Happy Summer! I called my mom in Florida today and she may have mentioned how much steamier it is up here today than down home… of course she was also by the pool… and flip flops are appropriate business attire down there… and people smile as they pass you on the street… and then there are those southern drawls… Hang on, trying to remember why I moved here. Ah, yes, the plethora of opportunities to experience arts and culture!

Besides the heat, life in Newton starts to resemble the south as activities slow down for the summer months. (Even my typing takes on a drawl.) I’m going to encourage you to take advantage of these quieter moments. Maybe pick up some Blue Ribbon, check out those trails and parks Jerry is always going on about, try a new restaurant, and see any show or exhibit you can so no more of this happens.

In the meantime, there are still a few events happening in Newton: 

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
Still looking for a summer camp? I’ve spent the last few weeks visiting Newton Cultural Alliance members to catch up on their program and schedule next year’s NCA community events. Here are three NCA organizations with great summer options for your kiddos!

Boston Ballet School*
Ballet Stories (Ages 3-4)
Ballet Journeys (Ages 5-7)
July 30 – August 10 

The Newton studio has just gotten a facelift! New paint and new carpet are in and ready to inspire little feet! I’m fairly positive that there isn’t a more precious camp than this one. Read more information on each program (and others for older students and adults) here.

New Art Center*
Children’s Weeklong Summer Arts
Teen Weeklong Summer Arts
Teen Afternoon Summer Ceramics 
Programs all summer long!

Have you been to the New Art Center? It’s a beautiful space, tucked away from the chaos of Walnut St in Newtonville. Your kids or teens will love these classes. The faculty is engaging, the programs are fun – what sounds better?

West Suburban YMCA*
West Suburban Rock Project Music Camp 

This facility is amazing. If you have not toured the YMCA then I suggest you get yourself down there and ask Diane to show you around. It is gorgeous and they have thought of everything! I even hear that sometime during the summer there will be movies projected onto a wall by the small pool and families are invited to watch the movies while floating in inner tubes. That is awesome.

But I digress.

The West Suburban Y has recently begun a music program. The studio has electric guitars and basses (even a pink one! I was jealous.), pianos, drum pads and amazing recording equipment. The West Suburban Rock Project is a BRAND NEW camp designed to give young musicians ages 10 to 17 the opportunity to experience an exciting two-week excursion into the life of a professional musician. This camp is a perfect way for musicians to form a band while bringing their skills and love for music to a whole other level!

WEEKEND EVENTS

SUNDAY

Adrian Jojatu & Friends in Concert
Newton Free Library
Sunday, June 24 at 2pm | FREE

Join Ala Jojatu and Tudor Bota, piano; Emil Lancea, clarinet; Luiza Maria Jojatu, violin, and Adrian Jojatu, bassoon, for an afternoon performance of classical music on Sunday, June 24 at 2:00 pm. They will play works by F. Seitz, W. A Mozart , Glinka and C. M. von Weber.

Historic Newton Walks: Civil War Soldiers at St. Mary’s Cemetary
Historic Newton*
Sunday, June 24 at 2pm | FREE

Come join Historic Newton for Historic Newton Walks: Civil War Soldiers at St. Mary’s Cemetery to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War by learning the stories of the many Civil War veterans buried in the St. Mary’s Church Cemetery. The tour will be led by church historian Beverly Hurney and will reveal the adventures and sacrifices of Lower Falls’ soldiers and families. Meet at St. Mary’s Church, 258 Concord Street, Newton Lower Falls.

Toe Jam Puppet Band
Newton Free Library
Monday, June 25 at 7pm | FREE

Well who can resist toe jam?! The Newton Free Library is proud to welcome the ever popular, kids favorite Toe Jam Puppet Band for a zany and exuberant summer family concert!  Toe Jam offers children’s entertainment that families can enjoy together.  The unique musical performances are very interactive and theatrical.  Audience members of all ages are encouraged to sing and dance along with Toe Jam as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs and interactive storytelling.  Get ready for a Car Wash, watch out for the Flying Laundry and be prepared to laugh with glee, Toe Jam style!
 *Newton Cultural Alliance Member