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First Friday goes highbrow for Shakespeare

(Aug. 31, 2017) September’s Snow Hill Arts on the River First Friday event will provide an evening rich with cultural experiences including wine, artisan cheese and theater from 5-8 p.m.
Thespians from Brown Box Theatre will descend upon Sturgis Park for a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs or blanket.
Prior to the performance, theater aficionados can stop by the Lower Shore Land Trust, 100 River Street, for a tasting of gourmet cheeses, meats, and pickles from Berlin-based Gilbert’s Provisions.
Proprietor Toby Gilbert said those in attendance could look forward to a varied taste bud experience.
“I’m going to be sampling a couple different types of cheeses, charcuterie and some fermented foods [such as] kimchi, sauerkraut and sour pickles,” he said.
In addition to expanding palates beforehand, Gilbert said gourmet lovers could purchase choice foodstuffs to enjoy during the performance of Hamlet in Sturgis Park.
“I’m going to bring some bread and pre-packed stuff that’s ready to go,” he said.
Since opening in Berlin last year, in addition to producing gourmet foods, Gilbert has stocked the shop with gourmet provisions such as domestically produced charcuterie.
“I have a list of artisanal cheeses from abroad and domestic,” he said. “I sell more bacon than pretty much anything.”
The burgeoning operation has focused Gilbert’s culinary productions to items that can be marketed sooner than later.
“I do the quicker stuff because a lot of it takes a year [to produce] and I’ve only been here about a year and a month,” he said.
Gilbert described his market as a high-end convenience store.
“We have everything you need for a nice meat or cheese board for a party or a get together,” he said. “It’s not sandwich meats [and] it’s not roast turkey.”
Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine, on 202 West Green Street, in addition to unveiling its featured artists for September, will offer tastings of white, rose’ and red wines from Greece.
Enjoy vino from the cradle of civilization during an opening reception for artists Christie Taylor and Fred Sprock.
Taylor, co-founder and managing partner of the Hodges Taylor Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina, works with oil and acrylics to create broad atmospheric interpretations of marsh landscapes.
Sprock, who has instructed at the Upstairs Gallery in Tryon, North Carolina, is an oil painter focused on landscapes and still life.
The Jim Adcock Studio in the John Blair House, on 106 East Green Street, has new prints of his 2017 work, “Birch’s Produce Stand,” available for purchase, and will be selling raffle tickets for the original 16” x 20” framed painting. All raffle proceeds benefit the Lower Shore Land Trust. Additionally, Adcock will also have reduced prices on numerous paintings during the event.  
Mark the end of summer with an idyllic evening floating on the water by visiting the Pocomoke River Company, 2 River Street, which will be open with canoes and kayaks available for rent. All vessels must be back to the dock by dark.
Kids can start the new school year with a makeover at the Mirror Salon, on 216 North Washington Street. Students from K-12 receive half off walk-in haircuts during First Friday from 5-8 p.m.
Make the seasonal shift a happier occasion at Sassy Girl Boutique, on 114 West Green Street, during its end-of-summer sale with half off summer bags, scarves and wallets.
Help retain the aromas of the season at the Flower Shop, on 218 North Washington Street, which will be offering 20 percent discounts on summer-scented colonial candles.
The Corner Shoppe, 100 West Green Street, will launch its back-to-school fall special. Patrons who purchase specified merchandise can receive a free DVD or Blue-Ray. For more details, inquire in the store.
If updating home décor is a priority, visit A Diamond on Pearl, on 111 Pearl Street, featuring handmade wood furniture and owner Jack Helgeson’s New Buoy Creations. Ideal for displaying inside or outdoors, Helgeson utilizes functional buoys from the Eastern Shore to craft original conversation pieces.
Motivate your youngster for upcoming academic pursuits with a reward from Toy Town Antiques & More, 207 North Washington Street, which is offering 15 percent off all purchases and will remain open until 9 p.m.
Those in need of gifts for younger children can visit Jerry’s Wood Craft, on 112 West Green Street, which, in addition to numerous wooden toys, features a full line of play items from Melissa & Doug.
Savor the flavors of summer at the Olde Town Candy Company, on 102 West Green Street, which now feature salt-water taffy in premade one-pound boxes.
Beginning its second year catering to caffeine fanatics, the Daily Brew Coffeehouse, 213 Snow Hill Road, will be open until 8 p.m. In addition to java and espresso, DBC also has frozen drinks and homemade baked goods.
Peruse racks of fashion bargains while being serenaded at ReTag’d Upscale Resale, on 108 Pearl Street, who will have an in-store performance by Nick Haglich.
The Harvest Moon Tavern, on 208 West Green Street, will feature the acoustic rhythms and vocal harmonies of Opposite Directions from 7- 10 p.m. As usual, reservations are strongly suggested.
The Blue Dog Café, on 300 North Washington Street, will have a patriotic celebration with a performance by WWIIunes and Todd Crosby, along with co-owner Gary Weber, performing from 7-10 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested.
First Friday in Snow Hill sponsors include Arts on the River, Snow Hill’s Arts & Entertainment District, the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the Town of Snow Hill.