In these times of media consolidation, alienation, and isolation, it is nice to know there is a TV station where everyone knows your street. Somerville Community Access Television has been Somerville’s local media “Cheers” for twenty-five years, and to celebrate that anniversary, as well as the presence of many great artists and musicians in Somerville, we will be producing the Somerville Creative Arts Festival. During the week beginning September 15, 2008 there will be special events and activities that celebrate our community’s diversity and talents. The events are as follows:

Monday, September 15: Haitian Arts Pot Pourri. 7:00-9:00pm
This two-hour live program, produced by Nesley Lambert, Raymond Archer and Ecclesiaste Pompilus, presents Haitian music and drama. The music is both pre-recorded on location and live in the studio. Band leaders will be interviewed live in front of a studio audience. The music is by gospel bands, Voix des Archanges de Boston and Les Mesianiques de 2000., and Hip Hop/Carribean music by Zangy, and Neg Nwa. In addition, portions of a new film produced by Archer called “La Fugue Creole” in Haitian Creole will be premiered and actors interviewed.

Tuesday, September 16: SCAT Open House 4:00-7:00pm
Somerville residents and organizations are invited to tour SCAT’s facilities and learn about the benefits of a SCAT membership. Free refreshments.

Wednesday, September 17: Villeside Talent Showcase 7:00-8:00pm
Teen Empowerment brings to SCAT a sampling of Somerville’s talented teens who perform hip- hop, poetry, and more in front of a live studio audience.

Thursday, September 18: Creative Arts Festival 7:00-10:00pm
The program begins with a half-hour set by renowned fiddler and Somerville resident, Matt Glaser and friends. Mr. Glaser serves as Chair of the Strings Department of Berkelee College of Music. He has performed at Carnegie Hall with Stephane Grappelli and Yo-Yo Ma, and at the Boston Globe Jazz Festival with Gunther Schuller. He was featured on the Grammy Award–winning soundtrack of the Ken Burns film The Civil War and the soundtrack for King of the Gypsies. His has also performed with the New York All-Stars, Bob Dylan, Lee Konitz, David Grisman, and the International String Quartet Congress. Locally, Matt Glaser performs at the Cantab Lounge with his jazz/bluegrass group, the Wayfaring Strangers.

Other performers include singer/songwriter Steve Brodsky; poets Doug Holder, Gloria Mindock, and Afaa Michael Weaver; Peruvian musician Alfredo Velasquez; and belly dancer Nadira Jamal. Lively program hosts, Janet Cormier and Adam Azia, open the show and interview the performers between acts.

An audience is welcome for the studio programs. No tickets are needed but seating is limited and it will be first come first served.

The Somerville Creative Arts Festival is SCAT’s “Thank You” to the many Somerville residents who have participated and supported public access television.

For more information, please call Bill Barrell at 617-628-8826 or studio@access-scat.org.