For Immediate Release -- (508) 264-8859
July 10th
“Summer Sounds” AHA! Night

Stroll downtown New Bedford on July 10th AHA! night and be serenaded by Summer Sounds. The evening will include a sampling of various music genres including jazz, folk, flamenco, Celtic and rock. Participating AHA! venues will be open late offering a variety of exhibits, tours, shopping and dining.  New AHA! partner this month is the New Bedford Ocean Explorium on 165 Union Street. Our sponsor, the Sovereign Bank, will have an information table at One Sovereign Place on Union Street.

The City of New Bedford trolley bus will shuttle visitors between the venues from 5-9pm.
All activities are free and held rain or shine.

SOUTHCOAST HOSPITALS GROUP VAN AND BLOOD DRIVE
Southcoast Health Van will be stationed at the Custom House Square fountain from 3-8 p.m. for a Blood Drive and health screenings. The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke’s Hospital has teamed up with Domino’s Pizza stores for a “Pizza for a Pint” promotion. All donors will receive a free pizza voucher! The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities’ blood supply. When you donate blood at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong — so it is there when you need it.
 
The Team AHA! Improv Troupe presents "The Actor's Nightmare!"  The troupe will make appearances throughout the Downtown area with the premiere of their newest stage production. There's only one problem--everyone has a different script! This fast-paced improvisational performance will be offered several times throughout the evening. Who knows... you may even get to be part of the action!
 
Summer Sounds Highlights

Boston's “el Arte Flamenco” presents an evening of flamenco musicians, vocals and dance on the plaza of the Whaling Museum. Sponsored in part by the New Bedford Cultural Council. Performances at 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.  

Whaling City Sounds on Centre Street presents Flamenco trained jazz guitarist Ron Murray and Vuelo, with special guest Mike Monaghan (from the Boston Pops on saxophone): A Tribute to the late Stan Getz. Jointly presented by Fiber Optic Center, Inc. Sets at 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Rain location: Pilgrim Church Home (634 Purchase Street).

New Bedford  Whaling National Historical Park presents sea chanteys with the Johnson Girls at 6:30 p.m. in the beautiful garden at the Corson Building at 6:30 p.m. The park will also feature Living History Program; a reenactment of a conversation of two women from the 1850’s New Bedford whaling community at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

New AHA! partner The Ocean Explorium (174 Union Street) Local musician, Brian Steele, will demonstrate how you can make music. Join us to enjoy a blend of music, art and science with creative stations art activities The Science on a Sphere® will be enhanced by ambient sounds. From 5-9pm

The Working Waterfront Festival presents a sea chantey workshop with the Johnson Girls from 7:45 p.m. at the Seaman’s Bethel (15 Johnny Cake Hill).

Cafe Arpeggio (800 Purchase Street) featured performer is Ross Robinson, an extremely talented and well-versed musician, with a deep passion for all kinds of Blues from 6-7 p.m. Open mic follows from 7-10 p.m. hosted by Art Tebbetts.

Joe Piper Celtic and World Musical Goods (106 William Street) presents an open music session from 5-9 p.m. Also on view “The Store Front Exhibit” by Ben Suarez, photography and mixed media.

The Rotch-Jones Duff House and Garden Museum is featuring the "Old Rochester Jazz Combo" under the terrace tent at 7 p.m. Opening act "Mission Improvisation" a student group directed by Gary Langevin at 6:30 p.m. The Museum closed this evening.

Calico (173 Union Street) presents live music stage on Union Street featuring be Money Figh, Deathbed Bride, The Ergot Players, and The Viennegram from 6 p.m.  NEW ARRIVALS include Jamie Catino, Couturiette, and Vintage New Bedford "Happy Whale" Tee-Shirts.
 
Exhibits, Talks and Tours

The New Bedford Free Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) announces the re-opening of its Art Room from 5-9 p.m.

New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant Street) Featured exhibits: Jane Tuckerman Haunted, curated by John Borowicz; Kathryn Lee Smith: Crossing the Fine White Line, curated by James R. Bakker and Vault Series: Michelle Grabner — The Pleasures of Merely Circulating curated by Joan Backes. Gallery open from 5-9 p.m.

Gallery X (169 William Street) New exhibits Summer in the City --Members' Exhibit. In the Douglass Gallery, Joe Gracia Photo Retrospective. Open from 5-9 p.m.

TL6 The Gallery (100 William Street) featured artist is Mattthew Pearl Visions (MPV) Photography from 5-9pm.

New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) Learn more about the Cape Cod Stranding network - marine mammal response, rescues, and larger conservation efforts at 6 p.m. 

Pilgrim United Church Home (634 Purchase Street) presents Tactile Adornment - hand-made jewelry and wooden carving by Pat Foster. From 6 - 8 p.m. Pilgrim United Church of Christ (635 purchase Street) presents tours of the Sanctuary including the Tiffany Mosaic and Stained Glass Windows. From 6:30 - 8 p.m.

ArtWorks! (384 Acushnet Avenue) continues the exhibit: X-Country / South County - Artists Derek Harding and Geral Weckesser. In the Sarah Louise Cousins Gallery-  A New Perspective On Politics. In the Community Gallery- Seeing Into the Future:  Annie Hayes and the New Bedford Global Charter School students explore aspects of this year's presidential election. Opening Reception 6-8 p.m.

MOSAIC Studios (752 Purchase Street) featured artists include Lori Bradley, Judith Klein and Gabrielle Giblin. Also on display are fine jewelry, designer jackets, photography and ceramics. Demonstrations from 5-8 p.m.

The University Art Gallery (715 Purchase Street) continues the exhibit Japanese Chirashi Posters.In Gallery 244 Shuffled Leaves, a photography exhibition by CVPA Professor Thomas Spencer Ladd. Open from 5-9 p.m.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum Research Library (791 Purchase St) presents Schooner Ernestina update with executive director Paul J. Brawley in the Museum Library at 6:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Church in New Bedford (corner of County and Union Streets) Tours of historic building; garden and labyrinth open from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

John Magnan Studio (Centre Street) Visit the artist's working sculpture studio to see the beginning of new work! Open 5-9 p.m.

Vetu Gifts and Fine Consignment (1 Johnny Cake Hill) Grand Opening!  Mayor Lang will be by for the ribbon ceremony at 6 p.m.15% off gifts this evening. Open from 5-9 p.m.

Tatlock Gallery (36 North Water Street) featuring selected clearance items: note cards, teas, handbags, etc.  June Vernon's paper collages and Mary Nolan's oils are the featured works of art. Open from 5-9 p.m.

Market Street Condominiums (6 Market Street) Take a tour and see how Victorian elegance can be blended with modern amenities to create truly luxurious living.  Open house 5-9 p.m.  

Artist of the Month is Gary Thomson (No Problemo, 831 Purchase Street) featuring the exhibit of photography “The No Problemos” from 5-9 p.m.

Click here for local area Dining Suggestions

GENERAL INFORMATION
All activities are FREE and open to the public. Year-round programming is funded in part by the Mass Cultural Council's John and Abigail Adams Arts Program, The Island Foundation, The City of New Bedford, the AHA! partners, individual supporters and in-kind marketing support from the Standard-Times and WBSM. For more information call 508-996-8253 x205 

First time visitors may want to start AHA! Night at the National Park Visitor Center (33 William Street). Complete program flyers with maps are also available at all AHA! venues starting the Tuesday prior to each event.

Directions: From I-195 E or W. Take Exit 15 (Rte. 18). Follow Rte 18 to 2nd traffic signal; take a right onto Union St. At the first traffic signal take a right onto Second Street and take your first left for parking in Custom House Square or continue on two blocks to the Elm Street garage. On-street parking also available for free after 6 pm.

AHA! At-A-GLANCE
Our 2008 Calendar of dates and themes is as follow