The Visual and Performing Arts Department of the Plymouth Public Schools is partnering with Memorial Hall and Don Jovi (yes, Don – it’s a Bon Jovi tribute band) for a fundraiser on Sept. 6. The money raised will lower costs for a planned trip to Hawaii in December for 80 Plymouth high school music students who will perform as part of the commemoration of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The marching band will be part of the ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial, and it will also participate in a parade.
“We try to provide opportunities for all our kids to travel,” said Mike Caple, the school’s visual and performing arts coordinator. “In addition to the ceremony, the students will get to tour the island and see some Hawaiian culture as part of their time there. It’s educationally appropriate, historically appropriate, culturally appropriate. It’s awesome.”
The fundraising effort is also more exciting than a bake sale. The Don Jovi performance give supporters an experience of their own in exchange for financial support. “People that aren’t involved in the trip to want to go to see Don Jovi because there’s value in that experience anyway,”
The goal is to reduce the cost of the trip- about $2,250 per person – by $500. This isn’t the only fundraiser that the school will undertake but it may be the most fun. Don Jovi, fronted by Don Chaffin, aims to bring the Bon Jovi’s music to the stage with, and he’s not living on a prayer – it’s supposed to be quite a show.
It is also a sign of a healthy, committed community that the high school can work with Memorial Hall in support of an amazing travel and cultural experience for its public high school students.
The show is at 7 p.m. at 83 Court St. Tickets are $29 and you can get them here.
You’re invited to submit a listing for this column: It’s easy. Just email your information to carl@plymouthindependent.org. A good quality photo without type on the image – sent as a jpg attachment – helps.
August 28
Brothers Project will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. The Allman Brother’s tribute band will, hopefully, perform under blue skies in the final concert of the 2024 season. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and it’s free. Get there early – these concerts draw big crowds. (As of late Monday morning, the show was still scheduled to happen, according to Projects Arts. The concerts are held on state land, which is not covered by the town’s dusk-to-dawn closure of public fields and parks because of the high risk of EEE.)
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. At this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m.
August 29
The Spire presents the latest in the Life & Lyrics Concert and Podcast series with Cara Brindisi. The format features interviews and performances with some of her favorite musicians. This month’s event features singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah Blacker. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and you can get them here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 79 Water St.
Plymouth GPub in partnership with Friends of Plymouth Pound presents GPup Birthday Party for a Cause, kicking off a series of events for dogs and dog owners that include monthly meet-and-greets with local shelter dogs, a doggy menu, and special events on the restaurant’s new “paw-tio.” Join Instagram star, Queen Suki for her Under the Sea-themed birthday party, enjoy doggie treats and bark happy birthday at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the sales at this event will benefit the Friends of Plymouth Pound.
August 30
The Spire presents Asleep at the Wheel, led by Ray Benson. The band has been performing western swing music for more than 50 years. Representing an important cornerstone of American roots music, Asleep at the Wheel has released 30 albums and won 10 Grammys. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $72 and you can get them here.
August 31
The Spire presents NRBQ, who have been performing with various lineups over 50 years, NRBQ blends rock, pop, blues and jazz. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.
The Salvation Army is hosting its Tools for School: Backpack and School Supply Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 252 Long Pond Road. This annual event supplies hundreds of children and their families with a backpack full of back-to-school supplies, giveaways, and snacks. For more information, go here.
September 1
Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., is planning a 200th birthday party with free admission all day and free cupcakes served on the museum steps from 11:30 am until 1 p.m. Activities will include the New Plimmoth Gard costumed re-enactors firing volleys and sharing stories of 17th-century life, along with family-friendly treasure hunts. In the evening, the 200th Anniversary Rustic English Country Masque & Ball Benefit will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, featuring music by Seven Times Salt. Tickets are $100 for members and $125 for non-members. You can buy them here.
Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., presents One Night of Queen by Gary Mullen and The Works. They have been performing this tribute to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Queen for over 20 years. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29 to $69 and you can get them here.
September 4
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. At this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m.
September 5
Plimoth Patuxet Museums presents singer/songwriter, Kim Moberg as part of its ongoing summer Thursday night series, The Best Night of the Week. In addition to listening to the music, you are encouraged to take walks along the ground’s winding paths, enjoy lawn games, or eat wood-fired pizza at this family-friendly event. Make your own history. Admission for children 12 and under and Plimoth Patuxet Members is free. Otherwise, you pay for general museum admission, and prices vary. For tickets, go here.
September 6
First Fridays returns with close to 25 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms opening its doors for an evening of art, culture and inspiration downtown. This month features events at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., including demonstrations by potter Roger Honey and watercolorist Tony Visco. Music will be performed by violinist Angelica Vendetti and pianist Diana Barnes. Enjoy light refreshments while viewing the members’ exhibit “Expressions.” First Friday events happen between 5 and 8 p.m. For more information, go here.
The Visual and Performing Arts Department of the Plymouth Public Schools is having a fundraiser at Memorial Hall, presenting Bon Jovi tribute band Don Jovi. See the lead item in this column for more.
The Spire presents Corey Rodrigues, a nationally touring comedian from Massachusetts who has performed on Catch a New Rising Star and Conan O’Brien. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, and you can get them here.
Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Road, presents “They’re Playing My Song” for a nine-day run ending on Sept. 14. This musical comedy about an established composer and his relationship with an aspiring lyricist is both romantic and funny. There are evening and matinee performances. For tickets, go here.