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The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra believes what the world needs now is “more [Burt] Bacharach,” the orchestra’s director of marketing Gayle Dunford says. “The die-hard romantic put a high gloss on the ‘60’s with a string of love songs that we just can’t stop loving,” she says, citing songs such as “The Look of Love,” “This Guy’s in Love with You,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.”
“The simply sublime songs made him ‘the hitmaker,’” she adds.
And that’s why the orchestra will start off the new year with a program of music from Bacharach’s big bag of hits. The “love, sweet love” will flow through a concert performance titled “What the World Needs Now: Burt Bacharach & Friends” on Saturday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 21, at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. (The Jan 20 performance is at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 21 is a 3 p.m. start.)
Conductor Steven Karidoyanes will lead the orchestra and acclaimed Broadway singers Farah Alvin, Tyler Huckstep, Kelli Rabke, and others in a performance of classics such as “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “Walk on By,” “The Look of Love,” “Alfie,” and other works from Bacharach’s catalog of ageless hits. (He died last year at age 94.)
In his 40th year as the orchestra’s musical director, Karidoyanes salutes Bacharach for his “six decades” of stellar songwriting. “He had such a knack of writing memorable tunes,” the conductor says. “His songs truly were the soundtrack of our lives.”
The American composer, songwriter, and producer is regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th century popular music. Many of his hits were written in conjunction with lyricist Hal Davis.
Karidoyanes points to the length of Bacharach’s creative career in a field where tastes ordinarily change swiftly.
“Burt Bacharach was a real genius at his craft,” he said. “Few songwriters other than Bacharach have enjoyed hit songs across six decades. He had that impressive knack of being able to create gorgeous melodies that are truly memorable. No small feat. I’m excited our excellent orchestra musicians will perform for our audience this passionate American songbook.”
Tickets range from $30 to $100 and are available here, or by calling 508-746-8008.
Call for entries
The Plymouth Center for the Arts is seeking work for a members-only non-juried exhibit, through Wednesday, Jan. 10. Exhibiting members can submit work in a wide range of categories, including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, paste, mixed-media, fine art crafts, and sculpture.
Cash prizes include $100 for a first, $50 for second place. Two honorable mentions will receive ribbons.
The cost to enter works is $15 for the first piece, and $10 for the second and third. The maximum per artist is three. Exhibiting members can register their entries here.
Members can drop off their work at the center at 11 North St. on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., and on Monday, Jan. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m.
The arts center will host an opening reception for the show on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The show will be open to the public, free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.
More to do:
Monday, Jan. 8.
Winter classes at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., begin today. Options include adult classes, youth classes, workshops, classes by medium, and classes by teacher. Art center members receive a 10 percent discount. Enroll online here.
The Plymouth Public Library’s Manomet branch hosts a story time for children ages 6 and under – as well as their caregivers – from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Books, songs, and rhymes are all on the agenda.
Tuesday, Jan 9
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to the ribbon cutting for the new Mind Balance and Wellness Tranquility Center at 1 Court St., third floor, from 3 to 4 p.m. The center will offer massages for relaxation and renewal, a foot spa, classes, or a place to sit and read a book. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Romance writer Rebecca Serle will give a virtual author talk hosted by the library, from 8 to 9 p.m. She’ll tackle he subject of “writing epic love stories to span generations.” Participants will learn the love story formula and chat with the author about her bestselling novels, “One Italian Summer,” “In Five Years,” and “The Dinner List,” among others. The author will offer a brief preview of her forthcoming novel (due out March 5), titled “Expiration Dates.”
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, hosts “Watch and Win Wednesdays.” Patrons catch featured sports match-ups and join “watch parties” during the Bruins and Celtics season, while playing sports bingo. For more information visit the restaurant’s website.
Thursday, Jan. 11
The library’s Preschool Storytime offers a half-hour story program starting at 11 a.m. It gives parents, caregivers, and children age 3 to 5 the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together. The library says the storytime reinforces important early literacy skills to help children get ready to read. The activity is intended for ages 3-5, but children of all ages welcome. No registration is necessary. Participants are also invited to bring a blanket for the family to sit on in the library’s Fehlow Meeting Room.
Three registered nurses invite the public (in what sounds like a high old time) to an informational presentation called “Plant Medicine: Balance the System,” in the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce conference room at 100 Armstrong Road. The talk will include a history of “Hemp/Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System,” a discussion of the role of cannabis throughout history, its versatility in industry and as medicine, how plant medicine works in the body, and why cannabis is relevant to our health today. All ages are welcome. The presenters, who describe themselves “as nurses working in the industry,” said that sampling will be available, and time will be made for questions.
Friday, Jan. 12
The acoustic jazz ensemble Rhythm Future Quartet keeps the spirit of “Gypsy Jazz” alive and expanding in today’s musical universe. Named for a Django Reinhardt tune, the band offers its own combination of gypsy jazz standards and original compositions. The band will perform at The Spire, from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available here.
Saturday, Jan 13
The 1620 Winery at Cordage Place presents the Snow Ball Gala, an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing and live music beginning at 7 p.m. The evening features a four-course meal, creative cocktails, and dancing to live music. Ticket prices begin at $105, and area available here.
Regarded as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, the Young Dubliners will perform at The Spire, 25 ½ Court St., from 8 to 11 p.m. In recent years the “Young Dubs” have appeared on network TV and as a headliner and as the opener for artists such as Jethro Tull, Chris Isaak and others. Tickets are available here.
Sunday, Jan. 14
It’s the last day to view “Wonder,” a members art show, at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. The center is open to the public on Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Monday Jan. 15
Uva Wine Bar, 46 Main St., hosts an “evening of pampering” from 6 to 10 p.m. Sip wine and enjoy charcuterie and flatbreads, while indulging in your choice of activities. For more information visit Uva.
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, offers free comedy with Mike Murray and Friends from 7 to 8 p.m. weekly in the taproom.
Wednesday, Jan. 17
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking luncheon at Anna’s Harborside Grille, 145 Water St., from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $35 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Register here.
Ruben & Clay, reunited 20 years following their big moments on American Idol, will perform at Memorial Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. You can buy them here.
The ThreeV restaurant, 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 253, hosts a “Glass Paint Night” from 6 to 9 p.m. Craft a work of art on your glass canvas and enjoy a beverage. Tickets are $25 per glass. Access to all the materials is provided by Inebri-Art. Beverages are sold separately. Reserve a space here.
Thursday, Jan. 18
The Barker House Pilgrim Pups, which bill itself as “all things dog,” invites the public to a ribbon cutting at the 12 North St. shop, from 10 to 11 a.m. The store sells dog treats, collars, leashes, human clothing, and gifts.
Tribute band Get The Led Out performs Led Zeppelin classics at Memorial Hall beginning at 8 p.m. The Philadelphia-based group recreates Zep songs “in all their depth and glory.” Ticket are $29. You can buy them here .
The Plymouth library offers “Books with Balance Yoga,” a family yoga class designed around a children’s yoga story, from 10:30 to 1130 a.m., in the library’s Fehlow meeting room. Mats will be available.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Per the lead item in this column, the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “What The World Needs Now: Burt Bacharach and Friends,” a program of Bacharach’s popular hits, with Broadway singers. The performance takes place at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra offers a second performance of “What The World Needs Now: Burt Bacharach and Friends.” For details, see the lead item in this column.