"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Priscilla Beach Theatre, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I very much enjoyed this show at the Priscilla Beach Theatre. I'm not a trained critic but - I know what I like - and I liked this show.  Great cast, acting, singing, and production - fast-paced and witty, too!  It is produced by Bob and Sandy Malone, directed by Connie DiLego, with musical director Christopher Ricci. This performance of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a musical comedy currently on stage at Priscilla Beach Theatre's outdoor tent venue. It's an adult cast but older kids will enjoy watching the show, too. PBT is enjoying its 78th year bringing live theatre to our community! Check the PBT website link for showtimes.

The following images were made during the final dress rehearsal. They are in no particular order other than individuals, groups, whole cast, and support.

It takes more than actors to make it all happen...............the sound and lighting technicians (above)......

......the musicians (above), and many other unsung heros doing the myriad of duties to put on a professional performance. Go see it! Support local live theatre in our community.

More from Amy's Garden, White Horse Beach, Bartlett Pond, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Much as I hate to admit it, I think the garden has peaked. Now the slow march toward fall begins. But it still looks good on a sunny morning like this one.

It also still looks good at twilight.

Here's a 17-second video showing one of the reasons Amy's garden is so lush - a brief but intense summer thundershower.

Plymouth Independent Music Festival - Day Three, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The 3-day Plymouth Independent Music Festival was recently held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrating the best in emerging, local, and independent music. The festival is presented by Brewster Productions. The Day One venue was in Manomet at Holmes Farm, Day Two at Nelson Beach Park in Plymouth, and Day Three at Hedge House in Plymouth.  All three events are outdoors - bring a chair, blanket, sweater, umbrella, whatever. More info at this link.

This post is from Day Three at historic Hedge House. Unfortunately, I only caught two of the acts. My post from Day One in Manomet is at this link. Day Two at Nelson Beach is at this link.

Sinister Kid is a local duo. The percussionist is not drinking Gatorade during the song - it's a bottle of quarters that made a great  percussive sound when shaken!

Not sure why I notice but, I liked the fact that this musician could stand barefoot in lush green grass and make beautiful live music - must be that old 60's hippie gene in me......... 

The show was interrupted periodically by brief  but light rain showers.

But well prepared New Englanders just sat it out and waited.

  

I'm not much of a celebrity watcher but, I thought this woman was a dead ringer for actress/musician Zooey Deschanel.

The Big Lonesome is a Boston-based band.

Put the festival on your calendar for next summer - support local live music in our community. From my perspective, the presence of art, music, and theatre enrich a community by providing the outlet for creativity that makes being human so special.

Plymouth Independent Music Festival - Day Two, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The 3-day Plymouth Independent Music Festival was recently held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrating the best in emerging, local, and independent music. The festival is presented by Brewster Productions. The Day One venue was in Manomet, Day Two at Nelson Beach Park in Plymouth, and Day Three at Hedge House in Plymouth.  All events are outdoors - bring a chair, blanket, sweater, umbrella, whatever. More info at this link.  Sound quality and production values are impressive - very professional.

This post is from Day Two at Nelson Park along the waterfront just north of downtown. Unfortunately, I only caught a few of the acts. My post from Day One in Manomet is at this link.

Nelson Park has an on-site cafe that emphasizes fresh and local food. They even have some vegan-friendly offerings which is always good news for me and other animal lovers.

The Snaz is a group of four Vermont teens.

Diana Inez is a Boston area singer/songwriter.

Gretchen and the Pickpockets is a New Hampshire based band.

And for those who aren't old enough to enjoy the music, the normal park diversions are available - beach, playground, and water fountains.

Sunrise and Sunset, Bartlett Pond, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A great way to start another summer New England day.

A different day, a more muted sunrise, but still a great beginning.

And at the other end of daylight, a dramatic ending as well.

Low tide and summer warmth - a perfect combination to enjoy White Horse and Priscilla Beaches.

Barn Show, Holmes Farm, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

"Music isn't just for humans, ya know." At least that's what this pooch told me. And he came to the right place to hear beautiful music outdoors during a perfect summer evening in New England.

The Barn Show Music Series continued its summer series on this beautiful evening in Manomet at the Holmes Farm on the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences property just off Manomet Point Road. The series is co-presented by Hayley Sabella and Brewster Productions and tonight featured performers David Tanklefsky, Jay Psaros, and Jake Hill and Deep Creek. Links to my previous posts about earlier shows are here and here.

The farm stand doubles as the back of the stage.

And while you're there you can pick up some freshly harvested veggies or flowers to take home. The farm is leased and managed by Jennifer Friedrich and what a beautiful place it is.

It is, first and foremost, a working farm that is hosting a few music events over the summer.

The 22-acre farm provides a spectacular natural setting for live music and, for that matter, everything else live.

What a great activity to bring to Manomet - live music outdoors under the setting sun and into the early evening!   The Holmes Farm sponsors Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and offers memberships.

"The Edible Yard and Holmes Farm operate the farm business on land owned by, and work collaboratively with, Manomet Center For Conservation Sciences. Manomet’s mission is to conserve natural resources for the benefit of wildlife and human populations. Through research and collaboration, Manomet builds science-based, cooperative solutions to environmental problems." (source: Holmes Farm website).



 The snack bar offers some healthy choices, too.

This tractor was a popular diversion for the kids before the show started, and, for that matter, also during the show.

The concert series features original music from folk to country to rock. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for some live music.

They had a great sound system (thanks to Brewster Productions) - high quality, no hisses, pops, or feedback - unlike what I remember in similar outdoor concerts 40 years ago in my youth.

The series hosts a half dozen shows over the summer season. More at this link. David Tanklefsky (photo above) opened the show while the sun was still shining onstage.

David Tanklefsky

Jay Psaros was the next performer.

Jay Psaros did some great finger-dancing on the fretboard!

After the sun had set, the final act, Jake Hill and Deep Creek, prepared to take the stage.

Jake Hill (pictured above) offered the best quote of the night when he said tongue in cheek, while extolling the virtues of the Barn Show series that, "Manomet is the Brooklyn of Plymouth." I loved that line - it's a witty reference to Brooklyn's hip, edgy, and up-and-coming reputation as THE music alternative to downtown New York City. Certainly Manomet is not in that league but it was clever anyway.

By this point in time, it was too dark for me to get a good still image but, this iPhone from the guy in front of me had no trouble. Hmmmm?  Why do I carry a pocket camera when today's phones can do this?

And of course, the performer's CDs were available to purchase for those so inclined.

I hope the weather holds for the rest of the six show season - these first three evenings have been absolutely perfect. Mark your calendars for Aug 9, 31 and Oct 12, and come out and support local live outdoor music in Manomet.