Feel the Music at Circle the Square on August 18

Don’t miss the final event of the 2016 Circle the Square season on Thursday, August 18th from 3:30-7:30 pm. This month, the theme “Musical Medford” explores the many ways people can make and enjoy music.

The afternoon is full of live music entertainment, starting with the soothing guitar instrumental tunes of Lyle Brewer, the beautiful vocals and guitar stylings of recent Berklee graduate Gia Green, as well as the fun original music and cover songs of one of Medford’s greatest musical families, the Flying Cattaneos. Singer-songwriter Ryan Alvanos will take to the stage with his band of guest musicians to share his repertoire of quirky and catchy songs. Then, sit back and relax to the smooth reggae tunes of the Duppy Conquerors, a Bob Marley cover band. The Dance Studio of Medford will showcase their newest dance routines, and students of Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts Studio will provide demonstrations of moves and techniques. Head down to the Medford Farmer’s Market to catch the soothing, ethnic music of Rahel and Acoustic Breezes and the rich harmonies and unique vocals of folk band Trail Mix.

There are many opportunities for music making throughout the afternoon. Children can try their hand at a range of instruments in the Mystic Valley Music Together petting zoo, or create their own unique electronic Makey Makey instruments using fruit and candy with the Mystic Makerspace. Visit Outside the Line’s tent to play a hand-built PVC pipe xylophone, or make your own maracas with Century Bank while enjoying the antics of Silly Sally the Clown.

Kids can get moving with Knucklebone’s play area, activities with the Medford Family Network, and make some music by honking the horns of some of Medford’s finest fire and police vehicles at the Medford Public Library’s “Touch-A-Truck”. While there, meet some of Medford’s police officers and purchase your very own #barrycalled bumper sticker. Medford’s most popular facepainter, Zing! Facepainting, will turn your little one’s face into a work of art, and the Medford Magic Roving Musicians will awe with their magic tricks.

If you’re feeling crafty, join the Medford Rehabilitation and Nursing Center to make your own jiggle bracelet, draw your own musical creature with Artworks In2Shades, or participate in Cradles to Crayon’s “Well Wish Notes” craft project. Glassblowing artist Hugh Naggar returns to turn pieces of glass into beautiful figurines – all for sale. Do a summertime craft activity with the Friends of the Medford Public Library and participate in their free book giveaway, and drop by Play Academy to browse books at their Scholastic Book Fair. The Medford Community Coalition wants you to draw your favorite place in Medford, and Sanctuary UCC wants to know where you find sanctuary – show them through their art project for adults and children. The Medford Energy Committee is collecting stories for their “365 Stories to Go Green” event, and attendees can take part in their word game and coloring project.

Hungry? Food for sale and sample will be available from one end of the square to another. Cool down with a refreshing slush from CB Scoops, or nourish yourself with some pulled pork sliders and house-made potato chips from Simple Fare. Sample noodle dishes from around the word with Noodles & Company, cookies and bagels from Panera, or savor some dark chocolate treats from barkTHINS. Stop by the Medford Farmer’s Market for some sweet and savory hand-made pies from the Roving Lunchbox or to purchase fresh produce and locally-made breads and treats. At Real Italian Gusto, partake in their special tasting menu, head to Carroll’s for dinner specials accompanied by the music of Columbus Park, or enjoy an evening of exciting and challenging trivia at Salvatore’s. Get a free honeyed ice tea or hibiscus lemonade at Chicken & Rice Guys, and enjoy special deals at Blue Fuji. Got a sweet tooth? Sweeties Too candy store will be giving away fudge and chocolate samples, and guests are invited to create their own candy creation with sand candy test tubes and enter to win a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

Win prizes by playing Mystic Valley Travel’s World of Music trivia game, and win a gift card to Sweeties Too by playing Middlesex Federal Savings Bank’s raffle. Members Plus Credit Union will be giving away summer necessities like sunscreen and water bottles, Roland’s Jewelry will give you a new watch battery for $3 when you show them your Circle the Square schedule, and unwind with a free chair massage at Elements Therapeutic Massage.

Did you know that the famous song “Over the River and Through the Woods” was penned in Medford by Lydia Maria Child? In honor of this classic holiday song, this month’s Circle the Square Scavenger Hunt will send participants hunting through the square to find lyrics to the song. Find all of the lyrics to be eligible to win a gift card to Dockside Restaurants or a one-of-a-kind Medford 02155 superhero cape from 13mL designs.

If you haven’t picked up your Medford Saves key tag yet, buy one for $15 at the CACHE table on River Street to begin saving big at dozens of Medford businesses, with proceeds going to support Circle the Square and other CACHE programs.

Schedules and maps will be available at the Circle the Square Welcome Table at the corner of Riverside Avenue and River Street as well as at various sites throughout the Square. Visit our website www.circlethesquare.org for more information about our schedule of events, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Circle the Square is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the City of Medford, as well as the sponsorships of Jay Campbell Realty, Wholefoods in Medford, Noodles & Company, and RE/MAX Andrew Realty and Carroll’s Restaurant.

– Submitted by Circle the Square organizers