New Bedford’s August AHA! Night Is Packed With Free Things to Do

While Scallopalooza looks to be the big attraction in downtown New Bedford on AHA! Night on August 13, there are many other AHA! events that night to keep families and kids entertained.

AHA Director Kim Goddard stopped by Townsquare Sunday to outline the schedule, including four AHA! Moments.

"An AHA! moment is where AHA! has partnered with a new business and artist to create an experience for the public and place it around town," Goddard said.

Free Art and Creative Activities During AHA! Night

AHA! Moment No. 1 is being staged at Shimmer, located at 187 Union Street, featuring the J&J Art Exhibition. Artists James Ainsworth and John McCorkle Parker from Better Community Living will be displaying their work in expressive drawings created with graphite, ink and paint, along with artwork combining photography and watercolors.

AHA! Moment No. 2 takes place at JNSQ Home at 58 Spring Street. Illustrator Zulay Holland Perez is leading a hands-on workshop designed to unlock creativity with simple drawing exercises.

Urban Line Dancing Comes to Downtown New Bedford

The third AHA! Moment is presented by 3rd Eye Unlimited at 230 Union Street. Urban Line Dancing will be taught by Maia Livramento. "If you like to dance, if you like to move, this event will be fun," Goddard said. "Maia will be teaching two different moves: Boots on the Ground and Vibe. So you can learn the moves, join the community, and have some fun."

READ MORE: Scallopalooza Returning to New Bedford August 13

Speaking of art, Gallery X on William Street will host its largest exhibit of the year, titled "Public Xhibition 37." Seventy-five artists from 23 area cities and towns are contributing more than 200 original works of art. The exhibit includes traditional portraits, abstract sculptures, experimental mixed media, and more.

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Live Jazz Takes Center Stage at AHA! Night

The music never stops during AHA! Night, with jazz taking center stage on August 13. Pianist Tim Ray and vocalist Cassandre McKinley will perform outdoors at the Jazz Wall at 23 Centre Street. Sets are at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Another AHA! Moment will take place at the Verdean Vets Hall on Purchase Street at 7 p.m. The Art Club Jazz Ensemble will perform jazz standards in an intergenerational, cross-cultural celebration of the music of the African Diaspora. The evening continues with Archie Rebeiro & Friends, featuring The Anchor Band, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where to Find AHA! After Dark

There is more jazz at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel performed by the Buttonwood Brass Band, and AHA! After Dark will feature more music at Rose Alley on Front Street, Bento's Bar and Grille at 555 Pleasant Street, and the Neil McCarthy Trio at the Pour Farm Tavern at 780 Pleasant Street.

"I'm really, really proud of these AHA! Moments," Goddard said. "We are partnering with new folks, new businesses, artists, and organizations that want to participate and bring their art and creative spirit to the downtown."

All AHA! events are free to the public. Check out the AHA! website for a complete listing of events, venues and times.

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