10 Things to Do This Weekend

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Michael Silvia
by Michael Silvia

This weekend kicks of the the major event season in New Bedford. There are 11 major events and festivals between now and the end of October with three of them occurring this weekend. All of these and other events can be found on our Event Calendar. Here are 10 things to do this weekend.

FRIDAY, MAY 18TH

New Bedford Jazz Festival (6-10pm)

The New Bedford Jazz Festival will be hosted at Custom House Square in New Bedford’s Historic District and National Park. Headlining the event will be Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra featuring Nicholas Payton and Dave Liebman. Whaling City Sound recording artist Gerry Gibbs has been playing Miles Davis’ music for over 20 years and recorded his own tribute to the legendary CD Bitches Brew entitled Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra Play Miles Davis 1967-1975 in 2010. Full details on the event here.

The Divorcees and J.Kelley Band (10pm – 1am)

The J.Kelley Band and the Divorcees take over the Blackwatch Pub (266 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford). Check out the Divorcees Know You the Best music video and the J.Kelley Shake You Music video (both shot downtown New Bedford) to get a sample of their music.

SATURDAY, MAY 19TH

Operation Clean Sweep – Ward 5 (8:30am – 12pm)

Operation Clean Sweep, a New Bedford based anti-litter organization, will hold a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Ward 5 from 8:30 am until Noon. The Ward 5 cleanup will be hosted by SouthCoast Hospitals Group and headquarters will be located in the St. Luke’s Hospital parking lot at Hawthorn and Page Streets. SouthCoast Hospitals Group will provide breakfast for volunteers in the morning and lunch will be provided by Domino’s Pizza, “The Official Pizza” of Operation Clean Sweep. Gifts to Give, FUN 107, and the Southcoast Health Van will be onsite.

New Bedford Airport Fun Day (10am – 4pm)

At the New Bedford Regional Airport there will be performances by local dance studios, karate demonstrations, Mad Science of Southeastern Mass, formation flying, aircraft displays, skydivers, airplane rides, Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Zoo Choo, and so much more! Full details here.

The UMD Senior Show features over one hundred graduating UMass Dartmouth CVPA seniors!

UMass Dartmouth Senior Art Exhibit (1-4pm)

UMass Dartmouth is proud to present the  College of Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) Senior Exhibit! This is the first time that Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Digital Media majors will be exhibiting their senior degree projects all in one day! The UMass Dartmouth CVPA Senior Exhibit will be on Saturday May 19th, from 1-4pm in the College of Visual & Performing Arts, and will feature over one hundred graduating UMass Dartmouth CVPA seniors. Please join us a truly incredible experience and witness work from very talented students who represent the future of art and design. More information about the show and the individual students can be found at www.cvpaseniorexhibit.com. All are welcome to attend. Admittance is free. Refreshments will be served. Parking in lots 7, 8, and 10.

Opening of the Bay Celebration (6-11pm)

Kick-off the summer season by joining us for the 6th annual Opening of the Bay Celebration! Last year, the Opening of the Bay fundraiser provided 135 scholarships to low income at-risk youth from Greater New Bedford to participate in our summer programs. Come join us for a night of dining and dancing while helping to a make a difference in our community. This year we anticipate another sell-out crowd of 500 Southcoast residents dancing the night away under the tent overlooking Buzzards Bay from New Bedford’s Fort Taber Park! Facebook event created here.

Bowfire 2012

Bowfire 2012 at The Zeiterion Theatre (8-10pm)

A spectacular extravaganza, Bowfire brings together some of the world’s most critically acclaimed violinists and fiddlers on one stage in a visual and musical feast! Musical theatre meets classical virtuosity in an unforgettable performance. It’s a musical journey that moves seamlessly through Celtic, Jazz, Bluegrass, Rock, old-time fiddle, Gypsy, Electric, Cape Breton styles and adds incredible step and tap dancing to the mix. It’s an evening of show stopping hits strung together in glorious sequence.

SUNDAY, MAY 20TH

Taste of Southcoast – (12-5pm)

The Taste of Southcoast has 19 Restaurants this year.

One of the best events of the year! The Taste of the Southcoast allows patrons to eat their fill of some of the best food in the area. For $15, you’ll be able to try samples from 19 different restaurants. Hosted at Custom House Square in Historic downtown New Bedford, this is a must attend event. Full details with a list of participating restaurants here.

Riverside Cemetery Tour (2-3:30pm)

Created in 1850 by Warren Delano II, the grandfather of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this is one of the most beautiful rural-style cemeteries in Massachusetts. The FREE tour visits the final resting places of some of the town’s most prominent people. You’ll also see lovely examples of early tombstone art as you walk along the beautifully landscaped paths. Tour includes walking on uneven ground. Wear comfortable shoes. The tour guide is Christopher Richard and it is sponsored by the Fairhaven Office of Tourism.

Sunday Night Jam Sessions at the Pour Farm Tavern (7-11pm)

The best kept secret is Sunday Night Jams at the Pour Farm on Sunday nights starting at 7pm. It’s a jam session with some of the best musician in the area hosted by Matt Antunes. Want to jam? Give Matt a shout: straightlacedproductions@comcast.net.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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