Good morning, Medford, Thursday, July 23
Happy Thursday, everybody. It's going to be a beautiful day and evening, a little bit cooler. This morning, we've got an opportunity for seniors to lower their real estate taxes, and we've got the scoop on an award-winning band performing this evening.
It's a yin and yang kind of day. We're talking taxes, specifically a way for Medford seniors to receive an abatement, and we're talking music, specifically an award-winning band playing at the Condon Shell this evening.
The yin: The Medford Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is accepting applications. Seniors 60 and older, who own and live in their home, can lower their real estate tax bill by temporarily working for the city. There are 20 spots available, and preference will be given to seniors who have not participated in the program before.
There will be a public meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center for seniors to learn more, ask questions, and pick up an application packet. If you are interested but cannot attend, you can request a packet by contacting COA Director Pam Kelly at pkelly@medford-ma.gov or 781-396-6010. Completed applications must be received at the Senior Center by 3 p.m. on August 11.
The yang: You may recall that Medford figured prominently during last year's Boston Music Awards. Kier Byrnes and the Kettle Burners was one of eight Medford-based acts that received nominations, and the band took home the Americana Artist of the Year Award.
You can see them perform tonight at the Condon Shell from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as part of the Medford Summer Concert Series.
In the meantime, take a look at Chris's round-up of all the talent represented during last year's Boston Music Awards:
Chris Stevens | Staff Writer
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: Spanish class at 9:30 a.m.; whist at 10:30 a.m.; Core and Balance at 10:30 a.m.; conversational English at 11 a.m.; Exploring History with Mike Hickey at 1 p.m.; Art for Everyone at 1:30 p.m.
Gaining Perspective: Seeing Ourselves and the World Around Us at Medford Public Library through July 31 during library hours. Sponsored by the ArtsAlive Medford Foundation, this exhibit features photography and art projects created by Lakota youth, offering unique perspectives on identity, community, and the world around us.
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.
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. Produce, meats, fish, baked goods, beverages and artisan crafts.
Summer Concert at the Condon Shell from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Kier Byrnes and the Kettle Burners. Sponsored by city of Medford. Free and open to everyone.
Pop Music Trivia for Teens from at 6:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school to test their knowledge of pop music spanning multiple decades. Bring a phone, tablet, or laptop to join in. The library will have a few tablets available. Registration is required.
Willet Whiskey Seminar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kappy's Medford. Purchase tickets in advance.
Artist Talk: Sister Sylvester – Art in Extended Reality at 7 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Sister Sylvester is a multimedia artist. Her most recent works are "Constantinopoliad," which won the Interactive Award at CPH:DOX 2025, and "Drinking Brecht," which is an interactive documentary that premiered at IDFA 2024. Both continue to tour internationally. Presented in collaboration with the MIT Open Documentary Lab Virtual Reality Experience. Register.
Live Music – Fiddler and Guitar from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's, featuring Irish favorites, Top 40 hits, and "classic crowd pleasers."
Smoking Popes 35th Anniversary Tour, with Radiator Hospital, beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In case you missed it
Crystal covered the 2nd Middlesex Senate seat candidates forum in Somerville last week:
Gotta Know Medford Staff
