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UNION SQUARE AFFAIR
Key Dates:
WAP Reception
Sat., Sept. 18, 3-6pm
(rain date: Sun. Sept. 19, 3-6pm)
WordPlay @ scat
Sept. 21, 7-9pm
Union Square Hoe Down
Sat., Oct. 2, 3-6pm
(rain date: Sun. Oct. 3, 3-6pm)
Brazilian Festival
Sat., Oct. 9, 3-6pm
(rain date: Sun. Oct. 10, 3-6pm)
by Dan Moynihan
ABOUT UNION SQUARE AFFAIR
For the first time, the Somerville Arts Council is bringing a full month of arts
programming to Union Square. The council is excited to tap into the area’s rich cultural community and also hopes to encourage newcomers to the square—with its wonderful diversity, history and refreshingly ungentrified flavor. From mid September to mid October, the artists of the Windows Arts Project will transform Union Square into a giant outdoor gallery. Throughout this month-long exhibit, there will be a series of other arts events, including a WAP opening reception, a literary event called "WordPlay" at SCAT, and two music/dance festivals—one featuring country and western swing music, and one featuring Brazilian beats. Please read the following page for details regarding this series. See you in Union Square!
Union Square Affair Events, Exhibits and Happenings
Windows Art Project (WAP): Sept. 13 - Oct 15
Ace by V Van Sant
The theme for 2004 is "Play." WAP artists explore the creative process of "play" as it relates to joy, invention, risk, uncertainty, fantasy and fun. There will be 25 exhibits throughout Union Square, in business windows, outside on traffic islands and in the Union Square plaza. Pick up a WAP map in one of the funky WAP stands throughout the square and take a self-guided tour!
The WAP Reception: Sept. 18; 3-6pm
There will be group
art tours, at 3pm and 4:15pm, and lively performance art, including a giant,
interactive puzzle of Somerville and living statues playing chess. Three bands
will provide a sonic backdrop for this artsy affair: the dreamy, melodic Skating Club hit the stage at 3:30, followed by art rockers 27 at 4:30. At 5:15, the Young, Sexy Assassins, known for loud, strange punk and extreme dressing habits, will bring the event to a cacophonous conclusion.
WordPlay @ SCAT: Sept. 21; 7-9pm
Local writers, including literary luminary Steve Almond, author of "Candy Freak" and "My Life in Heavy Metal," read their works in front of a live audience; the event will also be filmed and broadcast periodically on Somerville Community Access Television. In keeping with the WAP theme, readings will focus on the theme of "play." Other participants are: Doug Holder, founder of Ibbetson Street Press; Jack Powers, founder of Stone Soup Poets; as well as Lo Calluccio, Deborah Priestly, Ian Thal, Robert K. Johnson and Tim Gager.
Union Square Hoe Down w/ the Spurs and Sean Mencher Combo: Oct 2; 3-6pm
Sean Mencher Combo
When the Sean Mencher Combo hits the stage, their blend of rock n’ roll, western swing, bluegrass, jazz and blues should pack the dance floor in no time. Hailing from Maine, Mencher and his unique thumb-pickin’ guitar style of Boogie & Swing has landed him gigs at Carnegie Hall and on the Conan O’Brien show. Next up are the Spurs, New England’s finest purveyors of Western Swing and honky tonk. The band includes upright bassist Johhny Sciascia, vocalist Allan Sheinfield and steel guitar god Frankie Blandino; a fiddler and drummer round out the mix. The Spurs have a devout following throughout the region and beyond—they have played on the Conan O’Brien show, as well! Their lively repetoire, which includes obscure covers and witty originals like "Stop and Let Me Drink About It" is sure to keep the crowd swinging.
Brazilian Festival: Oct 9; 3-6pm
First up is Forro Atoa, a local Brazilian band featuring an accordian player and known for its feisty ranchero-style Brazilian music. Next up is Samba Tremeterra with vocalist Nina Torres and samba drumming dynamo Marcus Santos. The band features many percussionists—on Surdos, Congas, Timbal and other Brazilian instruments—and plays rhythms like Ijexa, Samba, Samba-reggae and Maracatu. All this upbeat Brazilian music is designed to get people moving!
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