Arts and Recreation
A Capella Sensation "Ball in the House" to Perform at MWCC in Celebration of Black History Month
Ball in the House
Photo courtesy of Ball in the House
GARDNER, MA - January 30, 2025 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is thrilled to announce a special performance by renowned a capella group Ball in the House on Wednesday, February 26. This performance titled "And Now I See: Racism, and American Music" in honor of Black History Month, promises to be a highlight of MWCC's cultural calendar this year.
Ball in the House, known for their dynamic vocal harmonies and captivating performances, will grace MWCC's stage with their soulful renditions and energetic beats. The group's unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul music has garnered them acclaim nationwide, making them a perfect fit for this celebration of African American culture and achievement.
The performance will delve into the rich tapestry of African American music, spanning Spirituals, Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, and R&B, with attendees gaining insight into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of each genre, tracing their influences through time. This show celebrates the immense impact of African American musicians and their music, shedding light on their influence while addressing the impact of racism on musical styles and artists alike.
Adding a special local touch to the event is MWCC student Wallace Thomas, who will be among the performers showcasing their talent alongside Ball in the House.
The event is open to the public, welcoming community members, students, and music enthusiasts alike to join in this festive occasion. The event will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the South Café on the MWCC Gardner campus.
About Ball in the House: Ball in the House is an award-winning a capella group based in Boston, Massachusetts. Since their formation in 1997, they have captivated audiences with their impressive vocal talents and innovative musical arrangements, performing across the United States and beyond. More information is available at ballinthehouse.com
Coming Up at Theatre At the Mount!
"Into The Woods"
Starring Taylor Lawton as Cinderella's Prince and Chelsea Daniels as Cinderella.
Based on fairytales by the Brothers Grimm, Into the Woods brings together the story of a Baker and his Wife who wish for a child, of Cinderella who wishes to go to the King's Festival, of Jack who wishes to keep his best friend, of a Witch who wishes to be beautiful again and many more. It all comes together in the woods, where everyone will have to consider if they truly want what they thought they wished for.
Careful the wish you make...
February 21, 22, 28, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
March 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Buy tickets at https://mwcc.universitytickets.com/
At Theatre at the Mount, Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St, Gardner, MA. Box office: 978-630-9388. For tickets and show information: box-office@mwcc.mass.edu. For other information: g_steele@mwcc.mass.edu.
Gardening
Growing Basil
Purple basil varieties add color and interest to containers and gardens.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Fresh on your pizza, added to your favorite Italian and Southeastern Asian dishes, or made into pesto, it's not surprising basil is often called the king of herbs.
Look for opportunities to include basil in gardens, containers, and ornamental plantings. Purple varieties add color and combine nicely with other flowers and vegetables. Everleaf Emerald Towers is a very tall and productive plant that adds vertical interest to container and in-ground gardens.
Always wait for the air and soil to warm before moving basil into the garden. Cold air and soil can stunt or damage the plants and increase the risk of downy mildew. You may even see blackened leaves and other damage when temperatures drop to 50 degrees.
Protect tender plants in spring and extend the harvest in fall with the help of floating row covers. These spun fabrics trap heat around the plants while allowing air, light, and water through. Lightweight row covers can be used throughout the summer to protect the plants from Japanese beetles.
Keep plants healthy and help reduce the risk of downy mildew disease by growing basil in sunny locations with plenty of room to reach their mature size. The extra space allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plants, and the added air movement quickly dries the leaves.
Avoid overhead irrigation whenever possible. Instead, use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or a watering wand to apply the water directly to the soil.
Red leaf, Thai, and lemon-flavored basil varieties are less susceptible to downy mildew. Relatively new sweet basil varieties such as Devotion DMR, Obsession DMR, Passion DMR, Thunderstruck DMR, Prospera Compact DMR, and Prospera are downy mildew resistant.
Watch for slugs that feed at night, eating large, ragged holes in the leaves. Trap them with shallow containers of beer sunk into the ground or use a slug beer trap with a built-in cover. The slugs are attracted to the fermenting yeast, crawl inside, and die.
Unlike slugs, the Japanese beetles feed and mate in broad daylight. They devour large portions of the leaves, leaving only the veins behind.
If you see circular clear or black spots on the leaves the four-lined plant bug is the culprit. The dead tissue may eventually fall out, resulting in small holes.
Manage Japanese beetles and plant bugs by knocking them into a can of soapy water or treating the plants with an organic insecticide labeled for controlling these pests on basil. Always read and follow all label directions for safe and effective control.
Harvest basil as needed. Regular harvesting will increase productivity and ensure the best flavor. Remove flower buds as soon as they appear to maintain foliage flavor. But don't worry if a few blossoms appear, these are also edible and a favorite of beneficial insects.
Plan to grow and harvest extra basil to make pesto or flavored vinegar. Make plenty to enjoy throughout the year and share with family and friends.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.