SPOTLIGHT PICK We all think about this at some point in our lives, usually in the fall, when our attention is drawn to some breath-taking tree in full color. We think: “I’m gonna come back, stand in this same spot, and take a picture of this tree in every season.” Well, most of us don’t do it. Then again, most of us aren’t John Sheirer (pictured at left). He’s just written a book titled Loop Year: 365 Days on the Trail. It chronicles the Northampton resident’s experiences, over the course of — you guessed it — a year, hiking the same trail in Somers, Conn., once a day, every day, taking pictures and penning observations. Sort of a cool idea. And on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m., Sheirer will be at The Booklovers’ Gourmet (55 East Main St., Webster) to sign copies of his hiking account. For more information, visit the conveniently named johnsheirer.com or call 508-949-6232. |
FRIDAY
Can you sing? Can you sing good? Can you sing, like, awesome? The gooder and awesomer you are as a singer, the betterer the chance you’ll get chosen to be a Salisbury Singer. This group of performers is celebrating its 35th year this coming season, and they’re looking for new members. Auditions are today (1-3 p.m.) at Assumption College (500 Salisbury St. — get it?), and singers are wanted for all voice parts. Rehearsals happen in Worcester on Monday evenings from 7:30-9:45 p.m. The upcoming season will include performances of the Brahms Requiem and Haydn’s Creation. If you can’t make this audition (or the three sessions that’ve happened already), possible try-out times can be arranged in late August and early September by e-mailing
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Been to Holden lately? We hear it’s a jazzy town — especially on Friday nights. That’s when the Two for the Road duo of harmonica virtuoso Chet Williamson (yes, the Chet Williamson, our Chet Williamson) and guitarist extraordinaire Steve Cancelli play their weekly gig at Val’s Restaurant (Rte. 31, 75 Reservoir St.) from 6-9 p.m. Two for the Road performs standards by such composers as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, as well as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Paul Desmond. The duo’s performances are free and open to the public — though the restaurant might really appreciate it if you took a sip or had a bite while you’re lovin’ the tunes. For more information, visit chetchromatic.com.
SATURDAY
They’ve got the hang of it by now. Also out in Holden, there’s the 29th annual Hendricks House Flea Market (1157 Main St.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Dealers will sell a wide array of new, used and collectible items. The house itself will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, of note, the Holden Historical Society will sell a variety of Holden-related items, including a pictorial history of the community. And while you’re there, make them an offer on the house — they can only say “no,” right?
Here’s another name we love, not to mention the concept. Come to Jillian’s (315 Grove St.) today from noon-7 p.m. for their second annual Buds and Suds Bikini Car Wash. You get your car washed for free (yeah, like that’s why you’re coming), Buds and Bud Lite drafts are $2, and so are the burgers and hot dogs. It happens rain or shine — hey, it’s not like you’re coming to get your car washed, right? Booze, burgers and bikinis — and we understand some of the girls will be wearing swimsuits, too. Ah, summer in New England.
SUNDAY
And you thought Indian Ranch (200 Gore Road, Webster) only featured George Jones, Charlie Daniels, Loretta Lynn and Miley Cyrus’s father — well, hah! Wrong again, bucko. There’s another country superstar (well, as “super” as they get) comin’ to town today at 2 p.m. — Neal McCoy. We’ll spare you the “real McCoy” jokes and references (if you really want to groan, go back and re-read that bikini item), but don’t miss this chance to hear the guy sing his hits, like “Wink,” “You Gotta Love That” and, of course, “The Shake.” Never heard of him? Then head on down to Webster, pardner, and check him out. And, like Billy Ray, he seems to have resolved that long hair/short hair/no hair thing by doin’ like Dwight — wearin’ a big ol’ Stetson. o
