July Events

Here are some fun events happening throughout the month of July

6 Saturday 12:30pm. Fourth of July Celebration in Pepperell. Parade starts at 12:30 from Town Hall to VFW Post 3291, followed by music and food at 4 pm, and fireworks at dusk. Visit pepperell4thofjuly.org for updated details.

6 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Gary Wilson Blues Project: Hard-hitting blues. Enough said! Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

6 Saturday 7:30pm. Outside the Wire, the life-changing impact of war–on returning soldiers and their families–is explored in a play featuring Fitchburg State students and alumni that is headed for a prestigious national theater festival in July. Local showing at the WESTON AUDITORIUM, 353 North St. Admission is $15 for the public and free for veterans.

6 Saturday 3pm. Ayer’s Fourth of July celebration, with a traditional parade on Main Street, starting at 3 pm. Call David Maher, 978-772-8206 weekdays.

6 Saturday 9pm. Fireworks at Pirone Park, School Street in Ayer. The Fourth of July celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks display starting at dusk, approximately 9 pm.

7 Sunday 4pm-6pm. Opening Reception. Natural Connections: Clay and Landscape: Ceramics by Joan Sinatra Hathaway. Petersham Art Center. All welcome. Meet the artist, enjoy fine art, delicious refreshments. On exhibit July 7-August 15. 8 North Street, a short distance from Petersham Common.

7 Sunday 7:30pm. Petersham Brass Band Concert on Petersham Common. Hotdogs, baked goods. All welcome. Free.

8 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. WACHUSETT COMMUNITY BAND: This band has been playing in Sterling’s summer concerts for the past 9 years. The band has 25 plus musicians from the Wachusett Area.  They play a variety of marches, show tunes, & more. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

8 Monday 9:30pm. Groton Fireworks 99 Main Street.

9 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

10 Wednesday 1pm-4pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents Matryoshka Nesting Doll Workshop. Traditional Russian artist and lecturer Marina Forbes offers a unique three-hour workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of nested doll painting. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

10 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date: August 21.

10 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. MOONSHINE: Moonshine serves up the best mix of new country, blues, and rock music in Central MA.  The band features Melissa Perkins on vocals covering songs by Adele, Pink, Grace Potter, Gretchen Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and more!! For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

10 Wednesday 7pm. Meet Native Amphibians Frogs & Salamanders. Petersham Memorial Library. Join Chris Eaton of MassAudubon for this up close and personal program with the wonderful world of amphibians. 23 Common Street on Petersham Common. All welcome. Free.

11 Thursday 2pm. Digging To New York at the Fitchburg Public Library. Learn how Fitchburg helped build the Hoosac Tunnel. For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org. 

11 Thursday 3pm-5pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visitwww.fruitlands.org.

11 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

11 Thursday 7:30pm. The Twangbusters with Paula Bradley. Blues and bop with a heapin' helpin' of twang. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

12 Friday. Westminster Farmers' Market presents How Does Your Garden Grow: Basic Gardening Q&A for Midway Through the Growing Season. For more information, email hertel@mapleheightsfarm.com.

12 Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmers Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. 

12 Friday 6pm-7:30pm. Riverfront Children's Theater's FUN FRIDAY Summer Theatre Workshop FOR 10 & UP, $15. VISIT: www.riverfrontkids.blogspot.com or EMAIL:sallycragin@verizon.net.

12 Friday 8pm. Roy Book Binder. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

12 Friday 8pm-10pm. Black Diamond Summer Music Series at Wachusett Mountain. FREE music outside under the tent by Rainy Day Activities. A BBQ will be available outside as will a bar both inside and out. Great for the whole family! For more information, visit www.wachusett.com/?TabId=115.

13-14 Saturday-Sunday. Worcester JCC Presents Circus Smirkus at Wachusett Mountain. Grab your Ruby Slippers and click your heels together, as Circus Smirkus goes "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with a new spin on the Wizard of Oz. It will take acrobatic thinking, highwire hearts, and courageous clowns to embark on this Emerald City adventure! This time it's all flying monkey business as we cartwheel down the yellow brick road to a new twist in the tale. Pull back the curtain and discover fun for the whole family (and your little dog, too,) as Circus Smirkus presents Oz Incorporated. For more information, visitwww.worcesterjcc.org/smirkus.

13-14 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm. Birds of Prey at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Have you ever wanted to see a bald eagle up close? At Davis Farmland we are giving you that chance! Meet eagles, hawks, owls, and more! You can’t miss this unbelievable chance! This is one show you will never forget! Show times are at 11 and 2 Saturday and Sunday. Call 978-422-MOOO.

13 Saturday. Annual Congregational Church Fair. Petersham Common. Special events, food, attic treasures, lunch galore, music, raffles, and more throughout the day. Huge live Auction on the Bandstand. Drew Paton 1940s Hit Parade on the Bandstand - sponsored by Petersham Cultural Council.

13 Saturday 8am-10am. Orange Historical Society BREAKFAST ON THE PORCH 41 North Main Street Orange. Menu: Quiche, French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles, Donuts, Beverages. Cost: $6.00.

13 Saturday 8am–3pm. Royalston Church Fair on the Common, Royalston. Food, live music, attic treasures, games, face painting.

13 Saturday 9am-2pm. Tower Hill The World Up Close: Exploring Macro Photogrraphy. Non-members $60., Members $50. Instructor: Steve McGrath. Spring, summer, winter, or fall, macro photography opens the door to a wonderful new world of photo opportunities. With instructor Steve McGrath as your guide, this beginner to intermediate level course will show you ways to use your existing camera gear to make spectacular macro photographs. The close-up world is a magical place full of pattern, color, and abstract imagery. Flowers become abstract works of art; rusty doors become textured canvasses; stones become polished gems; butterflies and other insects can become sci-fi monsters! After a short lecture, this class will move outside to practice technique in the gardens, and end with review of student work.For more information, e-mail registrar@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x124 or visitwww.towerhillbg.org.

13 Saturday 9am-5pm. Tower Hill Lily Show. Included with admission to garden, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 children 6-18. New England Lily Society presents 54TH ANNUAL LILY SHOW at Tower Hill Botanical Garden off Routes 290 & 70 in Boylston, MA. Exhibits of Oriental, Asiatic, Orientpet and other hybrid lily stems will be enhanced by bouquets of flowers featuring lilies in classical and ikebana styles of flower arranging. Sponsored by: New England Lily Society

For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

13 Saturday 1pm-5pm. Lifefest at Coolidge Park! Free food, music, games, petting zoo, and more.

13 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Rhythm. Monument Park Community Bandstand Contemporary, Pops, Blues & Country. Rain Date: July 17.

13 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Very original trio Trusting Fate. Energetic  Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

13 Saturday 7:30pm. The Jolly Beggars. The Jolly Beggars add a dimension to Celtic Music that's unique and welcome. Their harmonies are delightful and soothing to the soul and every show is a feast for both eyes and ears. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

13 Saturday 8pm. Donna the Buffalo. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

14 Sunday 9am-4:30pm. Tower Hill Lily Show. Included with admission to the garden, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 children 6-18. New England Lily Society presents 54TH ANNUAL LILY SHOW at Tower Hill Botanical Garden off Routes 290 & 70 in Boylston, MA. Exhibits of Oriental, Asiatic, Orientpet and other hybrid lily stems will be enhanced by bouquets of flowers featuring lilies in classical and ikebana styles of flower arranging. Sponsored by: New England Lily Society. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visitwww.towerhillbg.org.

14 Sunday 2pm. Concert in Coggshall Park, off Electric Avenue, Fitchburg. Enjoy live entertainment on the shores of Mirror Lake. Rain date, July 28. Free admission.

14 Sunday 3-5pm. Artists' Town Meeting at the Fitchburg Art Museum. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

14 Sunday 4pm. Natraj. Indian classical music, West African traditional music, and jazz. $15. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

15 Monday 2pm. Mini-Beast Menagerie at the Fitchburg Public Library.

Real little animals that creep and crawl.  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

15 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. SOUTH CENTRAL: The acoustic duo of Neil Lucey and Ron Stacy. Their music selection ranges from the 60’s to today’s hits and includes many of those one-hit-wonders you’ve heard many times before, but just can’t remember the name! Guests enjoy interacting with the band by trying to guess the names of these forgotten artists and those of more well known artists. With their wide variety of music and rich acoustic sound, a great listening experience is guaranteed for all. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

16 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

17 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

17 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. THE ILLUSIONS: Play music from the 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s including contemporary top 40’s and across all genres, Country, Pop, Rock, etc. They get audiences of all ages involved. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

18 Thursday 5:15pm-7pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents SnapShot Gallery Talks. SnapShot tours are a series of short in-depth talks given by our volunteer tour guides. Free with Museum admission. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

18 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

18 Thursday 7:30pm. Alasdair Roberts | Sam Moss. Lively Scottish ballads. | Pre-war American country, blues, and folk. $12. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

20 Saturday. Sleepover at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. This fun-filled, two day adventure includes an all-you-can-eat cookout, hayride, campfire sing-a-long, and s’mores! Wake up to breakfast on the grill. Reservations required, space fills quickly. Call 978-422-MOOO (6666).

20 Saturday 9am-4:30pm. Tower Hill Daylily Show. Included with admission to the garden, $12 adult, $9 senoir, $7 Children 6-18. The Daylily Exhibition is open to the public. Come see hundreds of the finest daylilies grown in New England, featuring Speakers, Flower Arranging Demonstration, Flower arrangements featuring lilies, and Potted lilies for sale. Judged Divisions include Extra Large 7+, Large, Small, Miniature, Double, Polymerous, Spider, and Unusual Form. The Exhibition presents a wonderful opportunity to view the incredible diversity of daylilies, the most popular and easiest to grow perennial. Sponsored by: New England Daylily Society. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

20 Saturday 10am–3pm. Summer Festival and Chicken BBQ at the Otter River Sportsman’s Club, Lord Road, Otter River. St. Martin’s Church celebrates summer with a festival featuring raffles, games of chance and skill, free games and craft activities for children, and a wonderful chicken dinner served from noon – 1 pm. For dinner reservations (recommended), call 978-939-5588.

20 Saturday 5pm. The Rafters at Groton Gazebo. 70's Night! Groton Summer Concert Series, Gazebo at the Groton Town Field (behind Library). Price: free! Teaming up with Elizabeth Lorrey to go Back to the 70's!! A great outdoor concert series with food & snacks provided by Main Street Cafe.Downtown Groton, Massachusetts.

20 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Riverboat Stompers. Monument Park Community Bandstand. Jazz Band. Rain Date: July 24.

20 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Elizabeth Lorre, The Rafters, and Back to the Garden: That 70s Show…! Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

21 Sunday 1pm. Fruitland's An Herbal Walk and Wildcrafting. Cost...  Free with admission. Search for wild herbs with botanist and herbalist, Rachel Ross and learn about the practice of wildcrafting. Herbalist Angie Adams will present information on when and what parts of the plant to harvest, the drying process and much more. A brief meeting of the Herbal Community of Central Mass. will precede the program. All are welcome to attend.

21 Sunday 4pm. Ecology of Sound. Presenting RICARDO FROTA. African, Native American, indigenous people's, South American, and Brazilian music. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

22 Monday 2pm. Ed the Wizard at the Fitchburg Public Library. Reading is Magic!  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

22 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. WORCESTER COUNTY BLUEGRASS ALL STARS Paul Della Valle and the Worcester County Bluegrass All Stars are Sterling songwriter Paul Della Valle backed up by some of the best acoustic musicians in the area.  They include the legendary Walter Crockett on guitar, Fran McConville and Dave DiBiasio of Slo-Grass on mandolin and banjo, and Bob Dick of the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band on base. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

23 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

24 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

24 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. RAMPAGE TRIO: The Rampage Trio is a high energy, blues-rock boogie, dance band featuring singer-songwriter-guitarist, Brian Owens, singer-bassist, Iain Perry and singer-harmonica player-drummer, Kevin Crowley.  They have five CD’s to their credit and have shared the stage with the Edgar Winter Band, Mountain, Joe Bonamassa, James Cotton, Candye Kane, Otis Clay, Buckwheat Zydeco, Big Sandy, and others. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

24 Wednesday 7:30pm. Soapmaking. Contact North Country Sustainability Center for more info. Email Pat@northcountrysustain.org or call (978) 827-1305.

24 Wednesday 7:30pm. Fitchburg Art Museum's Launch an Artists' Critique/Coaching Group. Ready to take your artwork to the next level? Looking for support and constructive feedback? Attend this meeting to learn about the value of artist critique/coaching groups, different models for organizing one, and guidelines for conducting a group critique. $5M, $10NM. If a group develops out of this meeting, the Museum will help launch it by providing meeting space for the first three meetings for a small fee.  For more information, visitwww.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

25 Thursday 11am. Fruitland's Simply Shaker Summer Storytime. Cost...  Free with admission. Reconnect with traditions of the past during this hour-long story and craft program. Learn about the daily lives of Shaker children and try your hand at one of the chores that children had to master: buttermaking! Materials provided. Limited to 30 children. RSVP requested. Email education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239.

25 Thursday 3pm-5pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visitwww.fruitlands.org.

25 Thursday 5:15pm-7pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents SnapShot Gallery Talks. SnapShot tours are a series of short in-depth talks given by our volunteer tour guides. Free with Museum admission. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

25 Thursday 6pm-8pm. The Golden Road Band. A country band. Performing at Carter Park in downtown Leominster. Free admission.

25 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

25 Thursday 7:30pm. Tall Heights. A new and lasting fixture in Boston's Folk/Rock scene. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

26 Friday 8pm. North Shore A Cappella. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

27-28 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm.  Mike the Music Man at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Sing, Dance at Davis Farmland with Mike the Music Man and his friends Snappy the Alligator and Smelly the Skunk perform silly versions of kid’s favorite songs and some of their own original songs like Ducky Rock and Roll. Show times are Saturday and Sundays 11 and 2. 

27 Saturday. Petersham Mountain Bike Fun Ride. Registration 7:30 am -12:00 noon. Petersham Common. All loops start at the Common in the center of town Loops will be marked for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Cost: $15 donation to the John Jenkins Memorial Fund (under 16 - free). Supported by the Petersham Lions Club. 

27 Saturday 8am–10:30am.  Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park , 61 Scott Rd. , Fitchburg. Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee, Finnish coffee bread. $6. For more information call Maija 978-582-7717 or email ldsulin@verizon.net. 

27 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Boothill Express. Monument Park Community Bandstand. Country, Folk, Southern Rock. Rain Date: July 31.

27 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Groton’s own Blue Taxi: Groove jazz, blues, Latin, and funk. Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

27 Saturday 7:30pm. Patty Larkin. Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. An urban folk/pop music phenomenon! $15. CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION PRECEDING CONCERT 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

27 Saturday 8pm. Trampled Under Foot. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

28 Sunday. Blues Barbecue - Roomful of Blues at Tower Hill. With a special guest opening act Bruce Bears and threadbarefynn. With their masterful combination of jumpy, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it’s no wonder Count Basie called Roomful of Blues “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard.” With a non-stop performance schedule for over 40 years, Roomful of Blues has earned critical, popular and radio success and a legion of fans around the globe. They have always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. They have never sounded fresher or stronger than with their current line-up. A barbecue meal by BT's Smokehouse will be available for purchase from 5 pm-6:30 pm. The concert will begin at 5:30 pm. Tickets: Nonmembers $40, Members $35, Students $29 (with ID). $3 Surcharge for tickets purchased on the day of the concert. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

29 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. HELP WANTED: This exciting group consists of some of the industries finest, award winning artists. Individually each is multi-talented but together they create a high-energy show that is a brand of country all their own. A mix of rockin' country, rhythm and blues combined with a lot of class. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

29 Monday 6:30pm. Games & Stories around the Campfire with Todd Goodwin at the Fitchburg Public Library.  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

30 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

31 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

31 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. THE NOWHEREMEN:  Boston’s feistiest Beatles band who will have you dancing and singing. Each Nowhere Man is a powerful singer capable of leading the song or blending in harmony. The quartet remains faithful to the fab four’s concept of three guitars up front with cuddly drummer in back.  For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

Ashburnham Downtown Day, June 29

The Twelfth Annual Downtown Day takes place in Ashburnham this Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events include narrated historic trolley rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, space walk, obstacle course, Velcro wall, local business exhibitors, crafters and artisans, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and plenty of good food including a chicken BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, coffee, donuts, popcorn, and sno cones. Musical entertainment will be performed by the No Name Band and Stay Tooned.

Also happening this weekend is The Barn’s Open Studios semi-annual sale at 102 Main St. This event features local artisans who specialize in painting, pottery, glass beads, photography and more! Open Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday from 11-4.

Westminster Summer Fun

Treasure hunting, finding a great book, and eating ice cream. What could be better?! This Saturday, June 15, Westminster Historical Society is hosting a Town-wide Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Forbush Memorial Library is holding their annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale. Maps of the yard sales can be picked up at the Historical Society at 110 Main St. for $1.00. The Ice Cream Social and Book Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 118 Main St. Both events will be held rain or shine. For more information contact the Forbush Library at www.forbushlibrary.org and The Westminster Historical Society at www.westminsterhistory.org.

June

"So sweet, so sweet the roses in their blowing,


So sweet the daffodils, so fair to see;


So blithe and gay the humming-bird a going


From flower to flower,

a-hunting with the bee."
 

                         ~Nora Perry, In June

Here's What's Happening in the Month of June:

5 Wednesday 1:30pm-3:30pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

5 Wednesday 6pm-7:30pm. Tower Hill's Flying Flowers: Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden. Included with admission. Presenter: Martha Gach, Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Want to bring butterflies into your landscape? This class will teach you some common New England butterflies and how to structure a butterfly garden to support these beautiful creatures during all stages of their amazing life cycle. If weather is good we will take a garden stroll to look at host and nectar plants, and search for butterflies. Sponsored by: Tower Hill Botanic Garden For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x124 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

6 Thursday 6pm-7:30pm. PerformanceConcert: Russian Masters with Marianna V. Rashkovetsky. Pianist Marianna V. Rashkovetsky presents a program of Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff at a concert presented in partnership with Indian Hill Music. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

6 Thursday 6pm-8pm. Foraging for Your Dinner: Wild Edibles Walk at Fruitlands. $10 for Nonmembers, FREE to Fruitlands & HCT Members. For more information, visit fruitlands.org.

6 Thursday 6:35pm. Home Opener for the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs at Doyle Field, 160 Priest St., Leominster. The Dirt Dawgs are a 2012 expansion franchise in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.  Season ticket, flex-game packages, and sponsorship information is available by contacting the Dirt Dawgs at 978-965-4404 or at info@dirtdawgsball.com. 

6 Thursday 8pm. Ken Macy performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. For details, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

7 Friday 11am–2pm. Take it to the Curator at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Icon specialist Frank Ford will provide visitors with information about the region, date and subject matter of their icons. Monetary evaluations will not be given. Visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

7 Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmers Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. Joe plays a contemporary blues/jazz/light rock continuum that makes for a unique sound and enjoyable listening. 

7 Friday 5pm-9pm. Cruise Night at Kimball Farm,  1543 Lunenburg Rd., Lancaster. Oldies music by DJ Kev, Music trivia with The Famous Ricky, Cash prizes, great food and ice cream. Free admission. Call 978-534-9800.

7 Friday 7:30pm. Farren Butcher Inc. performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. Sprung from the legendary Boston music scene in the 80’s Jon Butcher and Charlie Farren have had prolific music careers, achieved world-wide recognition and acclaim and fronted two of Boston’s most notorious rock bands, Jon Butcher Axis and The Joe Perry Project. Tickets, $46. Visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

8-9 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm. Old Farm Days – Sheep Shearing at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Remember the Old Farm Days and help shear the woolly coats off our sheep, llamas, and alpacas. There’s spinning demos, make their own sheep craft using real wool, and home-made butter!  Call 978-422-6666.

8 Saturday 3pm-4pm. Museum of Russian Icons Lecture: Russian Vodka Gone Global, with Patricia Herlihy, Professor Emerita of History, Brown University, and author of Vodka: A Global History. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

8 Friday 8am-10am. Orange Historical Society BREAKFAST ON THE PORCH 41 North Main Street Orange. Menu: Quiche, French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles, Donuts, Beverages. Cost: $6.00.

9 Sunday 1pm. Finnish Folk Dance with Instructors from the University of Helsinki and music by Oivan Ilo and Finnish Refreshments (1:00 pm) ($10/Children 12 & under FREE). For more information, visit www.sovittaja.org/Pages/Events.aspx.

9 Sunday 3pm. Gallery Talk: Building a Collection: Photography at the Fitchburg Art Museum. Exhibition currently on view through Spring 2014. How does a museum build a permanent collection? What choices does a curator make when assembling an exhibition? Learn the inside scoop as you tour Building a Collection: Photography at the Fitchburg Art Museum with Stephen Jareckie, organizer of the exhibition. Stephen Jareckie, exhibition curator and photographic historian. Featured in the exhibition are photographs from the late 1800s to the present, including works by Alfred Steiglitz, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Ansel Adams, Berenice Abbott and other luminaries. FREE for members, non-members pay Museum admission fee. This lecture is supported by the Elsie D. Simonds Lecture Fund. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

9 Sunday 4:35pm. Home Opening Weekend for the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs at Doyle Field, 160 Priest St., Leominster. The Dirt Dawgs are a 2012 expansion franchise in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. Season ticket and flex-game package  information is available by contacting the Dirt Dawgs at 978-965-4404 or at info@dirtdawgsball.com. 

11 Tuesday 2pm–5pm. DPW Day at the Fitchburg Public Works yard, 301 Broad St., Fitchburg. See big trucks, dig in a giant sand pile or an archaeological dig. This kid-friendly DPW Day is free and open to the public. Bring your drawing with a DPW theme for judging in the poster contest. Artwork will be displayed in the Fitchburg Public Library.

12 Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm. Tower Hill The Hermit in the Garden. Included with admission. Presenter: Gordon Campbell. Author and historian Gordon Campbell tells the engagingly eccentric tale of the eighteenth century craze for ornamental hermits - the must-have accessory for the grand gardens of Georgian England and beyond. Campbell traces the garden hermit's history from Imperial Rome, to unwashed hired "hermits" in specially built hermitages, to the modern garden gnome. This quirky story is sure to be interesting. For more information, e-mail registrar@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x124 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

13 Thursday 4pm-6pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

13 Thursday 7pm. Harvard Historical Society presents Isaiah Parker, Clerk, Physician, Scribe 1752-1848 Harvard Historical Society, 215 Still River Road, Harvard, MA. 978.456.8285. For more information, visit www.harvardhistory.org or email curator@harvardhistory.org.

14-15 Friday-Saturday 8pm. Xanadu at Theater at the Mount. Believe in the magic again! Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980. Her quest is to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first Roller Disco (hey, it's 1980). So grab your glow sticks and your neon legwarmers for a quirky and zany musical! For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam/shows.

15 Saturday. Townwide Yard Sale in Westminster. Shop at sales throughout the town; pick up a map at the Westminster Historical Society, 110 Main St., Westminster.

15 Saturday 8am-3:30pm. Tower Hill Garden Photography Workshop with Rich Pomerantz. Non-members, $95., Members, $85. RAIN DATE: JUNE 22. This workshop will explore methods of seeing and photographing, aimed at improving the way you photograph flowers and gardens. Whether you wish to preserve horticulture and natural beauty for posterity, publication or personal enjoyment, this class will expose you to steps that can help you bring your garden photography to a higher level and produce clear photographic visual imagery. Demonstrations and an illustrated lecture will provide the foundation for photography using the light we find, depending on conditions. We will critique students' work during lunch and return to the garden to photograph again. For more information, e-mail registrar@towerhillbg.org or call 509-869-6111x124 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

15 Saturday 9am–noon. Yard Sale  at The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Donations of antiques, jewelry and attic treasures are sought. To donate lightly used items call the coordinator at 978-632-3277.

15 Saturday 9am–1pm. Annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale from at the Forbush Memorial Library, 118 Main St., Westminster.

15 Saturday 10am-1pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents Matryoshka Nesting Doll Workshop. Traditional Russian artist and lecturer Marina Forbes offers a unique three-hour workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of nested doll painting. For more information, visitmuseumofrussianicons.org.

15 Saturday 1pm-4pm. River Towns. Join Henry David Thoreau/Richard Smith for a walk along the Nashua River. Lancaster Nashua River Festival Festival location: Culley Field,  339 Seven Bridge Road,  Lancaster, MA. For more information, visit www.freedomsway.org.

15 Saturday 4:30pm. Starburst at Doyle Field, Priest Street, Leominster. Enjoy an evening of music and fireworks. Performances by a 90-piece concert band of Leominster students; chorus of local students; the Leominster High jazz band and the 40-piece professional Starburst concert band. Presentation of Citizens of the Year awards. The event is capped off with a dazzling fireworks display. Rain date June 16. 

16 Sunday 9am-noon. Tower Hill New England Rose Society Rose Show Judging. Included with admission, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 children 6-18. Rose Show entries must be submitted by 9am, Roses for sale and information from 10-4 outside the show room. Entry Judging ends at 12pm, Rose Show open to Public 12-4. Consulting Rosarians, Manny Mendes, Dave Cannistraro, Teresa Mosher and Craig Dorschel will be available at the show to answer your rose questions. Also, Marci Martin from Connecticutt Rose Society will be doing a talk at 1pm. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

16 Sunday noon-4:30pm. Tower Hill New England Rose Show. Included with admission, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 child, under age 6 free. THE ROSE, often considered the "Queen of Flowers," and the U.S. National Flower, will be the subject of a colorful and fragrant one-day exhibit at Tower Hill Botanic Garden on Sunday, June 16, when the New England Rose Society presents its annual summer show. A huge variety of roses will be on display, including Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Climbers, Grandifloras, and Miniatures, as well as an Arrangements division, showcasing flower arrangements that make use of roses. Interested public are invited to See “The Rose Doctor” to answer questions about growing roses. In addition, rosarian Marci Martin from Connecticutt Rose Society will be doing a talk at 1:00. For more information, e-mail bewing@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x146 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

16 Sunday 9am–1pm. Father’s Day Antique & Classic Car Show at Monty Tech, 1050 Westminster St., Fitchburg. Sponsored by the Mid-State Antique Auto Club. Rain date, June 23.

16 Sunday 2pm. Concert in Coggshall Park, off Electric Avenue, Fitchburg. Enjoy live entertainment on the shores of Mirror Lake. Rain date, July 28. Free admission.

16 Sunday 2pm. “Abigail’s Garden” presented by Laurie Pazzano at the Winchendon Historical Society, 151 Front St., Winchendon. Visitors to the Old House at the Adams National Historic Park in Quincy marvel at the color filled formal garden alongside the historic house and library; but few know its rich presidential history and hidden secrets. The lecture will explore the history of this great American garden from its creation to the present day. Call 978-297-2142.

20 Thursday. Mieka Pauley at Tower Hill. Pauley's powerful alternative style melds together soul, blues, and rock. She is an artist who possesses a voice that flows like good whiskey and a frankness that conjures up a sonic immediacy with driving, yearning melodies. She has performed more than 650 shows in the the past four years, including gigs with Eric Clapton, Wyclef Jean, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, and many others. Tickets: $35 Non-members, $30 Members, $26 Students (with ID). $3 Surcharge for tickets purchased on the day of the concert. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

20 Thursday 6pm. Native American Program, a Fruitlands Museum Presentation at The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Climate, Resources, and Lifeways: Regional differences and the cultural choices of native people.  Based on Fruitlands’ Native American collection of genuine artifacts and modern reproductions. Wine and cheese reception from 6-7 pm, Lecture from 7-8 p.m. Admission $5. Call 978-632-3277.

21-23 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Xanadu at Theater at the Mount. Believe in the magic again! Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980. Her quest is to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first Roller Disco (hey, it's 1980). So grab your glow sticks and your neon legwarmers for a quirky and zany musical! For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam/shows.

22-23 Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Tower Hill Bonsai Weekend. Included with Admission, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 child ages 6+. Talented Bonsai Artists from New England will display their best Bonsai for the weekend, and compete in this judged show. An impressive display will be presented for you from accomplished individuals, active club members, and professionals. Find out how you, too can grow bonsai. Vendors will sell plant material, pots and accessories. For more information, e-mail bewing@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x146 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

21 Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Don Rovero performs at the Westminster Farmers Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. Don’s music is a mix of alt-country indie rock, pop, and country songs. Included are tunes from The Beatles, Joe Jackson, The Band, Hank Williams, Nat King Cole and more.

21 Friday 5pm–9pm. Cruise Night at Kimball Farm,  1543 Lunenburg Rd., Lancaster. Oldies music by DJ Kev, Music trivia with The Famous Ricky, Cash prizes, great food and ice cream. Free admission. Call 978-534-9800.

21 Friday 8pm. Chris Duarte performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. For details, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

22-23 Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Fruitland's presents Jodi Colella: Sculptural Fiber 2 Day Workshop. Members $180, Nonmembers $210. This workshop explores material and process in the creation of 3D constructions. We will combine commonplace materials with some age-old ingenious, handwork techniques such as knitting, weaving, felting, and crochet in the fabrication of surfaces and structures. Through class demonstrations and individual exercises, students will gain insight into the potentials of these low-tech and accessible methods and materials, as well as an understanding of some of the elements involved in creating three-dimensional works. Students will explore the innovative use of materials ranging from wire to wool from both manufactured and natural environments. Registration required: email education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239. A materials list will be provided. For more information, visit fruitlands.org.

22 Saturday. Leominster Summer Stroll. Rain date is June 23rd. Downtown Leominster ~ Contact Mayor’s office for more info 978-534-7500.

22 Saturday 7:30pm–10pm. Contra Dance at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Gardner, 66 Elm St., Gardner. Traditional social dances where people dance in long lines. Partners are encouraged to switch throughout the evening. Live music by The No Name Band. Fiddles, flutes, piano, guitar, mandolin are some of the many beautiful instruments used in contra. A contra dance lesson is offered at 7:15 pm. Suggested donation $7 adults; $5 students; under 12 free.

22 Saturday 1pm–5pm. Summer Stroll in downtown Leominster. Come “stroll” down memory lane as we celebrate the Leominster of decades past. Parade, classic cars, music, food, sidewalk sales. Visit www.leominsterevents.com.

22, 23 Saturday and Sunday, Gilsum Rock Swap, More than 65 dealers and swappers with gems, jewelry and minerals available for sale or trade in scenic southwestern NH. Pan for minerals, enjoy an old fashioned New England ham and bean dinner with home made pies, sit down for a Chicken Barbeque lunch and more.

Our 49th Annual Show will be held June 22-23, 2013 RAIN OR SHINE! www.gilsum.org/rockswap

23  Sunday 9am–3pm. Flying Irish Spring Feis at the Holiday Inn, Fitchburg. The Flying Irish Dancers present An Irish Dance competition featuring dancers from New England & beyond. See soft & hard shoe dancing at all levels and group dancing. Admission $5 per person. Call 978-386-2325.

23 Sunday 1pm–3pm. Opening Reception for the 78th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. This exhibition represents the best of local talent working in all mediums of artistic expression. Call 978-345-4207.

26 Wednesday, 8 p.m. Say Goodnight Gracie, The Life, Laughter, and Love of George Burns, at Peterborough Players. Joel Rooks, who starred in this show’s national tour and off-Broadway revival is George Burns in an unforgettable multi-media production! Continues until July 7. www.peterboroughplayers.org.

27 Thursday. Leominster Criterium race, the opening event of the Longsjo Classic. This exhibition, non-stage race will be held in downtown Leominster. Visit www.longsjofoundation.org for up-to-date details.

27 Thursday 1pm-4pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents Matryoshka Nesting Doll Workshop. Traditional Russian artist and lecturer Marina Forbes offers a unique three-hour workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of nested doll painting. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

27 Thursday 6pm-7:30pm. Tower Hill Artist Reception - Jonathan MacAdam. Stoddard Education and Visitors Center - Free. Jonathan David MacAdam is an internationally known artist who was born in London and lived there ten years before coming to the United States. He is a graduate of Gordon College in Wenham, MA where he studied painting, and sculpture with a concentration in painting. MacAdam also studied Italian Renaissance art, literature and architecture in Orvieto, Italy. Recently, he traveled throughout England, Ireland and Scotland where he painted commissioned landscapes. He has many paintings in private collections throughout New England. MacAdam's exhibit will feature recent paintings which are reflections at dusk on gardens and fields. MacAdam focuses on ambiguous moments of movement. The landscape is seen from the perspective of a moment of flux. The images invite contemplation of the subtleties of the land and invoke wonder at the familiar. Meet artist Jonathan MacAdam at this welcoming reception. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

28 Friday. Wachusett Hill Climb race starting at the Holiday Inn on Route 31 in Fitchburg. This Stage 1 race marks the second day of the Longsjo Classic bike race. Visit www.longsjofoundation.org for details.

28 Friday 11am. Civic Day Luncheon and Young American Scholarhip presentation at the Senior Center, Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg.

28 Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmers Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. Joe plays a contemporary blues/jazz/light rock continuum that makes for a unique sound and enjoyable listening. A vocalist also, he sings in the folk style, including some of his original compositions.

29-30 Saturday & Sunday, 8am. 37th Yankee Engine-Uity Steam Engine Show at the Orange Airport, 80 Airport St., Orange. Antique engines, tractors, cars & trucks,  steam engines & machinery, kiddie tractor pull, tractor parade, gas engine raffle, petting zoo, food concessions, live entertainment, flea market. Visit www.cmsgma.com.

29 Saturday. Stage 2 Longsjo Road Race running through Princeton, Hubbardston and Westminster. See www.longsjofoundation.org for up-to-date details.

29 Saturday 2pm. Fitchburg Art Museum's Gallery Talk on the Go: Nora Valdez, sculptor At Fitchburg Public Library and Fitchburg Art Museum. Internationally recognized artist Nora Valdez chisels and carves stone to create elegant and sometimes mysterious figures. We’ll begin at the Library where she’ll introduce us to the sculpture she created as part of the Main Street Art Project grant the City of Fitchburg received from the National Endowment for the Arts. Then we’ll walk to the Museum to see her one-person exhibition, an outcome of her winning the top prize in the Museum’s Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft in 2012. Free for Members, Non-members pay Museum admission fee. This lecture is supported by the Elsie D. Simonds Lecture Fund.  For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

29 Saturday 2pm–8pm. The Nashua River Brewers Festival at Riverfront Park in downtown Fitchburg. Dozens of the finest local and regional brewers will be serving the finest craft beers under a bigtop tent. Live music performed all day on an adjacent stage. (This is a 21+ event.) $15 admission. For more information, visit www.beersforgood.com. 

29 Saturday 8pm. Antje Duvekot. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

30 Sunday 8am–6pm. 52nd Longsjo Classic Downtown Criterium on Main Street, Fitchburg. See bike racers from across the country and around the world compete in this long-standing race. Visit www.longsjofoundation.org.

30 Sunday 10am. Kesajuhla, Finnish Summer Festival at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 61 Scott Road, Fitchburg. Chicken barbecue 11:30.  Hot dogs, arctic sundaes from 11 a.m. Coffee and Finnish coffee bread all day. Afternoon program.  For information call Maija 978 582-7717 or email ldsulin@verizon.net. 

30 Sunday 1pm–3pm. Doll Carriage and Bike Parade at Riverfront Park, 50 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg. It’s time for the kids to decorate their bikes, trikes and doll carriages for this Civic Days tradition! Free event.

30 Sunday 3pm–6pm. Chicken BBQ at Riverfront Park, Boulder Drive, Fitchburg. The Civic Days celebration continues! For information, call 978-829-1801.

30 Sunday 6pm–6:30pm. Fitchburg Duck Race at Riverfront Park, Boulder Drive, Fitchburg. The ducks aren’t real — but the excitement and family fun are! For information, call 978-829-1801.