DOWNTOWN GLOUCESTER ROCKS THIS WEEKEND WITH A FREE BLOCK PARTY

AND THE GRAND OPENING OF BLACKBURN PERFORMING ARTS

Main Street will be closed this weekend from 6 ‘ 11 on Saturday, 8/16, from Hancock Street to Washington Street, with live entertainment at both ends, and plenty of shopping and al fresco dining in between. And Will Hunt, Ian McColl and M. Lynda Robinson of Blackburn Performing Arts will host an Open House at the theatre on Saturday 8/16 & Sunday 8/17 to celebrate and introduce their new venture to the community.

In the BPA Salon & Gallery, some of Cape Ann’s finest actors will be reading ’10-minute plays’ every 15 minutes from 2 – 6 on Sat and Sun, while acoustic music plays in the main theatre. Tours will be offered continuously & food & drink will be available in the lobby. Then from 6 ‘ 8 on Saturday, an official Reception will be held to recognize the publishing of M. Lynda Robinson’s 3rd short play: ‘The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2007’ just published by Smith & Kraus.

On Main Street live dance performances begin at 6pm by Cape Ann Center for Dance, Dawn’s Studio of Dance and Nadine’s Dance Center near Hancock Street. Live music begins at 7 in the parking lot of the Blackburn Bldg. on the corner of Main & Washington Streets (next to Elliott’s Restaurant & BPA). An outdoor slide begins at 8:30 at the corner of Center St. and Main St.

The Block Party has been organized by a group of local citizens, including Jackie Hardy, Joe Ciarimataro, Erik Hansen, Janice Lufkin Shea, and Vickie & Peter Van Ness in collaboration with Blackburn Performing Arts. The organizers wish to thank the sponsors and supporters: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Noble Electric, Ringo & Cathy Tarr, Lee Bolton, Donna Ardizzoni and Rick Moore from Circle Consulting, OneTouchDeals.com, Joe Ciolino, Mayor Kirk, Lt. Aielo, Mark Cole, the Gloucester City Council and all the downtown businesses for bringing this vision to life.