Greetings!

Massachusetts is rich in arts and culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 13 regions all year long. Find out more below and visit us now!

FEATURED REGION: NORTH OF BOSTON

From Lydia Pinkham to Anne Bradstreet, women have played a part in the history of the region! Throughout the month of March 2010, enjoy special performances, exhibits, and musical presentations celebrating Women’s History. The Actors Studio of Newburyport has put together a series of stellar one-woman shows and films every weekend in March. Presentations range from storyteller Valerie Tutson in a performance entitled "Brave Women-Bold Moves, Black Women of Strength and Courage" to Elena Dodd in "Meet Eleanor Roosevelt."

At the Heftler Artist Gallery at Endicott College’s Center for the Arts in Beverly, view over 35 larger-than-life photos of women who have changed history - captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz - until March 25th. Jazz enthusiasts can delight in the smooth sounds of Rachael Price, who will perform at the Rockport Art Association on March 13th as part of the Rockport Music Series. For more cultural events North of Boston, visit www.escapesnorth.com.

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PLYMOUTH COUNTY

The Plymouth Rock Blues Festival is set for Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Plymouth Memorial Hall on 83 Court Street in Plymouth. A Jammin’ day of Blues! Come and hear the powerful and robust sounds from some of New England's most soulful blues performers from 4 to 11 p.m. Rock, rhythm and blues will tempt your soul while hosted by the one and only Holly Harris! Call 508-747-1340 for tickets, or visit www.plymouthrockbluesfestival.com.

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GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Lowell Women's Week 2010 will be held February 28-March 8! For fifteen years during Women's History Month, Lowell Women's Week has celebrated women from all walks of life. Join us for the week's many events throughout the city, including lectures, films and a festive breakfast, celebrating the changing state of women's roles and lives. All events are free, unless otherwise noted, and are open to all! For locations and details, visit www.lowellwomensweek.org.

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                                      MARTHA'S VINEYARD

The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival presents the 10th Annual Winter Film Festival on March 12-14, 2010. All films will be screened at the Chilmark Community Center. Enjoy cutting edge cinema in a cocoon-like space, complete with cozy couches, live music, films for both adults and children, and incredible meals prepared by the Scottish Bakehouse (available between showings). For more information, contact 508-645-9599.

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CAPE COD

Don your green for the fifth annual Cape Cod St. Patrick's Day Parade in Yarmouth and Dennis on Saturday, March 6, 2010! Parade starts at 11 a.m., and it’s fun for the whole family. Then, Harwich Junior Theatre, Cape Cod's premier family theatre, presents "Peter Pan and Wendy" through March 7th, followed by a performance of the "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" from March 19-April 18. Visit www.hjtcapecod.org for tickets, performance times and more information.

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GREATER SPRINGFIELD

The Emily Dickinson Museum presents a benefit performance of William Luce’s play "The Belle of Amherst" with actress Barbara Dana at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Kirby Theater, located at Amherst College in Amherst. The funny, poignant, one-woman play portrays poet Emily Dickinson’s private thoughts, desires, and fears through extensive reference to her poetry and letters. Reserved seating $50; general admission is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Click here for details. For tickets and information, email info@emilydickinsonmuseum.org or call 413-542-5311.

NANTUCKET ISLAND

On March 7, 2010, the Nantucket Arts Council Winter Concert Series presents Soprano Jayne West, Baritone Thomas Jones and Pianist Ben Green in a duet recital entitled "From Art Song to Theater," featuring selections from Hugo Wolf's "Italienisches Liederbuch," Robert Schumann's "Dichterliebe," Gabriel Faure's "Chansons," along with blockbuster opera arias and popular music from the Operetta and Broadway theater repertoire. Critics from coast to coast have hailed Thomas Jones’s performances as elegant, passionate, expressive and sensitive.

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THE BERKSHIRES

The Berkshire Museum’s exhibition "Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal" explores the evolution, function and craft of weaponry, armor, and coercion throughout human culture and the animal kingdom. "Armed & Dangerous" features the arsenal of the natural world alongside man-made weaponry from a global array of cultures and time periods. This exhilarating exhibition, drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, runs through June 6, 2010. Located at 39 South Street, Route 7, in Pittsfield.

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SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

The Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford presents “Sisters in Soul” on March 13, 2010. Featuring acclaimed soul singer Bettye LaVette, award-winning Marcia Ball’s New Orleans R&B sound and the legendary folk blues vocalist Maria Muldaur, you’ve got a blues explosion! Then on March 19th, break out the beat and discover the amazing world of stepping, an art form born at African American fraternities, at “Step Afrika,” also at the Zeiterion Theater.

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