Good morning, Medford, Thursday, August 6

Congratulations are in order this morning. A Medford student is appearing in “Footloose: The Musical” at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham.

Nathan Q., who is a rising senior at Medford High School, will play the role of Reverend Shaw Moore. The role was played by John Lithgow in the original 1984 movie, “Footloose,” which starred Kevin Bacon in the lead.

“Footloose: The Musical” is part of The Young Company Summer Festival and runs Friday through Sunday, August 7-9. The Young Company is Greater Boston Stage Company’s theater education program for students in grades 1–12.

Here is the synopsis of the show: "When Chicago teenager Ren McCormack moves to the small town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been outlawed, he’s determined to cut loose! With unstoppable energy, classic anthems, and a whole lot of heart, Footloose tells the story of standing up for what you believe in, the healing power of community, and the joy of dancing like nobody’s watching."

This is what Nathan submitted for his bio for the show: "This is Nathan’s second full-length production at Greater Boston Stage Company! This past winter, he was in Alice By Heart. He is now excited to play Shaw in Footloose the Musical!"

Break a leg, Nathan!

Happening in Medford today

If you have an event happening in Medford in the coming days, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com so we can add you to our calendar.

Senior Center Activities: whist at 10:30 a.m.; Core and Balance at 10:30 a.m.; conversational English at 11 a.m.; Art for Everyone at 1:30 p.m.

• Monthly Book Club at 1 p.m., facilitated by Michael Hickey. The group will discuss "A Great Deliverance," by Elizabeth George. The book for the September 3 meeting will be "The number one Ladies Detective Agency," by Alexander McCaul Smith, and copies will be handed out. Call the office at 781-396-6010 and reserve your seat.

Playgroups at the Park - Dugger Park from 9 to 11 a.m. with Medford Family Network. There will be art, music, and movement activities, parachute play, storytelling, balls, and bubbles.

Let’s Move! Outdoor Dance Classroom at 10 a.m. at Harris Park hosted by The Click and Medford Family Network. The program is recommended for Medford families with children ages 3 to 8, but all ages and abilities are welcome. No dance experience is necessary. Sign up for one or as many sessions as you want.

Using Medicare Finder from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Medford Public Library with Mystic Valley Aging Services and SHINE. Learn how to navigate the Medicare website, set up an account, review plan details, and enroll in a new plan. Registration is appreciated.

Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 2-3. Reading, songs, and gentle movement activities.

Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.

Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. In addition to the line-up of produce, meats, fish, baked goods, beverages and artisan crafts, there will be a kids activity area. There will also be a neighboring beer garden. Performers are: Alexandra Kirby from 3 to 5 p.m.; Phoenix Rising from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Jay Psaros Band performs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as part of the Medford Summer Concert Series.)

Design a Fantasy Map at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 8-12 to design the map for a fantasy world of their own creation. All supplies will be provided.

Teen Tie Dye Tote Bags from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.

Building Tech Forum 2026 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Joyce Cummings Center at Tufts. Agenda includes networking and a series of 5-minute talks in which industry leaders present "practical innovations accelerating the sustainable and regenerative design, construction and operation of the built environment." Purchase tickets before you go.

Family Maker Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 8-12 to test out something new or work on a project of their own. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Stories with Colors opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at EventThem Studios. An exhibit curated by Swati Biswas of works by artists from across India. Since 2020, Swati has championed underprivileged artists through online workshops and exhibitions. Stories with Colors will be on display through Aug. 27.

Jay Psaros performs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Condon Shell as part of the Medford Summer Concert Series. Free and open to all.

Medford Connects ESOL class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library with Medford Connectors and instructor Karrie Peterson. Register.

Singer Songwriter Night: Melodies on Tap from 7 to 10 p.m. at Medford Brewing. Open mic night hosted by local musicians Zion Rodman and Christian Colegrove.

Somergloom Festival first day beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts. Somergloom is a multi-day underground heavy music and arts festival. Thursday and Sunday performances will be at Deep Cuts. Friday and Saturday performances will be at the Somerville Theater. Purchase tickets in advance.

Press Play with DJ Frank White from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall.

In case you missed it

Will Dowd covered Monday's debate between incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton:

Moderators seek evidence as Markey, Moulton trade accusations

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton went head-to-head during their second debate on Aug. 3.

Gotta Know MedfordWill Dowd