Native American vocal music, jazz fusion take center stage

GREENFIELD –- The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will host live music with Lee Mixashawn Rozie and Nina Gross on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m.

Rozie, who holds a degree in history and ethnomusicology from Trinity College, has been a practicing multi-disciplinary jazz artist for the past four decades. Beginning from the point of Indigenous artist, using ancient cultural principles, maritime arts and historical data, he has developed a system of “Hemispheric Principles” to inform and guide his artform, more directly referred to as “Wave Art.” Rozie offers educational workshops on Indigenous music both traditional and contemporary, as well as original. For more information, visit mixashawn.com.

Gross grew up in the Hudson Valley in a musical home and community that valued the arts. As a child, she was drawn to the viola for its depth. Today, Gross teaches classical music locally and residents may see her performing poetry at open mics. She especially enjoys the immediacy of improvisation.

In decades past, Gross was a member Rozie’s band, Afro Algonquin. The two will perform a combination of traditional Native American vocal music and jazz fusion.

This is a free concert, funded by the Crossroads Cultural District and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Donations are appreciated.

Bocce courts to be unveiled Friday

GREENFIELD — The Recreation Department will unveil new bocce courts on Gerrett Street, parallel to Beacon Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 14, at 2 p.m.

“In Greenfield, we strive to offer engaging and accessible recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of every person who visits our parks,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said in a statement. “These bocce courts will provide a space that fosters intergenerational recreational opportunities. Bocce ball is the ultimate blend of skill, strategy and socialization for all ages and abilities.”

“Our Recreation Department continues to transform Greenfield into a vibrant recreation destination,” Mayor Ginny Desorgher said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome the new bocce courts, and I am excited to see them become a well-utilized fixture in the community.”

Construction for the bocce courts began in April after Clark and Sons Inc. received the construction contract. The project included the installation of two bocce courts, site work, concrete sidewalks and viewing areas, landscaping, benches, a parking area, water fountains, and accessibility improvements near the baseball field and tennis courts.

The bocce court project received funding from several sources, including Community Preservation Act money, capital expenses and Disability Access Funding. The contract award was $112,100.

The Recreation Department also continues to implement amenity improvements across the city’s existing recreation sites. Earlier this spring, the department oversaw the resurfacing and repainting of the Hillside Park basketball court and installed cornhole boards and ping pong at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. Additional projects, including trail maintenance, trail mapping and a pickleball feasibility study, are anticipated to be completed later this year.

Kids can sharestories withtherapy dog

GREENFIELD — Kids ages 3 to 8 can meet and share stories with a certified therapy dog at the Greenfield Public Library, on Friday, June 21, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This event is free, but registration is required. Register for a 15-minute spot by calling the Children’s Room at 413-772-1544 or emailing ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov.

Friends group plans November book sale

GREENFIELD — The Friends of the Greenfield Public Library’s next book sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.