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Anyone out and about in downtown Plymouth between 5 and 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month may notice an extra bustling of people. More than two dozen galleries, restaurants, and shops in the Plymouth Bay Cultural District participate in First Fridays Plymouth, an event that is designed to encourage local support for the town’s cultural community. First Fridays is now in its fourth year. Founders Gail Parker and Kat LiBretto’s idea was based on First Fridays around the country and is aimed at encouraging people to search out and experience the thriving cultural scene in town while drawing customers to downtown businesses.
“Just the energizing [of] small businesses, it’s cool just in general,” Parker said, “because most people think of Plymouth as a historic town. And to bring the idea of culture to it is super important.”
Supported, in part, by the Town of Plymouth and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, First Fridays is still growing. It takes places from May to October and is run by volunteers. Its founders often reach into their own pockets to cover expenses. For example, redesigning and printing maps is an ongoing process as new organizations and businesses join the event.
Ideas for the future of First Friday include expanding into different parts of town or extending the season. Finding other funding sources, sponsors, and volunteers are priorities.
LiBretto said that during the first event, in May, about two dozen couples and groups came through her Inky Hands studio on Court Street. “To see that many people on the first one was great,” she said.
For now, First Fridays Plymouth is comprised of an eclectic team of arts organizations and businesses. It features four historical organizations, five restaurants that often have live music, an antique store, a clothing boutique, galleries, and studios.
For a list of participants, events, and more information, go here.
More to do around town
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.
The Summer concert series on the Plymouth waterfront begins this year with Grammy nominated artist Munk Duane, along with opening act Louise Adams. Duane’s R&B influenced music relies on the influence of ‘60s and ‘70s soul music. This free event, presented by Project Arts of Plymouth, takes place between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Come get your groove on, sample the food trucks, and enjoy the view and summer weather. For more information, go here.
June 27
Plymouth Memorial Hall presents Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers as they celebrate 25 years of the album “Spirit Trail.” The 13-time Grammy nominee has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. And that’s just the way it is. The show starts at 8 p.m. and ticket prices range from $49 to $129. You can get them here.
The Spire presents Cara Brindisi, in an unusual format that combines interviews and performances, featuring some of her favorite musicians. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and you can get them here.
Local hip hop artist CM Young, along with Yung Delirious and Elquan, perform at New World Tavern, 56 Main St., as part of their Now or Never Tour. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 and you can get them here.
June 29
The Spire presents the Pousette-Dart Band. Jon Pousette-Dart is a veteran songwriter, musician, and performing artist. His band had a string of hits in the 1970s. It will be performing classics and newer material. Who can forget a song like “Amnesia?” The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $34 and you can get them here.
Sustainable Plymouth is sponsoring an Electric Vehicle Car Show at the Plymouth Public Library. You will get to see all types of EVs including cutting edge models from local dealerships. At a 1 p.m. workshop, you can learn about the state and federal incentives for buying an EV and Plymouth’s plans for installing additional charging stations. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 132 South St., and is free. For more information, go here.
June 30
The Black Feather Horse Rescue will hold a 20th Anniversary Celebration Gourmet Hike, hosted by IndieFerm. It’s a fundraiser for the rescue sanctuary, which is currently home to 25 horses and donkeys, two pigs, one llama, five goats, two dogs, one cat, and a bunch of chickens. The two-mile gourmet hike through the woods focusing on local and seasonal foods. It starts at IndieFerm in Camelot Park and stops at four locations, making for a unique culinary experience. All food and one drink are included with the ticket price of $75. You can get tickets here.
July 4
America’s Hometown plans a full day of celebrations that includes an early 5k road race, the annual Fourth of July Parade, free concerts and food trucks on the waterfront, and a fireworks extravaganza over the harbor. All events are free. For more information, go here. There will be more on the day’s event in next week’s Culture column, but here’s a succinct roundup:
The 9th Annual Fourth of July 5K race starts at 7:30 a.m. at Plymouth Rock. To register for the race, go here.
Plymouth’s Fourth of July Parade starts at 9 a.m. from 10 Cordage Park Circle and will wind its way down Court Street to Main Street and Main Street Extension before turning left onto Water Street and finishing in front of Pilgrim Memorial State Park at the bottom of Coles Hill. Water Street from Union Street to Brewster Street will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. and will remain closed until the conclusion of the fireworks. Parking restrictions will be in place.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its traditional Fourth of July concert at 7:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
Fireworks! Starting at 9:15, over the harbor, viewing spots are available throughout town including Pilgrim Memorial State Park, Burial Hill, and Nelson Park. Stephens Field will be off limits.
For more information or to support the July Fourth events, go here.
July 5
The Spire presents the Americana Theatre Company’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” on select dates from July 5 through July 21 with 11 performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. This classic whodunnit by Agatha Christie follows detective Hercule Poirot, as passengers on a train rely on him to identify the murderer before he/she strikes again. It’s to die for. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.