SHEFFIELD, Mass. — A new series of Wednesday evening events will premiere at Dewey Memorial Hall starting in January 2023. 

 

The Dewey Drop-In (DDI) series will feature readings, jazz jams, music and art soireés, and game nights on a rotating schedule. 

 

The first Wednesday of each month, Dewey Hall will offer "Use Your Words," which encompasses writing, readings, and storytelling. An array of local writers will take turns hosting the evenings, including Hannah van Sickle with Beth Robbins and Simon Winchester, Laura Didyk, Suzi Baum, Evelyn Battaglia, Maria Black, Melanie Greenberg,  Barbara Newman, Sheela Clary, and Peter Murkett with Bonner McCalister. The themes range from memoirs to grief, adventure, and "lives lived wildly off script." 

 

Second Wednesday Jazz Jams, will be hosted by Dewey Hall board member Brian Kantor owner of Soundry Studio and coiner of the Dewey Drop-In name. The house band, led by Luke Franco, will invite local jazz musicians to join them. Kantor said; "Informal jam sessions were the incubator for innovations in jazz music as well as offering young players like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie the priceless opportunity to play with jazz icons such as Ben Webster & Lester Young. We hope to unite members of the region's vibrant musical community, inspiring new connections across a diverse range of skill levels."

 

On third Wednesdays, DDI will be the new home for host/organizer Michael Lesko's popular Show & Tell series, where open mic meets variety show, and will include an open creative soirée with visual artists and a headlining act. According to Lesko, "This multidisciplinary event creates a rich experience for the artists, performers, and audience, providing a fertile ground for collaboration and new friendships." Show & Tell evenings will be alcohol-free to create a nightlife culture that is family friendly and welcoming for people in recovery. The first Show & Tell featured band will be the Haughties. 

 

Game nights will happen on fourth Wednesdays, with Dewey Hall's own Michael Siktberg and Maggie McRae hosting. Attendees are encouraged to "bring a game or join a game". January's game night will feature Pictionary and any other surprises that might walk through the door.

 

Dewey Drop-In will feature a new collaboration with Roberto's Pizza. Attendees will be able to order at the Hall from a special menu designed just for DDI. 

 

During Game Nights, Use Your Words, and at Show & Tell non-alcoholic beverages will be served. On the Jazz Jams evenings beer and wine will be available as well. 

 

The year-long schedule for Dewey Drop-In includes time off during high summer and winter holidays for some of the programs. The complete schedule will be on the Dewey Hall website and copies are available at Dewey Hall.