YOUR WEEKEND: A VOX on both your houses…

By Steven Froias

It may seem as if all New Bedford is a stage this weekend as performances of one kind or another dominate YOUR WEEKEND. What they share in common is a collective eclectic sense and celebration of the city and region.

I could make it easy for you Saturday night, but I won’t. You’ll have to choose between these two great events to be begin with…

SATURDAY, OCT. 22 – The musical group VOX includes vocalists and multi-instrumentalists and performs accompanied music of all genres as well as a cappella. You’re certain to hear it all when VOX Vocal Ensemble presents the inaugural performance of their brand new cabaret show, Heart & Music tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Gallery X, 169 William Street. The evening has a purpose beyond a fun night out. 50% of all proceeds will go to the terrific group, South Coast LGBTQ Network to support their mission of providing resources and support for local LGBTQ at-risk youth, isolated seniors, and parents of LGBTQ people. Heart & Music features music by some of Broadway’s very best – Stephen Sondheim, William Finn, Jason Robert Brown, Kander & Ebb, and more. It also features pianist Randy Fayan and the VOX crew. (No relation to the VOX news crew, we hope – but we suspect Ezra Klein can carry a tune.) Tickets are as follows: $25 individual, $40 Date Night pair, or $60 VIP Table for Two (front row table for two, includes unlimited refreshments and a gift). Tickets are available online through Brown Paper Tickets® here. Tickets can also be reserved by emailing voxnewbedford@gmail.com. Due to some mature content, this show will be open only to ages 18+.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22 – Also tonight, Your Theatre Inc. invites you to an evening entertainment in two parts: Act One: Four fascinating stories from New Bedford residents. Act Two: A competitive Story Slam with Slam Master, Rich Berg. They are billed together as “Our Stories – Histories & Mysteries.” Act One consists of Ed Maguire’s retrospective “Your Theatre Inc., 70 Years and Counting,” Gloria Clark’s story “Doing Whatever Comes Next,” Cora Peirce’s tale “Kathitha, the Center of the Heart is Sweetest,” and Mark Fuller/Janine da Silva’s joint telling of “Martyr to Freedom.” Act Two will be an exciting and fast-paced bout of original five-minute stories told in elimination rounds, judged by a panel of three. In Story Slams, slammers present real life stories in competition. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. for coffee and desserts, and the storytelling begins at 7:30. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors. Your Theatre is located at 136 Rivet Street (parking lot is off County Street; part of the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church grounds.)

So, it’s your choice on Saturday night – and if I were really mean I’d mention that Fado superstar Mariza is also performing tonight at the Z in downtown New Bedford. But I’m not that type of person. Really.

SUNDAY, OCT. 23 – On to Sunday – and I’ll make things easier for you by bringing you back to Gallery X for a Flash Fiction and Poetry open mic and to meet Massachusetts YA author L. S. Gagnon, who will be reading excerpts from her books The Witch Series and her second collection, Thea the Little Witch. L.S. Gagnon was just featured at the Fall New Bedford Book Festival here at Groundwork on Sat. Oct. 15 and Sun. Oct. 16 and frankly, we love her. Her books will also be available for purchasing and signing today. (Credit, debit, and Paypal will be accepted.) The Flash Fiction and Poetry open mic will be prior to Ms. Gagnon’s reading. Halloween themed works only – limited slots. Sign up for open mic begins at 12:30. Come join the fun. Witch hats are encouraged, so bring your best! The event runs until 3:00 p.m. More info here. It’s put on by GNB Writers Block.

BONUS: If you’re at loose ends during the week, drop by New Bedford’s WONDER BOWL at 66 Hathaway Road for a night of bowling. Thursday can’t be beat. Bowl all you want from 8:00 p.m. until midnight for $8.00 per person (+$3 shoe rental).

Hmm, I’m thinking we may need to start a Groundwork league….

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Steven Froias

Mad Man at Groundwork!

Steven Froias is Groundwork!'s resident blogger. He sleeps in the boiler room at 1213 Purchase Street.