Bellforge Arts Center unveils consecutive weekends of Oktoberfest
The Massachusetts arts and culture space embraces the autumn season with music, beverages, and good times for all ages on October 14 and 21
With live performances by Naomi Westwater, Kooked Out, Mint Green, Liz Longley, Cara Brindisi, and Annie Brobst
WATCH: Bellforge overview video x Filmed at the ‘Forge
Located at the site of the former Medfield State Hospital across an 87-acre campus
Photo Credit: Bellforge Arts Center
Venue Contact: Jean Mineo, Executive Director, at jmineo@bellforge.org
Booking Contact: Paul Armstrong, Director of Programming, at booking@thisisredefined.com
Media Contact: Michael Marotta, Knyvet PR, at michael@knyvet.com
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Bellforge Arts Center Media Assets Folder x Boston Globe feature article
MEDFIELD, Mass. [October 14, 2023] – There’s nothing better than autumn in New England, and Bellforge Arts Center has the pours, performances, and gatherings to prove it.
The non-profit music, arts, and community space at the former Medfield State Hospital (45 Hospital Road) has unveiled the musical lineups and family activities for its pair of Oktoberfest celebrations, situated right in the heart of the fall season. Oktoberfest is an all-inclusive assembly of tasty brews, lively music, delicious bites, and fun for all ages (must be 21+ to drink, of course), and takes place across consecutive Saturdays on October 14 and 21. There is no charge to attend either of these upcoming events, which both run from 1 to 5 p.m.
This year’s Oktoberfest begins to cap off a busy 2023 for Bellforge Arts Center, which hosted a sold-out concert last month with Buffalo Tom; conducted a season-long Summer Sounds series with more than a dozen local bands and artists playing live under Lee Chapel, and special one-off events like Pride, Flow At The 'Forge – Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop, and Farm-to-Table: Cheese & Chocolate.
As Director of Programming Paul Armstrong puts it: “Bellforge Arts Center is not just hosting concerts; we’re showcasing the future of music.” Now we’re set to close out the year at Bellforge in grand fashion – a fashion that may or may not include lederhosen (note: there is no dress code for these events, but creative attire is always welcome).
The Oktoberfest kickoff on October 14 delivers live performances by Naomi Westwater, Kooked Out, and Mint Green. The family-friendly activity on this day welcomes Westwood High School Astronomy teacher Greg Schwanbeck, who will host a solar eclipse viewing demonstration. Kids can safely see the moon take a “bite” out of the sun, along with any sunspots that might be active, using a specially equipped telescope.
For the second Oktoberfest event on October 21, Bellforge is excited to host live performances by Liz Longley, Cara Brindisi, and Annie Brobst. And our family-friendly activity allows kids to come and meet Hugo, the therapy pony from Horse SenseAbility at Wildstar Farm, who is registered with the national Pet Partners organization. Hugo will be in the house and at Bellforge from 3 to 5 p.m.
Located at the heart of a sprawling 87-acre campus and historical landmark site, Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex designed to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Long-term renovation and restoration plans include visual and performing arts studios, arts education facilities, a 300-seat performance venue, and more. Currently, all events are held on the expansive open-air lawn just under the iconic bell tower that’s part of Bellforge Arts Center’s Lee Chapel.
“Bellforge will empower artists with the support they need to push boundaries, collaborate with other artists, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the greater Boston area in profound and inspiring ways!” says musician Talia Rose, performed live at Summer Sounds on July 12. “Bellforge has the potential to be a cultural sanctuary and a pillar of the New England artistic community. The greater Boston area deeply needs and deserves a place for artists to call home, where creativity can thrive, and the diversity of artistic expression will be celebrated and uplifted.”
Joining Rose in the Summer Sounds lineup were an impressive and diverse array of homegrown bands and artists, including Sailor Down, dayes, Talia Rose, Nectarine Girl, Sweetie, Little Fuss, Jay Alan, Maeko, Padma, Raavi, Mei Semones, Summer Cult, Senseless Optimism, Dino Gala, Cape Crush, and Heather Scott.
“The Bellforge Arts folks were an absolute delight to work with and it was an amazing show, with a great audience and an exceptional sound setup,” says Scott, who also performed live on July 12. “I highly recommend checking the restoration and community building work they’re doing. These organizers have so much lined up, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Bellforge!”
For now, that’s Oktoberfest! Join us as we raise a glass.
Follow Bellforge Arts Center on Instagram @bellforgearts for the latest, as well as recaps and photos from each event, and visit bellforge.org for the latest news, updates, and information. We’ll see you at the ‘Forge this season and beyond.
Contact Michael Marotta at michael@knyvet.com for media, press,
and radio inquiries and opportunities.
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About Bellforge Arts Center:
Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.
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Oktoberfest Info:
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Scenes from Oktoberfest 2022 at Bellforge Arts Center:
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Recent praise for Bellforge Arts Center:
“Bellforge will empower artists with the support they need to push boundaries, collaborate with other artists, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the greater Boston area in profound and inspiring ways! Bellforge has the potential to be a cultural sanctuary and a pillar of the New England artistic community. The greater Boston area deeply needs and deserves a place for artists to call home, where creativity can thrive, and the diversity of artistic expression will be celebrated and uplifted.” _Talia Rose, Boston artist and Summer Sounds performer
“The Bellforge Arts folks were an absolute delight to work with and it was an amazing show, with a great audience and an exceptional sound setup. I highly recommend checking the restoration and community building work they’re doing. These organizers have so much lined up, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Bellforge!” _Heather Scott, Boston artist and Summer Sounds performer
“Medfield has always nurtured rising creative talent, but Bellforge could be a true game-changer. A meeting place for artists and lovers of the arts could be transformative for the cultural scene in suburban Boston.” _Matthew Aucoin, Composer/Conductor, Pianist, Writer, 2018 MacArthur Fellow, Medfield High School Class of 2008
“Bellforge would add a desperately needed resource for local and touring artists. It would also give more Massachusetts residents the opportunity to experience live performances, which always adds value to the economic and creative life of our community.” _Gary Dunning, Celebrity Series of Boston President and Executive Director
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Media contact and press inquiries: michael@knyvet.com
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