McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a fall season of a variety of music, literary programming and art gallery events serving the South Shore community at 24 West Street, Norwell.
Mondays at the James: Travel with Abby and Megan
Monday, October 1, 7 pm
Admission is free, donations appreciated at the door
Join Chef Abby Gray and Cultural Attaché Megan Butow as they talk about their upcoming trips to Umbria & Rome in Italy this October, and Paris & Bordeaux, France in May of 2019. They’ll share what makes these trips and locations so unique and culinary and culturally exciting. Travel with Abby & Megan and feel confident that every meal will be delicious, each glass of wine will be lovely and the cultural activities will be inspiring.
Norwell Historic House Tour & Shopping Boutique
Friday, October 12, 9 am to 3 pm
Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
Tickets purchased at jameslibrary.org
*A limited number of complimentary tickets are available to seniors 65+ if reserved in person
at The James Library, courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation
Step into history as Norwell’s antique homeowners invite the public inside for a tour. From wide-planked floorboards to one-of-a-kind craftsmanship, Norwell’s historic homes showcase alluring architecture, and within the walls of these homes are the stories that shaped the community. The tour includes 6 gorgeous historic homes plus The James Library and the Cushing Center. Tour starts at the Shopping Boutique at the Cushing Center, 673 Main Street, Norwell. Ticket holders will receive the tour booklet and map and can enjoy refreshments while shopping. Proceeds benefit The James Library & Center for the Arts’ mission to inspire creativity, learning and an appreciation for the arts through music, visual and literary programs in a historic and welcoming space for the community.
Weekend Classics Concert and Reception: Calyx Trio
Sunday, October 21, 3 pm
Tickets: $35 Adults, $30 Seniors 65+, $20 Students
The Calyx Piano Trio performs a concert of delightful, melodic and important works by three distinguished female composer/pianists. Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983) is the only female composer in the renowned group “Les Six.” Tailleferre’s sonorous trio is a later work composed in 1978, 40 years before Berkeley composer Beth Denisch’s Factor Fiction (2018) was written for the Calyx Trio. Denisch’s trio explores expressions of love and joy as essential responses to current political times. Clara Wieck Schumann was a major concert artist in her time noted for her sparkling technique and performances without music. Also an accomplished composer like her husband Robert and close friend Johannes Brahms, the Trio in G Minor was one of this virtuoso pianist’s finest works. After the performance, guests are invited to join musicians Catherine French, Nina Ferrigno and Jennifer Lucht for an elegant wine reception in the art gallery.
Norwell Historical Society Annual Meeting
Featuring actress Janet Parnes as First Lady Dolly Madison
Sunday, October 28, 3 pm
Admission is free, donations appreciated at the door
When Dolly Madison became First Lady in 1809, no one realized the political and fashion influence the wife of the president could have. Born in 1768, 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of Mrs. Madison’s birth! Celebrate this occasion with the Norwell Historical Society and learn about this influential First Lady who used her charm and status to become a force for women’s rights, facilitate political connections for her husband, and transform the White House into an exquisite national home.
Artists Therese Bilodeau, Avis Pinkos and Jeanine Weaver
“Of Art and Friendship”
Art Gallery Opening Friday, November 9, 6 to 8 p.m.
On view November 9 to January 9, 2019
Free and open to the public
These three fine artists began painting together at weekly art classes in the Marshfield Studio of the late June Angier. Art continues to be a constant in their lives. They consider themselves to be fortunate in having a love of, and a flair for art, as well as the privilege of having bonded as close friends.
Mama Steph: Music, Movement, and More!
Saturday, November 10, 10:30 am
First Parish Church of Norwell Parish Hall, 24 River Street (adjacent to the James)
Admission is free, donations appreciated at the door
Space is limited. Reservations required.
Bring your little ones and join Stephanie Chase for traditional music, puppets, sing-a-longs, smiles and lots of laughs. This show is best for children up to seven years of age. Space is limited; please register in advance by email at jameslibrary@verizon.net or phone at (781) 659-7100.
Stephanie “Mama” Chase is an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, entertainer and craftsperson. As Mama Steph she has a vast and loyal audience throughout the South Shore, with well attended and appreciated performances. She has published three albums of her original music, with thousands of copies sold.
Weekend Classics Encore: Meadowlark Trio
Music for Food Benefit Concert
Sunday, November 11, 3 pm
Admission is free, audience members encouraged to make a donation to benefit Interfaith Social Services
The first of two free “Weekend Classics Encore” series performances at the James. Music for Food is a musician-led initiative to fight hunger in our local communities. Performances transform music into food, nourishing ears and bodies. Now embarking on its 8th season in Boston, Music for Food was founded by Grammy award winning violist Kim Kashkashian in 2010. The Meadowlark Piano Trio hails from America’s heartland. Formed by three best friends in 2012, the trio has since performed nationwide to great acclaim, and they were named semi-finalists in the 2017 Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition. These New England Conservatory artist fellows represent Music for Food as they perform for free, asking audience members to make donations in lieu of purchasing tickets. All donations will benefit Interfaith Social Services’ food pantry.
For more information about The James Library’s programs and events, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the James Library & Center for the Arts
Since 1874, The James Library has served the South Shore community as a warm gathering place. Housed in a landmark Victorian in historical Norwell Center, The James is dedicated to serving the community by providing high-quality programs, resources and materials through a concert hall, art gallery and the operation of a free lending library. As an independent, non-profit arts center we foster a mission for the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts for residents of all ages on the South Shore, while preserving the historic character of our home. The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 5 pm, Thursday and Friday from 12 to 5 pm, and on Saturday from 10 to 2 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
