The party has just begun, and the guests include Wolf Man, Dracula and his son, at the City of Santa Clarita’s Thursdays@Newhall series, presented by Valencia Auto Center, all October in Old Town Newhall. Thursdays@Newhall is an ongoing opportunity for residents of Santa Clarita to attend free shows, concerts and special events on Thursdays throughout the year. Outdoor events, including JAM Sessions, Variety Night and the SENSES Block Party, will be staged for a final time in October, before going on hiatus until March 2019.
The fun began yesterday with Jam Sessions which was an evening of hip hop dancing. The GR818ers, a group of world-renowned dancers that has turned hip hop into more than a dance, used their moves to creatively connect the audience with the latest in hip hop dance steps. Jam Sessions are hosted in conjunction with the Ford Theatre Foundation.
Also yesterday at The MAIN, 24266 Main St., 10 performers took the stage for 10 minutes each in sharing comedy, storytelling, short films and music at the monthly “10 by 10” show. Storytellers included Judith Shelton, Dennis Garcia, Stan Sellars and Ruby Cooper; magic and mentalism with Allen Gittelson; comedy from Kazu Kusano and Jim Coughlin; music by Pat Nason and The New Mexican; and a screening of short film “Your Date Is Here?” by Zak White and Todd Spence.
Movies on Main closes out this year’s Variety Night, and will take place on Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. Join your friends for a family friendly evening featuring a classic film, movie-inspired activities and food trucks. Don’t forget to bring your blanket or chair! The featured movie for October is “The Book of Life.” Visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/VarietyNight for more information.
The same night, local musicians will take the stage for Note by Note, inside The MAIN, from 7 to 9 p.m. Note by Note is a free musical showcase delighting audiences with a variety of genres. Bands, duos and soloists will perform a wide range of styles, including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, western and more! Featured performers in October include Ryan McAnanay, Vox Cordis, Ronee Martin and Dan Kirkpatrick. Artists interested in performing at Note by Note can learn more at ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/NotebyNote.
You’ll catch on in a flash when the Monster Mash takes over this month’s SENSES Block Party, on Oct. 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. Whether you come dressed in your spooky best or transform yourself into a monster onsite, be sure to participate in the annual Halloween costume contest for a chance to win ghoulish prizes! Enjoy live music, gourmet food trucks and drinks from the on-street bar, hosted by El Trocadero.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, the art gallery at The MAIN will feature a collection of work by artist Gabriella Lago. The exhibit is titled “Hand Held” and is an exploration of mental health. It is emotive and seeks to create a connection between the artist and the viewer. The community is invited to a free art reception on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 7 to 10 p.m., at The MAIN. Guests will enjoy light snacks and music, and have a chance to meet the artist.
Thursdays@Newhall wraps up the month on Oct. 25, with the New Heights Artist Development Series. This free panel discussion, titled “So, You Want To Be a Public Artist,” will discuss various aspects of public arts projects, including how each panelist achieved a career in the field. Panelist include Beau K. Basse, founder of arts consultancy LeBasse Projects, and public artists MB Hanrahan and Alison Saar. Learn more about the speaker series by visiting ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/NewHeights.
For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s Thursdays@Newhall events, visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com or contact the city’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787.
