Arts Alive Celebrates the Arts, Juneteenth, Pride Month, and Father’s Day on June 14, 15, and 16
Arts Alive, ArtsFalmouth’s annual celebration of the arts, returns to the Falmouth Library Lawn the weekend of June 14-16. With over 40 performances on the Lawn and 75+ vendors on Shore Street Ext. and Peg Noonan Park, there is something for everyone. The event is free and open to the public and takes place rain or shine.
For more information, vihttps://artsfalmouth.org/arts-alive-2024/sit ArtsFalmouth.org/arts-alive-2024/
The festival starts Friday evening with performances by the many talented music students of Falmouth Academy at 5 PM, award-winning singer/songwriter Shannon Davis at 6 PM, and Falmouth’s own Puffy Elvis for the Town Dance from 7 to 9 PM. Puffy Elvis is a big, old-time rock ‘n’ roll band made up of teachers, retired teachers, and some people who know teachers. Young in spirit and high in energy, the band plays classic rock hits and a few new tunes to encourage everyone to get up and dance.
Saturday begins with a commemoration of Juneteenth, the date in 1865, when the last group of enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas were declared free by the U.S. Army, two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Paul Glass will emcee the event, which begins at 9:45 AM with drumming by Lisa Esperson to draw attendees to the Performance Tent. At 10 AM, Ashlei Weathers will offer a Libation, a ceremonial African tradition honoring the spirits of ancestors. Henry St. Julian will discuss the historical context of Juneteenth, and Representative David Vieira will read the Emancipation Proclamation. The Juneteenth Celebration Chorus, Lawrence School students led by Eileen Cahill, will sing “Lift Every Voice.” Falmouth Public School student poetry and art will be featured.
Arts Alive also celebrates Pride Month and Father’s Day and encourages participation in the arts for all ages.
Performances by local musicians, dance and theater groups and soloists, and more will continue in two tents on the Falmouth Library Lawn and in Peg Noonan Park throughout the day until 9 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
Meanwhile, artisans will offer a wide range of handcrafted items: original artwork, photographs, ceramics, wooden pieces, jewelry, home décor items, fiber arts items, soaps, notecards, candles, seasonings, blown glass items, wearables, children’s toys, and much more.
ArtsFalmouth is seeking volunteers throughout the festival to make sure everything goes smoothly. “Arts Alive is organized by a small group of volunteer ArtsFalmouth board members,” said Marilyn Rowland, president of the nonprofit organization. “We rely on members of the community to help on the festival weekend. It’s fun and engaging, and we really appreciate the help, even if people can spare only a couple of hours.”
For more information about Arts Alive and to volunteer, visit artsfalmouth.org/arts-alive-2024/ or email artsfalmouthinc@gmail.com.
Notes on The Arts 