Arts! Ashland Alliance wants the Ashland community to know they are working to keep high-quality arts programming coming. Their annual Dragonfly Festival, which they may be best known for, will be taking place but in a virtual format this year, rather than on site on the Ashland Historical Society grounds.

“We believe that arts are vital to our community, and we will continue to offer arts events in a way that is practical and safe,” Andrea Green, Arts! Ashland board member, said.

Arts! Ashland recently released via social media the music video, “Ashland-Happy Together,” created and produced by Chuck Green of Perpetual Motion Media and by Jimi Zimmardi, nationally known record producer, as music director. Ashland resident Dale Buchanan provided audio post production and Chrissy Reynolds, owner of Anne Marie’s Dance Studio, provided choreography. An enthusiastic group of 20 singers, dancers and musicians collaborated to share their talents and fun to lift the collective spirits of the Ashland community. Town Manager Michael Herbert, Children’s Librarian Lois McAuliffe, and Arts! Ashland Alliance Board Members Dale Buchanan and Steve and Bonnie Mitchell all appear in the film (https://vimeo.com/417365232/7f80e69c6c).

Crocodile River Music brings African music, art, and dance to Arts! Ashland’s annual 

festival.

“We hope to reschedule ‘Once Upon a Bookfest,’ our group’s first children’s book celebration originally planned for May to the fall. We are working with the Ashland Public Library, Ashland Cultural Council and the Friends of the Ashland Library to bring Bookfest to residents virtually to enjoy from the comfort of their home. We expect to have author presentations, art workshops, dance and music presentations featuring local authors and performers. We want to connect kids of all ages with books and fun!” Andrea said.

“We are also planning our 7th annual Dragonfly Festival, rethinking how it might look this year. We plan to put together a variety of musical and cultural entertainment for all ages and hope to be able to livestream the festival with added interactive features. We are fortunate that the Mass Cultural Council and Ashland Cultural Council are extending cultural and festival grants.”

Arts! Ashland Alliance wants to thank their sponsors and volunteers, and remind everyone to “Be Safe. Stay Healthy. Keep Dancing!” For scheduling updates, visit www.arts-ashland.org.