander in and out of the Heritage Gallery during the concerts to explore the exhibit and participate in community weaving projects with their neighbors. There will be interactive displays and looms set up in the gallery for people to try their hands at weaving. There will also be examples of weaving on exhibit by local artists and weaving organizations where one can learn about textile weaving, basket weaving, loom weaving, and even sign up for upcoming workshops.
The Free Summer Concert Series continues every Thursday evening on the plaza from 6:00–8:00 pm through August 31st at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA. In case of inclement weather, the concerts move indoors to the Singh Performance Center at the same location.
The Weaving Community exhibit will be open during all concerts and through September 30 with regular gallery hours Monday-Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm.
“We are so excited to present our Weaving Community exhibit during our Free Summer Concert Series this year. People will enjoy music by talented, local musicians and they can learn about and participate in community weaving with their neighbors.” says Cristi Collari, Director of Community Outreach. “Come join us on Thursday nights for some great music and help us weave some community together!”
2023 Free Summer Concert Series Schedule:
June 29: Two Bands 5:00-6:30 Blue Cat Groove 6:30-8:00 Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band
July 6: Meet the Beatles
July 13: Catnip Junkies
July 20: Chuck & Mud and the Hole in the Dam Band
July 27: Le’Mixx Band
August 3: Country Wild Heart Band
August 10: Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band
August 17: Claflin Hill Summer Winds
August 24: Dynamite Rhythm
August 31: The Eagles Experience
The 2023 Free Summer Concert Series is generously sponsored by Wiersma Insurance Agency, UniBank of Whitinsville, Lampin Corporation, Open Sky Community Services, ValleyCAST and the Northbridge Cultural Council, which is funded by the Mass Cultural Council.
For more information with links to each band’s website, visit openskycs.org/news-events.
For more information about ValleyCAST and/or Open Sky Community Services visit openskycs.org.
About ValleyCAST
ValleyCAST’s mission is to foster a creative community in the Blackstone Valley that is inclusive and supportive of people with and without disabilities. ValleyCAST is the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services.
About Open Sky Community Services
Open Sky Community Services provides the foundation for those we serve to see beyond and live beyond their circumstance. By blending best practices with the power of community, we enable individuals and families to achieve their goals and live their best lives.