Volume 3|April 12, 2023

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Artsy box update!

The Franklin Cultural District continues to be excited about our newly selected artists. We are still waiting for the weather to level itself for priming the work spaces, but we’d love to share this week’s highlight.


The first public art share will be painted by Franklin High School students, Bridge Powers and 

Greyson Higgins titled “Love Bugs”. The artwork is a focus on bugs native to Massachusetts. It incorporates musical elements related to Franklin’s art and music program. The books the bugs are reading, are a reference to Franklin having the first public library. The rainbows represent Franklin’s progressive and inclusive nature. We are excited to see the students share their interpretation of Franklin’s beauty with us all. 


Please check our weekly updates as we continue to share our artists and their inspiration. The FCDC is grateful for the continue support of the Artsy Box initiative from Mass Cultural Council and Town of Franklin.

Arts Happen Here!

Bloom by Amy Adams

Ongoing. The art collection "BLOOM" by artist Amy Adams ushers in the Spring with touches of feminine and floral imagery. It is currently installed at 67 Degrees Brewing. The artwork splashes the walls with plenty of color and invites you to look deeper into the details. This installation is meant to calm and bring joy to the viewer as it encourages exploring the movement and stillness of nature. Select Painting for more information. 67 Degrees Brewing, 158 Grove St.

Gelato at Applause!

Ongoing. Applause ⎸Gelato and Unique Gifts. This week Applause will rotate through Madagascar Vanilla, Dark Belgium Chocolate, Pure Sicilian Pistachio, Argentine Sea Salt Caramel, Cookies and Cream, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Straciatella, New York Strawberry Cheesecake, Birthday Cake, Raspberry Sorbetto (V). Lemon Sorbetto (V)

Select Applause for info. 34 Main St., in the Cultural District. 

This Week in the Cultural District

A Bookstore in the Heart of the Cultural District

Thursday, April 13, 10:00 am 12:00 noon, Writer's Quiet Space at Escape into Fiction Bookstore. Seeking a quiet place to work? Bring your own hotspot Wi-fi. Enjoy a visit to the Franklin Art Association Gallery in the Bookstore. Select bookstore for information about Escape into Fiction. Located 12 Main Street.

The Patio is Back! ... Great Wine, Music and Food

Thursday, April 13, 5:30 to 8:30, David Penza, Live Music

Thursday, April 13, 12:00 noon to 7:30 pm, Cousins Main Lobster

Friday, April 14, 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The Patio at La Cantina Winery. Live Music and Papalias Brick Oven Pizza. Select Patio for information. Located 357 Union St.

67 Degrees Brewing ... in the taproom

  • Friday, April 14, Gay Perkoski, Live Music, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
  • Ongoing, Artwork by Franklin artist, Amy Adams.

Select 67 Degrees for more information about these events. 158 Grove Street.

Theatre Senior Showcase

Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15, 7:30 pm. Theatre Senior Showcase. Featuring scenes, songs, and monologues, the annual Senior Theatre Showcase is a celebration of the class of 2023 and the cohort’s formal introduction to the professional theatre community.Select Dean for ticket info.

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Saturday, April 15, all day, First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk, Raindate April 16. Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum and Escape Into Fiction Bookstore for your free map and ladybug surprise! Museum Hours: Sat 10-1, Sun 1-4. Bookstore Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Sponsored by Franklin Downtown Partnership. Select FDP for more information.

Silent Saturday at the Museum

Saturday, April 15, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Silent Saturday ... Free Silent Movie Showing. High and Dry (1920). Franklin Historical Museum.

Sunday, Aril 16, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Museum open.

Select Museum for more information, 80 West Central Street.

Louse Toppin, Soprano

Sunday, April 16, 3:00 pm LiveARTS at First Universalist Society of Franklin. Come and hear celebrated soprano Louise Toppin. Presenting music by Harry T. BurleighCharles IvesAmy Beach, Nathaniel Dett, Undine Moore, and William Grant Still. Tickets  Adults- $25.00, Students (18 and under)- by donation. Tickets available at the door. Accessible Parking and Building. Select LiveARTS for information. Located 262 Chestnut St.

Franklin Public Library

  • Sunday, April 16, 2:00 to 4:30 pm, Chess Group. Contact Roy Wolfe 508-346-3377 or [email protected].
  • Tuesday, April 18, 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Toe Jam Puppet Band! Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rocking' concert. This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along. [email protected]. Select Library for more information. Located at 118 Main Street.

Senior Players Performance

Tuesday, April 18 or April 25, 11:00 am, Doors Open at 10:45 am. THE SENIOR PLAYERS SPRING PERFORMANCE! Don’t Miss the Spring Performance of the Senior Players. Seating is Limited so Sign Up Now! See you at the Show. Select Senior for more information. Located at 10 Daniel McCahill.

Dean Neighborhood Alliance

Tuesday, April 18, 6:00 pm, Dean Neighborhood Alliance, Dean College. Together, attendees will share information and develop mutually beneficial opportunities that improve our neighborhood and the town of Franklin as a whole. Campanella Boardroom, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, Dean..

Looking Ahead ...

Earth Day Weekend in Franklin

Saturday, April 22, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Earth Day Clean Up, meet at Beaver Pond and clean up targeted areas around Franklin. Please bring your own gloves and rakes. Select Earth for more information.

Sunday, April 23, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Earth Day Clean Up, at Del Carte Conservation Area, An event for children and families! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth. Select Del Carte for more information. Located 459 Pleasant Street.

Weekend Performances at THE BLACK BOX

Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm, Confounded Bridge, a band put together by A-List Musicians to re-create The Led Zeppelin Experience. Big Vocals, Guitars & Drums will have you on your feet all night long screaming for more. This is a show you definitely don't want to miss. At THE BLACK BOX.

Opening Stevie J and Pride and Joy. Select Bridge for ticket information/ purchase.


Sunday, April 23 at 12:00 pm, BLACK BOX Jazz presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band! The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more.

Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon at THE BLACK BOX. Select Band for ticket information/ purchase.


All Day Mah Jongg Fun!

Register by April 24 for Mah Jongg Play All Day Event at the First Universalist Society on Saturday, May 6, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.  Cost: $30, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins as you arrive. To register or for additional information, contact Katie Nunes at [email protected], or call 508-254-7918. Select FUSF for more information.


Arts & Culture Listening Tour, Session 2

April 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Arts & Culture Listening Tour at Franklin Public Library. Mark your calendar for the Second Session of the

Listening Tour ... join the conversation! Select Listening for more information. Library is located at 118 Main Street. Use School Street entrance.

Electric Youth and Future Shock!

Saturday, April 29, 7:30 pm, Electric Youth 2023 with special guests Future Shock! Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of World-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. At THE BLACK BOX, select Electric for ticket purchase. Located 15 West Central Street.

Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about arts and culture. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.

FCD Committee

Franklin's Cultural District Committee (FCDC) engages, promotes, celebrates, and collaborates with Franklin's artists and creatives, as well as organizations, institutions, and businesses. The Committee meets April 13, at 7 PM. Zoom link on Town of Franklin website, Boards/Committees.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, John LoPresti, 

Roberta Trahan