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Gibson performance to kick off new HCA poetry series

Massachusetts poet laureate Regie Gibson, shown performing poetry at a fundraiser at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts in 2025, will return to the HCA this weekend. FILE PHOTO/LISA SACKS

Massachusetts poet laureate Regie Gibson will return to Hopkinton this weekend to give a performance of poetry and music.

“His performances are just riveting and inspiring,” said Hopkinton Center for the Arts director Kelly Grill.

Gibson, who was appointed as the state’s inaugural poet laureate last year, will perform “Red, White, Black, & Blues: The Rants, Chants, & Coos of a Literary Musician” at the HCA on Saturday. According to Grill, half the evening will showcase Gibson alone performing poetry, while the other half will include accompaniment by the band Atlas Soul.

“I can ensure everyone will leave feeling uplifted and inspired,” Grill said.

She went on to explain that the evening will feature Gibson’s poetry about the 250th anniversary of the United States and his life growing up African-American. The themes of the poems cover everything from social justice to the American experience, Grill noted.

“He is a master storyteller,” she said. “He’ll weave all those through.” Grill added that Gibson also will feature a student poet who was named champion of the Massachusetts Poetry Out Loud competition.

The HCA made its connection with the poet laureate through local poet Betsy Johnson, who organized a fundraiser last September featuring Gibson to support The Arc of Massachusetts, according to Grill. She also mentioned that Saturday’s event will be the start of a new series of poetry events at the HCA.

“We are looking at this as a kickoff to a poetry series that we will do on the first Sunday of the month,” said Grill. The first one, set for October, will feature former Hopkinton resident Cheryl Perreault. It also will have an open mic session ahead of the featured poet.

Grill said the HCA is happy Gibson is returning for another event. “We are really honored and excited he will be here,” she said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday opted not to change its permitting procedures for Town Common events despite issues with protesters at the Hopkinton Farmers Market.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Economic Development Advisory Board heard from HCA director Kelly Grill about the proposed economic benefits of a cultural district designation.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of broken windows at a South Street business, someone throwing popcorn and a silver alert.

The Hopkinton Area Land Trust will host a free mushroom walk Oct. 3 at the Fruit Street fields.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (7) and Permanent Building Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Listening to Solect Energy founder Ken Driscoll (at podium) give remarks are (from left) Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, state Rep. James Arena-DeRosa and Solect CEO John Bodt during a recognition ceremony at the solar company’s headquarters in Hopkinton on Wednesday. Driscoll was recognized for his 16 years of service to the company and was presented with proclamations from both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate as well as gifts from staff members. He transitioned from CEO to executive chairman of Solect in 2025 and will serve in that role through the end of the year.

PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD