West African Dance and Drumming with Rooted Essence Dance
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
2025 South Hadley Cultural Council Grant Recipient. West African Dance and Drumming from 11:00 am-noon presented by Tara Murphy of the Rooted Essence Dance Studio. Tara Murphy of the Rooted Essence Dance Studio will present a beginning West African Dance and Drumming program that will help people to learn about the basic style of West African dances from Mali, Guinea and Senegal, West Africa. The class emphasizes community, self-expression and the joy of movement. Drumming is an activity that stimulates the magic and fun within people. Not only is it a proven team builder, but many studies show how it reduces stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, drumming together sparks creativity and vision -- the rhythms are a powerful way for people to tap into their receptivity to new ideas. Drumming naturally uplifts people's hearts and brings people together in beautiful ways, in a feeling of unity.

Path of Miracles w/ Illumine Vocal Arts Ensemble
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Abbey Chapel @ Mt. Holyoke College, 50 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
April 5, 2025, 7:30 PM
Abbey Chapel, Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley
Path of Miracles, Joby Talbot
with Amherst Concert Choir
and Audivi

Free for All: The Public Library (film screening)
2025-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Musical Petting Zoo
2025-04-12 10:30 - 11:30 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra are bringing their instrument "petting zoo". Attendees will be able to see, touch and hear many instruments.
This event is geared towards young children, but all welcome.

Musings Along the Way - With Local Author Martha Johnson
2025-04-16 18:00 - 19:30 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Musings Along the Way
In this set of books I reflect in poetry on my 11-year journey (1997- 2008) to hope and healing. Interestingly enough, folks grappling with the changes, challenges and temporary despair of the world situation AND their own aging transitions, may find them an encouraging resource. We are not alone!
For me, I was “writing for my life” pouring out feelings which would ultimately help me heal. I encourage anyone to respond to their tough life issues in writing, painting, crying and laughing. Originally published in 2002 & 2011. New Covers and New Forward in 2023.
Vol 1 – Tears, Lies and Fresh Fruit Pies (1997-2001)
Vol 2 – Pain, Persistence and Purifying Waters (2002-2008)

Songs and Stories of Appalachia and Small Town America
2025-04-18 17:00 - 18:00 | South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075
We bring an appreciation for small town life that will resonate with the local community. We place our songs in a historical, folkloric context with stories and images to set the stage. We banter with one another and with our audience. But mostly we sing in the kind of tight, high mountain harmony that comes from living and loving together for thirty years, having met in the Valley and recently returned after 26 years as West Virginia-based folklorists, oral historians, and music makers. Our guitar accompaniments are also in closely arranged harmony, with Michael’s melodic lines and Carrie’s rhythm and runs, elevated by Joe Blumenthal on upright bass and Jim Armenti on mandolin. We specialize in songs of working people, Appalachian songs, and country duets of people and nature, with a couple of country love songs woven into the mix.

The Pineapple Project
2025-04-22 10:00 - 11:30 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
2025 South Hadley Cultural Council Grant Recipient. The Pineapple Project is a thirty minute interactive play about two kids exploring and discovering who they are through play and connection. Kids ages 3-8 will be a part of the show, and in doing so, will experience and learn about being a good friend, being supportive and kind and understanding. And that we all want to live in a world where we can be who we are and experience joy. After the performance, Becca and Mal offer space for kids to ask questions about the show, share what they learned, or what made them laugh or think about. Starts at 10:00 AM

Canals of the Connecticut River
2025-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Local historian Leo Labonte takes you on a historical trip down the the South Hadley curve of the Connecticut River. The lecture begins at Brunelle's Marina then south to different historical sites such as Smith Ferry, Sans Souci Point, the canal & lock system, and the incline plane down to the Beachgrounds.

Marie Antoinette
2025-04-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Rooke Theatre at Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
For more information or to reserve tickets, please visit mhc.ludus.com
The Mount Holyoke College Department of Film Media Theater ends the 2024-25 season with a bold and inventive play by David Adjmi, “Marie Antoinette.”
In Adjmi’s contemporary take on the young queen of France, Marie is a confection created by a society that values extravagance and artifice. But France’s love affair with the royals sours as revolution brews, and for Marie, the political suddenly becomes very personal. From the light and breezy banter at the palace to the surging chants of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité!” in the streets, “Marie Antoinette” holds a mirror up to our contemporary society that might just be entertaining itself to death.
This production is directed by Mariana Considine ‘25. Set Design by Vannessa James, Costume Design by Jensen Glick, Lighting Design by Sam Skynner, and Sound Design by Gillian Tomlinson ‘25.

MHC Student Dance Concert
2025-04-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Kendall Sports & Dance Complex at Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St, South Hadley, Massachusetts, 01075
For more information or to reserve tickets, please visit mhc.ludus.com
This Mount Holyoke College student-led concert is an expression of a semester of embodied inquiry in the Intermediate Composition course and marks the beginning of many students' choreographic journeys.

Yoga on the Common w/ Michele Lyman (Serenity Yoga)
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:00 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Michele Lyman from Serenity Yoga leads a morning yoga class on the common to get your Showcase blood flowing. Meet on the Common and bring your own mat if you have one. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be held at the Serenity Yoga studios in The Village Commons.
Learn more about Serenity Yoga at https://serenityyogawellness.com/

Independent Bookstore Day 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 17:30 | Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Join Odyssey Bookshop all day Saturday, April 26, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, an annual event to celebrate Independent Bookstores and the role they play in our communities.
Featuring:

Exclusive Independent Bookstore Day Merchandise
Banned Books Tea and Bites at 4 PM

Featuring adult banned books and themed snacks

Banned Book Bingo for Kids of all ages at 10:30AM
YA Scavenger Hunt all day
And 20% off all full price books!

Moose Mongeau and Michael Stutts
2025-04-26 11:00 - 11:45 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Showcase South Hadley 2025 is pleased to present the acoustic duo Michael and Moose, on April 26, 2025 at 11 AM. The pair, who also have several other musical presentations, have been pleasing their audiences with a mix of classics - folk, rock and soul from Simon and Garfunkel and the Beatles to Bon Jovi and Nickelback. Don't miss this great show!
Learn more about Moose and the High Tops
Learn more about 7 Bridges Road Band

Eliza Moser Fine Art - Open House & Egg Painting For All Ages
2025-04-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Eliza Moser Fine Art, 21 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Stop in to check out the studio and gallery, or participate in our Egg Painting For All Ages! Who says egg painting is just for easter? Drop in for creative fun with your friends and family!

Artisan & Craft Fair
2025-04-26 11:00 - 16:00 | Center Church, 1 Church Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Fellowship Hall @ Center Church. Join Showcase and our community of artisans and craftspeople for a fair demonstrating the variety that our South Hadley region has to offer.

Gerry's Music - Musical Petting Zoo (children & families)
2025-04-26 11:00 - 16:00 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Join the team from local institution Gerry's Music for a morning and afternoon experience of the Musical Petting Zoo. Learn more about instruments, lessons, and music!
Learn more about Gerry's Music

Artisan, Craft, & Business Fair
2025-04-26 11:00 - 16:00 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Join Showcase and our community of artisans, craftspeople, and Businesses for a fair demonstrating the variety that our South Hadley region has to offer.

Local Film Screening
2025-04-26 11:30 - 12:15 | Tower Theaters, 19 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
An eclectic showcase of student films, featuring short documentaries, fiction films, and experimental works made by Film Media Theater students at Mount Holyoke College. Doors open 20min prior to the event and is first come first serve.

Yilan Song, Roots and Paths (RT: 6.57)
Maura Levine, Voices of the Valley (RT: 7.33)
Aderet Fishbane, Pull on this (RT: 2.40)
Max Paster, mimic (RT: 2.50)
Qiao Se Ong and Max Paster, Never Really Go Away (RT: 10.09)

In addition, from 11 am until 5 pm, Tower Theaters will offer free samples of popcorn and ticket specials. Stop by the theater lobby anytime throughout the day to learn more and get yours.

Lindsey LaBelle
2025-04-26 11:30 - 12:30 | Center Church, 1 Church Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
South Hadley native Lindsey LaBelle comes home with her 4-piece band to kick-off her first Showcase appearance.
Learn more about Lindsey LaBelle

Cripps Creations - Puppetry Show (children & families)
2025-04-26 12:00 - 12:45 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Cripps Creations consists of an artistically diverse partnership. With their expansive skill sets, Vida and Madison J. Cripps offer a variety of unique products and services. The two began collaborating in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC in 2013. Presently, Cripps Creations is nestled in the quaint "Right to Farm" community of Northfield, Massachusetts. Connect with the Cripps by enjoying performances, booking your event, taking one of our workshops, purchasing wares, and more.
Learn more about Cripps Creations

The Happy Facepainter (children & families)
2025-04-26 12:00 - 15:00 | MA
The Happy Facepainter will be on site on both Showcase days offering exciting face paint options for our youth participants.
Learn more about The Happy Facepainter

South Hadley Chorale
2025-04-26 12:30 - 13:30 | All Saints' Episcopal Church (Sanctuary), 7 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Our own wonderful hometown South Hadley Chorale brings returns to the All Saints sanctuary stage for its second featured Showcase performance.

Wes Parker
2025-04-26 13:00 - 13:45 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075

The Grumpytime Club Band (children & families)
2025-04-26 13:30 - 14:30 | All Saints' Episcopal Church (Kidder Hall), 7 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
The Grumpytime Club Band is a red and gold family music party band including kid musicians and costumed dancers. Playing original music from Carrie Ferguson’s award-winning album, “The Grumpytime Club”. Featuring a shifting pallet of horns, violin, guitar, keys, bass and drums, their music is highly danceable and truly fun for all ages, highlighting themes of inclusivity, social justice, Earth stewardship, celebrating differences, and youth and family pride.
Learn more about the Grumpytime Club Band

FlavaEvolution
2025-04-26 13:30 - 14:30 | Center Church, 1 Church Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
FlavaEvolution is a truly unique jazz quartet. With just three horns and bass they are playing something altogether fresh here in the Pioneer Valley, creating a sound that crosses a chamber string ensemble with modern jazz, 1970's soul, and beautiful balladry. This is their first appearance at Showcase South Hadley.
Learn more about FlavaEvolution

Eric Weiss (Homeslice Puppetry) / Beauty and the Beast (children & families)
2025-04-26 14:00 - 14:20 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075

Local Film Screening
2025-04-26 14:45 - 15:30 | Tower Theaters, 19 College St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
An eclectic showcase of student films, featuring short documentaries, fiction films, and experimental works made by Film Media Theater students at Mount Holyoke College. Doors open 20min prior to the event and is first come first serve.

Ria Miller, One Dream (RT: 6.32)
Jasmine Garcia, Cadenas De Oro (RT: 6.30)
Cate Harris, Still In Development (RT: 4:58)
Ella Hubbell, Threads (RT: 4:10)
Ev Brice, Ruffled Feathers (RT: 6.13)

In addition, from 11 am until 5 pm, Tower Theaters will offer free samples of popcorn and ticket specials. Stop by the theater lobby anytime throughout the day to learn more and get yours.

Robby Roiter Quartet w/vocalist Avery Joi
2025-04-26 15:00 - 15:45 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Guitarist Robby Roiter is joined by three dynamic young musicians for an hour of jazz & more.

Robby hails from NYC & moved to the Pioneer Valley in 1987. He performs frequently in solo & group jazz settings,
including the Butterfly Swing Band and a duo with Brian Bender. Robby also facilitates the weekly jam session at the Vermont Jazz Center,

& teaches music at Gerry's Music Shop & Downtown Sounds Workers Co-op.

Vocalist Avery Joi, from Westfield, has performed in many regional venues & events. She is adept in jazz tradition & studied at Jazz in July & the Vermont Jazz Center. Avery is also skilled in contemporary popular vocal styles, & brings energy & nuance to every performance.

Drummer Jahian Cooper-Monize ventured from his Pioneer Valley roots to study & graduate from William Paterson College in NJ, where he established relationships with top tier musicians & honed his craft in the NYC jazz scene & Hartford. Jahian performs in various groups & is in demand as a strong professional voice on his instrument.

Bassist Kai Caban attended Holyoke Community College & Amherst Regional HS, & is an accomplished, soulful upright & electric bass player. He current plays in the band Galvanizer & various other configurations.

Wildlife on Wheels w/ Forest Park Zoo (children & families)
2025-04-26 15:00 - 15:45 | on The Common, 2 College Street, MA, 01075
Young participants encouraged - interact with some of Forest Park Zoo's resident animals, here in South Hadley! The program is designed to provide information about the animals, including their special adaptations, habitats, behaviors, diets and status in the wild.
Learn more about the Wildlife on Wheels program from The Zoo in Forest Park
