Author Talking About How Watertown Square has Changed Through the Years

Hear about how Watertown Square has changed over the decades in an author talk sponsored by the Historical Society of Watertown. WHEN: Thurs., March 21, 2019

EVENT: “Watertown Square through Time” with Cara Marcus Presented by: Historical Society of Watertown

Cara Marcus will do a game show style presentation of her new book, “Watertown Square through Time.” How well do you know Watertown? — its streets, buildings, events and famous people? Find out. Come to the Community Room of the Watertown Police Department Headquarters, at 552 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472 on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Author Susan Orlean Coming to Town, Other One Book One Watertown Events

The following announcement came from the Watertown Library:

In March and April, Watertown Free Public Library will offer a wide range of special events inspired by The Library Book by Susan Orlean. The Library Book is WFPL’s 2019 pick for One Book, One Watertown, an annual reading event designed to bring the community together. On April 4, 2019, Orlean will visit the library for an author talk and book signing. WFPL staff chose to read and promote The Library Book this year partly as a nod to the library’s 150th anniversary, which falls on March 31. Librarian Kerrianne Mcquown writes: “We chose The Library Book as our community read because it is a beautiful ode that amply illustrates the importance and vitality of libraries in our current age. Author Susan Orlean will visit Watertown to speak about her book “The Library Book.”

The Kelly Girls Will Perform Celtic Music at Library’s Winter Concert Series

The Kelly Girls will perform as part of the Watertown Library’s Winter Concert Series. The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s final Winter Concert features the Celtic sounds of The Kelly Girls. The group will perform at the Library on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The performance is free and open to the public. The Celtic band the Kelly Girls have quickly gained recognition as one of the most entertaining Celtic Bands in New England.

Bluegrass Concert the Latest Revels Fringe Concert in Watertown

Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer will perform traditional Appalachian music at the Revels Fringe concert on March 2. The following information was provided by Revels:

Appalachian music comes alive as  Revels FRINGE presents bluegrass musicians Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer, Saturday, March 2 in Watertown, MA

Experience the voices at the forefront of today’s music scene at three exciting concerts exploring the unpredictable edge of the folk process. The 2019 Revels FRINGE Concert Series kicked off January 26 with an amazing farewell concert by Night Tree, a popular roots-based band comprised of young, brilliant musicians who love taking traditional folk music in new directions. The trend continues on Saturday, March 2 when Revels FRINGE presents two extraordinary bluegrass musicians, Jake Blount & Libby Weitnauer. A rising star with a unique take on traditional music Jake Blount is an African American banjo player, fiddler, scholar and vocalist whose musical mentors include Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins of the GRAMMY-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops.

New Rep’s Latest Production, “Still Standing” on Stage Now, Offering ASL Interpreted Shows

New Repertory Theatre’s latest production, Still Standing, was written and performed by Anita Hollander will run through March 3. The following information was provided by NewRep Theatre:

Anita Hollander lost her leg in 1977 to cancer. Still Standing details her story from diagnosis to the very moment of performance. Her leg will not grow back, but her mind and spirit and soul have grown to more than compensate. With songs, wit, understatement, great dollops of humor, but not a smidgen of self-pity, Hollander reaches out to every member of the audience.

Watertown Library Hosts President James Madison at Next Democracy Talks

Historical interpreter Bil Lewis will portray President James Madison at the Watertown Free Public Library. Former U.S. President James Madison will be the guest at the next Democracy Talks at the Watertown Free Public Library. Historical interpreter Bil Lewis will present, in character, “James Madison and the Coming of Age of the U.S.” on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room.

Children’s Valentine’s Day Event at the Watertown Mall

The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal St., Watertown, and Watertown Families Together are hosting “Share Your Love” – a Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2019 starting at 10:00 am. This is a free event & all ages are welcome, although it is catered to younger children. The event’s specific location is in the back hallway, across from Carter’s and next to Target. This event will include crafting activities (Valentine’s Day cards), singing songs, storytelling, and some surprises. About the Watertown Mall

The Watertown Mall is wheelchair accessible and accessible by MBTA Bus routes 70 and 70A.

Watertown Group Hosts Showing of Film on Refugees Made by Chinese Filmmaker

The Watertown Citizens for Refugee Support group will present a showing of a film by Chinese artist and filmmaker Ai Wei-Wei. Organizers provided the following information:

On Sunday Feb. 17, Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Group will present the powerful film Human Flow at 1:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library. Exiled from China, visionary artist/filmmaker Ai Wei Wei has received rave reviews for his documentary about the world-wide refugee crisis. From critic Matt Fagerholm (@RogerEbert.com): “His goal of placing a human face on such a sprawling crisis is a daunting one that few filmmakers have been able to achieve with lasting resonance… Human Flow is a towering achievement from one of the world’s foremost champions of human rights.