Art, music and more. Had the opportunity to attend "Salt Lick Sessions" at the Umbrella Arts Center…read morein Concord. The venue is intimate, seating is comfortable, acoustics are first class. Peruse a visual art show on the lobby before entering the auditorium. The evening was capped off by three outstanding musical artists who performed their hearts out: Olivia Barton brought her melodic voice and guitar, and crooned the audience with folksy songs about everyday life such as simply making the rent. Carter Benjamin energized the audience with his 3-piece rock group that evoked funkaledic influences of REM. Last but not least, Kiernan Rhodes serenaded us on the piano, with songs of youth and family, in a style and energy reminiscent of Billy Joel meets Hollywood. The talented musical trio capped off the evening by uniting in an unexpected encore, covering James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend."

My higher grade is more for the art center itself rather than the performances. There's always a…read moresmall exhibition at the center of the building and it's nice to see artists can work on their projects late into the night. The facilities look clean and orderly, including the bathrooms and artist studios. I liked seeing all pottery made by the various artists. I also enjoyed the theater itself. While the seating itself isn't all that special, the acoustics are quality. If you expect something significantly higher than community theater here, you may be disappointed. While the performances were fine, they're not really all that polished and feel rather barebones (two actors playing one role in a production was rather strange). If you want a more grander theater experience but without going into Boston, consider Reagle in Waltham. (For all you Yelp police out there, yes, I paid $ here for tickets so I can review)

WCDA is an amazing dance studio!!! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable! WCDA has created a…read moresuper positive community for their dancers!!! The recitals are the best!!!!

I came here for almost 10 years as a child, so granted, my review is reflective of my experience…read more at WCDA from almost 20 years ago (woah! time goes by fast). However, it appears that the studio is still run and owned by Robin. I have the most amazing memories from my time at WCDA, and for that I'm extremely grateful. I remember that the instructors were so kind, the studio itself was beautiful and in a great location, and the recitals were organized and well-produced. I praise WCDA for instilling a sense of positive self-esteem in their students and providing such a sacred space for creative self-expression. I'll never forget the pure joy and excitement I felt on the day prior to our recitals that they hung up the photos of our dance recital costumes we'd be wearing. So many sequins!

I've been involved with Acme Theater since 2007 and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made…read more As an actor, director, patron and volunteer I've found it to be consistent in its ability to be inclusive, nuturing and most importantly, FUN. Their shows have great production value matched only by the enthusiasm of those who support its continued success. I couldn't possibly recommend them highly enough! Come and see what I'm talking about by checking out their latest show running until December 7th, Crimes of the Heart! You will NOT be disappointed!

My husband and I moved to Maynard in 2002. While walking downtown, we saw posters for "The Nerd,"…read morean upcoming comedy being produced at Acme. We both love theater and met doing improv with the UMASS Amherst group Mission: IMPROVable. We were delighted to learn of a theater within walking distance to our new house and bought tickets to see the show. The production was well-paced and hilarious, and we were impressed with the welcoming atmosphere. I became involved with the theater almost immediately, appearing in the 2003 New Works Festival and working backstage for their production of "True West." My husband was also in a production that spring. We have remained involved with Acme ever since. We have both been given the opportunity to expand our skills (him: directing, me: stage managing and producing) and count our Acme "family" as among our closest friends. I can't imagine life in Maynard with Acme Theater.

I can't speak to the kids dance classes because I am neither a kid, nor do I have one. A quick…read morelook at the schedule, however, will tell you that this studio is the real deal for dancers, offering an endless variety of styles and even a strict dress code for the ballerina/os to show you they mean pink-tights-only business. But my relationship with Gervais comes with one loaded, trendy, hear it now and scream it later word: ZUMBA! Zumba with Judy is your ticket to a wonderful time at Gervais. Twice a week, the long, one room studio fills with something like 20 local women, all ages, all sizes, all smiles. In one hour, your pores will surrender more sweat than you thought a body could produce in below-freezing weather. Share a conspiratorial grin with your fellow salsa warriors as you stuff yourself back into that winter hat and gloves on your way to the parking lot. The day is made.

Team Theatre truly helps people by teaching them the social skills they need most. Check them out!read more

An amazing retro theater in Central Mass you need to visit! I go here monthly at this point to…read moreattend JR's "Spooky Sundays". Context - There's a horror collectible shop in downtown Hudson called "JR's Spooky Shack" - and one Sunday a month (sometimes two) we head over to the theater to watch a mystery screening of a horror film. It's a great time! What makes it even better is the theater we watch it in. It's an old theater but kept up really well; super friendly staff, plenty of concession options, great prices and visually a great looking cinema. I always look forward to head back for the next Spooky Sunday!!

Truly charming & such a fine (!) local business worth $upporting‼…read moreExcellent movies run there. Staff are positive & helpful. Ice cream & local beer next door (run by MFAT during the warmer months. Way better than the movie-plexes!!!

Saw the Nutcracker in Andover today. For the ticket price I really expected professional dancers,…read morewhich these were not. If it had cost $10 or $15, this is what I'd expect. For $40 I thought it would be different. It's a nice sort of community dance school vibe, just not what I was hoping for.

Saw the Nutcracker in Andover. Definitely more appropriate for the little kids, not so much the…read moreadults. I had the misfortune of sitting in front of two little girls who kept talking the whole time. They were with what appeared to be their grandmothers.. who either spoiled them rotten and wouldn't dare tell them to keep quiet.. or the grandmothers were short of hearing. Who knows. But definitely ruined the experience. Also, there was no live orchestra which was a disappointment. The sets were very simple if not dismal. And the dancing was ok... they tried their best. For the price they were charging ($45 for adults!!!) I expected a lot more overall. Next year I'm heading to the Boston ballet.

On May 21st, we held our anniversary party at the Acton Women's Club -- we rented the entire house,…read moreboth upstairs and downstairs, for our 50-60 guests coming from far and wide to celebrate. It was very impressive how many people commented, as they arrived, on how wonderful the setting was -- "How did you find this place?" It has a lot of charm and a bit of quirkiness thrown in for flavor. Reasonably priced, conveniently located, and managed by members of the Club who were readily accessible and accommodating. We had a great night and much of the mood was provided by the ambiance of the AWC. Wholeheartedly recommend choosing this location for gatherings!

This weekend was my "surprise" bridal shower, and while I knew it was happening, I didn't know the…read moredetails such as the location, guest, etc. I'm not going to lie, I feared that it was going to be in a VFW type setting, which totally isn't my thing. So the time comes and we're pulling up and I ask the boy where we're going. He says "there" and points to a really cute looking historic home. I swear I must have let out a sigh of relief at that point. The place was really quaint with old wallpaper and furniture. It's like visiting your great grandparents house, that sort of feel. We had the whole place to ourselves, but spent the time downstairs where there was a full kitchen, dining room area and living room. The perfect space for the number of guests that came. Upstairs is a big room that's all cleared out with a little stage. I hear they teach ballroom dancing to kids here once a week, which I think is fantastic. Overall I was impressed with the place and was happy my family had picked someplace a little more unique for the day. Now if only I can convince the boy to someday move back to Acton so the future offspring can take dance lessons here!