What's new at the Mu? Museum 'thank you' Island Party set Friday

The Massillon Museum’s annual Island Party, set for Friday, will be a free Caribbean- and Hawaiian-inspired evening under the stars in the heart of downtown Massillon. The family-friendly evening requires no reservations. Guests should bring friends and a blanket or chairs.

Highlights

On the Island Party stage on Duncan Plaza next to the museum, Carlos Jones+ will perform two sets of soulful roots reggae, at 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. Their lyrics concentrate on a message of peace and harmony within the human race and the environment. They create a festival-like atmosphere, drawing crowds spanning all ages and backgrounds. The music is uplifting, including original songs and an array of Bob Marley, Culture, and other recognizable covers.

The Jackson High School Steel Drum Band will perform from 6 p.m. Divine Harmony Performance Art will organize bubbles on the lawn from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., circulate among the crowd on tall stilts from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m., and present fire manipulation and hula dancing from 8:15 to 9 p.m.

Food trucks – featuring Big Deal Whitfield, A Moveable Feast Food Truck and Kona Ice – will offer chips and salsa, jerk chicken, lobster rolls, Hawaiian poke bowl, smoked pulled pork, arroz con pollo, fruit salad, crab rangoon nachos, and other island favorites for sale, beginning at 6 p.m. Greatness Cafe in the museum lobby will be open until 9 p.m. The cash bar will offer Jamaican Red Stripe, Paradigm Shift’s Island Juice, frozen margaritas, wine, and soft drinks. Buehler’s and Aqua Ohio will provide complementary water. Cash and credit cards will be accepted for beverages, memberships, Island Party T-shirts designed by Israel Katrina Art, and party merchandise. No outside food, beverages, or coolers may be brought into the party.

The museum’s galleries will be open until 7 p.m.

Why attend?

The Island Party is the Massillon Museum’s thank you to the community for its support. It fills the museum lawn, Duncan Plaza, and First Street and each year welcomes about 2000 happy people of all ages who attend to enjoy the food, beverages, and music; dance; have fun with friends; and watch children participate in special activities. The event proceeds rain or shine.

Details

WHAT – MassMu’s 30th Annual Island Party

WHEN – Friday, July 12, 6–10 pm (gates open at 5:30)

WHERE – Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, downtown Massillon