March thru May marks the busiest time of year for arts and cultural organizations. Trust me, there’s plenty for you to partake in this weekend but this is just a warm-up for what’s to come! Newton, you are BUSY!  Without further ado, here are this weekend’s picks to get your culture on!

(Click here to see the Newton Cultural Alliance’s March calendar of member events)

THURSDAY, March 8

Nights Out @ New Art: Psanky, The Art of Ukrainian Egg Painting
New Art Center*
Thursday, March 8 at 7pm | $30 

If you miss decorating Easter eggs, New Art Center has the solution! “Have you ever wondered how the intricate patterns used in Ukrainian egg decorating are created? You will learn the craft of pysanky, a traditional Ukrainian technique dating back thousands of years. In a method similar to batik, patterns are drawn on an egg with wax and many layers of dye. By repeating the process, a multi-colored pattern is created on the egg. Finally, the wax is removed to display your own richly detailed design.”

Keep going…

Beginner Adult Open Class
Boston Ballet School*
Thursday, March 8 at 7pm | FREE (first class)

I take this class with a friend every other week. As we drove to our last class we both took equal time complaining about our days and deciding whether to just scrap the dancing and go out for beers and mac & cheese. We chose class and I am not exaggerating when I say that after 10 minutes in class with Jessica we had both lost our lousy attitudes.

What I’m saying is if you have any inclination to try a ballet class, come take the plunge with me. You’ll feel stretched and calm and, dare I say it, graceful. Ages range from early 20s to early 70s. First class is free and no tutus are required!

On a side note… who makes the best mac & cheese in Newton?

FRIDAY, March 9

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Newton Country Players*
Friday, March 9 – Saturday, March 10 at 8pm | Tickets: $18-$20

Support local theater and a local food bank: Newton Country Players presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat March 9-10 and March 16-18 at MassBay Community College in Wellesley Hills, a family-friendly production benefiting the Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton.

SATURDAY, March 10

Salutes the Arts
New England Mobile Book Fair (@nebookfair)  
Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 from 11am-4pm | FREE

Cheers for collaborative arts projects! New England Mobile Book Fair kicks off its “Salutes Series” with “Salutes the Arts.” Local artists will display their work (which is also for sale), see live painting demonstrations, and the community will build a diorama! Looking forward to hearing more about this series!

SUNDAY, March 11

Luxurious Harmonies
Newton Choral Society*
Sunday, March 11 at 3pm | Tickets: $21-$25

Don’t you just want to wrap yourself up in that title, Luxurious Harmonies? Newton Choral Society, under the direction of director David Carrier will present Luxurious Harmonies, featuring Frank Martin Mass for Double Chorus and Daniel Pinkham Wedding Cantata. The concert will also include Johannes Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes performed by a chamber chorus of NCS singers. If next week looks rough, you’ll want to start it off right with NCS.

Music for All
Zamir Chorale* with Trinity Church Choir
Sunday, March 12 at 3pm | Tickets: $5-$25

Field trip! The Zamir Chorale of Boston and the Trinity Church choirs join together at Trinity Church, with Cantors Scott Sokol and Elias Rosemberg, for an unusual one-time concert, featuring works of Lewandowski, Rossi, Fromm, Lampl, Avni, Bernstein, Milhaud, Mendelssohn and Sulzer.

TUESDAY, March 13

World Cultures: Ireland
Newton Free Library (@newtonfreelib)
Tuesday, March 13 at 2pm

Ahhh, how seasonal and timely! “Bring your kids ages 5 and up to the Newton Free Library for World Cultures: Ireland, where they will learn aboutIreland by listening to stories, making a craft and sampling a delicious treat provided by Whole Foods Market. Registration begins on Tuesday, March 6. To register, stop by the Children’s Room at the library or call (617) 796-1370.”
…Speaking of St.Patrick’s Day… I can’t resist the opportunity to preview the New Philharmonia Orchestra’s* Pub Night & Karaoke Concert on St. Patrick’s Day (Sat, March 17) at 7pm at the First Baptist Church* in Newton Centre. The evening starts with a party including Irish musicians, corned beef, soda bread, scones and a craft beer tasting hosted by Urban Grape. Performances follow featuring traditional Celtic tunes, audience sing-a-longs, Irish dance and more! Tickets $20 for adults and $10 guests under 21. Music, food, booze, and community spirit! (@newphilorch)

CONTINUING

Monochrome and Minimalism
Newton Open Studios*
Through May 15, Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm
Mayor’s Office, City Hall | FREE
View NOS’s first juried art show at the Mayor’s Office! Ten NOS artists are exhibiting in this delightful show. More about the show from Newton Patch here.

B Side @ B Street, Restaurant & Bar
Monday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 13 from 8pm-10pm
I attended B Street’s first B Side this week and it was great!B Street’s cozy atmosphere lends itself very well to live entertainment. Plus the food is excellent.

*Newton Cultural Alliance member