Meetinghouse Arts, home to Arts & Cultural Alliance of Freeport (ACAF), kicks off February with an exciting month of performance with acclaimed Folk Americana band Josephine County, physical comedian Janoah Bailin, and the Women In Harmony Outreach Ensemble. Meetinghouse Arts, located within the historic First Parish Church at 40 Main Street, has quickly established itself as a vital hub for the arts and culture in downtown Freeport. Says Executive Director Dana Legawiec, “We are energized by the community’s support of this new venue in an historic building, and excited to welcome Maine-based artists from near and far to share their work.” 

Josephine County will perform Thursday, February 3 at 7pm as part of the ‘Til We Meet Again concert series. This band combines the talents of four powerful, traditional musicians – award-winning fiddler and singer Erica Brown, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Shipman, Irish flute player and singer Hanz Araki, and singer and bodhrán player Colleen Raney – into one exceptional musical experience. Josephine County recently released its first album, entitled East to the West, featuring four-part harmonies, dynamic instrumentals, and a strong commitment to the musical traditions that brought the group together. Audiences can choose to experience this concert live, in person at Meetinghouse Arts, or via livestream.

On Saturday, February 5, Maine-based physical theater artist and clown Janoah Bailin rolls in on his unicycle to Meetinghouse Arts to present his unique show, “meSSes.” Janoah, an alum of Circus Smirkus, tosses together art forms including juggling, circus, and theater, to spin a tale of teaching, learning and labor. During this optionally interactive performance, audiences can learn how to juggle and make meSSes. This unique experience for all ages begins at the family-friendly time of 6pm.

On Sunday, February 6 at 3pm, the Women in Harmony Outreach Ensemble will perform an uplifting concert celebrating the power of music and community. Selections include pieces by John David, Peggy Seeger, and Eric Whitacre, and songs performed by the Wailin’ Jennys, Libana and others. This 15-member ensemble is a subgroup of Women in Harmony, a vibrant, feminist chorus dedicated to musical excellence and social justice. 

With a myriad of arts and cultural activities planned for the spring including music, theater, comedy, lectures, and workshops, Meetinghouse Arts is fast becoming the place to experience art in downtown Freeport. Visit the ACAF website (www.freeportartsandculture.org) for details on all upcoming events, to purchase tickets, and review ACAF’s updated COVID-19 Health and Safety policy.

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Arts & Cultural Alliance of Freeport (ACAF) is a non-profit organization formed in 2015 by residents of Freeport and representatives of local businesses and organizations. It is dedicated to fostering the Greater Freeport creative community and establishing Greater Freeport as a vibrant center for arts and culture for residents and visitors alike. For more about ACAF, visit FreeportArtsAndCulture.org.