ENCORE FOR DIVERSITY Two years ago, Bedford residents were shocked by acts of hate speech, prejudice, and vandalism in public places targeting religious and ethnic groups. But from these bleak circumstances came something positive: first a new task force called Bedford Embraces Diversity, and then last spring a festival celebrating the town’s many cultures, religions, and ethnicities.
The acts of vandalism have not recurred, according to police. But the multicultural festival was so popular that it will be repeated for a second year on Sunday, May 15, beginning with a parade that steps off from Mudge Way at noon.
The parade will end at Bedford High School, where an array of performing artists, ethnic foods, and information tables will be set up to celebrate diversity.
Selectman Mike Rosenberg said visitors to the festival may enjoy music from aNova Brazil, along with the sounds of a Chinese dulcimer band, a klezmer band, Native American drumming, and selections by school choruses.
Bedford High School is at 9 Mudge Way. The festival will run from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the festival is free; food and crafts may be purchased. For more information, go to bedfordembracesdiversity.org.
HONORING EARTH Three Stones Gallery in West Concord presents “Gaia’s Garb,’’ an exhibition of art honoring the spirit of the earth with works by painters Ilana Manolson of Concord and Jonathan MacAdam of Leominster; printmaker Catherine Kernan of Somerville; and ceramic artist Frith Bail of Toronto. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, May 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. The show runs through Aug. 5. Three Stones Gallery is at 115 Commonwealth Ave. For more information, call 978-254-5932 or go to www.threestonesgallery.com.
MUSIC FROM AFRICA First Parish in Lexington presents “Music from the African Diaspora’’ on Sunday, May 15, at 3:30 p.m. The concert will feature the First Parish Sanctuary choir, African drummers, gospel and jazz instrumentalists, and guest singers performing spirituals, gospel music, jazz, South African freedom songs, African drumming, and other African vocal music. Admission is free; an offering will be taken. The church is at 7 Harrington Road.. For more information call 781-862-8200 or go to www.fplex.org.
TUSKS TO TALES Lacoste Gallery presents an exhibit by animal lover and artist Ronnie Gould of Bedford entitled “Tusks, Horns . . . Tales!’’ An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 3 to 5 p.m., preceded by a talk with special guest speaker John Linehan, CEO of Zoo New England, at 2 p.m. The exhibit will remain on view through June 4; 10 percent of its sales will be donated to the zoo. Lacoste Gallery is at 25 Main St., Concord. For more information go to www.lacostegallery.com.
OUTDOOR ART Artspace kicks off its new effort to bring public art to Maynard with an inaugural exhibition called “Artspace Outdoors 2016.’’ It will showcase seven kinetic, fiber, wood, granite, and acrylic sculptures by five artists from across the region. A public reception will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibition is located outside Artspace Maynard at 63 Summer St., Maynard.
CEMETERY WALK Explore the tree life of Newton Cemetery on Saturday, May 14, with a walk led by arborist Robert Reardon, who will highlight some interesting and unique characteristics of the numerous mature tree varieties on the grounds. The tour begins at 1 p.m. and will take place rain or shine, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Meet just inside the main gate in front of the office. Parking is available along the cemetery roads or in the chapel parking lot. Admission is free. Newton Cemetery is at 791 Walnut St., Newton. For more information, call 617-332-0047.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME The Framingham History Center will hold a Framingham House Tour on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 5 p.m. Highlights include a privately owned home from 1696, an 1812 boarding house rehabilitated by Wallace Nutting, an early 1900s Arts and Crafts bungalow, and one of two remaining schoolhouses in town dating back to 1839. Tickets are $35, with a $5 discount for Framingham History Center members, and can be purchased at www.framinghamhistory.org, or make checks out to FHC and mail to P.O. Box 2032, Framingham, MA 01703 until May 11. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at the history center’s Old Academy, 16 Vernon St., Framingham from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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