Inside Mechanics Hall Podcast
"Inside Mechanics Hall" is a series of monthly conversations between Hank Stolz, host of the long-running Talk of the Commonwealth radio program, and Kathleen Gagne, Executive Director of Mechanics Hall. Click on the links below to hear Hank and Kathy talk about all things Mechanics Hall.
March 8, 2024
Inside Mechanics Hall Beyond the Frames Portrait Unveiling
Kathy Gagne, Executive Director of Mechanics Hall, takes us inside the work done on the three newly commissioned portraits of William and Martha Brown, Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. The unveiling will take place Thursday March 14th. The Beyond the Frames Celebration will also include an artist's talk. Gagne speaks to the stewardship of the hall and the funding required to sustain the hall for future generations. She also runs down March events including the Brown Bag Lunch (free) and Club 321.
Find upcoming MMG events here:
https://mechanicshall.org/tickets/
February 5, 2024
Inside Mechanics Hall: Music Worcester's Historic Ties
As Mechanics Hall Executive Director Kathy Gagne tells us on this edition of “Inside Mechanics Hall,” the relationship between the Hall and Music Worcester goes back almost to the very beginning. Kathy welcomes Music Worcester, Executive Director, Adrien Finlay, to the podcast to talk about upcoming performances. On Friday February 9th Music Worcester is bringing Music the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine for its first post-pandemic performance in Worcester. On the 10th it is the 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8. VOCES8 has a huge international following and will be bringing many new patrons to Mechanics Hall and Worcester. On Friday Feb. 23rd Music Worcester welcomes acclaimed soprano Jeanine De Bique and celebrated recitalist Warren Jones to Central Massachusetts for a program featuring lieder and songs by composers including Britten, Hahn, Burleigh, and Caribbean Folk Songs. Mark your calendar for Thursday March 14th as Mechanics Hall unveils three newly commissioned portraits of extraordinary 19th century Black Americans. The event is free and open to the public. The unveiling and the ability to hear from and meet the artists from 5 to 6 p.m. There will be a reception afterwards starting at 6:15. That is a ticketed event. Tickets available at Mechanics Hall.
Find upcoming MMG events here:
https://mechanicshall.org/tickets/
September 12, 2023
Mechanics Hall Executive Director Kathleen Gagne has announced the 180th Annual Meeting, which will be held on September 26th. All are invited! At the event, James Goldsberry, Founder & CEO of NextUp2Lead LLC and great-great-grandson of portrait subjects William & Martha Brown, will be speaking to attendees about Mechanics Hall’s latest initiatives. Afterward, everyone is invited to a networking reception featuring light fare provided by Struck Catering and beverage service. Plus, find out how you can become part of the great Mechanics Hall team by learning more about available positions.
Find upcoming MMG events here:
https://mechanicshall.org/tickets/
July 11, 2023
The Modern Mechanics Guild of Mechanics Hall is going through a revitalization. Begun before the Covid outbreak, the Guild, like so many things, went dormant during the shut down as no activities were able to be planned.
Now this organization of young (and young at heart) professionals is coming back to life. Joining Mechanics Hall Executive Director Kathleen Gagne to talk about future plans and how you can participate is Jennifer Antkowiak.
Find upcoming MMG events here:
https://mechanicshall.org/tickets/
June 5, 2023
Executive Director Kathleen Gagne is joined in conversation by Composer in Residence Leonardo Ciampa.
Ciampa will be heard on Friday, June 16th at 7:30, in a free concert at Mechanics Hall. Ciampa tells us about his journey as Mechanics Hall first ever Composer-in-Residence. Don't miss this incredible night of music.
Learn more about the upcoming concert here:
https://mechanicshall.org/music-of-leonardo-ciampa/
April 25, 2023
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
How Mechanics Hall serves the Community
Executive Director Kathleen Gagne talks about how Mechanics Hall serves the community. Numerous organizations such as the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Research Bureau, Joy Guru Humanitarian Services, have events coming up at the Hall.
Kathy talks about how the staff can help non-profits and promoters put on their next event. Music Worcester has some big shows coming up and Club 321 continues to pick up steam.
March 28, 2023
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
Worcester Youth Orchestras and Many Voices (MVYS)
Kathy is joined by Jonathan Colby (Brennand), Artistic Executive Director of Worcester Youth Orchestras (WYO), and Reagan Paras, Artistic Director of the Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers (MVYS).
Speaking about the youth in the community and what an incredible asset Mechanics Hall is for these young musicians, the team talk about the recent Worcester Youth Orchestras '5th Annual Four Orchestras Festival' held in the Hall, as well as the upcoming Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers Spring 2023 'Cover Me in Sunshine' Concert on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 4:00pm.
To learn more about Many Voices Youth Singers, click here.
To learn more about Worcester Youth Orchestras, click here.
February 17, 2023
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
Club 321 artists Mafalda Minnozzi and Paul Ricci
A new season for Club 321, downtown Worcester's new live music experience, begins on Thursday, February 23 with a special performance by international jazz singer Mafalda Minnozzi and guitarist Paul Ricci. In this interview with Hank and Kathy, the duo talk about what inspires them, the global appeal of jazz music, and how it can bridge cultures — as well as what they will be performing at Mechanics Hall on February 23.
December 13, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
December Portraits
It’s a busy season at Mechanics Hall, and Kathy and Hank discuss the many different events taking place here during the holidays — from concerts to school programs. Kathy also talks about new partnerships and initiatives, including Club 321, a new live music experience presented in collaboration with 90.5 WICN Public Radio. A cross between a jazz club and coffeehouse, Club 321 will feature an eclectic blend of musicians performing Americana, jazz, world music, blues, and more at Mechanics Hall on select Thursday evenings throughout the year. Finally, Kathy gives an exciting update on the Portraits Project, which will add three portraits of Black Americans to the Great Hall’s renowned portraits gallery. Learn about the process for selecting the artists to paint portraits of 19th-century abolitionists and activists Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, and William and Martha Brown of Worcester — and find out what happens next!
November 9, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
A Night to Remember
Mechanics Hall Executive Director Kathleen Gagne is joined by Vanessa Joga, co-founder of Guardians of Traditions, in a lively conversation about how Ms. Joga’s dedication to educating people about the interconnection of Worcester’s cultures and traditions led her to work with the city’s Tercentennial Committee. This involvement inspired the creation of dozens of oversized puppets representing different ethnic communities in Worcester — which were introduced in the Tercentennial parade in June 2022. Learn how Guardians of Tradition and Mechanics Hall collaborated to organize and present “A Night to Remember: Folk Guardians of Tradition” on Sunday, November 13, when the Hall will be transformed into a beautiful, vibrant mosaic of different cultures.
October 10, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
Historic New England Summit and Founders’ Day
Carissa Demore, Team Leader of Preservation Services for Historic New England, joins Kathleen Gagne of Mechanics Hall and Hank Stolz to discuss the inaugural Historic New England Summit at Mechanics Hall on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14. Over the two days will be exciting conversations that explore how 21st-century challenges and opportunities are transforming the fields of historic preservation, architecture, urban planning, conservation, arts and culture, museum studies, collections management, public history, and education. Learn how Historic New England is committed to exploring our collective roles in creating livable, resilient communities, why this is so important right now, and why Mechanics Hall is the perfect location for this historic program. Kathleen also gives a preview of the Hall’s Founders’ Day event on October 16 , celebrating the organization’s 165th anniversary — and marking the debut performance of Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers.
September 13, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne:
Celebration of Excellence
In this packed episode, Kathy and Hank cover all that is planned for the fall season, including the Hall’s 179th annual meeting and celebration of excellence. Learn why Harriette Chandler, Massachusetts Senate President Emerita, and Will Sherwood, Mechanics Hall Principal Organist, are this year’s Mechanics Award recipients. Other topics include Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, The Portraits Project, Founder’s Day on October 16, and the President’s Own United States Marine Corps Band, performing on October 17. You’ll also learn why Mechanics Hall was chosen as the site for Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, to participate in a ceremonial bill signing of H. 4555, An Act relative to the creation of a women’s rights history trail.
August 2, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne: The Hook Organ
Kathy talks about the history of the Worcester "Hook" organ, what makes it an extraordinary instrument, how it came to be built at Mechanics Hall, and upcoming organ concerts.
June 28, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers
Hank and Kathy explore the many opportunities at Mechanics Hall that foster both skill building and personal development in young musicians. These include visiting youth orchestras, such as the John Philip Sousa National Honor Band; local musical programs, such as the Worcester Youth Orchestra and Neighborhood Strings; and Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, a brand-new initiative for all Worcester 5th and 6th graders that debuts on Sunday, October 16, 2022.
May 15, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne: Milestones, Music and Excellence
Spring is an especially joyful and festive time at Mechanics Hall. Kathy explains why so many personal, academic, and organizational milestones are celebrated at the Hall.
April 21, 2022
Inside Mechanics Hall with Kathleen Gagne: Reawakening
Coming out of the recent period of COVID shutdowns and restrictions on public gatherings, Mechanics Hall is experiencing a welcome "reawakening." Learn why the Hall is considered the place in Worcester where culture and community meet. Also, Kathy shares why over 50 recordings were held at Mechanics Hall during the pandemic, as well as some of the luminaries who recorded here.