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University of Massachusetts |
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 Academy of Music in Northampton
274 Main St.
A staple in the Northampton arts scene since May of 1891, the Academy of Music was built by Edward H. R. Lyman after his retirement from a successful business career in New York City. He wanted to give back to the community where he grew up, and in 1892, he officially gave the Academy to Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theater in the country.
Since it was built, the Academy of Music has played host to acts like Sarah Bernhardt, Mae West, John Phillip Sousa and Ethel Barrymore. Even Harry Houdini made stops there, and the trap door cut into the stage for his disappearing act still remains. Since being condemned and reopened in the ‘70s, the Academy of Music has had shows that vary from Pioneer Valley Ballet and Commonwealth Opera to the Young at Heart chorus (a pop/rock singing group with members’ ages averaging around 80) to the Northampton Film Festival.
For over a century and for years to come, the Academy of Music in Northampton will continue to be a hub for the arts. -- Stephanie McPherson
Spring Concert
The annual spring concert held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst dates back more than 30 years. Held in early May, the festival has rotated its location on campus over the years, moving from the Curry Hicks Cage to the Quad by the Pond to its current site at the Mullins Center, which seats 8,000-plus.
Past concerts have featured such greats as U2, Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, The Allman Brothers Band and Phil Collins, and recent years have brought in the likes of 50 Cent, Reel Big Fish, Busta Rhymes, Ben Folds and even Dennis Haskins – yes, “Saved By the Bell’s” Mr. Beding – as MC.
This year, Fat Joe, Jimmy Eat World and Paramore headline the event. In addition to mainstream acts, the spring concert also serves as a launching pad for up-and-coming local acts. The opening slots are reserved for the winner of the local Battle of the Bands competition, which is typically held a month prior. -- Ryan McAskill
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This section's contents are produced entirely by student journalists, brought to Billboard.com by UWIRE, the leading provider of student-generated content. UWIRE aims to identify and promote the brightest young content creators and deliver their work to a larger audience via professional media partners such as Billboard.com. Visit UWIRE.com to learn more. |
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst
This town profile was produced entirely by student journalists from The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, the leading news source for the University of Massachusetts community. You can learn more about the individual student contributors by visiting their profiles on UWIRE.com:
Text: Barbara Booras, Ryan McAskill, Skye McIntyre, Stephanie McPherson, Andrea Murray, Ian Nelson, Derrick Perkins, Peter Rizzo, Allie Roth, Heather Waxman, Brian Wood
Photos: Brandon Clinton, Caitlin Coughlan, Stephanie McPherson, Andrea Murray, Michael Phillis, Keith Toffling, Toan Trihn, Michael Weintraub
Video: Directed by Stephanie McPherson; Produced by Rob Fournier; Filmographer, Amanda Lund
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