ArtsUnion - Events 2007

Working with project partners and freelance producers, ArtsUnion will host a series of outdoor performances, fairs, festivals and other events throughout the summer and into the fall.

Please see this year's call to producers.

—2007 ArtsUnion Events—

Somerville in Smell-O-Vision
Saturday, July 28, 7- 10pm (rain date July 29)
Union Square Plaza
Finally…the Snozberries smell like Snozberries! Come see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as you’ve never seen it before: in glorious Smell-o-vision! On July 28, Union Square becomes a Technicolor, odorlicious dreamland as tantalizing scents intensify a screening of the classic 1971 film. Wear your favorite oompa-loompa outfit and hairdo, dress up like an engorged blueberry, or enter Union Square with a somersault -- but just remember to bring your nose!

The film will screen at 8.30pm, with subtitles in Spanish. Show up at 7pm and explore the Carnival of the Nose tables, featuring interactive games and exhibits that probe the functions and meanings of smell, our most powerful sense memory.

Thanks to the following organizations for their help and in-kind donations:
Boston Children’s Museum, Brattle Theater Foundation, Tri-Senx,
Sense of Smell Institute, Demeter fragrances, Jef Czekaj

Devil Music Ensemble plays "Big Stakes"
RESCHEDULED! now on Sunday August 12, 8-11pm
Friday, Aug. 10, 8-11pm (rain date Aug. 12)
Union Square Plaza
In Big Stakes the classic silent western comedy from 1922, when a Texan gent falls for a Mexican girl, all havoc breaks loose. This entertaining and relatively unknown movie will have you booing the bad guys and cheering the good guys. What’s more, the giant lizards, jumping bean shenanigans, horse chases, bar room brawls, gunplay and romance will have you on the edge of your seats.

Devil Music Ensemble, a world-renowned performing arts ensemble specializing in live accompaniment of classic silent film, will accompany Big Stakes with their live score of high-energy country western music and Mexican folk music. Directly after the film performance, Devil Music Ensemble’s side project The Blue Ribbon Band will perform a set of country music classics. Think Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Graham Parsons, and more. Local Boston Alt-country superstars TBA will join the BRB on stage for a good-time country hoedown!

Project MUM: Meet Under McGrath!
Saturday, Aug. 18, 9pm-
The intersection of Washington Street & McGrath Highway
This year's event pays tribute to the glorious 1970s and features four hours of music spun by DJs Flack, Axel Foley and Pace, with lighting by Todd Sargent/VDA Productions that provide the perfect backdrop for your fabulous dance moves.

FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS:
MUM is free and open to the public (with a $10 suggested donation fee.)
All proceeds will support ARTSomerville, the Somerville Arts Council, Mudflat Pottery Studio, Inc., Brickbottom Artist Association, Somerville Community Access Television, Joy Street Studios, and Kinodance Company.

So grab those bell-bottoms from your attic, fluff up your ‘fros, and join Somerville's dance party revolution! *And while you’re at it, become a part of the event by sending in your photos of yourself, friends and family stylin’ in 1970s Somerville and beyond – that we’ll show during the party. Email digital images at least 4”x6” 300 dpi to: info@artsomerville.org    www.ARTSomerville.org

Sounds of Silents: Knowmovement's Electronic Film Festival
Friday, Aug. 24, 8pm (rain date Aug. 25)
Union Square Plaza
For the last two years, hundreds have packed into Union Square's parking lot to watch the KNOWmovement Orchestra perform original live scores to the classic silent films Man with a Movie Camera and Battleship Potemkin.  This year, KNOWmovement broadens its scope to include both film and music from a handful of New England's most talented filmmakers and musicians.  The Sounds of Silents Film Festival will comprise eight to ten original short silent films by local filmmakers and visual artists, each scored by a local musician or musical group.  Films will be photographic, experimental, narrative or even documentary in nature.  So join us for an evening of new and inspired creativity that’s guaranteed to provoke, inspire and entertain.

NYC Comedian Max Silvistri will Emcee.

Filmmakers/Films/Musicians include:
Marc Colucci
Dan Francisco - Notary Public
Score by: E.R.

David Haskell
The Spider Man
Score by: TBA

Dominic Musacchio
Title TBA
Score by: Peter Schaefer, Ted Gallagher and Chris Regan (Ex Faces on
Film)

Colin McMullan
Title TBA
Score by: Colin and Seamus McMullan

Joan Meister
The Devil Wears Sweatpants
Score by: The East Coast Tremors

David Pereira
The Hoop & The Harm
Score by: Bevin Croft and Jeff Bartlett (Ex Saturday Saints)

Lorraine Pouliot
BLOWW Footage
Score by: Panty Raid

Project SUM: Sculpture Under McGrath
Saturday, Sept. 8, 3-7pm Opening Block Party Reception (rain date Sept. 9)
The intersection of Washington Street & McGrath Highway
Inner city land is precious and why not put it to good use? Building on Somerville’s reputation for displaying high quality art in unusual and unexpected spaces, we are excited to launch PROJECT SUM, a month long exhibit of sculpture installations under the raised portion of McGrath Highway. Join us for the opening party that will include a tour of the artwork, a chance to meet the artists, a community barbeque and live music. The sculptures will be on display throughout the month of September. The final list of participating artists will be announced in the coming weeks. www.sspsomerville.org

Hawaiian Nights
Friday, Sept. 14, 7:30-11pm (rain date Sept. 15)
Union Square Plaza
Grab your long-forgotten leis and flowered shirts, as Union Square becomes a tropical destination with sights and sounds from the Hawaiian Isles. DJ Brother Cleve, Somerville's ubiquitous connoisseur of lounge and exotica will provide a tropical soundtrack as vintage surf films and Hawaiiana footage cast their magic on the Square. Paying tribute to the more traditional, Polynesian Dance Arts will perform Tahitian dance as well as the story driven Hulas of Hawaii. Headlining the evening is Waitiki, presenting lounge sounds in the vein of Martin Denny, Les Baxter and Arthur Lyman, along with original compositions for a sonic Tiki cocktail. The band features vibes, sax and other woodwinds, bass, drums and a variety of percussion, all in island attire.
Please be sure to wear yours.

The night will finish with a screening of either Blue Hawaii or Hawaiian Rainbow,
a rich documentary of the islands‚ musical heritage. Produced and illuminated by
Todd Sargent.

What the Fluff? A Celebration of Union Square Invention
Saturday, Sept. 29, 4-7pm (rain date Sept. 30)
Union Square Plaza
It’s the 90th anniversary of Fluff, invented by the culinary genius Archibald Query, right here in Union Square. This year, ArtsUnion will once again pay homage to this yummy, sticky, sweet American spreadable treat. Artists, musical and theatrical performers, humorists and the general public will indulge in a madcap festival that celebrates the culinary invention and nostalgic genius of FLUFF.

Project YUM: A Union Square festival celebrating local crops and global shops
Saturday, Oct. 13, 3-6pm (rain date Oct. 14)
Union Square Plaza
Hankering for some kimchee with your curry? Craving chilis with your cheese puffs? Ever wanted to try chucchitos? Or bitter melon? At ArtsUnion’s first ever food festival, you’ll now have the chance to indulge and explore all your culinary desires.

Building on the success of our ethnic market food tours, ArtsUnion will presents a food festival that is both global and local in scope. You‚ll taste exotic foods, sample locally grown veggies, judge a pumpkin carving contest and watch an iron chef cook-off heat up the Square!

Project YUM highlights include:

• An iron-chef cook-off! Three chefs from Somerville restaurants -- Gargoyles, Evoo and The Independent -- face each other in a cooking contest. Local celebrity judges to be announced soon! 
  
• Dish! A giant interactive culinary map of the world, where you'll pinpoint your favorite global foodie experiences
  
• The Berwick Institute's potluck conversation tables where you can eat, relax, and share memories of what "eating locally" means to you
  
• Food tastings from the Square's ethnic restaurants and markets, including Indian, Thai, Mexican and Brazilian. Sample home-made churros, traditional pineapple turnovers and Brazilian BarbQ!
  
• Learn about healing through food, herbs, flowers and plants, from local flower essence practitioners, naturopaths and acupuncturists
  
• Kids' activities like "guess the veggie!" and "make your own instruments from beans and gourds!"
  
• Food-themed art! A pumpkin carving contest!
  
• Music from West African Balafon maestro Balla Kouyate
  
• Numerous local food organizations, including National Bitter Melon Council,
  Shape Up Somerville, Thought and Memory, Somerville Growing Center, Groundworks Somerville, Somerville Garden Club, Waltham Community Farm,
  Taza Chocolate and the Alliance for Cultural Exchange...and much, much more

Ghosts of Somerville
Saturday, Oct. 20, 4pm-dusk (rain date Oct. 21)
Learn Somervillian history in a fun and Halloween-related way! This delightful play features characters interred in Milk Row Cemetery, including Harriet Thorp and Osgood and Emiline Dane. Dress warmly and in costume, if you like. Hot cider and goodies for all!
Meet at Milk Row Cemetery, 400 Somerville Ave., next to Market Basket.
$5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youth.
Questions?
Contact SHPC at 617-625-6600, x2525 or bwilson@ci.somerville.ma.us

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