SOUNDS
Pittsburgh metal screamers Motorpsychos stand out from the heavy crowd through the deep growl of Amy Bianco, the band’s bassist and lead vocalist. With three of the band’s four members female, folks like me who yearn for more kick-ass chicks in music won’t be disappointed. Check them out at the Lucky Dog on May 15 along with VulGaritty, The Dialectrics!, Full Tilt and Promised Eden.
With a large variety of songs from the 50’s to today, along with his original material, singer/songwriter John Nickerson won’t disappoint on May 15, 9 p.m. Catch him over at Boulder Café in Fitchburg. 978-345-0008. myspace.com/johnnickerson.
Blackstone Valley Bluegrass is becoming one the most sought after bands in New England, and the Grass Roots Coffeehouse bring them to the stage on May 16 during their final concert of the coffeehouse season. With powerful three and four part harmonies and fast but tasteful picking, these musicians are blazing new ground. $12/$10 Seniors and church members/$5 students/free under 5. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Rockdale Congregational Church, 42 Fowler Road, Northbridge. 617-429-0347.
Assabet Valley Mastersingers’ production of Poetry in Song brings to life Frostiana by Randall Thompson (poetry of Robert Frost), Fern Hill (Dylan Thomas) by John Corigliano and more through a cappella selections on Saturday, May 16. Robert P. Eaton, Artistic Director $15 general; $12 student/seniors. 8-10 p.m. Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Road, Westborough. 508-870-0001. avmsingers.org.
SIGHTS
Emile Gaucher...An Artist’s Retrospective features a glance at an art career that has spanned over 60 years. Landscape artist Emile Gaucher started as a Graphic Artist, designing logos for many local businesses and institutions. Later, he moved to painting local landscapes in watercolor, oil and acrylic. Meet the man and view his work on May 15 at the American Legion: Spencer Post 138, 175 Main St., Spencer from 6-9p.m. At 84, he is a local treasure you won’t want to miss. Visit massasoitartguild.com for more information.
DANCE & DRUM
On May 16, dancers and drummers alike will enjoy Jalsah, an informal musical gathering of Middle Eastern style, where you will have fun learning traditional Middle Eastern music and dance from one of the genres best rising stars, Carmine Guida of NYC. With Begintermediate Doumbek, $25, from 2-3 p.m., Carmine will teach practical Middle Eastern rhythm combinations to make your drum playing more interesting. With Drum Solos for Dancers and Drummers, $35, from 3:30-5p.m., Carmine teaches drummers what the dancer is expecting, and how to play something interesting for them. (Combine the two for $50). Then comes the Jalsah hafla, which is simply a big dance party, where all styles and levels of experience are welcome, and the band is...Carmine and you! Jalsah Hafla, $10, from 6-9p.m. Register via email at
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or 508-885-3639. noon-9 p.m. Dancing Gypsy, 117 Main St., Spencer.
RAINBOW
Twilight Carnival is Rainbow’s 9th Annual Signature Event and it kicks off on Friday, May 15. Support the children enrolled in Rainbow’s programs through this special night will be filled with carnival style entertainment, delicious food stations, a silent auction and much, much more! Exclusive auction items available only online at rainbowcdc1.cmarket.com $75 per person. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect St., West Boylston. 508-791-6849.
TAG
Graffiti is a unique way of expressing yourself that is a deeper art form than your average person would normally fathom. With Graffiti Art running May 16 through June 6, learn the basics (tagging, “throw-ups”, and a little history), and move to simple graffiti pieces. $30 per student. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Salsa Storm Dance Studio, 9 Harrison St. 508-854-8489, salsastorm.com.
LECTURE
At By The Canal: The Emergence of Worcester as a City on Thursday, May 14, come learn how one of Worcester’s oldest neighborhoods is being revitalized and re-energized with interest of re-creating the Blackstone Canal. The Canal, built in the 1820’s, transformed Worcester from a sleepy agricultural community into a vibrant City. Now talk of re-opening the Canal has stimulated private development to repair old, long underutilized mills and factories into an emerging mixed use neighborhood. Come join Preservation Worcester docent JoAnn Mills as she leads an informative discussion about the Blackstone Canal and in particular, our neighborhood, “The Canal District.” National Park Ranger Chuck Arning will also be on hand to answer questions and to provide insight about the canal as seen through Worcester’s first Selectman Colonel Merrick. $5 donation suggested. 7-8:30 p.m. Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple St. 508-792-3700.
