Watermelon Wednesdays raising money to support its operations

WHATELY — As Watermelon Wednesdays heads into its 24th year of bringing music to Whately, the concert series is putting out a fundraising call to keep the music coming.

Watermelon Wednesdays organizer Paul Newlin said in a newsletter that ticket sales for each performance generate about $2,000, which goes to the performers, and the total cost of running the concert series comes out to approximately $20,000. Newlin said he and his partner are fortunate to not rely on the concerts for income and their payment is the “joy people feel from experiencing the music,” but community support is needed to keep it going.

Donations can be made at watermelonwednesdays.com or checks can be mailed to Watermelon Wednesdays Inc. at 148 Conway Road, Whately, MA 01039.

Watermelon Wednesdays returns Feb. 9 (a Thursday) at 7 p.m. at Whately Town Hall with fiddlers Jeremy Kittel and Kittle & Co. Tickets are on sale now.

Mount Toby Concerts hosting singer-songwriter Jim Sharkey

LEVERETT — Mount Toby Concerts’ music series continues with Irish-American singer-songwriter Jim Sharkey on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.

Sharkey, who grew up in Ireland and moved to the U.S. in 1982, blends traditional Celtic ballads with contemporary issues set in the areas where he’s lived. A suggested donation of $15 to $25 is requested at the door. To make reservations, email diacrowe@yahoo.com or call 413-336-2589.

Masks are required indoors, but proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. Concerts are held at 194 Long Plain Road.

‘Spring Eternal’ artwork on display at Sunderland library

SUNDERLAND — Through February, the public is invited to stop by the Sunderland Public Library to view “Spring Eternal,” an abstract art exhibit created by Sunderland artist S.T. Gately.

“Spring Eternal” explores the representation and preservation of the natural world through abstract landscapes and dried and pressed flowers on canvas, with the goal of imbuing the viewer with a fresh perspective.

The Sunderland Public Library at 20 School St. is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historic Deerfield presenting winter-themed concert

DEERFIELD — Historic Deerfield is hosting a winter-themed concert led by musician-in-residence Tim Eriksen on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., where attendees will be treated to interpretations and imaginations of winter in early New England through stories and songs.

The show, titled “Winter Music: Songs, Stories and a Musical Mystery In Old Deerfield,” will also include the mystery of an 18th-century carol unique to Deerfield’s Memorial Libraries and Justin Hitchcock’s manuscript setting of Francis Hopkins’ winter poem, “The Traveler.”

The concert will be held at 16 Memorial St. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for museum members and $10 for children ages 12 and younger. They can be purchased in advance at historic-deerfield.org.

Historic Deerfield accepting 2023 summer fellowship applications

DEERFIELD — Historic Deerfield is inviting applications from college juniors and seniors to take part in an intensive, nine-week summer fellowship program in history and material culture, which is designed for students pursuing degrees in American studies, archaeology, art and art history, as well as preservation and museum studies.

The fellowship takes place at the museum and each of the seven participants receives a full fellowship covering all expenses associated with the program, including tuition, room and board, and field trips. A limited number of stipends will be awarded to students with demonstrated financial need to help cover lost summer income.

The program begins June 5 and ends Aug. 7. Applications are being accepted at historic-deerfield.org/sfp. The application deadline is Feb. 6.

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