Downtown Worcester

Minute to Win It with Music
2023-06-15 00:00 - 2023-06-16 03:59 (America/New_York)
You have a minute to stack Legos! How high can you go? Can you guess song titles in 60 seconds? Join us for these and other fun musical 60-second challenges that will keep you on the edge of excitement!
Ages: 6-11.

Music Trivia
2023-06-14 00:00 - 2023-06-15 03:59
We’ve rounded up some of the best music trivia questions and answers for kids. Gather your family and friends on Wednesday nights for some musical quizzing featuring children’s movies & music! Battle it out against other teams for First Place Winner!
Ages: Best for ages 8 to 11.

DIY Croc Charms
2023-06-14 00:00 - 2023-06-15 03:59
Put your Crocs in Sport Mode, and come on down to the Teen Space to create your own Croc Charms!
Ages 12-17.
Thank you to our Summer Reading sponsors: Unibank, The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, Digital Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Bank, District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.’s Office, Country Bank , Bob’s Discount Furniture, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, the Worcester Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Worcester Public Library.

Virtual True Crime Book Club (June)
2023-06-14 00:00 - 2023-06-15 03:59
Please join our ongoing book club to discuss popular books in the true crime genre.
6/14: A Stolen Life by Jaycee Lee Dugard
7/12: My Story by Elizabeth Smart
8/9: Lucky by Alice Sebold
Register https://mywpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/true-crime-book-club-virtual-7/

Little Movers Creative Dance with Jo Ann Warren Studio
2023-06-12 00:00 - 2023-06-13 03:59, 2023-06-05 00:00 - 2023-06-06 03:59
Calling all tiny dancers! Fall in love with creative movement in this joyful class. Your little one will practice skills such as sharing, waiting their turn and general socialization using songs to enhance their growing imagination and development.
Registration is required as space is limited; sign-up at mywpl.org.
Ages: 1 and ½-3 years old

Hip-Hop Dance with Jo Ann Warren Studio
2023-06-12 00:00 - 2023-06-13 03:59, 2023-06-05 00:00 - 2023-06-06 03:59
Feel the beat and learn about the basics of hip-hop in this funky and popular dance class. All levels are welcome.
Registration is required as space is limited; sign-up at mywpl.org.
Ages: 8-13.

Free Organ Concert at First Unitarian Church of Worcester (Concert 2 of 4)
2023-06-11 00:00 - 2023-06-12 03:59
Wesley Hall will be performing works by Böhm, Scheidt, Buxtehude, J.S. Bach, Bossi, Cooper, and Connor Chee, a Navajo pianist and composer. Hall was recognized in 2016 by the Diapason Magazine as a “20 Under 30” leader in Organ, Harpsichord, and Sacred Music in the United States, and is a dynamic organist and early musician with a passion for translating the music of the past into the contexts of today’s audiences. On TikTok, he is known as "Westpiper" where he has 200,0000 followers. His videos have received millions of views, and he looks forward to bringing organ music to even more people who haven't yet experienced it. Hall is the Minister of Music and the Arts at the First Baptist Worcester. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. #WACFunded #PowerOfCulture

Burned: Protecting the Protectors
2023-06-11 00:00 - 2023-06-12 03:59
Ethereal Films and Last Call Foundation invite you for a special film screening and expert panel about one person’s arduous quest for truth about cancer among firefighters. Watch the documentary Burned: Protecting the Protectors, directed by Elijah Yetter-Bowman and executive produced by Mark Ruffalo, then stick around to engage with our star-studded panel to be part of this historic movement.
All proceeds to benefit Last Call Foundation honoring Firefighter Michael Kennedy.
Pre-event performance by The Worcester Fire Brigade Pipe and Drum Band.

Massachusetts Pirates vs. Vegas Knight Hawks
2023-06-10 00:00 - 2023-06-11 03:59
The Massachusetts Pirates take on the Vegas Knight Hawks at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center on Saturday, June 10 at 7:05 p.m.
The Indoor Football League is the highest level of professional indoor football in the United States and is the second-longest running professional football league in the U.S., after only the National Football League. The IFL was founded in 2009 and begins its 15th consecutive season of play in 2023. The Massachusetts Pirates have called the DCU Center home since April of 2018.

Worcester Public Library Summer Reading Party - Main Library
2023-06-10 00:00 - 2023-06-11 03:59
Kids, Teens, and Adults, join us at Worcester Public Library to help kick-off our "Find Your Voice" 2023 Summer Library Fest! We’ll have music, lawn games, crafts, sidewalk chalk, a fun photobooth, therapy animals at limited locations, and friendly staff waiting to help you sign up for our summer reading challenge for all ages.
Track your reading with Beanstack at mywpl.beanstack.org to earn cool prizes and chances to win a grand prize! Kids 17 and under who sign up will receive an ice cream coupon to redeem at Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck parked outside the libraries (while supplies last). Additional ice cream can be purchased with cash only.
DJ Chuck Chillin will help create a fun party atmosphere while getting everyone moving and grooving!
Thank you to our Summer Reading sponsors: Unibank, The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, Digital Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Bank, District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.’s Office, Country Bank, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, the Worcester Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Worcester Public Library.

Downtown Worcester BID June Community Meeting
2023-06-09 00:00 - 2023-06-10 03:59
Join us for our last Community Meeting of the season on Friday, June 9 from 9-10am at Fuel America, located at 6 Mercantile Street. Say hello to the location's new franchisee owner, Tan, and get a special behind-the-scenes tour of Fuel's coffee roastery!
REGISTER HERE
Downtown Worcester Community Meetings are always free and open to the public.
Remember: This is our last Community Meeting of the season. After this meeting, we will take a brief summer hiatus and return for our next Community Meeting in September 2023.

Music Worcester Presents: Sam Bush
2023-06-09 00:00 - 2023-06-10 03:59
There is only one consensus pick of peers and predecessors, of the traditionalists, the rebels, and the next gen devotees, for bluegrass music’s ultimate inside outsider (or is it outside insider?). There is only one Sam Bush.
The mandolin/fiddle/guitar-playing icon has taken the genre to new heights over a 50+ year career having worked with such legends as Leon Russell, Emmylou Harris, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, and Lyle Lovett. In 2009, the Americana Music Association awarded Bush the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist. Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Greensky Bluegrass are just a few present-day bluegrass vanguards among so many musicians he’s influenced. His performances are annual highlights of the festival circuit, with Bush’s joyous perennial appearances at the town’s famed bluegrass fest earning him the title, “King of Telluride.”

Life Hacks: Grocery Shopping & Cooking on a Budget
2023-06-08 00:00 - 2023-06-09 03:59
Join Adele Mayer, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, as she gives you tips on how to shop when your budget is tight.
She'll also be demonstrating easy ways to use the ingredients you buy to create something tasty.

Ages 12-17
Thank you to our Summer Reading sponsors: Unibank, The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, Digital Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Bank, District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.’s Office, Country Bank , Bob’s Discount Furniture, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, the Worcester Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Worcester Public Library.

Squishmallow Bingo
2023-06-06 00:00 - 2023-06-07 03:59
Bring your favorite Squishmallow or stuffed animal and come in your most comfy clothes or pajamas as we snack on marshmallows and test your luck playing the classic game of Bingo. Winners will receive a mini Squishmallow and the final game winner wins a large Squishmallow!
Ages: For families with kids ages 6-11.

Teen Advisory Board
2023-06-06 00:00 - 2023-06-07 03:59
We need YOU! Do you want to make a difference? Do you need service hours for school? Why not do both at the same time? We want YOUR input about what types of programs, books, DVDs, games and other stuff we should have at the library for YOU to use. We’ll discuss what days and times work for future meetings as well. Snacks will be served.

*THIS IS OUR LAST MEETING BEFORE THE FALL*
TAB is funded by LITT, the Library Initiative for Teens and Tweens.
For Teens, ages 12- 17.

Virtual American History Book Discussion (June)
2023-06-06 00:00 - 2023-06-07 03:59
Please join our ongoing book discussion group focused on American history.
6/6: Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
8/1: Trust by Hernan Diaz
Register

Celebrating Billy Joel: America's Piano Man
2023-06-04 00:00 - 2023-06-05 03:59
This band plays tribute to one of the foremost songwriters of the twentieth century, Billy Joel, who's music is beloved around the world.
This year they mark the 50th Anniversary of the iconic album ‘Piano Man’ with a show that spotlights songs from the classic 1973 record, as well as hits from the full length and breadth of Billy Joel’s extensive catalogue.
Eclectic, but always uniquely recognizable, his songs tell stories to the backdrop of his virtuosic piano playing.
Playing international smash hits such as ‘Just The Way You Are’, ‘New York State of Mind’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Vienna’, ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’, ‘Piano Man’ and many, many more; this superb group of multi-instrumentalists pay tribute to one of American music’s greats.

FLAMENCO! Tradition, Art & Passion! 2023
2023-06-03 00:00 - 2023-06-04 03:59
Join Flamenco Worcester dance studio as they celebrate their second edition of 'FLAMENCO! Tradition, Art & Passion'. Featuring: Classico Español with master dancer Clara Ramona, local Latin Jazz band of maestro and composer, Eduardo Ortiz, Flamenco Worcester students, Flamenco Boston, and Yuling Spanish Dance. It will be a magical night filled with music, dance, castanets, beautiful flamenco costumes, and more. Performers, dancers, and musicians have dedicated many hours to flamenco, and their passion for this art form will shine through during this performance. Edmy Ortiz, Artistic Director of Flamenco Worcester, is proud and looking forward to this two hour showcase! The evening promises to be one of celebration and the opportunity to enjoy and fall in love with FLAMENCO! Ole! #flamencoworcester #fw10years "This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency."

Massachusetts Pirates vs. Frisco Fighters
2023-06-03 00:00 - 2023-06-04 03:59
The Massachusetts Pirates take on the Frisco Fighters at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center on Saturday, June 3 at 7:05 p.m.
The Indoor Football League is the highest level of professional indoor football in the United States and is the second-longest running professional football league in the U.S., after only the National Football League. The IFL was founded in 2009 and begins its 15th consecutive season of play in 2023. The Massachusetts Pirates have called the DCU Center home since April of 2018.

Little Mermaid Meet and Greet
2023-06-03 00:00 - 2023-06-04 03:59
Ariel from the Little Mermaid is coming to the library! Ariel will help us celebrate her new movie release with a live performance, stories, and a meet and greet. Families will receive a ticket for the meet and greet while supplies last. Don’t forget your cameras for photographs. It’s going to be a fin-tastic time for all!
For families with kids 11 and under.

Classic Musical Melody of India
2023-06-03 00:00 - 2023-06-04 03:59
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Sponsors Reception: 6:00pm
Musical Program: 7:00pm
Ticket Prices
Floor — $50 – $100
Balcony — $35
Prices are subject to fees.

A fundraising event to benefit humanitarian causes in the Worcester community and beyond. Featuring five world-renowned Indian Classical musicians led by world famous sitarist, Ustad Parvez Khan, and a special appearance from the Natyamani School of Dance.
For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Satya Mitra by phone or email at: 508-641-8441; or info@joyguru.org

Ustad Parvez Khan, one of the world’s great sitarists
A world-renowned musician affectionately known as Ustadji, he descends from six generations of sitarists. Ustad Parvez Khan is one of the leading exponents of the Etawah Gharana. His style emphasizes the unique capabilities of the sitar, introducing highly energized and rhythmically innovative instrumental play – known as “tantrakari”. He has also mastered “gayaki ang” – a style which transfers the emotional directness and tonal nuance of the human voice to his instrument. A combination of energetic play and sensual emotion results in a remarkable interplay that led to his instrument being known as the “Singing Sitar”.

Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a superb violinist & vocalist
Soulful is a befitting word to describe the music of Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a fifth-generation musician of the illustrious Lalgudi bani, and an artist who wears many hats. A violinist par excellence and a talented vocalist, her career includes performances as a solo artist and as a violin duo partner with her virtuoso brother, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan. She has also accompanied well-known vocalists and musicians – Sri T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Smt Parassala Ponnammal, Smt. Aruna Sairam and many others. She has also released a host of highly acclaimed vocal albums, and her music and achievements have been recognized with a long list of awards and accolades.

Anubrata Chatterjee, globally renowned Tabla expert
As the son of the world-renowned tabla maestro, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Anubrata was nurtured from a very tender age to be a tabla player. He made his debut as an accompanying artist with the legendary Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia before going on to accompany living legends of Indian Classical Music such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Sh. T.H.Vikku Vinayakram, and several other accomplished musicians all over the world

Patri Satish Kumar, Mridangam Maestro extraordinaire
The much sought after mridangam artiste from India was born into a family of musicians. A refined and innovative performer and composer trained by Guru’s Sree Ramachandramurthy, V.A.Swami and V. Narasimhan, Satish Kumar is known for his precise fingering technique and the fine balance of sounds between the treble and base heads of the Mridangam. He has been a regular performer in prestigious venues and festivals across India and around the world including BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall (London), The Music Academy (Chennai), Saptak Festival (Ahmedabad), Theater De La Ville (Paris), Harbor Front Festival (Toronto), and the Madrid Jazz Festivals

Raman Kalyan, a master of the bamboo flute
Virtuoso Raman Kalyan is one of the world’s leading artists in the Carnatic style of music. He has released over 93 CDs, with his music for deep meditation reached the # 1 spot on Apple iTunes world music charts, and he’s been a guest artist in more than 300 commercial recordings & Indian movies. A top-ranking artist for the All India Radio & Doordarshan, he has also been a successful composer and has scored music for dozens of audio/video albums, dance dramas and theater productions. A two-time winner of the “Best Flautist Award” from Madras Music Academy, he is a featured artist in the “Miles from India” tour and performs with Grammy winning legends Glen Velez and Dave Liebman. Raman has worked tirelessly in promoting carnatic music education.

Natyamani School of Dance
Founded in 1992, this Westboro dance company is the premiere institution for Bharatanatyam in Eastern Massachusetts. The school’s founder Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai is a widely acclaimed dancer who has dedicated her efforts to propagating this divine art form to a diverse range of students.

Baby Bounce
2023-06-02 00:00 - 2023-06-03 03:59
Introduce your baby to reading books with stories, action rhymes, fingerplays, and songs, and lots of snuggling. Designed especially for them! You’re invited to stay for play/social time after the program.
Registration is required as space is limited; sign-up at mywpl.org.
Ages: 0-18 months old.

Toddler Time
2023-06-01 00:00 - 2023-06-02 03:59
Is your little one ready for a fun time with books? You’re invited to participate in stories, music, and movement. Early listening and literacy skills are built during this meaningful experience with parents/caregivers. When we’re done, stay and play and make new friends. Let’s get all our wiggles out!
Registration is required as space is limited; sign-up at mywpl.org.
Ages: 1 1/2 to 3 years old.

Boston Symphony & Pops Brass! Afternoon of Brass: Memorial Weekend Spectacular
2023-05-28 00:00 - 2023-05-29 03:59
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Concert — 3:00pm
Doors — 2:15pm
Ticket Prices: $33 — $66
Please see ticketing page for discounts

Works by Prokofiev, Mahler, Sibelius, Grainger, Ives, & Sousa
We're excited to present a patriotic-themed concert series featuring members of the Boston Symphony and Pops Brass! Concert goers can expect a spectacular and rousing flag-waving experience with unparalleled music at this family-friendly event as we present emotionally-charged music especially suited to Memorial Day.

The program includes some of the most demanding works ever written and arranged for brass including “Crown Imperial” (Walton), “Finlandia” (Sibelius), “Variations on America” (Ives), “Resurrection Symphony Finale” (Mahler), “Irish Tune from County Derry” (Grainger), “Nimrod” (Elgar) and “Semper Fi” (Sousa).

We will remember and honor those who have fallen in defense of our country during performances of “Taps” and “Retreat” specially arranged for the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band by former USMC arranger Thomas Knox.

And there is more than just brass. Mezzo-soprano Heather Gallagher (https://www.liveinhg.com) sings the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” with unique arrangements for solo voice and brass. In addition, Shakespearean scholar Robert Lublin (https://www.umb.edu/academics/cla/faculty/robert_lublin) , PhD. Professor of Theatre Arts, UMASS Boston, sets the mood with a special presentation prior to “Romeo and Juliet” (Sergei Prokofiev arranged for brass by Joseph Kreines).

We will be joined by WGBH/WCRB’s Brian McCreath (https://www.classicalwcrb.org/people/brian-mccreath) as our emcee and Lawrence Isaacson (http://www.lawrenceisaacson.com/biography.html) as our Music Director.

Bob Dylan Birthday Bash "The Elecric Side of Bob Dylan"
2023-05-27 00:00 - 2023-05-28 03:59
The Annual Concert Celebrating the Birthday of Bob Dylan will be held at John Henry's Hammer, at the First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St.
Hosted by Bob Jordan and the Hip Swayers, the concert will include 26 Worcester Area Musicians. There will be 2 75-minute sets at 6 and 8p.m.
Tickets at the door are $15. This concert is part of a 5-day Worcester DYLANfest hosted by WCUW.org.

Redemption Rock Pop-Up Tasting at ArtsWorcester
2023-05-25 00:00 - 2023-05-26 03:59
Redemption Rock Pop-Up Tasting: a beer premier at the ArtsWorcester Biennial!
Celebrate the return of two of Redemption Rock Brewing’s most popular seasonal beers and enjoy more freshly-canned favorites at this free tasting event. Full pours will also be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting ArtsWorcester’s youth and outreach programs.
Sip and savor their offerings at the ArtsWorcester Biennial, a hyper-competitive exhibition showcasing some of the newest, most cutting-edge artwork in the region. See if you agree with the judge’s selections for inclusion, and the choices made for the top prizes. Plus, meet Haley Cloonan-Lisi, Redemption Rock’s in-house artist, who designs their labels!
Attendees must be 21+ with valid ID. Admission to the tasting is free; 16 oz. pours available for purchase. Cash and all major credit cards accepted.

– On the menu –
(NEW!) Mr. Vacation
(NEW!) Guava Bunga!
Hop Rocks
Fizzle Fiends
Complimentary tasting pours are 2-3 oz. each. Full 16 oz. pours available for $8 each.

– About the brews –
Mr. Vacation
Maine-Grown Hoppy Pale Lager (5.2% abv)
Mr. Vacation is a hoppy pale lager that's brewed with 100% Maine-grown hops and grain – a hat-tip to Vacationland itself! It features a floral and lemony aroma, light grain body, and perfectly crisp finish.
Guava Bunga!
Guava & Lime Sour Ale (4.5% abv)
Big guava flavor with hints of lime. Tart and light bodied and with a dry, fizzy, and puckering finish.
Hop Rocks
West Coast IPA (7% abv)
Hop Rocks is Redemption Rock’s year-round West Coast IPA. Brewed with Amarillo, Mosaic, and Chinook hops, Hop Rocks (7% abv) features a massively dank and piney aroma with hints of grapefruit and apricot, and a resiny and crisp body with an unrestrained bitterness.
Fizzle Fiends
Grapefruit Hard Seltzer (5.5% abv)
What’s crackin’, fizzle fiends?! Redemption’s hard seltzer is super crisp and refreshing with just a hint of sweetness and fun rotating flavors! Fizzle Fiends was made in collaboration with our buds and Worcester’s leading seltzer aficionados, the Seltzertime Podcast, so you know it’s good!

WPL Community Brainstorm Session
2023-05-24 00:00 - 2023-05-25 03:59
What does it mean to belong? Explore the theme of belonging in a hands-on workshop facilitated by Creative Hub Worcester and share your ideas for the new "You Belong Here!" mural at the Worcester Public Library. Your ideas will be transformed into a mural created by artist Sharinna Travieso! This workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided (first come, first served)! Funding has been provided by the Commonwealth Places Program created by MassDevelopment.

Library Art Installation WPL Community Brainstorm Session
2023-05-24 00:00 - 2023-05-25 03:59
Join us for a Community Brainstorm Session in the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, on Wednesday, May 24 from 5:30 to 7pm!
What does it mean to belong? Explore the theme of belonging in this hands-on workshop facilitated by Creative Hub Worcester and share your ideas for the new "You Belong Here!" mural at the Worcester Public Library. Your ideas will be transformed into a mural created by artist Sharinna Travieso, which will be installed on the Salem Street facade of the Main Library.
This workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided (first come, first served)!
To learn more about this public art project from the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, Worcester Public Library, and Worcester Public Library Foundation, click here.
For more information about the workshop, please email: info@creativehubworcester.org.
