Performing Arts Center to Open in Fairhaven [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

A performing arts center is about to open in Fairhaven.

The Shepard Center for the Performing Arts is located at Babbitt Hall at 34 Center Street, adjacent to the First Congregational Church.

The center is now a 501c3 nonprofit, and its president is Fairhaven businessman Bryon Knight. He joined Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the center and its mission.

"We had been doing small events in my Sconticut Neck Road shop for about a year, and we were looking for a location for about a year and a half," Knight said. "Finally, the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven offered up Babbitt Hall to lease. I think its a match made in heaven, so to speak."

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Knight, an Arkansas native, said the center will be community focused, showcasing the musical, theatrical, dance and cinematic efforts of local performers.

The center will serve as an educational resource as well.

"We approach the performing arts from the back-stage forward," Knight said. "Not everyone can be a musician, a dancer or actor. We'll also provide education on how to produce such things."

On December 6, the center will host an open mic session with similar events to follow.

Starting in January, the Shepard Center will begin offering performances, but Knight said "they will not be touring acts, but rather, your friends and neighbors will be performing for you."

The Shepard Center for the Performing Arts is holding a fundraising event on December 17 at the First Congregational Church. The Holiday Concert will begin at 1:30 p.m., and tickets are $15 per person.

You can purchase tickets at Bryon's musical instrument store, Fairhaven Frets, located at 105 Sconticut Neck Road.

Townsquare Sunday is a community affairs program heard every Sunday morning on WBSM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.