Today is Labor Day, and Town Hall, public schools, and many businesses are closed as we honor workers and the contributions they make to our community and nation every day.

The rest of the week is busy with town government meetings, and cultural, recreational, and athletics events. Tuesday is election day: don’t forget to vote in the state primary! Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. Here are the other events that caught our eye.

Finance Committee – Tuesday

The Finance Committee of the Town Council meets Tuesday afternoon. They will review a financial update on the Jones Library building project as well as a financial update about Cherry Hill Golf Course. Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Tuesday through Friday

Catch ARHS Varsity teams at home this week. Cross Country vs. Northampton, Tuesday at 4:30pm. Golf vs. Monson, Wednesday at 3:30pm. Field Hockey vs. Palmer, Wednesday at 4:15pm. Boys Soccer vs. Ludlow, Thursday at 4:30pm. Girls Soccer vs. Palmer, Friday at 4:30pm. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing and Meeting – Wednesday

The Planning Board will host a public hearing Wednesday about proposed plans for a subdivision on Shutesbury Rd. They’ll also elect a Chair and Vice Chair after new member Lawrence Kluttz was recently appointed. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

The Elephant 6 Recording Co. – Wednesday

Head to Amherst Cinema on Wednesday for a screening of The Elephant 6 Recording Co., part of the Sound + Vision series celebrating music culture through film. Around 1985, a group of Louisiana high schoolers began experimenting with whatever random instruments and gear they could find. Influenced by psychedelia, and with little to distract them, they birthed a musical revolution. Wednesday’s film provides an inside look at The Elephant 6 Recording Co., the ’90s rock collective that launched Neutral Milk Hotel, the Olivia Tremor Control, the Apples In Stereo, Elf Power, the Music Tapes, and more. Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. $ MORE

Exhibit Opening Reception @ The Mead Art Museum – Thursday

On Thursday, the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College will celebrate its new exhibit, Part of an Impossible Task: Michael Rakowitz with a reception open to the public. The event will feature speakers and complimentary refreshments, as well as the opportunity to spend time with the other current gallery installations: The Juncture: Ukrainian Artists in Search of Modernity and Identity, and a special preview of Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line (opening Nov. 12). Thursday, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College. Free. MORE

Strings @ The Strong – Saturday

The Amherst Historical Society closes out its Strings @ the Strong summer concert series on Saturday with a performance by the Cushman String Quartet. Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm at the Strong House. Free. MORE

Amherst Community Theater Auditions – coming in September!

Amherst Community Theater announces auditions for Disney’s Newsies, directed by Megan Healey, musical direction by Cindy Naughton and choreography by Sue Dresser. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who leads the teenage “newsies” to strike against unfair conditions. Packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, Newsies is perfect for every audience. 9 performances in January 2025. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 encouraged to audition! Auditions September 20–22. For audition appointments and more info, including character descriptions, audition music, and readings, visit amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org.

---

Want more? We’ve gathered the event and program calendars from the many organizations and committees in Amherst onto Community Calendars. Check it out to find even more upcoming events.

Have an event you’d like us to spotlight? Email us TheAmherstCurrent@gmail.com.