THINGS TO DO: EVENTS

UPDATED May 22: The Jam'n Java Open Mic and Coffeehouse event, which historically had been open one Friday every month for 13 years, had been on a Covid-19 break from the Kickstand Cafe for more than three years, since March 2020. Shows had continued virtually.

But, in early April, the opportunity to perform returned in person, at a different venue -- Donut Villa, 319 Broadway, continuing, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 2. Sign up here >>

UPDATED May 14: The Old Schwamb Mill plans to hold an open house on Saturday, June 3, from 10 to 4.

This family-friendly event has something for all ages. During the day, visitors may enjoy the opening reception of “The Power of Water” exhibit, which will include a working water wheel in addition to panels describing how the Old Schwamb Mill harnessed water power in the late 1800s to run its machinery, including the lathes that continue to shape the picture frames manufactured here.

In addition, there will be ongoing tours of the mill, gallery viewing for the art exhibit “Ways of Seeing: Painting, Photography, and Printmaking,” featuring the work of painter Richard McElroy, photographer Janet Smith, and print maker Cathy Garnett.

2016 Soapboax Derby winners.

In anticipation of the annual race next month, those preparing for the Arlington Soap Box Derby have scheduled a car-and-driver clinic at the Cambridgeside Mall on Sunday, May 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sign up here >>

In an announcement, Wendy Barr, representing the derby, wrote: "This is an opportunity to get a car from the club, to work on your car with others and with the help of members of our club."

She added that several experienced racing families are expected to help newer participants with their cars, who can practice driving on the indoor track. 

Sign up using the above form or email if you are coming.

The Arlington Greek Festival is set to return on the second weekend of June, starting Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. and ending Sunday, June 11, at 6 p.m., at the St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church, 4 Appleton St.

As always, there is no admission fee, and the venue is handicapped-accessible.

Roast lamb, gyros, salads, souvlaki, loukoumades . . . oh my!

This information was provided by Sabato "Tino" D'Agostino, head of band and orchestra at Arlington High School. Unless otherwise indicated, all events are free of charge and open to the public.  

Arlington High School BeJazzled Concert
WHERE: Arlington High School, 869 Mass, Ave., Arlington
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9
WHO: Ottoson Middle School Jazz Band, directed by Paula Demetrio; Arlington High School Jazz Band, directed by Sabato D’Agostino; and AHS Alumni performing.

$10 Entrance. Free for 13 and younger.

Tickets are available at the door.

Expected are close to 80 alumni musicians joining the event on stage that night. 

The Philharmonic Society of Arlington plans to present its annual pops concert and strawberry festival, "The Great American Songbook," with the Arlington-Belmont Chorale and the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra Friday, June 9, at Arlington Town Hall, 730 Mass. Ave.

The ice cream and strawberry festival begins at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Conducting these groups are Music Directors Barry Singer and Orlando Cela and Conductor Sarah Seeber.

UPDATED May 22: Come shop our fair-trade Salvadoran crafts and shade-grown coffee from 9 to 3:30 Sunday, June 11, in the lot at Kickstand Cafe, 594 Mass. Ave, Arlington.

Each purchase funds scholarships and community development in Teosinte.

Grab a treat from Kickstand, buy great stuff, and support the Arlington-Teosinte Sister City Project.

Adults and high school students are invited to sign up for a shift. No experience needed. Sign up with a friend, or with your kid.

Naira Babayan

Christina Gullans

Naira Babayan, piano, and Christina Gullans, cello, will perform on Sunday, June 11, at 4 p.m. at the Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic St., Arlington.

The event is organized by the Armenian Cultural Foundation and co-sponsored by Amaras Art Alliance.

The program will include works by Ghazarosian, Hovounts, Sayat Nova, Komitas, Baghdasarian, and Harutyunyan.

Mystic Brass Ensemble, Arlington’s community brass ensemble, plans to close its season with full wind ensemble works and a soprano soloist on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 819 Mass. Ave., Arlington.

The program, titled "The Art of Ensemble," features several different configurations of brass choir and guest artists. Soprano Janet Ross will sing selections by Richard Strauss.

TheArlington Farmers' Market, managed by Patsy Kraemer, has been approved to operate for the 26th year at 29 Mystic St., Russell Common lot, from June 14 to Oct. 25, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 

In approving the market for another year, the Select Board on March 6 learned that the effort to provide farm-grown produce is merging with Arlington EATS.