This weekend’s guide begins with a rainy weather forecast. Weather.com predicts rainy skies with showers on both Friday and Saturday. Skies will hopefully clear up a bit with partly cloudy weather on Sunday. Despite the wet weather, at least temps will up, with highs from 73°F – 79°F.

Don’t let the rainy weather get you down! There are plenty of chances this weekend to escape the rain and have a great time indoors. While enjoying the weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, or benefit a good cause. All events discussed here are from www.LocalOracle.com. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE. If you need directions, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Leave the rain outside while being visually inspired for the afternoon. The X on X Art Show, which is a members-do-members portrait show, will be at Gallery X (169 William St.) from 11am-5pm. Or take the opportunity to get to know the works of the artists and members of ArtWorks! (384 Acushnet Ave.) at the ArtWorks! Artist Member Exhibit, from 12pm-5pm.

Friday night, listen to the music of Russ Peterson at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.). Forget the rain while having a delicious dining experience accompanied by rock favorites; the music begins at 9:30pm.

Looking for a change from the Downtown scene?? Take a short drive into Providence to check out Breathing Tube at Perishable Theatre (95 Empire St., Providence). Breathing Tube is a radio theatre show of different short plays from local writers. Tickets are only $5 and are available HERE. Experience something new while supporting local talent.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

If you’re a Boston Bruins fan then you know that Saturday morning a rolling rally will be held throughout the streets of Boston to celebrate the B’s winning the Stanley Cup!  The parade starts at 11am: Here‘s all you need to know about the parade route, parking restrictions and everything else that goes into celebrating another championship for Boston!

If you don’t take the trip up to Boston, start a rainy Saturday morning with a fun way to exercise – dance! Be at ArtWorks! (384 Acushnet Ave.) at 10am to participate in the JourneyDance class. This is a unique dancing experience in which instructor Juliet Loranger guides dancers through simple movement sequences that help reconnect you with your innate state of joyous well-being. Classes are held every Saturday and cost $15.

Want an evening filled with mystique? Support a great cause Saturday night and have a fabulous time at the Ball at Galery X! This Masquerade Ball begins at 7pm. There will be complimentary snacks provided and a cash bar. Make memories, get dressed up, drink, and dance to the music of the Jethros, all while supporting New Bedford’s oldest art gallery, Gallery X. Guests are encouraged to dress up in masquerade attire – how fun!

Enjoy great food and music Saturday night. Chris Richards will be playing at Fathom’s Bar & Grille (252 Popes Island); hear him play while enjoying delicious food and a lovely water-front view. Music begins at 9:30pm. Or, enjoy some super yummy Mexican food at No Problemo (813 Purchase St.), then stick around after 10pm to have a blast with The Throttles and The Eye Soares.

Looking for a change from the Downtown scene Saturday night? Head into North Dartmouth to Trio Café and Lounge (780 State Rd.). Local promoters Daveed Silveira and Corey Bernardo have put the night together with music by DJ Eric Moreira. There will be free Sangria from 9pm-10pm, and great music and dancing all night long.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Happy Fathers Day to all the dad’s out there!  Especially mine!! Looking for the perfect gift to get your Dad on Father’s Day? Spend time with him by taking him to the 37^th Annual Fairhaven Fathers Day Road Race at Hastings Middle School (1 School St., Fairhaven). This is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the Father’s Day Road Race benefit multiple community organizations including fire, police, and scholarships. Register to run HERE by Saturday, June 18^th! Or show your support by cheering the runners on.

Other ideas? Take Dad out for a late brunch at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.). Or give him an afternoon, back porch hootenanny experience at the Bluegrass Open Jam at Steve’s Backstage Pass (15 School St., Taunton) from 1pm-5pm.

As always, have a safe and fun weekend! Happy Fathers Day to all the great Dads!

The weather for the weekend seems to be continuing from this past week with heat, humidity, and thunderstorms! Weather.com predicts sun and clouds on Friday, sun and scattered showers Saturday, and thunderstorms on Sunday with temperatures highs ranging from 70°F-80°F.

While enjoying the weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, or benefit a good cause. As always, all events discussed here are from www.LocalOracle.com. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE. If you need directions, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Looking to escape the heat and humidity Friday afternoon? The Beg, Borrow, or Steal Exhibit will be at Gallery X (169 William St), from 11am-5pm.  Art on exhibit is available for sale starting at $15 a piece, or $35 for three pieces.

Enjoy a local tradition Friday night at the 17th Annual United Way Clambake Fundraiser. The Clambake will be taking place from 5pm-11pm at Fisherman’s Pier and Merrill’s Wharf (Route 18). Enjoy a traditional New England Clambake with lobster, steamers, linguica, corn on the cob, roasted red peppers, and onions. There will also be complimentary beer and wine from local sponsors Freitas Package Store, Travessia Urban Winery, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, and Narragansett Brewing Co.

The night will feature live music and dancing as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $80, and all proceeds go to United Way. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE. What better way to kick off the weekend and celebrate summer than with a delicious New England tradition!

Friday night also provides plenty of events downtown. Interested in a good meal followed by good music? Grab a burrito at No Problemo (813 Purchase St.), then stick around to hear Headless Nixon and She Rides at 10pm. Enjoy dinner at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.), where Reliable Source will be playing at 9:30pm. Or enjoy great food, great drinks, and a great waterfront view at Fathom’s Bar and Grille (252 Popes Island) while listening to Rebecca Correia at 9:30pm.

As always, if you’re looking to unwind from the work week, check out the in-house DJs at Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.), or Hibernia Irish Pub (109 Williams St.). For other events, check HERE .

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

With beach season practically upon us, it’s the perfect time to think about summer safety. The American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter (105 Gano St., Providence) is holding their Standard First Aid with CPR/AED course from 9am-3pm. The cost is $90. Upon completion, receive certification in Standard First Aid with CPR – for Adult, Child, and Infant. This is the perfect time of year to become educated in First Aid Safety and especially CPR!

Or, if you have a young teen who is looking for a summer babysitting job, the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter (105 Gano St., Providence) is also holding a Babysitter’s Training course from 9:30am-3:30pm. This is a great opportunity for aspiring babysitters to learn the skills necessary for child-care and responsibility. Cost is $70.

Saturday brings some excitement with Shred Fest 2011, a new event in the area at Mattapoisett Skatepark (64 County Rd., Mattapoisett). Head over to Shred Fest for 12pm to watch skate boarders compete and advance via the Spotlight Challenge Video. Everyone is invited to attend or compete, and all proceeds from this event will benefit Mattapoisett Skate Park. Do something different this weekend and check out Shred Fest.

Looking to celebrate local Portuguese heritage this weekend? Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (1121 Ashley Blvd.) is hosting Day of Portugal. Head over to NB Voc Tech from 5pm-11pm to enjoy!

Enjoy Saturday nightlife with another opportunity to hear Reliable Source at Candleworks Restaruant (72 N. Water St.) at 9:30pm. McCarthy & Legge are playing at the Kinsale Inn in Mattapoisett at 8pm. Or spend Saturday night with J. Kelley Band at the Black Watch Pub (266 Dartmouth St.). Eat a delicious dinner and then stick around to enjoy J. Kelley Band’s very first performance at Black Watch Pub.

For other events, check HERE (http://www.localoracle.com/events/).

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Start Sunday morning bright and early with a unique experience in exercise! New Bedford Community Rowing (102 Popes Island) is holding their Learn-to-Row Day. Sign up (http://www.newbedfordcommunityrowing.org/) for a 2-hour time-slot in which you will learn rowing basics, and then row around the harbor! Cost is $25 for 2-hours. Seems like an unforgettable experience.

Relax on Sunday with an afternoon movie at Flagship Cinemas (500 Kings Highway). Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is playing at 1:15pm and 4:15pm; Bridesmaids is playing at 1:05pm and 4:05pm; and X-Men: First Class is playing 1:30pm, 3:25pm, and 4:25pm. For other movie listings and show times, check HERE (http://www.flagshipcinemas.com/newbed/).

For other events, check HERE (http://www.localoracle.com/events/).

Have a great weekend, and see you all next week!

YouTryOut is hosting its first ever live competition this Saturday (June 11) when Shred Fest 2011 takes place at the Mattapoisett Skatepark (64 County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739).

The event begins at noon and is made up of four competitions: Game of Skate, Best Trick Jam, High Ollie, and the YouTryOut Spot Challenge.

All proceeds from the event will go toward maintaining the Mattapoisett Skate Park.  Everyone is invited to compete and watch the events.

Here’s how the YouTryOut Spot Challenge works:

The goal is to advance to the video competition at YouTryOut.com by winning Best Trick in the Spot Challenge.  Here are the details:

1. The YouTryOut crew has chosen four spots throughout the skatepark where boarders compete to win best trick. Those four spots are rail, spine, fun box, and Manny board.

2. Each spot is open for 10 minutes at a time.

3. After 10 minutes the judges pick the two skateboarders that landed the best trick at that spot.

4. Two winners are chosen at each spot, resulting in eight boarders who will move on to the Spot Challenge Video Competition!

5. The event will be filmed so we will put together edits of the eight boarders highlighting their best tricks in the Spot Challenge.

6. The eight boarders will be randomly matched up head-to-head against one other.  Boarders with the most votes move on to the next round so make sure to get all your friends to vote for you.

Round 1= 8 boarders
Round 2= 4 boarders
Round 3= 2 boarders. The championship is winner takes all!

7. Winner will have their video featured on YouTryOUt.com with a chance to get a sponsorship, as well as receiving YouTryOut merchandise and a gift certificate to Solstice Skateboarding.

YouTryOut.com is where athletes compete in online video tournaments. We take the best, most entertaining sports highlight videos and enter them into bracket-style tournaments! The top 8 highlight videos in each tournament go head-to-head against each other and the viewers decide who wins! Get more votes than the opponent and move on to the next round. Tournament champion takes home the prize!

Founder, Troy Ferguson heads the day-to-day duties and is running the YouTryOut Spot Challenge at Shred Fest on Saturday. All competitions take place on the blog right now with a new website and better features to come soon. Ferguson says, “The goal for YouTryOut is to create video tournaments for all sporting events. Whether it’s a skateboard, snowboard, or surf competition or a baseball, football, and basketball game; video tournaments are going to be everywhere.

Like us on Facebook at the YouTryOut Fan Page
And follow us on Twitter @YouTryOut

This first weekend in June looks like it’s going to be beautiful! Weather.com predicts sunny skies Friday through Sunday, with temperature highs from 72°F – 77°F, with just a slight chance of thunderstorms on Sunday.

While enjoying the weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, or benefit a good cause. All events discussed here are from www.LocalOracle.com. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE. If you need directions, simply click on the event or venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIADY: JUNE 3

If you have the afternoon off, start your weekend by celebrating some of the diverse artists in our community. The Artists, Artists, Everywhere exhibit is at Artworks! (384 Acushnet Ave.) until June 4^th. Artworks! will be open from 12pm-5pm.

Friday also provides the opportunity to participate in and support a great cause. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is being held in a few locations: East Providence, RI, at Pierce Memorial Stadium, Johnston, RI, at Memorial Park, and Taunton, MA, at Hopewell Park. Relay for Life is an overnight event in which the donations and proceeds directly fund American Cancer Society research. This is a great event to do with family or friends to support a wonderful cause.

This Friday is also the first night of an awesome summer event – WaterFire Providence. WaterFire takes place in downtown Providence, RI, along Memorial Blvd, the Providence River and the Woonasquatucket River. From the WaterFire website: “WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park.”

The sun will set at 8:15pm on Friday, so make sure you are in Providence at that time to enjoy a beautiful, outdoor, evening event.

If you want to start the weekend off with great nightlife, every Friday is Ladies Night Out at The Sky Lounge (30 Third St, Fall River) – dance the night away to music by DJ Dick G, and receive a free bottle of champagne if you are in a group of six ladies or more. For other nightlife, Craig DeMelo will be performing at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St). Or, if music and dancing are not quite your thing, head over to Libads Bar (578 Brock Avenue) for some excitement and laughs with their featured Mechanical Bull Riding .

For other events, check HERE (http://www.localoracle.com/events/).

SATURDAY: JUNE 4

On Saturday, enjoy the weather and head over to Fort Taber Park for the day. Fort Taber is located on Clark’s Point at New Bedford’s southern-most tip. Enjoy beautiful views of Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands while walking and exploring the Fort’s site. The park has a fishing pier, a playground for children, a small museum, and plenty of sidewalks and paths for walking, running, or bike riding. The park is open from dawn until dusk and is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day outside.

Looking for another activity to do outdoors? Buttonwood Park Zoo (425 Hathaway St) is celebrating World Oceans Weekend by having fun activities and giveaways at the zoo. Stop by the zoo and have a splash of fun for World Oceans Weekend, open from 10am-5pm. Another option for your afternoon is to see the MRL Trio at Rose Alley Ale House, from 3-7pm.

If you’re looking to enjoy Saturday night with a yummy meal and good music, head on down to No Problemo (813 Purchase St). Enjoy fresh, delicious, inexpensive, Mexican food like a taco, burrito, or salad at No Problemo Taqueria, then stick around after 10pm to experience reggae band The Ting and I.

For other nightlife, check out the Sound Tower at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St); the Video Lounge at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 Williams St); or in-house DJ-ing at Catwalk (34 Union St).

For other events, check HERE (http://www.localoracle.com/events/).

SUNDAY: JUNE 5

Sleep in and enjoy a relaxing Sunday-Funday. Have a late brunch at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St). After brunch, enjoy an afternoon of music with Bluegrass Open Jam at Steve’s Backstage Pass (15 School St, Taunton). Experience a back porch hootenanny with bluegrass mentor Harry Cook from 1pm-5pm. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Wrap-up the weekend with a Sunday Night Jam Session at Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase St); starting at 7pm and hosted by local musician Matt Antunes. Support independent, local musicians who are looking to get their music out to you! Want to jam? Give Matt a shout at straightlacedproductions@comcast.net. If you don’t quite “jam,” let out your inner idol instead with Karaoke at Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St) after 9:30pm with DJ-ing by JK Music.

For other events, check HERE.  As always, have a safe and fun weekend! See you next time.

After a long stretch of clouds and rain, this Memorial Day weekend is looking to be sunny and warm.  Weather.com predicts mixed clouds and sun with temperature highs from 74°F – 80°F– perfect weather to enjoy the long holiday weekend! This Memorial Day, be sure to remember, honor, and thank our U.S. soldiers who risk and lose their lives everyday to keep our country.

While enjoying the weather and holiday, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, benefit a good cause, or support your local Memorial Day Parade. All events discussed here are taken from LocalOracle.com. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them here. If you need directions to any of the events listed, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

Before kicking off the long weekend, take literally one minute to participate in the LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivor Program Vote for YMCA New Bedford.  Simply use the internet to visit the YMCA New Bedford page on LIVESTRONG’s Community Impact Project website . Vote and help the YMCA Southcoast receive funding and bring LIVESTRONG® to our community.

After doing your good deed, head downtown to enjoy some music and nightlife! Ebony Keys featuring Michelle Hill will be playing at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.) at 9:30 pm. Or if you are looking for an in-house DJs to celebrate the start of a long weekend with music and dancing, head over to Hibernia or Catwalk after 10pm.  You can also check out DJ Kraz at Fins or DJ Paul Brogna at Rose Alley Ale House . For other events happening Friday, click here.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

During the day, take an opportunity to get some exercise with a walk at Buttonwood Park. Then spend the afternoon enjoying the arts. Gallery X (169 William St) is currently featuring the Word Up! and Water Movement Art Show exhibits. Gallery X is open from 11am-3pm.

After 9:30pm, enjoy the night with music by J. Kelley Band playing at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St). Saturday also brings another opportunity to hear Ebony Keys featuring Michelle Hill at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.). For other nightlife, enjoy the video lounge at Hibernia or check out DJ Jr Ray at Fins.

SUNDAY, MAY 29

Sleep in late and eventually start Sunday Funday with a yummy brunch at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front Street). You could also choose to enjoy a lazy Dog Day Sunday with your best four-legged friend at Hibernia, “the area’s only dog-friendly bar.” No bad dogs allowed, and “pet friendly beer” is served. What a great way to celebrate the long weekend and include your pup!

MONDAY, MAY 30

Enjoy a day off and celebrate Memorial Day by showing support and lining the streets of your local parade! Thank and honor our U.S. troops and soldiers with any of the following Memorial Day festivities: The New Bedford Memorial Day Parade (11:30am, parade will begin on Parker Street and proceed to Clasky Park); The Dartmouth Memorial Day Parade (9:30am, parade will begin at Appongansett Park and proceed to Dartmouth Police Station, with a memorial at the Veterans Monument and a short ceremony at the Town Hall); Fairhaven Memorial Day Parade (8:30am, beginning at Main Street and proceeding north to Riverside Cemetary.)

Don’t forget about the Lakeside Family Festival, going on now thru Monday in East Freetown.  It’s a short drive from New Bedford, and lots of fun!  And as always, when you’re out and about in the South Coast area, remember to take advantage of New Bedford Guide’s South Coast Discounts.

Kick off summer with a great Memorial Day weekend!  Have fun, be safe, and I’ll see you next Friday!

“Holy sh**,my legs are going to fall off…”

Those are the words that kept repeating in my head between bits of insane laughter.  You know when you’re at the point where things can’t ANY worse, and the only thing you can do is laugh?  That is how I felt this past weekend (May 7^th & 8^th) as one of over 14,000 people who competed in Tough Mudder.  Not only was this New England’s very first chance to host the competition; it was also the largest athletic event in Vermont’s history.

It took place at Mount Snow in Vermont, and while I sit here three days later, muscles no longer aching, any bad thoughts that I had as I left the mountain are almost gone. Now, the only thoughts that surface when I think about Tough Mudder are ones of fun, achievement, accomplishment, and mud…I won’t ever forget the mud.

What is Tough Mudder?

The Tough Mudder not a race, but a challenge. Designed by ex-British Special Forces, it’s an obstacle course ranging in distance from 7-12 miles, with 24 or more obstacles scattered throughout the course. The Vermont Tough Mudder has been called one of the hardest of all the courses in the United States (there are also about 20 locations worldwide) because of the fact that it is on a New England ski mountain.  That, combined with the fact that in each Tough Mudder, the obstacles become more creative and challenging than the last. All participants who complete on the Vermont course endured over 13,700 feet of elevation change and 7,000 feet of climbing on the ten mile course, all while battling 28 obstacles.

Once I found out about this event I was hooked and immediately tried to put a team together. I originally received many responses from people saying, “Oh yeah, sure.  I’ll definitely do that.”  Then, after hearing about some of the obstacles on the course immediately changed their minds: “There’s no way I am running up and down a mountain six times and getting electrocuted!”

Another deterrent for people wanting to take part is that, unlike most races where nearly everyone finishes, Tough Mudder brags that only about 78% of the people who start the race actually finish it. That’s why they were surprised when the  participants in New England event  had an 83% finishing rate on one of the most difficult  courses ever.  That’s damn right.

The cost to participate is anywhere from $60-$180, depending on when you sign up; the earlier you sign up, the cheaper it is. The  purpose of Tough Mudder is to support the Wounded Warrior Project.  At the beginning of the event all participants take part in saying the Tough Mudder Pledge:

As a Tough Mudder I pledge that…
I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
I do not whine – kids whine.
I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.
I overcome all fears.

Training:

For me, training consisted of swimming approx 3,000 yards several times a week to help build up cardio and shorten my recovery time.  I also used a special weight and muscle training program that BJ Cardoza set up for me at his gym, Pinnacle Strength. After having completed the event and finding out whatever rest I was granted on the course (which usually came in the form of waiting in lines for obstacles), the only advice I can give for training is to do core exercises:. Also  do the stair machines and other leg workouts, or just start running up very steep hills. Not much else can prepare you because there’s nothing else like it.

Of course don’t forget about your diet.  You’ll need lots of protein and potassium to get your muscles ready, and electrolytes for the nonstop movement and shock your body will experience jumping into 45 degree water six times throughout the course.

The Event

We set out for Vermont the 7^th and stayed in a motel approxiamately 20 miles away from Mount Snow. The next day we woke up bright an early to prepare ourselves for the impending torture; after all the training and preparation, we finally started the race.

It seemed that there was no end to it, continuously going up and down and then back up the mountain.  Eventually we reached the point where all we wanted were real obstacles to go through to give our legs a rest from hiking up the mountain.

The first real obstacle was The Death March, which covered about 1.5 miles, straight up the mountain. It was a real slap in the face, and a warning  for what was to come.  Killa Gorilla was one of my favorite obstacles.  It required us to go up and down a 40-yard stretch of muddy mountain terrain four times, but that was towards the beginning before my legs felt like dog meat.

Heading down the mountain at any point was fine unless you tried to stop moving, in which you would have had better luck trying to stop running down a slip-n-slide. At every point there was mud, snow, or muddy water to tread through.

The coldness of the water obstacles throws most people off, but thanks to my annual visits to the Fairhaven Polar Bear Plunge, I was ready. Even so, The Glacier and Funky Monkey had me challenged.  Three rungs away from completing the Funky Monkey I slipped and was once again swallowed up by water with floating ice chunks in it.  We did, however, make it through the Electroshock Therapy without getting zapped, which I was very happy about.

The Berlin Walls are a series of four and twelve-foot high walls, which I found to be the absolute hardest obstacle of all.  This is due to the fact that unless you can jump up and grab the top of the 12’ high wall with your feet buried in mud, you simply cannot complete this obstacle without help from other individuals.

The Finish Line

“I think I just lost 2 years of my life.  Let me know if you find it next time you’re at Mount Snow.”

Overall the event was a total success. We had an absolute blast. If you want to keep time, you must do it on your own, so unofficially Aaron and I finished the event with  a time of three hours and 20 minutes.  I know it’s not a race, but what can I say? I’m competitive: We passed a lot more people than people who passed us.

We received our Tough Mudder T-shirts, headbands, and free Dos Equis (the event’s sponsor) beer. Yeah, it does seems like not a lot for what you put yourself through, but it was well worth it and I will absolutely be attending next year’s Tough Mudder Competition.

For all the MTV fans out there who can’t get enough of their Real World/Road Rule Gauntlet challenges, you best stay at home, you won’t survive this.

To View More Pictures from the VT Tough Mudder Event click HERE.  Tough Mudder can also be found on Facebook.

The weather forecast for this weekend looks to be warm (61-68 degrees) with some rain showers.  This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby with several bars showing the Derby and awarding prizes, and Sunday is Mother’s Day.  The theater play season in Providence, Rhode Island is in full-swing and there is some great entertainment if you don’t mind making the drive to Rhode Island.  As usual, I’m pulling events from LocalOracle.com that are perfect for all demographics. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them here. If you need directions, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY- 6 MAY

For those looking to start their weekend early I recommend Celtic “Hooley” at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.  Tickets are $30 with all proceeds benefiting historic buildings in New Bedford.  Tickets include a complimentary drink of your choice (Guinness, Harp, Jameson, Bailey’s, Irish Coffee, Wine, or Magners Irish Cider) and a menu of Potato Leek Soup, Clam Chowder, Hearty Vegetable and Chicken Soup, Irish Soda Bread, and snacks.

There are two opportunities to catch some outstanding live music in New Bedford.  I recommend checking out Kenny Richards at Fathom’s Bar (9 PM – 1 AM, 252 Popes Island) and the J.Kelley Band at The Pour Farm Tavern (9:30 PM to 1 AM, 780 Purchase St).

If you don’t mind driving to Rhode Island, there are several opportunities to catch some fabulous plays and other live artistic entertainment throughout the weekend and the month:

• 1:23 by Carson Kreitzer at the Perishable Theatre (95 Empire Street) –  (May 6 and 7) 1:23 is a multimedia theatrical “collage” that examines the circumstances (postpartum psychosis, a history of abuse, social isolation) that drive mothers to the unthinkable act of killing their own children. Tickets are $20, $15 students, or $10 for seniors and military.
• Steel Magnolias  at the Chace Theater (201 Washington Street, Providence, RI) –  (6-8, May 10 and 12) On her wedding day, Shelby is a vision in pink – two lovely shades! Her mother and friends gather at Truvy’s Beauty Salon to prepare for the big day. Still, beauty, hairspray, and all the pink in the world can’t protect this young woman from what lies ahead. April 15th through May 15th.
• Edgar Allen Poe, the play at the Chace Theater (201 Washington Street, Providence, RI) – (May 6-8, 10 and 12) Welcome to the completely fictional, utterly true final strange tale of Edgar Allan Poe.
• Yankee Tavern at The Granite Theatre (1 Granite Street, Westerly, RI) – (May 6 and 7) An amazing piece of theater that will have you laughing out loud at some parts and on the edge of your seat at others.  Steven Dietz’s acclaimed and already widely produced comedy thriller—a selection of the National New Play Network’s Continued Life Project—is a fierce, funny and ultimately mind-bending work of theatrical power that grips you until the final word.
• Live Bait: True Stories from Real People at the Perishable Theatre (95 Empire Street, $5 at the door) –  This is a story-sharing open mic with a theme for the evening that starts at 10 PM. If you have a story that is in any way, shape, or form connected with the monthly theme, please go to www.perishable.org for theme info, then come on down to LIVE BAIT and tell it. Or just come and watch others share theirs. It’s that easy. No notes, no rants, just tell your story like you’re telling your friends over a couple of drinks.

SATURDAY – 7 MAY

The YMCA in Dartmouth is hosting a Plant Sale (9 AM to 2 PM) and a Sharing the Harvest (9 AM to 1 PM), a community farm collaboration between YMCA Southcoast, the United Way of Greater New Bedford, and the Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts (a program of the United Way). They are located at 276 Gulf Rd, South Dartmouth, MA.

Here are the Kentucky Derby Events happening on Saturday:

• Kentucky Derby Party at Kirby’s Pub (2 PM – 2 AM) – Serving tea sandwiches, Mint Juleps, Bloody Mary’s and mojitos. Prizes will be given for the most outrageous hat and tie.
• Derby Day at the Rose Alley Ale House (4-7 PM) – Experience a traditional Mint Julep, sing a few verses of “My Old Kentucky Home,” and wear your best hat all in support of the New Bedford YMCA Annual Support Fund.
• Derby Day at Fathom’s Bar and Grill (4-7 PM) –  Hosting a best dressed hat contest, giving away prizes for: Biggest Hat and Best Derby Inspired Hat.

For live music check out:

• 3 PM: MRL Trio at Rose Alley Ale House in New Bedford
• 7 PM: Gary Langevin at Fay’s Restaurant in Dartmouth
• 9:30 PM: Five Inch Heels at Candleworks in New Bedford
• 10 PM: The Ting & I at No Problemo in New Bedford

SUNDAY – 8 MAY

Sunday is Mother’s Day and there are lots of activities to spend some quality time with mom. The Tiara Classic Mother’s Day 5k Road Race starts at the Oxford Creamery in Mattapoisett and runners can start registering early or at 7:30 AM on Sunday.  The kids fun run kicks off the fun at 9 AM then both runners and walkers can enjoy the 5k race around the scenic area of Ned’s Point light house.  Tiara teams are currently being formed to increase the fundraiser efforts for the Women’s Fund benefiting women and girls in our community. Contact the Women’s Fund for more information.

While all restaurants are having special menus and celebrating Mother’s day, there are a few that are stepping their game up.  I recommend Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front Street, New Bedford) because they are having a Mother’s day Brunch all day.

For more events on Sunday go here.  If you really want to enjoy this weekend with FREE food and other great specials check out the South Coast Discount Coupons for free Pizza, soda and buy one, get one FREE entrees! I hope to see you at some of these events around New Bedford and the South Coast.  If not, I’ll see you here next Friday!

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NBG writer Ivey Winkler sat down with Mike Mahoney of Pearly Baker to chat about the upcoming ‘Bash at the Z,’ taking place this Saturday, May 7^th, at 7 pm. If you’ve never been to a Pearly Baker concert, the Zeiterion Theater is the place to see them play. They’ll be bringing their regular set of Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and classic rock to a bigger stage and a bigger audience, and will be joined onstage by some funky friends.  Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

So Pearly Baker is a local band, but the Zeiterion usually hosts national touring artists and performers.  How did you end up playing a gig there?
Mike: So the story goes like this: On our 20^th anniversary we played a gig at the Bull Pen. I was just expecting a normal Pearly Baker crowd that night, but we ended up being shocked by the hundreds of people who showed up.  I’m surprised the fire marshal didn’t show up to shut us down. There were so many folks there they ended up snaking around the sidewalks outside.

After that night, we started thinking that maybe we needed a bigger venue for our 25^th anniversary down the road. Fast forward a few years and I’m driving past the Z like I do every day on my way home and it hits me, I called my band mate Ken and told him, “We should play the Zeiterion.”  Of course I had a hard time charging people more money to come see us play, so we thought that turning it into a benefit concert would help us give back to the community that had supported us for so many years.

How did you decide on the United Way of Greater New Bedford Hunger Commission as your charity?
Mike: I called up Senator Mark Montigny, a friend of mine from college, and asked him what charities were in great need in the New Bedford area, and he got me in touch with the fine professionals at the United Way. Program director Bill Shell and his staff at the Hunger Commission have been incredible throughout this whole process; without them the concert simply would not have happened.

When the concert was held last year to celebrate your 25th anniversary, did you know this was going to be a yearly event?
Mike: We thought we’d get maybe 300 people at the concert. I remember asking ourselves, what if we only got a few hundred seats filled. At the end of the day, we just decided that it would be a rockin’ concert with 300 of our closest friends in a kick-ass venue. Turns out, over 900 people showed up, and all the proceeds and food donated went to the Hunger Commission. How could we not turn this into a yearly event? Three weeks after the concert last year, we started planning this one.

Tickets for the show are only $15.  That’s an amazing price to see any show at the Z, and yet last year you raised over $18,500 for the Hunger Commission. How does it make the band feel to know they’re making such a difference in the area?
Mike: It feels great to support those less fortunate than us. More families are in need this year than ever before, and the Hunger Commission has 27 food pantries from Wareham to Rhode Island that they need to stock. These guys work on a shoestring budget and depend on the support of hundreds of volunteers, so the more food and money we can provide the better.

For those attending the concert, you really wanted to get the word out about bringing non-perishable food items.
Mike: Yes, that is something that we’re hoping to really get out there. Please bring bags and totes and truck loads of food. Any non-perishable food item works, especially staples like juice, peanut butter, and pasta. Nothing in glass jars though, that could get pretty messy!

Ideally, everyone will leave a bag of food by the door before the concert- maybe they could even put it in their car right now so they won’t forget to bring it. We’ve already been promised bags and bags of food from some of our fans who are renting a bus for the evening. How cool is that?!

Can people buy tickets at the door?
Mike: Yes.  Last year we had about 200 people just show up and buy tickets, so if you’re downtown this Saturday night, come on by!

I was there last year, it was such a great mix of young people, older folks, and “dead-heads.” I can’t wait to hit the Bash at the Z again this year!
Mike: Well, we can’t wait to see all our friends again too, it’s gonna be a great night! I just want to make sure I get a big THANK YOU out to Senator Montigny and his assistant Terri Noel, The Hunger Commission staff and the folks at the United Way, Dori Legge at the Z, and to all of our generous sponsors.

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I have some great news for you! Taking a quick look at this weekend weather shows an increase in temperature from a high of 51 degrees today to a high of 62 degrees on Sunday!  Get out of the house this weekend and enjoy the spring weather and some great events.  Again, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the arts, listen to some great local music, and raise some money for some greats causes.  As usual, I’m pulling events from LocalOracle.com that are perfect for all demographics. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them here. If you need directions, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY- 15 APRIL

Tonight, I recommend checking out the Iron Maiden cover-band Iron Mustache at No Problemo (813 Purchase St, New Bedford – $2 donation).  Swing by for a late meal and enjoy some great rock/metal starting at 10 PM.  The $2 donation benefits the Johnny Kicks Cancer Fund.  If Iron Maiden is not your thing, head over to Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St, New Bedford) and catch the J.Kelley Band starting at 9 PM.  They always put on a great show, but get their early because Rose Alley gets packed on Friday nights! Again, I recommend heading over to Libad’s Bar (578 Brock Avenue, New Bedford) to test your luck on their mechanical bull from 9 PM to 1 AM.  If you are looking for some in-house DJs head over to The Ice Chest in Fairhaven (9 PM) or Fins, Catwalk or Hibernia in New Bedford (10 PM).  For other live music and events click here.

SATURDAY – 16 APRIL

During the day, I recommend checking out Art Works (384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford) as they offer Saturday Clay Classes, Journey Dance, Craft Workshop and Story Cafe throughout the day.   Also check out the New Works and We Shine Through Our Art Exhibits at Gallery X (169 William St) from 11 AM to 3 PM. One of the best events to hit New Bedford in a long-time is the “Gun Show” or “Mr. Pour Farm Tavern” from 9 PM to 2 AM at The Pour Farm Tavern.  Get your $10 tickets early because this show will sell out and the price rises to $15 at the door.  All ticket sales benefit Pour Farm’s owner Craig Ribeiro and his  Rhode Island National Guard unit deployed to Afghanistan for a year.  I can promise you this will be a blast and you will be supporting our military overseas.  My money is on the Shake Weight Champion of New Bedford, New Bedford Guide’s very own Noah Griffith, to take home the crown.  For other live music and events click here.

SUNDAY – 17 APRIL

Sunday offers an unique opportunity to support our military veterans by attending the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity’s 3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation Banquet at Umass Dartmouth (Woodland Commons Conference Hall) starting at 1 PM.  Tickets are $10 for veterans or Umass students and $20 for everyone else.  All proceeds Benefit Gold Star Mothers Foundation of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  There will be guest speakers and ceremonies honoring our military and the fallen heroes.

Craving some art?  Head over to the New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant St) as they are still showcasing their Winter Art Exhibit from 12-5 PM.  The New Works and We Shine Through Our Art exhibits continue at Gallery X (169 William St) from 11 AM to 3 PM.  For other live music and events click here.

If you really want to enjoy this weekend with FREE food and other great specials check out the South Coast Discount Coupons for free Pizza, soda and buy one, get one FREE entrees! I hope to see you at some of these events around New Bedford and the South Coast.  If not, I’ll see you here next Friday!

The weather is improving and people are starting to break out of the winter blues.  This weekend looks to be  exciting, with several businesses starting to break out of their shells as well.  There are endless opportunities to enjoy the arts, listen to some great local music, and even catch some classical music at the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.  As usual, I’m pulling the events from LocalOracle.com that are perfect for all demographics. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them here. If you need directions, simply click on the venue name to get their contact info and directions.

FRIDAY- 8 APRIL

One of the biggest problems when going out with some friends is finding something different or unique.  Sometimes I feel like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day. For something unique, I recommend going to see Wood For Fire’s front-man Chris Haskell, as he performs his solo debut at The Pour Farm Tavern from 10 PM to 1 AM. Other live music and events:

• 9 PM: Deja Blue Band at Rose Alley Ale House, Mechanical Bull Riding at Libad’s Bar and DJ Eddie Freitas at the Ice Chest Bar and Grille.
• 9:30 PM: Kenny Richards at Fathom’s Bar and Grille, Russ Peterson at The Candleworks Restaurant.
• 10 PM: Krush band at Knuckleheads, DJ Kraz at Fins Bar and In House DJ at Catwalk Bar and Grille and Hibernia Irish Pub.

SATURDAY – 9 APRIL

Art Works (384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford) will be displaying pictures from the SouthCoast Scenery Photo Contest (9 AM to 2 PM), along with 17 faculty members of the UMass Dartmouth Fine Arts Department will be exhibiting their work alongside the work of one student they have selected in a show entitled, “One Plus One” from (9 AM to 2 PM).

After Artworks, head up William Street to Gallery X for their New Works Exhibition (11 AM – 3 PM). From 6-9 PM, The Whaling Museum is hosting the Global Gala 2011 (International wine and beer tasting) with all proceeds to benefit Global Learning Charter Public School’s College Scholarship Fund.  At 7:30 PM, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra offers a rare treat with Brahms: Symphony No. 4. Other live music and events:

• 8 PM: Joy Periera at Fay’s Restaurant in Dartmouth.
• 8:30 PM: McCarthy & Legge at Kinsale Inn
• 9 PM: Squabble at The Pour Farm Tavern, DJ Glen at Millers Homeport, Mechanical Bull Riding at Libad’s, Daddy-O at the Ice Chest Bar and Grille.
• 9:30 PM: Lady and The Tramp at Fathom’s and Vintage Soul at The Candleworks Restaurant.
• 10 PM: Video Lounge at Hibernia, In House DJ at Catwalk, Lenny Lashley and Blood Moons at No Problemo and Batteries Not Included at Knuckleheads.

SUNDAY – 10 APRIL

There are two must-attend events this Sunday.  First, I recommend the Second Sunday Blues Brunch from 10 AM to 1 PM, featuring Neal McCarthy at The Ice Chest Bar and Grille in Fairhaven. After brunch, head over to the Seaport Inn & Marina for the Jams For Jim fund-raising concert from 2-10 PM.  All proceeds go to pay medical costs for local guitarist/guitar teach Jim Tavares who suffered a stroke a few months ago. Tickets are available at Top Music, Symphony Music Shop and The Music Center. Other live music and events:

• 12 PM: Dog Day Sundays at Hibernia (12-1 PM)
• 4 PM: Chris Richards at the Ice Chest Bar and Grille and Game Night, Pool and Darts at Fins Bar
• 6 Pm: Kenny Richards at Rose Alley
• 7 PM: Sunday Night Jam Sessions at The Pour Farm Tavern
• 8 PM: Industry Night with Dick G. at Knuckleheads
• 9 PM: Karaoke at The Catwalk

Also, don’t forget the Bone Marrow Drive for Chloe Harding is taking place in Rochester on Sunday from 1-5 PM.  Please consider going down and getting your name on the bone marrow donor registry: You could save a life!

I hope to see you at some of these events around New Bedford and the South Coast.   If not, I’ll see you here next Friday!
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