New Documentary About Indigenous Peoples Fight Over Seized Sacred Land Screens at Park Theatre

"Lakota Nation vs. United States" starts September 8 in Jaffrey

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 5, 2023) A new documentary film chronicling the United States government's forced removal of Indigenous Peoples from their sacred Black Hills--Lakota Nation vs. United States will screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre starting this Friday, September 8 at 7:00 pm and continue through September 12.

The Black Hills is an isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota and extending into Wyoming. The sacred land was stolen from the Lakota people in violation of treaty agreements. Lakota Nation vs. United States is a searing, timely portrait of resistance. The film explores the ways America has ignored its debt to indigenous communities and ponders what might be done today to repair the wrongs of the past.

Directed by Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli, the award-winning film is a provocative, visually stunning testament to a land and a people who have survived removal, exploitation, and genocide – and whose spirit is irrepressible.

For more information and to become involved with Lakota's movement, go to https://www.blackhillsjustice.org/.

The film will have five screenings: Friday, 9/8 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, 9/9 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, Sunday, 9/10 at 4:00 pm, and Tuesday 9/12 at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $10/$9 and can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org, at (603) 532-8888, or at the theatre's box office.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 90 minutes from downtown Boston. The theatre is completely accessible.

Artist Frida Kahlo Documentary Comes To The Park Theatre

Exhibition on Screen Series continues at Jaffrey performing arts center on September 13

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 5, 2023) The Park Theatre's Exhibition on Screen Series continues with Frida Kahlo. The documentary about the iconic artist screens on Wednesday, September 13, at 1:30 pm.

Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns?

An award-winning film gives the audience a journey through the life of a true icon and helps them discover her art and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Making use of the latest technology to deliver previously unimaginable quality, the film delivers an in-depth look at key works throughout her career.

Using letters Kahlo wrote to guide us, this definitive film reveals her deepest emotions and unlocks the secrets and symbolism contained within her art. Exhibition on Screen's trademark combination of interviews, commentary, and a detailed exploration of her art delivers a treasure trove of color and a feast of vibrancy. This personal and intimate film offers privileged access to her works and highlights the source of her feverish creativity, her resilience, and her unmatched lust for life, politics, men, and women.

Delving deeper than any film has done before, engaging with world-renowned Kahlo experts, and exploring how great an artist she was, audiences discover the real Frida Kahlo in this 90-minute film.

Before Frida Kahlo, a light lunch is available at the theatre through the Screen Snacks program. Renowned local chef Carolyn Edwards prepares soups, sandwiches, sweets, and more. It begins 90 minutes before the film (12 noon). Tables are available throughout the Lounge and theatre for dining. Ticket holders can pre-order their lunches at ScreenSnacks.org

Frida Kahlo tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org, at (603) 532-8888, or at the theatre's box office.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 90 minutes from Boston. The theatre is completely accessible.

Park Theatre To Hold Benefit Screening of Cat Video Fest For Kitty Rescue

Monadnock Kitty Rescue & Adoption will be the beneficiary of a screening event at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey

Image courtesy of The Park Theatre

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (August 31, 2023) The Park Theatre will hold a fundraising screening of Cat Video Fest 2023 for The Monadnock Kitty Rescue & Adoption nonprofit located in Jaffrey. The special screening will be held on Sunday, September 17, at 4 pm in The Park Theatre's 333-seat Eppes Auditorium. Tickets are $10 (adults) and $9 (seniors 62+, children, students, teachers, and active military.

Cat Video Fest is the world's #1 cat video festival. It is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. Cat Video Fest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.

Monadnock Kitty Rescue & Adoption (https://kittyrescuenh.org) is a 501(c)(3) no-kill cat sanctuary and adoption center for adoptable cats as well as feral cats. Many spend their lives there, where they are cared for lovingly by the center's volunteers.

The theatre doors will open before the movie at 3:00 p.m. Monadnock Kitty Rescue & Adoption will have a special area set in the lobby with a handful of cats & kitties that are available for adoption. They will also have representatives to answer questions and discuss their mission. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the organization. There will also be donation sites throughout the theatre.

Tickets for Cat Video Fest 2023 can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston. The theatre is completely accessible.

Robin Williams One-Man Show Tribute Scheduled For Park Theatre

Roger Kabler plays the iconic comedian actor in the critically acclaimed live production

Roger Kabler as Robin Williams
Image courtesy of The Park Theatre

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (September 1, 2023) When Robin Williams debuted as Mork on the ABC sitcom Happy Days on February 28, 1978, the world would never be the same again. His electric, kinetic, and magically funny performance was something never before seen on television. Sadly, the world lost Robin in 2014. A masterful tribute to this iconic performer has been performed all over the United States.

On Friday, September 22, actor Roger Kabler will bring his acclaimed one-person show ROBIN: The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience to The Park Theatre stage in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

Spend an evening with America's premier Robin Williams tribute artist. The show is funny, poignant, and sometimes just a wild ride through the mind of a lovable madman. As one of comedy's icons, Robin seemed always to be teetering on the edge of childlike innocence even when he was being naughty. If you never had the chance to see him in concert, now is the time.

This hysterical and emotional show is performed by Roger Kabler, who appeared on CBS' The Carol Burnett Show and in the lead role of Bobby Soul in the short-lived NBC sitcom Rhythm & Blues.

Kabler, who has been fascinated by Robin since he was 17, told The Martha's Vineyard Times, "Shortly after Robin's passing, I was overcome by the feeling that I was possessed by his spirit...It was a remarkable experience that I still can't explain."

The New York Daily News calls the show "Astonishing."

The Orlando Sentinel reported, "Folks in the theater gasped...because of his resemblance to Williams."

The tribute is produced by Marino Live Creative in association with Legends of Comedy.

There will only be one performance on Friday, September 22 at 7:30 pm. All tickets are $25, and seats are reserved. It is an 18+ show. Tickets can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by the box office at (603) 532-8888.

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston. The theatre is completely accessible.

Nova Arts Eagerly Welcomes the Musical Brilliance of TapRoots and Bombajazzeando on Friday, September 15

KEENE, NH - Broadening creative artistry once again, Nova Arts has invited the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and creator of TapRoots, Matthew King, whose distinctive and compound music is reaching new territory. Followed by Bombajazzeando, four incredibly talented drummers accompanied by three captivating dancers whose energy will create an upbeat and interactive environment. The event will take place on Friday, September 15, and people of all ages are encouraged to experience this diverse show.

"King is an alchemist of music, community, and intentional purpose in serving the greater good through music and intentional action. Although I'm not a music reviewer, I cannot help but celebrate an album created from a deep love for community and the understanding that it is key to our survival and thriving," states Magdalena Gómez, who believes King's music is powerful and uplifting and inspires the greater youth. Through the power of music, TapRoots strives to evoke the power of persistence through creative works and unity, while motivating artistic collaborations to be aware of the need for systemic change.

Matthew King fully acknowledges the uniqueness of TapRoots, he states in an interview, "When people ask about what kind of music TapRoots is, I always find it very difficult to pinpoint. Is it funk? Is it reggae? Is it Latin? Is it rock? It doesn't fit any one box and is sometimes passed by as a result of people not knowing how to talk about it and understand it." TapRoots' complexity is what makes the music so special. Mixing funk, soul, salsa, afrobeat, reggae, afro cuban jazz, rock and roll, samba, and folkloric rhythms invites a plethora of individuals to interpret the sounds however they please.

Bombajazzeando includes exciting bomba drumming and dancing from Puerto Rico. The drummers and dancers are joined by sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, and bass for an exhilarating yet mesmerizing sound. Audience members can expect to be taught choruses and dances to traditional moves to create an interactive and engaging atmosphere.

"Both jazz and bomba are musics of connection," Gerstin said in a news release. "One musician calls, others respond. There are a lot of smiles." Bombajazzeando brings listeners together while building a sense of welcomeness. The group is led by wife and husband Brendalíz Cepeda and Saul Peñalosa, who have worked to spread their tradition to Western Massachusetts stages, schools, and community events.

General admission is $20 + fees. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins no later than 8:00 p.m. Seating is limited as space will be cleared for dancing. For more information and ticket purchases please visit novaarts.org.

https://www.thetaprootsmovement.com/

Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Campus"

An Effort to Keep Students Safe from Alcohol-Related Harm

BOSTON - The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to prevent tragedies by keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.

"Increased enforcement saves lives and prevents tragedies before they happen," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to make sure that underage people are aware that drinking and driving can have devastating consequences upon them and those they love."

The enforcement efforts focus primarily on the parking lots and surrounding streets of liquor stores and bars that have had significant problems with underage individuals purchasing alcoholic beverages with false identification or through adults buying alcoholic beverages for them.

Investigators will also be focusing on delivery apps that provide alcohol. Last year, Investigators found that students ordered and paid for the alcohol through the apps, after which the drivers picked up the alcohol from stores and delivered it to the underage students, who were found to be waiting for the alcohol delivery on street corners with empty duffle bags and suitcases.

The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators calling a teen's parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that the intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.

"We want to draw attention to the dangers of alcohol abuse and underage drinking," said Jean Lorizio, chairperson of the ABCC. "We are making people aware that underage drinking can have devastating consequences on them and the individuals they love."

In 2022, ABCC enhanced enforcement found 691 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages, 92 adults procuring alcohol for minors, 178 individuals in possession of false identification, and 289 cases of beer and 168 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 2836 underage individuals. In addition, bars and liquor stores were charged with 263 counts of sale to underage persons.

Since 2005 these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 11,901 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3569 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 1690 individuals in possession of false identification; and 5507 cases of beer and 4680 bottles of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to approximately 74,260 underage individuals.

Approximately 1,825 college students between the aged 18--24 die each year from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes; 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking and 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. In Massachusetts alone, the overall cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.

Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21.

Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively.

One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.