Saturday Morning Discovery Series heads into spring
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

PHOTO/SUBMITTED Henry the Juggler

Marlb o "Stride" pianist master Jack Radcliff will be the first of nine professional p erformers to entertain audiences during the Arts Alliance's Saturday Morning Discovery Series beginning Feb. 2 and running through April 5. The series, which will be held at the Walker Building at 255 Main St. in Marlborough, is part of the combined commitment of the city and the Arts Alliance to bring high quality artistic performances to the community. The program starts at 11 a.m. each Saturday.

Radcliff will entertain audiences of all ages with his classic American "Ragtime" jazz performance. The free concert, which is open to the public, will feature the "Stride" piano technique that originated in Harlem during World War I.

Arts Alliance publicist Susan Alatalo said that the Saturday morning series has been running for several years.

"These types of events bring people into town," she said. "Lots of times, families go out to breakfast before the performance. It is nice to feel that there is a city center with activity."

The performance series will feature several new faces and also will welcome back some returning favorites.

"All of the performers that we bring in are specifically referred to us," Alatalo said.

The artists come from all over New England and they are a diverse group of acclaimed professionals. Alatalo encouraged all members of the community to attend.

"This series is a great cultural experience for the local residents without having to pay the high prices for tickets and parking to travel to performances," she said.

Len Gerwick, a local puppeteer, will once again entertain Marlborough audiences Feb. 23 with his adaptation of "Aesop's Tale."

Those not sure what a hammered dulcimer is can attend the series March 1, when Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond, from "Yankee Nations," perform in two-part harmony "Songs of Old New England." Both are accomplished singers and musicians who play a wide range of instruments, including a hammered dulcimer.

Making their Marlborough debut March 8 will be "The Gloucester Hornpipe and Clog Society," who will perform sea shanties and traditional Irish music. Alatalo herself is a fan of the group, which has been entertaining audiences since the 1970s.

"I am really excited," she said, "and I have been waiting to see them for a long time."

The Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization that will be hosting several other events during the winter and spring months. Some of the other upcoming programs include after-school programs, school vacation workshops, Art in the Hall exhibits, an evening of Celtic music with the "Kerry Boys" and more.

For information about the Saturday Morning Discover Series or any other Arts Alliance program, visit the website at www.upwitharts.org.