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Regie Gibson to perform charity event at HCA in September

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts will host the commonwealth’s inaugural poet laureate at a fundraiser supporting The Arc of Massachusetts next month.

“An Evening of Poetry and Music” on Sept. 19 at the HCA will feature a number of poets and musicians performing their work in support of The Arc of Massachusetts. The evening is meant to “celebrate the power of words, rhythm and community,” according to the event page. Massachusetts’ first poet laureate, Regie Gibson, will be among those performing their work.

“It’s a thrill to be able to get Regie Gibson,” said Betsy Johnson, an autism specialist/educator and consultant with The Arc. She hailed Gibson’s poetry as innovative and “really quite electric.”

Johnson is the architect of the event. A poet herself, she wanted to find a way to bring art and activism together in support of a good cause.

All of the proceeds from the evening will go directly to The Arc, an organization that works to protect and advance disability rights in Massachusetts. The HCA is donating its space for the event, and most of the performers are volunteering their time.

“It’s really heartening to see that type of giving from the artists and the HCA,” remarked Johnson.

The evening of poetry also is an opportunity to introduce The Arc to a wider group of people. “By having a collaboration like this, we’re introducing a different audience to The Arc’s work and really elevating the visibility of The Arc to people who may not have any affiliation with it,” said Johnson.

Beyond Gibson, other performers set to take the stage at the event include local musician Dave “Drumhead” Curry, spoken word artist Amy Asherah and musician Bruno Giles. Johnson will perform some of her poems as well.

A recent transplant to Hopkinton, Johnson has worked to bring her expertise in autism and neurodiversity into the community. Her collaboration with the HCA is built upon consulting work she has volunteered for the organization. She also ran neurodiversity training for the Hopkinton Public Library last year.

Johnson expressed excitement over the evening’s lineup. “It’s going to be a real feel-good night,” she said. “I really hope we sell out.”

Tickets for “An Evening of Poetry and Music” on Sept. 19 are on sale now. The price is $20 per person, though a sliding scale price is available for those who need assistance. More information can be found on the event page.

Latest News

On Thursday, the Open Space Preservation Commission discussed the merits of removing trees on OSPC land to allow a homeowner to install solar panels on their property.

The Department of Public Works will pave Whalen Road, Colella Farm Road and Nicholas Road this week.

Ramps at the Interstate 90/I-495 interchange will close Tuesday night for ongoing construction.

Dorothy Pyne, 85, passed away Aug. 6. She was a former employee of the Hopkinton school system.

Robert Maschi, 89, of Hopkinton passed away Aug. 5.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Health (5:30).

Photo of the Day

Horizon Dance Group members (from left) Yanping Zeng of Hopkinton, Yonghong Zhou of Rhode Island and Hua Yang of Hopkinton practice at the Hopkinton Middle School parking lot Saturday. The group (which includes five other members) will perform at Asian American Day at the Boston Common on Sept. 6.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR