This is our 2011 New Bedford Portuguese Feat article. Check out of 8 Things to Know About the 2012 Portuguese Feast article for information on the 2012 Feast.

The New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a.k.a. the Portuguese Feast, a.k.a. Madeira Feast is the largest event the city has every year.  More than that, it is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England.  The feast was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants who wanted to recreate the festivities of their home island.

Between my own experience with the feast, some careful research and some very helpful guidance from Ed Camara, the Director of Media and Public Relations for Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, I have come up with an overview of the feast which has become a major attraction for visitors from all over who come to celebrate the Portuguese culture through food, drink and entertainment.

For this year’s 2011 feast, over 100,000 attendees are anticipated.  If you are considering being one of them, here are eight things you should know about the feast:

1. Time and Location

If you have never been to the feast it naturally makes sense to let you know where to go and when to be there.  The feast is a a four day event, officially kicking off at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 4th.  The grounds close at 11:45 each night.

On Friday the grounds re-open from 6 PM to 11:45 PM.  The weekend hours start a bit earlier with Saturday festivities begin at 10 AM for the 5K road race followed by Kid’s Day afternoon.  The last day of the feast is Sunday which starts off with a parade at 2:00 PM.  For more information on when and where events will be taking place, go to the Portuguese Feast Entertainment Schedule.

Most of the events take place at Madeira Field (a permanent location in New Bedford’s north end) that comes to life one weekend a year for the Portuguese Feast festivities.  The address of Madeira Field is 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA.  Parking can be a bit tricky, you may have to plan to search a bit to find a spot and walk a few blocks, or pay to park in a nearby lot.

2. Costs

The festival allows free admission and entertainment thanks to the hard work of the 52 committee members who comprise the 2011 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee.  While admission is free there are also many vendors at the grounds selling everything from handmade Madeiran souvenirs to cigars.

Tickets may also be purchased to buy authentic Portuguese cuisine or, if you’re over 21, an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages.  Tickets cost a dollar each and can be purchased at ten machines located throughout the grounds by placing a five, ten or twenty dollar bill inside.  Tickets are non-refundable.  There are also stands with employees who sell the tickets.

Prices of food are kept reasonable, and I was informed by the Mr. Camara (who has been a part of the feast’s organization since 1982) that prices on some items are actually lower than past feasts and no prices have been increased in the past two years.  To give you a general idea of the prices of items at the feast, a full meal is 12 tickets (which equates to 12 dollars), most sandwiches are around four tickets, and a soda or a water goes for one ticket.

3. Food

One of the greatest features of the feast is the delicious Portuguese fare.  There are many food stands located throughout Madeira Field that serve your favorites from the simple delights of linguica and cacoila sandwiches to full on Portuguese cuisine plates of chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice and vegetables.

Another major culinary draw is the Carne de Espeto, a massive, 40 foot barbecue pit where beef sirloin cubes can be cooked over an open flame on massive skewers.  This is hard to miss since the aroma is absolutely mouth watering.  Visitors are able to buy the meat for eight tickets a pound and a delicious aromatic salt is provided to cook with.  Visitors are then able to roast their own dinner over the gas-fired lava rock grill.  Mr. Camara advised me that if someone tells you to pour Madeira wine on the meat it is not advisable (it does not help the flavor and causes the meat to burn faster!)

In case you are not accustomed to the flavorful cooking style of Portuguese cuisine, go to the Food & Drink page of the Portuguese Feast website for definitions of some of the food you might expect to see.

4. Drink

One of the great draws of the feast is the consumption of Madeira wine, which is a central part of the festivities as it is part of a long tradition.  Madeira wine is a sweet, fortified red wine.  Genuine Madeira wine is made on the island of Madeira, and exportation of actual barrels are restricted due to regulations.  However, thanks to a special agreement made between feast officials and the President of Madeira, casks are able to be delivered to New Bedford and served for the weekend, making this a very rare treat for those who attend.

For those who want an alternative to Madeira wine, there are a great variety of additional options including a full liquor bar for mix drinks.  Alcohol stands also serve sangria and white wine and Budweiser beer is on tap.

5. Entertainment

There is a great deal of quality free entertainment at the feast each year from Portuguese and American cultures.  There are three stages throughout Madeira field, and each host a variety of performance types throughout the weekend.  In addition, the Museum of Madeiran Heritage will be featuring musical performances each night of the feast.  These performances will be featuring fado music, a Portuguese genre of music that can be traced back to the 1820s but is believed to be even older than that.  For a schedule of who will be performing go here.

One of the cultural acts that you may see take the stage at Madeira field is Groupo Folclorico Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento.  This group of dancers present traditional dancing performances to authentic Madeiran music and in traditional clothing.  These performances are always very spirited and interesting to see.

There will be many bands on the smaller stages during the feast, but the largest stage is reserved for a special performance at 10:00 each night.  Thursday night the band Soul Asylum will take the stage.  Soul Asylum had two platinum albums, and are perhaps best known for the song “Runaway Train.”

Friday night will feature Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, a band from Martha’s Vineyard that specializes in “bluesy dance music” according to their website.  On Saturday a Green Day tribute band called Dookie will be the main stage highlight to cap off the evening, and Backseat Lover will be playing Pearl Jam tribute music for the final night of the feast.

6. Families

Since Madeira feast involves alcohol consumption, some readers may be wondering if it is a family appropriate event.  You will be glad to know that family values are integral to the foundation of the feast.  While it is probably not advisable to bring young children later in the night due to large crowds and loud music, it should be mentioned that there are many features of the feast that children will love.  Also, the feast takes great measures to prohibit underage drinking.  All who wish to consume alcoholic beverages are required to undergo a license verification process in order to receive a specially printed wrist band.

An interesting part of the feast is that it features carnival rides and games all weekend.  Saturday is probably the best day for families with young kids thanks to Kids Day Afternoon which follows the 12th annual 5K road race.  Kids day kicks off at 12:15 PM and involves a children’s theatre, Toe Jam puppet show and much more family friendly entertainment.

For senior citizens in the community, special transport is being offered from the parking lot of Lincoln Elementary on Saturday so that seniors can attend the event without having to worry about parking.  They are also being offered the special deal of half price meals from noon to four o’clock that day, and special entertainment will be featured as well.

7. History

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament gains its roots from the island of Madeira which is located 390 miles off the coast of Morocco.  Traditionally, each Roman Catholic parish in Madeira would observe a festival to celebrate their patron saint.  A committee of four men called festeiros would be responsible for preparing the village for the celebration by decorating the streets, contracting entertainment (often in the form of a brass band and fireworks) and holding a ceremonial meal after mass on Sunday.

There are many versions of the tale of why the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was first begun in New Bedford 97 years ago.  What is certain however is that the feast was initiated as a means of preserving basic values of the Madeiran culture.  Of course, since it was first begun the feast has changed in many ways to accommodate thousands of eager participants and modern elements of celebration.

While there have been many changes in the feast, many aspects still remain central to the celebration.  The tradition of Madeira wine is a very old one, dating back to the 15th Century when the Malvasia vine was planted on the island of Madeira to see it would yield an alternative supply of wine for England.  When growth was successful Madeira wine quickly took to the market, but did not become a major export until many years later.  It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the flavor we know of today was created when they discovered that the flavor of the wine was actually improved by being repeatedly heated up.  Follow the link for more information on the history of Madeira wine.

The religious aspect of the feast also remains a part of proceedings.  As it did in 1915, the feast still takes place near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception which is located on the corner of Earle and Madeira Street in New Bedford.  The Portuguese feast pays homage to its religious traditions by beginning the weekend festivities with a procession to the church where Father Daniel O. Reis gives a Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.  Throughout the weekend the church also hosts the music of organist Edward Viveiros and vocalist Derek Capobianco each evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

8. Madeira Field

The grounds on which the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament takes place are quite expansive and easy to lose people in.  Be sure you have a plan for finding lost party members whether it be by cell phone or a designated area to meet up at.

When entering the feast you will need to get in line for a wrist band if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages.  One of the most prominent features you will notice upon entering the festival grounds is the Santana House.  The house is designed after the colorful architectural styles of the homes in the village Santana, Madeira and is where the Madeira wine is served from.

Across from the Santana House is Stage One, which is massive and where the main attractions will be hosted throughout the weekend.  There are also two other smaller stages, one that is inside the gates and the other which is outside and amongst the souvenir vendors. You will also see many food and drink stands throughout the grounds, and towards the back you will find the barbecue pits for Carne de Espeto (or just follow your nose).

Enjoy the feast! If you enjoyed this article please share it. All photos courtesy of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament 2011.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park!  Aoife Clancy will perform Irish and maritime music in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, downtown New Bedford, on Thursday evening, August 4, from 6:30 to 7:15 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series.  Then, on Saturday, August 6, from 12 noon-2 PM, Dean Rantz will demonstrate blacksmithing in the garden, while Ruth and Abby, the 1850s ladies, offer hands-on crafts for children.  The Saturday afternoon activities are part of the park’s Maritime Heritage series.  The concerts and maritime crafts are offered free each week at the park during July and August.

Aoife Clancy – Aoife Clancy (pronounced “Eefa”) brings a refreshing new voice to folk music, one that ranges from traditional Irish songs to ballads and contemporary folk.  Aoife comes from the small town of Carrick-on-Suir, in Co Tipperary, Ireland, where her musical career began at an early age.  Her father Bobby Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers placed a guitar in her hands at age ten, and by age fourteen she was playing with her father in nearby pubs.  For the past four years Aoife has toured extensively doing no less than two hundred dates a year throughout the United States and Europe.  She has been a featured soloist with orchestras such as the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops and, while performing with Cherish the Ladies, collaborated with the Boston Pops on their Grammy nominated Celtic album.  Now with seven recordings under her belt in the last decade, Aoife has clearly established herself as one of the divas of Irish and contemporary folk Music.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry.  The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States.  The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.  It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The newest exhibit, Communities of Whaling, explores the connections between this city and five local ethnic communities whose roots trace back to whaling: African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Azoreans, Native Americans and West Indians.  The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, or go to www.nps.gov/nebe.
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Yoga was founded in India as a non-competitive, no-impact, safe way to get in shape and relieve stress. It has quickly become a mainstream way of staying healthy in America with 16 million Americans including yoga in their weekly workout routines. Stars like Madonna and Oprah Winfrey swear by the benefits of yoga. New Bedford and the South Coast of Massachusetts have seen a major growth in yoga studios and independent instructors.

This article provides a list of yoga classes in the South Coast area for each day of the week.  I hope it will be a “living” document and grow with inputs from our readers. It is important for you to contact the yoga instructor to ensure the class schedule is still current. Below the schedule is a list of the the yoga studios in the area ad their contact information. If you know of a yoga studio or classes please e-mail info@newbedfordguide.com so we can include them on the list. Please include details like location, time, fee and contact information and any other details you feel will be useful. Thanks to Erin Macedo and Pam Teves who were major contributors to this list!

Monday

• 7:15-8:15 am: Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.
• 9-10:30 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Hatha – drop-ins $15
• 8:15-9:15 am: Yoga (YMCA Dartmouth) – $7 per class or $55 for 10 classes.
• 4:30 – 5:45 pm: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Flow – drop-ins $15
• 6-7:30 pm: Yoga on Union – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for drop-ins.
• 6:30 pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month

Tuesday

• 8-9 am: Yoga (YMCA Dartmouth) – $7 per class or $55 for 10 classes.
• 9:30 am: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 9:30-1045 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Gentle Hatha – drop-ins $12
• 4-5 pm: Yoga on Union – Slow Flow -Jody (starts in April) – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 5pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 5:30-6:4 5pm: In Love and Light Yoga – Gentle Hatha – drop-ins $12
• 6:30 pm: Sunset Yoga at Fort Taber. Starts 5 June, 2012. Classes are only $5 per person and will run every Tuesday night (weather permitting) rain date is always the Wednesday following.
• 6:30 pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 5:45-6:45pm – South Coast Yoga at Synergy Physical Therapy – Power Flow & Hip Hop Yoga – $5 drop-in
• 6-7:30 pm: Yoga on Union – Basics – Jonna – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 7-8 pm: Yoga (YMCA Dartmouth) – $7 per class or $55 for 10 classes.
• 7 pm: Be Yoga at Medium Studios (38 Bethel St.)  – All Levels Hatha Yoga – $8 drop-in, $60 for 8 classes

Wednesday

• 6:00-7:15 am: Yoga on Union – Level 2 -Kayma – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 9-10 am: Gentle Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) 
• 9-10:30 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Hatha – drop-ins $15
• 12-1 pm: Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.
• 12-12:45 pm: Power Yoga (Om Studios) – $10 fee.
• 4:30 – 5:45 pm: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Flow – drop-ins $15
• 6:00-7:30 PpmM: Yoga on Union – Level 1/2 -Juliet – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 6:30 pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 7:15-8:15 pm: Powerfully Peaceful Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.

Thursday

• 5:45-7 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Flow – drop-ins $15
• 6:00-7:15 am: Yoga on Union – Level 2 -Juliet – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 9-10:30 am: Yoga on Union – Level 2/3 -Juliet – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 9-10:30 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Hatha – drop-ins $15
• 9:30 am: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 12-12:45 pm: Yoga on Union – LUNCH *Pay What You Can* 
• 5 pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 5:45-6:45 pm – South Coast Yoga at Synergy Physical Therapy- Power Flow & Hip Hop Yoga (alternating Thursdays) – $5 drop-in
• 6:30-8 pm: Yoga on Union – HEATED Yoga -Kayma/ Guest Teacher – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 6:30 pm: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 7-8 pm: Yoga (YMCA Dartmouth) – $7 per class or $55 for 10 classes.

Friday

• 8:15-9:15 am: Yoga (YMCA Dartmouth) – $7 per class or $55 for 10 classes.
• 9:30 am: YOGA 101 (Dartmouth) – $10 drop-in, 6 classes for $50, or unlimited classes for $65 a month
• 12-1 pm: Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.
• 6-7:30pm: Yoga on Union – HEATED Yoga -Juliet – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.

Saturday

• 8-9:15 am: Yoga on Union – Level 2 -Juliet – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 9 am: Be Yoga at Medium Studios (38 Bethel St.)  – All Levels Hatha Yoga – $8 drop-in, $60 for 8 classes
• 9-10:15 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Flow – drop-ins $15
• 9:30-11 am: Yoga on Union – Level 2 -Jonna – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 10:45 am – 12 pm: In Love and Light Yoga – Absolute Beginner’s Hatha Series (warm) – drop-ins $12

Sunday

• 8-9 am: Sunrise Yoga at Wing’s Court (Om Studios) – $10 fee.
• 8-9:30 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Hatha – drop-ins $15
• 10-11:30 am: In Love and Light Yoga – Heated Flow – drop-ins $15
• 11 am-12:30 pm: Yoga on Union – Level 1/2 -Angela – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins.
• 11:30 am: Powerfully Peaceful Yoga (YMCA New Bedford) – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.

New Bedford Yoga Studios

• Yoga Kids Inc. of New Bedford – http://yogakidsinc.org/, e-mail: tidon3@comcast.net, phone: (508) 748-2025
• Om Studios – NewBedfordYoga.com, 752 Purchase Street, e-mail: info@newbedfordyoga.com, phone: 774-202-1189
• Yoga on Union – Yogaonunion.blogspot.com, Corner of Johnny Cake Hill & Union St, e-mail: yogaonunion@gmail.com, phone: 508-858-6786, 508-207-3966 – 5 classes for $65, 10 classes for $120 and $15 for Drop-ins, UMD & BCC $10 drop-in rate w/ student ID
• Be Yoga – beyoubeyoga.com – e-mail: jdowning@beyoubeyoga.com, phone: 508-728-8432 – $8 drop-in, $60 for 8 classes – Class cards must be used within ten weeks of purchase and can be used at any regularly scheduled class/location.
• In Love and Light Yoga – inloveandlightyoga.com, 1890 Acushnet Ave, phone: 508-998-2273 – drop ins $12, Heated Classes $15
• New Bedford YMCA – ymcasouthcoast.org, 25 South Water Street, phone: 508.997.0734 – free with YMCA membership, $7 per class for non-members.
• Work Out World (WOW) – http://www.wowhealthclubs.com/newbedford/, 1024 Kings Highway, phone: 1-888-2-WOW-FREE, e-mail: wownewbedford@hotmail.com

Other local Yoga Studios or Places that offer Yoga

• HOPE Yoga – Dartmouth, MA
• YOGA 101 – Dartmouth (106 State Road)
• Marion Yoga Loft
• The Yoga Studio: Mattapoisett
• Mia’s Yoga Cellar: Dartmouth
• Center for Holistic Arts: Acushnet
• Devine Power Yoga: Fall River
• Yoga With A Twist – 166 Main Street, Acushnet, MA – (508) 995-8652

by Joyce Rowley

“Every kid swims, bikes, and runs during a typical day,” said USA Triathlon Race Director Mark Walter of Sun Multisport Events. “People think of the Hawaiian Iron Man when they think of triathlons. But only a small percentage of triathletes perform in that race.” According to Walter, the majority of triathlons are like the Whaling City Triathlon—challenging but accessible.

Sun Multisport Events started the Whaling City Triathlon two years ago because they thought New Bedford’s Fort Taber area had right the combination of wide sidewalks, access to Buzzards Bay, and a boulevard for cycling.

“The run is a sprint distance,” he said of the running portion. Yes, but that sprint comes at the end of a 12.2 mile bike ride that follows a quarter-mile swim in Buzzard’s Bay.

This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the national organization that governs triathlon events. USAT selects and trains teams for international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Bay State Race Services will provide “Winning Time Chip” time splits for racers’ swim, transition 1, bike, transition 2, and run times.

Beginning at 8:00 a.m., waves of swimmers will leave the East Beach shore every four minutes. High tide that morning is at 8:10 a.m. Six lifeguards will be in kayaks and a medic from the New Bedford Fire Department on a boat in the bay to watch for swimmers in trouble.

Once back on shore, it’s a race to the bikes at Fort Taber and onto the second leg of the race. Four relief stations will be set up along Rodney French Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic for the event.

“We need at least 50 volunteers to help with the race,” said Walter. “Often, family and friends of racers show up but we can always use more.”

Last year, Chris Algar of Woods Hole, MA led a field of 257 triathletes with a top score of 57 minutes and 31 seconds. Second place went to David Lamoureux of Lakeville, MA at 58:31. Awards are given to the top three finalists in each age group and in Athena and Clydesdale categories.

“And then there’s the swag,” said Walter. “Everyone gets an event race shirt and water bottle. Everyone that crosses the finish line gets a finisher medal.”

For more information on how to enter or volunteer, visit: www.sunmultisportevents.com/Whaling_City.htm.

It is going to be blazing hot this weekend!  Mid-summer has brought a heat wave to New Bedford, with a National Weather Service alert for excessive heat on Friday with sun and a heat index of 98°F.  According to weather.com, the air should cool slightly Saturday, but it will still be hot at 94°F.  Sunday should bring a bit of relief with a prediction of partly cloudy skies and 83°F.

This weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, benefit a good cause, avoid the heat, or support the zoos in our area.  As always, most events discussed here are from LocalOracle.  To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE.  If you need directions, simply click on the event name for contact info and directions.

FRIDAY, JULY 22

On Friday, protect yourself from the scorching temperature by staying hydrated and cool!  Avoid the risk of suffering a heat disorder by keeping your body temperature down.  Drink water, or replenish electrolytes lost from sweating by drinking Gatorade or Coconut Water.  Find a pool, hit the beach, or run through the hose – do anything you can to protect yourself from over-heating.

New Bedford has prepared for the expected heat by making accommodations throughout the area for heat relief.  The City of New Bedford Department of Emergency will be providing heat relief shelters throughout New Bedford, at the five libraries and five senior centers. From New Bedford Guide:  “Due to the unseasonably hot weather conditions forecast by the National Weather Service for the greater New Bedford area, the City of New Bedford Department of Emergency Management has designated several city buildings as cooling centers.”

Another step the City of New Bedford has taken, is joining forces with the SRTA services to provide free bus transportation to all riders.  The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority will offer free busing from noon today until final rides Friday at approximately 6 p.m.  For more information, check here.  For a list of locations to find reprieve from the heat, as well as additional ways to stay safe and avoid a heat related disease, check here.

Want to enjoy an evening outdoors?  After temperatures have cooled into the evening, head into Rhode Island to the Roger Williams Park Zoo (1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence) for their ZooARTyssey. From Roger Williams Park Zoo: “Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you journey through Roger Williams Park Zoo on a summer evening during the magical sunset hours and discover enchanting and engaging living art characters created by Rhode Island’s renowned performance artists, TEN31 Productions.  Enjoy the living art as well as all the animals on exhibit and live music.  Delicious food and an array of beverages including beer and wine will also be available for purchase.”  Tickets are $15 for Adults, and $10 for Children and Seniors.  The event is from 6pm-9pm. Check here for more information.

There are many opportunities to experience live, local music Friday night.  For music and a meal, head over to the Airport Grille (1569 Airport Rd.) to enjoy live jazz and rock by Greg Lee Ensemble, featuring Dave Richards, Mark C. Hadden, and Greg Motta, from 8pm-11pm. J. Kelley Band will be in Fairhaven, at Down the Hatch (56 Goulart Memorial Dr., Fairhaven) – a great outdoor bar located at Earl’s Marina on West Island – playing from 8pm-11pm.  Ebony Keys featuring Michelle Hill will be playing at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.) at 9:30pm. Get a drink at Pour Farm (780 Purchase St.) and enjoy live music from the Slow Burning Nuggets, at 10pm.

For more events, check HERE.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

Spend the day at the beach, making the most of the continued heat and hot weather!  Horseneck Beach (5 John Reed Rd., Wesport) is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.  Day passes are $7/car or season passes are $35 for Massachusetts Residents.  Bring a beach umbrella, a cooler stocked with waters, and enjoy the weather in true South Coast style. Wear SPF and stay hydrated!

Saturday nights brings the long-awaited and much-anticipated Wild Night at the Zoo, at Buttonwood Park Zoo (425 Hawthorn St.).  This is the zoo’s 16^th annual fundraising gala event and is a wonderful opportunity to experience Buttonwood Park Zoo in a new way.  From New Bedford Guide:  “This is the perfect opportunity to experience the zoo from a different perspective, as it becomes transformed into a ‘Wild Night at the Zoo’ with an open bar, dinner buffet, live and silent auction, as well as music!  The Annual Fundraising Gala also brings an exclusive chance to meet the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Asian elephants Ruth and Emily.  Ruthy’s 25th Anniversary at the Zoo makes this year’s gala all that more special and celebratory!”

Tickets are $100/person, and are available now on pre-sale; tickets will cost $125/person at the door.  Tickets are available for purchase here.  Proceeds of the gala directly benefit the educational and conservation mission of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society – which is directly responsible for the care of the animals at the zoo.  From Buttonwood Park Zoo:  “The mission of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society (BPZS) is to support the Buttonwood Park Zoo so that the Zoo will be a significant contributor to the conservation of nature both at home and throughout the world.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”  Get dressed up and spend the night supporting an important local establishment and attraction.  Don’t miss out on this amazing evening at the zoo!

For Saturday nightlife, don’t miss Daddy-O Band at Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven) at 9pm.  Enjoy a bite from the new extended menu at No Problemo (813 Purchase St.) and stick around to listen to Cedros Highlites and the Riot after 10pm.  Dance the night away to music by DJ A Tom Called Cooney at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.) at 9:30pm.

For more events, check HERE.

SUNDAY, JULY 24

Start the morning with some exercise and go for a walk at Fort Taber Park.  Fort Taber is located on Clark’s Point at New Bedford’s southern-most tip.  Enjoy beautiful views of Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands while walking and exploring the Fort’s site.  The park has a fishing pier, a playground for children, a small museum, and plenty of sidewalks and paths for walking, running, or bike riding.  The park is open from dawn until dusk and is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day outside.

Enjoy a late brunch or lunch date at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.) or Dog Day Sundays with your BFF (best furry friend) at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 William St.). Kenny Richards will be on acoustic guitar in the evening at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.), from 6pm-9pm.  Or show up for Sunday Night Jam Session at Pour Farm (780 Purchase St); starting at 7pm and hosted by local musician Matt Antunes.  Support independent, local musicians who are looking to get their music out to you!  Want to jam? Give Matt a shout at straightlacedproductions@comcast.net.

Do something different this Sunday evening and support local athletics by attending a home game at Paul Walsh Field (230 Hathaway Rd.) to watch and cheer on the New Bedford Bay Sox.  The Bay Sox are up against the Sanford Mariners at Sunday’s home game, starting at 6L30pm.  To order tickets, check here.  For more information on the New Bedford Bay Sox, or to check their summer schedule, check here.

For more events, check HERE.

Have a lovely weekend. Stay cool!

Date Night is back with your host Phil Paleologos! After successful events at Catwalk, The Candleworks Restaurant and Hibernia Irish Pub, the folks at New Bedford Guide and MGD 64 bring you Date Night at Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front Street, New Bedford) on July 21, 2011. Date Night is a PERFECT event for singles to have a date and find a chance at love! Videos and pictures of past events can be found on our Date Night page and Date Night Facebook Page.

The following items will be given to EVERY contestants that us selected:

• $20 Gas Card
• MGD 64 Gift Package (T-Shirts, Hats, etc.)

One contestant will also win a pair of Red Sox tickets worth $300, when at the end of the night, we will draw a name from the contestant list. To become a contestant, send details and a few pics of yourself to info@newbedfordguide.com.  The MGD girls and staff will provide tons of items for anyone in attendance!

Here’s how Date Night works: a bachelorette asks questions, written in advance on cards, to three hidden bachelors. The same question is asked to each bachelor until time runs out. The bachelorette makes her choice based solely on the answers to her questions. This process is then reversed, with one bachelor and three bachelorettes. The winning couple then go on an instant date, with free food. In between each round of Date Night, gift cards, movie passes and other prizes will be given away through trivia questions.

Potential contestants are asked to answer the question: Why do you want to be on the show? Send an e-mail to info@newbedfordguide.com, with at least two photos and a brief paragraph on why you would make a good participant on Date Night. Want to sponsor or host Date Night? Also contact info@newbedfordguide.com.

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New Bedford is in store for another warm, sunny, summer weekend.  The weather.com forecast for the weekend predicts sunny skies Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with temperature highs up to 89°F.  Perfect weather for the beach and spending time outdoors.

This weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, or benefit a good cause.  As always, most events discussed here are from LocalOracle.  To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE.  If you need directions, simply click on the event name for contact info and directions.  If you want to save some money check out the South Coast Discount Coupons!

FRIDAY, JULY 15

If you are a Harry Potter fan, today is the day you’ve been waiting for.  The final installment of the book-turned-movie series opens in movie theatres 7/15/11.  Head over to Flagship Cinemas (500 Kings Highway) for popcorn and a great summer movie; show times available here.  Or head into Providence to enjoy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 3-D at the Providence Place Mall (9 Providence Place) IMAX theatre; show times available here.

For live, local music Friday night, check out Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven) to hear three-piece, all-purpose band The Morons; have dinner and stick around after 9pm to listen to hits from back in the day, and today.  Also, Russ Peterson will be playing oldies and classic rock at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.) at 9:30pm.  Or listen to reggae band Ting and I after enjoying sangria and a burrito at No Problemo (813 Purchase St.).

For other nightlife, enjoy the downtown bar scene at Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.), Hibernia Irish Pub (109 William St.), Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front St.), or Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.).  Or for something different, check out recently opened Top Shelf Bar and Grill (1825 Acushnet Ave.).

For more events, check HERE

SATURDAY, JULY 16

This Saturday morning, start the weekend by making an impact in our area by volunteering to be a part of Operation Clean Sweep.  This event is a great opportunity to support a wonderful cause and participate in community service while directly benefiting New Bedford.  From New Bedford Guide: “Operation Clean Sweep will hold a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, July 16, 2011 in Ward 5 from 8:30 am until Noon. Hosted by Southcoast Hospitals Group, cleanup headquarters will be located at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Hawthorn/ Page Street parking lot.”  Operation Clean Sweep is being held from 8:30am to noon at Ward 5 (corner of Page St. and Hawthorn St.).  To volunteer, sign up HERE. Lunch, tools, and gloves will be provided as well as there will be live broadcasting from FUN107.

Saturday is also the first day of the first weekend of an incredible local event, the South Coast Artist’s Open Studio Tour 2011.  This is the 8^th year of this very special event in our area that showcases the artistic talent and creativity of many of our local residents.  The South Coast Artist’s Open Studio Tour 2011 is a self-guided tour that travels across highways and through rural and farm landscapes; exhibiting art in Tiverton, RI, Little Compton, RI, Dartmouth, MA and Westport, MA.  Along this tour will be many different local artists opening up their studios for exclusive tours of their one-of-a-kind artworks.  The tour is free to the public, and all ages are welcome.

From South Coast Artists: “This is your chance to visit the studios of some of the best artists living, working and exhibiting in the four beautiful coastal towns of Tiverton, Little Compton, Westport and Dartmouth….Along the way you’ll discover the work of welcoming artists working in such diverse mediums as oils, acrylics, watercolors, photography, sculpture, basketry, fiber arts, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, jewelry, paper and mixed media. All you have to do is follow the map in the brochure and look for the blue and white Open Studio signs and windsocks marking each studio or gallery.”

The South Coast Artist’s Open Studio Tour 2011 is being held twice this year on July 16-17, and August 20-21.  For more information on the check out the online brochure, or click here for the open studio tour map.  Check here for the full list of South Coast Artists.

Check out the J.Kelley Band at Down the Hatch on West Island in Fairhaven from 8 PM – 12 AM.  If you missed Russ Peterson at Candleworks Restaurant (72 N. Water St.) on Friday, be sure to check him out Saturday night at 9:30pm.  For other nightlife, check out the Video Lounge at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 Williams St.) or Mechanical Bull Riding at Libad’s Bar (578 Brockton Ave.).

For more events, check HERE

SUNDAY, JULY 17

On Sunday, enjoy a lazy day at the beach.  Check out public beach West Beach (West Rodney French Blvd.) for fun in the sun and sand.  West Beach is located at the southern end of the city on the west side of the peninsula.  Enjoy a beautiful day at the beach overlooking Clarks Cove and Dartmouth coastline.  Be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen!

Or sleep in and enjoy a late brunch or lunch date at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.) or Dog Day Sundays with your BFF (best furry friend) at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 William St.).  Don’t forget about Sunday Night Jam Session at Pour Farm (780 Purchase St); starting at 7pm and hosted by local musician Matt Antunes.  Support independent, local musicians who are looking to get their music out to you!  Want to jam?  Give Matt a shout at straightlacedproductions@comcast.net.  End the weekend with Karaoke at the Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.) at 9:30pm.

Have a great weekend!

New Bedford’s Your Theatre, Inc will conduct six no-charge classes and workshops in acting on consecutive Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium complex of St. Martin’s Church at the southeast corner of County and Rivet Streets beginning Thursday July 14 and ending August 18, 2011.

Open to South-Coast residents aged 16 and older, sessions will be limited to a maximum of 16 attendees.  Participants will be chosen by the order in which their applications are received and regardless of gender, race, creed, or political, sexual and religious persuasion.  Interested persons should submit their names, e-mail addresses and telephone number to POWS1@verizon.net, or call the Your Theatre, Inc. office at 508 993-0772.

The program will be conducted by Edward J. Maguire, retired Artistic Director with more than 50 years of experience in all aspects of theatrical production.  He will be assisted by Cynthia J. Messier, a 40-year veteran actor and director. Mr. Maguire will coach participants in acting technique, while Ms Messier will concentrate on oral interpretation skills.

On July 15, 2011 from 5 – 10 p.m., New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will host a free family event at Buttonwood Park celebrating the great outdoors. Great Outdoors Day will feature tent set-up demonstrations, a climbing wall, campfire storytelling, camping basics, and an outdoor movie showing of the film, “The Great Outdoors.” The park is collaborating with the City of New Bedford, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches, Third Eye Unlimited, and the Marion Institute to put on the event. Great Outdoors Day will take place in the field to the north of the warming house at Buttonwood Park, near the pond. Free parking is available at the warming house.

The idea for Great Outdoors Day came from participants in the park’s Youth Ambassador Program, an after-school and summer program for New Bedford teens who communicate local and national history through music, video, live performances, events, and social media outreach. They came up with the concept for the event as a way to introduce the outdoors to populations that may not typically visit natural resource areas or participate in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or climbing. By familiarizing people with some of the fundamentals to safely enjoying the millions of acres of public land available in the U.S. and beyond, the Youth Ambassadors hope that nature will seem less foreign to the many city residents that do not explore beyond the SouthCoast.

The Youth Ambassador Program represents the youth voice of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and participants have created songs and videos that introduce topics such as whaling and Underground Railroad history, as well as a song encouraging young people to “Get Outside and Move” which landed them a front page feature on Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move website www.letsmove.gov.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The building is accessible. Admission is free. For more information, go the website at www.nps.gov/nebe, or call 508-996-4095.

After a very hot week filled with sunshine, the weekend’s forecast predicts a chance of thunderstorms. According to weather.com, the forecast is for scattered thunderstorms Friday, isolated thunderstorms Saturday, and then back to sunny skies on Sunday. Temperatures are predicted to range in the highs of 78°F – 84°F.

While enjoying the weekend, definitely check out one or some of the many opportunities in the area to listen to local music, celebrate nightlife, enjoy the arts, or benefit a good cause. As always, most events discussed here are from LocalOracle. To have your events promoted for FREE, submit them HERE. If you need directions, simply click on the event name for contact info and directions.

FRIDAY, JULY 8

Friday kicks off the weekend with the start of one of New Bedford’s most enjoyed, annual festivals – the Whaling City Festival at Buttonwood Park. The festival is a three-day event and is open Friday-Sunday from 9am-8pm. Enjoy rides, games, yummy carnival food, music and lives performances. Or shop the many vendors and tents that will be set up! The Whaling City Festival is a super fun summertime event.

From NewBedfordGuide: “The Whaling City Festival has been running for an amazing 42 years and attendance is FREE of charge. The organizers claim that over 150,000 people visit each year. The festival offers over 200 retail vendors and 26 food vendors.  The main attractions are the local bands, radio stations, vintage car shows and of course carnival rides.

If you are looking for a great event outside this weekend, the Whaling City Festival is perfect for all ages. Live music will include Beatles, Santana, Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin tribute bands with some amazing local music to include Neal McCarthy Problem and Abby Normal. Other entertainment includes Top Rope Wrestling, Rosie’s Racing Pigs, Poppytown Puppets, BINGO with Linda Morad, Whaling City Food Drive and much more. A full schedule of events can be found here.

The Whaling City Festival Custom Car and Truck show will be held Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM and cost $15 per entry. The trophy presentation will be at 3 PM.  Don’t miss yet another amazing festival that only hits New Bedford once a year!”

Friday is also the opening night for “Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical,” presented by the New Bedford Festival Theatre at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (684 Purchase St.). ‘Hair’ will be running from July 8 through to the 17^th. Tickets are $30-$45, and are available for purchase HERE. Don’t miss out on this show!

From The Z: “Don’t miss HAIR, the most exuberant musical on stage! HAIR tells the story of a group of friends choosing to speak up and sing out in celebration of love, life and freedom. The first great rock musical, it has some of the most rousing and soulful songs ever written for the stage, including “Let the Sunshine In,” “Easy to Be Hard,” “Good Morning Sunshine,” “Aquarius” and the infectious title song, “Hair”. Its relevance is undeniable. Its energy is unbridled. Its truth is unwavering. It’s HAIR and it’s time!”

For Friday nightlife, check out DJ Eddie Freitas at the Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Av., Fairhaven), or enjoy music by In-House DJs at Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.) or Hibernia Irish Pub (109 Williams St.).

For more events, check HERE.

SATURDAY, JULY 9

Start this Saturday morning with peace, love, and exercise. Weather permitting, there will be Yoga at Fort Taber (1000C South Rodney French Blvd.) from 9am-10am. This will be a vinyasa style, hour-long yoga class and attendants are required to bring their own mat or towel, and water. The class is only $5 and proceeds benefit local charities. This is a great way to start the weekend out with healthy exercise and good karma! Contact southcoastyoga@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Be sure to check out the Whaling City Festival if you didn’t on Friday! Or, if you had a great time, head back for another fun day on Saturday. Check out the schedule of events HERE.

For dinner and music, head on over to No Problemo (813 Purchase St.) for some super yummy Mexican food, and stick around after 10pm to enjoy Sean Bones and Jake Hill. Or enjoy a meal and rock out to some soul music with Johnny Edwards Power of Soul at Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven) at 9pm. For other nightlife, check out DJ Jr Ray at Fins (37 Union St.).

For more events, check HERE.

SUNDAY, JULY 10

Enjoy a beautiful beach day at Horseneck Beach! Sunny should be clear skies and hot temps, making for a perfect beach day. Horseneck Beach (5 John Reed Rd., Wesport) is one of the most popular beaches in the South Coast and is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Day passes are $7/car or season passes are $35 for Massachusetts Residents. Spend the day with your friends, or bring your family and enjoy the ocean, sun and sand. Be sure to wear SPF and stay hydrated!

Or sleep in and enjoy a late lunch or brunch at the Ice Chest Bar and Grille (136 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven); open at 10am. Ice Chest will be hosting their Second Sunday Blues Brunch with featured blues performer Neal McCarthy. There will be a full brunch provided along with bloody-marys and mimosas – yum!

Don’t forget, if you missed the first two days of the Whaling City Festival, you can still enjoy it on Sunday! Check out the schedule of events HERE.

Or, just like every other Sunday, enjoy a late brunch or lunch date at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.) or Dog Day Sundays with your BFF (best furry friend) at Hibernia Irish Pub (109 William St.). End the weekend with Karaoke at the Catwalk Bar and Grille (34 Union St.) at 9:30pm.