Worcester Weekly: Jingle 5K, Craftershock! + more to do, Dec. 11-18

By |

Sunday, Dec. 11 — Craftershock! 2016, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Ave.  This city has many things that make it distinct, unique even. Indeed we have a rich and proud history bursting at the seams with difference-makers of all shapes and sizes — from Goddard’s rockets to Ball’s smiley faces, from Abbey’s activism to Abbie’s activism. Now, for sure, roller derby couldn’t possibly provide the impact of, say, feverish abolitionism or advocacy of women’s rights, but Worcester Roller Derby is both a fascinating sporting endeavor and a home-away-from-home that provides an often important community for its members.

Check out our free feature story on WoRD’s social (and physical) impact

Liz Couture, aka T-Flex

Joe Parello / For Worcester Sun

Liz Couture, aka T-Flex

 

Clearly these are no one-dimensional ladies. And for the sixth year, WoRD is putting on its “alternative craft fair,” featuring more than 70 vendors (and free admission). Homemade jewelry, vintage goods, art and photography, gifts and more. You’re going to be out shopping anyway — plus why risk making these women angry?!

For more information

Wednesday, Dec. 14 — City Services Q&A, 3-4 p.m., 2nd Floor, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square  You’d think the city might want to make clear that they will not be taking questions about snow removal or taxes. This is, though, a pretty nifty service to have at your disposal — at least you can see all those rising tax dollars at work!

Worcester Weekly: Rachel Platten at Mechanics Hall + more to do, Dec. 4-10

By |

Monday, Dec. 5 — XLO’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, 7:30 p.m. (doors), Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St.  Hold up, there, chief — did anyone ask Mayor Petty about this? We’re trying to get everyone calmed down amid all the post-election tension, and WXLO’s gonna bring in some rich girl from Newton whose most popular song is about fighting? That doesn’t seem like a great holiday message. Of course, then the tragically unhip middle-aged white guy reads a few lyrics — and the song’s actually rather uplifting (except for the whole, being Hillary Clinton’s campaign theme song thing … ouch!).

Watch and listen: Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song”

Anyway, with the opus approaching 240 million YouTube views, clearly Platten is ascending to the rarified air usually reserved for juggernauts like the Worcester Sun. And Donald Trump. Which all makes her a solid headliner for our fair hometown rock station’s annual holiday shindig. She’s joined by opening acts you’ve never heard of, who will play a lot more than her. Tickets are $49.50-$59.50 and strikingly plentiful.

For more information

Wednesday, Dec. 7 — “Branded: How Italian Immigrants Became Enemies During WWII,” lecture, 6:30-8 p.m., Gene J. DeFeudis Italian American Cultural Center, 28 Mulberry St.  Obviously, the folks over at Mount Carmel forgot about the part in “The Godfather” — you’d think they’d mostly have it memorized — where Michael Corleone was a war hero. And then a whole bunch of senators really want to talk to him about the olive oil business, how he liked his trip to Vegas, all that good stuff. They don’t sound like enemies to me.