Music Worcester marks America’s 250th anniversary with a concert at Mechanics Hall, while The Learning Experience hosts a family-friendly Diwali celebration. We and the Dawg brings the funk to WCUW, UMass Memorial welcomes some very furry patients, and the Worcester Railers take on cancer with a little help from Boston Bruins alumni.
Here are five picks for the weekend:
- 250 years, one powerful chorus: Music Worcester is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a concert that brings together voices from across the region for an evening of music, unity and reflection. Curated by artist-in-residence Everett McCorvey, the program features singers from The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, the First Unitarian Church of Worcester Choir, the Worcester Children’s Chorus and the Bridgewater State University Choral Society. Highlights include Margaret Bonds’ Credo, a seven-movement work inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’ writings on racial justice and equality, and the triumphant “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, along with an American music medley. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St.
- Let there be light (and a little glitter): The Learning Experience in Worcester is brightening up Friday, Nov. 6, with a family-friendly Diwali celebration honoring the Festival of Lights. Children and their families can enjoy Diwali-inspired crafts, snacks and refreshments while learning about the holiday’s traditions of light, joy and togetherness. The celebration also offers an opportunity to meet the school’s staff, explore its classrooms and learn about its educational programs. Whether Diwali is a cherished family tradition or something entirely new, everyone is welcome. The festivities run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at The Learning Experience, 589 Plantation St. The event is free and open to the public, with RSVPs encouraged.
- Big Dawg delivers fat sound: Worcester’s WCUW FrontRoom is about to get seriously funky when We and the Dawg takes the stage Saturday, Nov. 7, for a night of soul, R&B and dance grooves spanning the 1970s to today. Led by vocalist Bruce Reed, formerly of Big Dawg and Tornado Alley, the seven-piece band features Bill MacGillivray on drums, Dan Hunt on guitar, Jim Heffernan on keyboards, Ririka Masuda on saxophone, Hiro Tokushige on trumpet and Gail Hunt on bass. Expect plenty of horns, irresistible rhythms and music that makes sitting still a challenge. The show begins at 7 p.m. at 910 Main St. Admission is $20, payable by cash or Venmo at the door. Light refreshments will be served, or guests can bring their own.
- Having patience for plush patients: Might sound a little silly, but kids love this stuff! Stuffed animals are due for their annual checkups Saturday, Nov. 7, when UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Children’s Medical Center hosts its Teddy Bear Clinic, giving the young-uns a chance to play doctor while making real-life medical visits a little less scary. Children are invited to bring their favorite plush patients for a hands-on healthcare experience featuring interactive activities, educational stations and lessons in health and wellness. Presented in partnership with Fundación MAPFRE, the event also offers free car seat safety checks by certified technicians, giving parents something useful to do while the teddy bears receive their medical attention. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Albert Sherman Center on UMass Memorial’s University Campus. Admission and parking are free.
- Bruins legends, Railers hockey and a cause worth fighting for: Hockey takes on a bigger purpose Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Worcester Railers host their annual Fight Cancer Night, presented by Consigli Construction. Before the Railers hit the ice, the Why Me All-Stars will face the Boston Bruins Alumni in a special exhibition featuring former NHL stars including Ken Linseman, Reggie Lemelin, Joe Mullen and Bob Sweeney. Admission to the exhibition is included with a Railers game ticket. Throughout the evening, the team will honor people who have battled or are battling cancer, while fans can participate in a special “I Fight For” tribute. The Railers will also wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned to benefit Why Me & Sherry’s House, which supports Central Massachusetts families facing childhood cancer. The Railers game begins at 6:05 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester.
For more events, visit the Discover Central Massachusetts events calendar.
Have an event, news tip, idea for a feature, information, joke, favorite recipe or anything else you’d like to tell us about? You should. Contact carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
