Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts. 153 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA, 01907 

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — S.U.R.E. Diversity invites residents of all ages to celebrate a decade of building connections and strengthening community partnerships at the Community Connections Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 3–6 PM at the new Swampscott Center for Performing Arts (formerly the Hawthorne Restaurant).
The Community Connections Festival celebrates the many people, organizations, businesses, and volunteers who have worked together over the past ten years to help create a more welcoming and connected community.
Guests will enjoy interactive activities designed to bring neighbors together, including a lively Community Drum Circle led by Philip Alexander and a collaborative Community Mural led by artist Claire Donnelly. Games, conversation starters, and other activities will encourage guests to meet someone new and make connections.
Music from different cultures and traditions will be featured throughout the afternoon. Steve Tapper and Shira Moss will greet guests with flute and percussion inspired by world music. El Bohemio will share Mexican mariachi and ranchera music. Berklee alumnus Philip Alexander will invite everyone to drum, clap, sing, and dance during the Community Drum Circle. Juan Carlos Hurtado of Peru will introduce the traditional 10-string Andean charango, while Christophe Matara of the Central African Republic will share Sango music from his country. Rupert Deese will close the afternoon with American Old-Time music on fiddle, banjo, guitar, and harmonica.
Different traditions. Different instruments. One community.
Exciting door prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon, including two tickets to a performance at the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts and gift certificates to local establishments.
The festival will be held at the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts, a beautiful new waterfront venue overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Center has generously donated the use of its space and embraced the spirit of the festival.
“Part of the new Center’s mission is to bring the community together,” said S.U.R.E. Diversity member Margaret Somer. “Their vision aligns beautifully with ours, making this an ideal place to celebrate ten years of partnerships, friendships, and community.”
Founded in 2016, S.U.R.E. Diversity (Swampscott Unites, Respects, Embraces Diversity) creates opportunities for people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to connect through education, dialogue, cultural events, and community partnerships.
Several community partners will join the celebration. The Swampscott Historical Society will share information about Swampscott’s history and landmarks. Dave Aldrich of Grab the Bagel, a longtime supporter of local nonprofit and community events, will serve Grab the Bagel’s popular Bagel Bites. Other local organizations will also be on hand to share information and ways to become involved.
Whether you’ve been involved with S.U.R.E. Diversity for years or are simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome. Come celebrate the friendships, partnerships, and community spirit that make Swampscott a place where neighbors connect.
The theme of the afternoon says it all: “Join in and get connected!”
Special thanks to the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts and the many community partners helping make this celebration possible.
All are welcome to this free and lively community event. Light snacks, including Bagel Bites from Grab the Bagel, will be provided. The Dory Room will be open for dining, with food and beverages available for purchase. Reservations are suggested for those wishing to dine.
For more information, visit<a href="https://www.surediversity.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> www.surediversity.org</a> or email info@surediversity.org.

Local Event: Community Connections Festival

Essex County

Swampscott

Massachusetts

Community Connections Festival

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — S.U.R.E. Diversity invites residents of all ages to celebrate a decade of building connections and...

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The Cut - Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar

“In the 25 years since the release of her debut record, Hometown, tail-gunning blues virtuoso Ana Popovic has proved herself a force of nature with a vintage Stratin hand.” – Guitar World
“Ana Popovic Melds Rock, Blues, and Jazz for Fiery Power” – No Depression
“A badass with a silver Strat, she performs the heck out of this song [“Worked Up”], owning it with swagger and grace. … “Worked Up” captures her love of funky grooves plus the edginess of rocking guitar power. – Rock &amp; Blues Muse
Los Angeles-based and critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Ana Popovic is set to release her highly anticipated album Dance To The Rhythm (Electric Heel Records) on September 26, 2025. Produced by Popovic and Buthel, the album showcases a groundbreaking fusion of groove, blues, funk, and soul.
Building on the success of her previous work, Dance To The Rhythm pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending infectious dance grooves (“Dance To The Rhythm” / “Sho Nuff”) with raw blues guitar and powerful lyrics. From the soulful "Soul’ution" to the funky "Hottest Ticket In Town" and the bluesy “Dwell On The Feeling”, "California Chase," the album weaves a rich tapestry of musical styles, reflecting Popovic's masterful versatility. The track “Sisters and Brothers” channels a Steely Dan-like arrangement, while “Hurt So Good” brings a contemporary mainstream flair. The ultimate jam comes in the form of a clever reimagining of Paul Simon’s "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."
Ana says: “One of my biggest strengths on stage is my ability to make people dance. Music should take you to a place where you can let go, feel the groove, and move. You want music to grab you, to have a pocket that you can’t resist. —everything else revolves around it. Blues guitar has never really been part of dance music before, and in that way, it’s revolutionary. Guitar plays a central role in these tracks, breaking down the boundaries created by time, culture, and musical traditions. With this album, I’m pushing those boundaries.” For Ana, blues guitar is the foundation of everything in her music. Yet, she masterfully blends genres, effortlessly shifting from blues to dance, jam band, funk, pop, and even gospel—it's all part of her evolving sound. A true pioneer, Ana combines her blues guitar roots with bold experimentation, redefining the intersection of blues and dance music. Her live performances, whether with her six-piece or eleven-piece funk band FUNTASTAFUNK, are electrifying, blending fierce guitar work with irresistible rhythms that compel audiences to move.
A multi-award-winning artist, Popovic has earned recognition from major outlets and industry figures, including Bruce Springsteen, who called her "one helluva guitar player." She’s been nominated for seven Blues Music Awards, and her latest album POWER hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Ana has shared stages with legends such as B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Robert Plant, and Gary Clark Jr., and is an endorsee of Fender, D'Angelico, Jim Dunlop, and DR Strings.
Popovic's commitment to her craft and fearless boundary-pushing ensures she remains one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary blues and beyond.
Danielle Miraglia Danielle Miraglia (murr-Ä L e a) comes armed with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson, an infectious stomp-box rhythm, harmonica and tunes ranging from heart-felt to socially conscious that will move both your heart and hips.

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“In the 25 years since the release of her debut record, Hometown, tail-gunning blues virtuoso Ana Popovic has proved herself a...

After an overwhelming Labor Day weekend soft opening, The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts is turning up the energy with an incredible lineup of live entertainment in the Dory Showroom this weekend!
🎭&nbsp;THURSDAY: Laugh, gasp and volunteer at your own risk with the hilarious comedy of R rated hypnotist Frank Santos! <a href="https://swampscottcfpa.com/show-tickets-1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Get Tickets</a>&nbsp;You'll be amazed at what he can get the audience to do.
🎸&nbsp;FRIDAY: Experience acclaimed guitarist Peter Calo &amp; His Band. Calo has performed and recorded with legends including Andrea Bocelli, Carly Simon and Jimmy Webb — and now he brings his own music to The Dory Live! <a href="https://swampscottcfpa.com/show-tickets-1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Get Tickets</a>
🎶&nbsp;SATURDAY: Celebrate Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium’s 1st Anniversary with an amazing display of vintage and collectible guitars taking center stage in the Dory. No Cover
💃🔥&nbsp;SUNDAY: Get ready to DANCE! Mery Emme and her exciting live dance band bring the Latin heat to The Dory for a high-energy finale you won’t want to miss!&nbsp;<a href="https://swampscottcfpa.com/show-tickets-1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Get Tickets</a>
🍕&nbsp;Enjoy food and drink for purchase featuring Renzo's famous New York style Pizza.
🍸&nbsp;Doors open at 5 PM every day except Monday. Come early, grab a cocktail in the Flamingo Lounge, enjoy the music and make a night of it!
🏖️&nbsp;Plus, check out the upgraded VIP Game Room with pool tables and incredible ocean views.
🎟️&nbsp;Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
👉&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://thedorylive.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">thedorylive.com</a>&nbsp;for tickets and more information.
Four nights. Four unforgettable experiences. One incredible destination — The Dory Live at Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts!
#TheDory #Swampscott #LiveEntertainment #NorthShoreMA #LiveMusic #Comedy #Guitar #LatinMusic #Dancing #WeekendPlans

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You may not expect a community so deeply academic to be so warm and welcoming, but Commonwealth contains multitudes—just like you. 
Are you interested in applying&nbsp;for the 2027–2028&nbsp;school year? <a href="https://www.commschool.org/admissions-aid/admissions-events/registration" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Come to our Virtual Open House</a> to hear from current students and faculty, learn about different areas of school life, and discover all that makes Commonwealth so uncommon.
You will&nbsp;get a real sense of the Commonwealth experience and what your future here might be like:
<ul><li>Connect with inquisitive current students and friendly faculty</li><li>Learn about different areas of school life</li><li>Get answers to your admissions and financial aid questions</li><li>And much more…</li></ul>
Please register to reserve your spot. Both&nbsp;students and parents/primary caregivers are welcome to join us.
We cannot wait to meet you!

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Posting Activity

Community Connections Festival

OCT

17

4:00 PM

Swampscott, MA

Ana Popovic with Danielle Miraglia

Comedy and Live Music All Weekend Long in Swampscott Live at The Dory

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