Reflections

Looking back at 2012, it's been a fulfilling year for us. We've gotten to play out at some different venues, written some new songs, honed our performance skills, and most important, have been able to enjoy ourselves more on stage.  It's been a lot of fun.  It's also nice to return to play where some of the audience remembers us (fondly, we hope) and maybe even asks to play a song they heard the last time we were there.

In September, we were asked back to the annual Newton Community Farm Harvest Festival. The weather this year was perfect.  The sound system was a bit finicky getting going, so we got to play our first few songs "unplugged." Those who were close by got a little treat!  This fall also saw us return to the Needham Farmers Market and the South Natick Art in the Park. And, for a first, this month we were invited to do a taping of some of our original songs at a local cable TV show (Westford CAT). Performing in a TV studio was a whole new experience!

We are happy to be wrapping up our performance schedule this year back at Stone Hearth Pizza in Needham Center, this coming Wednesday, December 12, from 7 to 9. Take a shopping break for some tasty soup and a seasonally inspired pizza, while you listen to Finally Friday.  

We've appreciated everybody who's come to hear us this year, and we're looking forward to even more exciting times in 2013.  Enjoy the all the holidays, and all have a very happy New Year!

Rejuvenation

The Inn at SAMW

Every year we excitedly look forward to August. Why?

It's our rejuvenation month. At the end of the month we get to spend a week at a secluded "village" on the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.  It's where we partake in WUMB Radio's Summer Acoustic Music Week - or SAM-W, in the parlance. 

SAMW is where Janet and Michael first met and played together.  It's a gathering of like-minded musicians - and aspiring musicians - to sing, play, listen, and learn.  Concerts, classes, late-night jam sessions - and an old fashioned ice cream parlor!  Most of our original songs are conceived, grown, or polished at SAMW.  It's a place where you can relax your mind and body, and concentrate on making music in all its aspects. 

So when we return, we will have probably hatched a new song or two, improved our guitar and mandolin skills, picked up a few harmonica riffs, and stayed up way too late for a lot of nights!

See you in September!

Christmas in July?

Hardly.  But Finally Friday will be playing at number of venues during the month. 

We are happy to be returning to perform at the South Natick Art in the Park on Sunday July 1 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon in Shaw Park across from the Charles River dam on Rte. 16.  The art fair is held on the first Sunday of every month through October.  In addition to us playing, there is great visual art, 
fresh flowers, artisanal food items, and antiques.

On Sunday July 15 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM, we'll be at the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market. Located in picturesque West Acton Village, the ABFM is a destination event — it features not only wonderful local and organic foods, but also music, the work of area artisans, community organizations and education, and occasional children’s activities. We played there a couple of summers ago - and we're looking forward to returning.  

And on Wednesday night, July 18, we’ll be back at Stone Hearth Pizza Restaurant in Needham Center at 974 Great Plain Avenue, opposite Town Hall Park.  It’s our sophomore performance at their regular Wednesday night music series, and we hope our friends will come back to hear us.  Great pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and a nice selection of wines and craft beers.  We’ll be playing from 7 PM to 9 PM.

Just around the corner from Stone Hearth Pizza... This is the inaugural season for the Needham Farmers Market, and we're excited to be able to play there on Sunday July 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Located on the grounds of the First Parish in Needham Center, the market features many farm and food vendors, local non-profits, plus art and music by local artists. 

It's a month of Sundays (and a Wednesday) for Finally Friday. Check out our Performances page for additional details. We've love to see you!

May Happenings

May is looking to be a busy month for Finally Friday, and we’re excitedly looking forward to all that’s going on.

We start off performing at the South Natick Art in the Park on Sunday May 6 from 11 AM to 1 PM in Shaw Park across from the Charles River dam on Rte. 16.  The art fair will be held on the first Sunday of every month through October.  In addition to us playing, there will be wonderful visual art, fresh flowers, artisanal food items, and antiques. The event will happen rain or shine. It’s a great activity for your friends and families.

Then, on Saturday May 12, we return on opening day for our third year playing at the Natick Farmers’ Market, located at the Natick Common at Rtes. 27 & 135.  We play from around 10 AM to 12:30 PM.  The market features fresh fish, organic meats, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, including gluten free, cheese, coffee, tea and a variety of products such as dips, marinades, sauces, granola, pasta and chocolates. The market supports local farmers and emerging food businesses in order to promote healthy eating.

And on Wednesday night, May 30, we’ll be the evening’s entertainment at Stone Hearth Pizza Restaurant in Needham Center at 974 Great Plain Avenue, opposite Town Hall Park. (www.stonehearthpizza.com)  It’s our first time participating in their regular Wednesday night music series, and we’re very excited to be invited!  They have great pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and a nice selection of wines and craft beers.  (They even have gluten-free pizza.)  We’ll be playing from 7 PM to 9 PM. 

Levon Helm

We were saddened to learn of the passing today of Levon Helm, drummer (and mandolin player) for The Band, and more recently, his Levon Helm Band.  We have loved listening to Levon's and The Band's music over many years, and it always makes us happy to be able to sing his signature songs, like Up On Cripple Creek and Ophelia. May his musical legacy live on in our hearts and voices!

Lexington Performance 2/28

We previously featured at the great Nourish Open Mic in Lexington, MA (http://nourishlexington.com) last March, and we've been asked back to do a shorter set tomorrow night, February 28. We'll be going on at 7:30.  Some songs new and old.  Stop by for some good food and music.