'80s coming

to First

Fridays

Sept. 4

PUTNAM — With only two nights left in the 2015 season of First Fridays, the Sept. 4 event will be an evening to remember. Celebrating art of the 1980s, the evening will feature the bold colors, pop-music sounds, and big fashion of this decade of excess. From 6-9 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy an evening of live music, performances, and community art projects celebrating all things ‘80s. As with other evenings this season, visitors are encouraged to dress in their ‘80s best.

Throughout the 1980s, the urban centers of the United States influenced music, dance and art. Formerly considered vandalism, graffiti emerged as a serious art form, thanks to socially conscious artists like Keith Haring, who was known for his colorful figures. In honor of Haring’s graffiti art and its message of love and tolerance, the Community Arts Table will feature an 8-foot mural inspired by his work. Although initially invented in 1972, the Hacky Sack became popular in the 1980s, appealing to youths as a non-competitive sport. Likewise, the slap bracelet became a fad for children and teenagers of the 1980s. On Sept. 4, children of all ages will have a chance to make their own hacky sacks and slap bracelets at the Community Arts Table. These art projects will be ongoing through the evening.

At karaoke nights across the globe, the 1980s remains the most popular decade of song selections, with such artists as Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beastie Boys, and Guns N’ Roses counted among the favorites. In the spirit of karaoke performance, The Amazing Taylors will feature a lip sync battle at their booth with patrons invited to vote for the people’s choice winner. 

Channeling music of the 1980s to current hits, local favorite SynerGy will headline the September event. This five-piece band from Killingly features two guitarists, three-part harmonies, and keyboards. Visitors are sure to be drawn to SynerGy’s high-energy performance throughout the evening on Main Street. Over in Union Square, Tuesday Saints – a collaboration between singer/songwriters Jeff Burnham and Nanette Addesso – will blend rustic harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, and fiddle as well as additional layers of texture with harmonica, stomp percussion, and electric guitar. With more than 35 vendors on both Main Street and in Union Square, visitors can peruse the wares of local artists while enjoying live music during the late summer evening.

Coupled with outdoor art vendors, the many galleries of Putnam will also feature openings and exhibitions. Stop by Arts & Framing, The Complex Performing & Creative Arts Centre, The Empty Spaces Project, Sawmill Pottery, and Silver Circle Gallery. Visitors are also encouraged to be on the lookout for Art Attacks during the September event; sponsored by The Putnam Arts Council, Art Attacks are art installations and performances that pop up during each First Fridays event.