Thought you had plenty of time to save $12 on the Blues Festival? Time is running out.

Henri Smith with an all-star band at North Shore Music Theatre 6/30/12
Henri Smith will open the Gloucester Blues Festival next Saturday 8/11 at 11am
photo by Paul Lyden

You’ve only got ONE MORE WEEK to purchase tickets for $28.  On-line ticket sales END next Monday (Aug 6).  After that, tickets will be $40 at the gate.  Get your tickets here.

It’s a big week for music on Cape Ann, with over 30 artists just through Friday.  Something for every taste — from Sea Shanties to South Africa to Soul to Sing-A-Long — performing in restaurants, pubs, schooners, parks, concert halls, theatres . . . even in the streets.  See full music lineup here.

Surfside Subs Banging Out $9.99 Lobster Rolls All Day Every Tuesday

Made with fresh lobster meat, not canned, not frozen.  No lettuce, no filler, Made The Right way

Help me cure those post-swing blues…

Greetings:

It was an amazing weekend at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. The Cape Ann Big Band blew away the crowd during two sold-out shows with their energy and swing. It was a privilege to sing with them and share in that incredible energy.

So now, Monday morning, I’ve got to figure out a way to cure these dreadful withdrawal symptoms. I hope you can join me this Wednesday from 7-9 at Alchemy in Gloucester. Super fretmaster Flynn Cohen will be joining me, and I look forward to that.

Friday, it’s rock and roll at a private party on Eastern Point with Human Jukebox: Dave Koen, Kevin Levesque, myself and the inimitable Gordon Baird.

Saturday, I play two sets at 11am and 1pm with friend and fiddler Larry Young at the Manchester Public Library during (but not affiliated with) the Festival-by-the-Sea.

I’d love to see you!

John

Wednesdays at The Rhumb Line



Surf & Turf Specials!
Wednesdays Only!

Hello everyone!
Wednesday, August 1st
Special Guest:
INGE BERGE!

Get ready for yet another night of incredible music at the
Rhumb Line!  My good friend and wonderfully talented Inge
Berge, pictured here during a rare moment of normalcy, puts
his amazing performance and songwriting skills up on the
block once again. 🙂 ~ Fly
Dinner with Fly Amero: 8 – 11pm
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
Dave Trooper’s Kitchen…
Surf & Turf Dinner –
 $11.95 (while they last)
Something new for the summer! Tenderloin Tips with Grilled Garlic Shrimp!
Prepared fresh weekly by “Troop”… always good!
Upcoming:
August 8: Chick Marston & Ellen Ford (as Guest Hosts)

Looking forward…
…to seeing you there!  🙂 ~ Fly

 

 

Grand Opening of The Hive

Art Haven held the grand opening of it’s community center, The Hive, on Saturday, July 28th.  There was a good turn-out with a lot of local artists and familiar faces from Gloucester’s cultural community – plus, delicious food from Giuseppe’s!  They have done a great job preparing this space.

“Cape Ann Art Haven is a community space where artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to develop creativity and confidence through hands on learning and collaboration.”

Here are some photos from the event.  For a slideshow, click on the mosaic below – or scroll down to see some highlights!

– Fr. Matthew Green

Limited openings for the Inaugural Patrican Memorial Golf Tournament on August 3

Hi Joe,

As of this morning we have room for two more full foursomes and a few singles.  Those interested in a fun round of golf with with a great group of guys, and donating (through your participation) to the scholarship fund set up for Aran Patrican’s son, Thomas should contact Rob Bouchie at PatricanMemorial@gmail.com to secure your spot. 

Inaugural
Patrican Memorial
Invitational Golf Tournament
Cape Ann Golf Course
Friday August 3, 2012
7:40am
A golf tournament will be held in the honor and remembrance of two great, respected individuals. Both Aran and Ryan Patrican passed on far too early in their lives, although their spirits will forever be with us all.
The golf tournament shall be a shotgun start, with a scramble format. It is expected that each group have one principal representative, responsible for payment, and coordinating the group. The $125.00 payment (per player) will include a full round of golf (18 holes), golf cart, and a full hot lunch. One should expect raffles, prizes, and plenty of laughs.
A generous amount of the group fee will be placed in the Thomas Patrican Educational Fund. Please respond as timely as possible, as half the group spots have already been filled.
The winning team with the lowest score card will have their names eternally etched upon the Patrican Memorial Cup, and they shall house the trophy until the following years event.
Team:
___________________ (Principal)
___________________
___________________
___________________
Please respond to: PatricanMemorial@gmail.com

Thank you,

JD Perry

Dinner on the Annisquam Bridge From Fred Bodin

The forecast wasn’t great for the Annisqaum Sea Fair’s Dinner on the Bridge: Severe Flood Warning with Heavy Rain and Thunder Storms. Nevertheless, we packed our rain gear with the wine and bug spray, hopped in the Jeep, and hoped for the best. We found light rain and stalwart locals lined up at the serving table, determined to get their dinners, support a good cause, and enjoy the final event of the 166th Annisquam Sea Fair.

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Roy Moore’s Fish Shack catered the dinner. It started raining more heavily, but the staff didn’t break stride in serving up the food, which included fresh corn on the cob and potato salad, with either chicken or lobster.

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When Janet and I sat down at a choice but wet table, I took a photo of my plate in front of the fantastic view of Lobster Cove. Fresh picked flowers and a fisherman added to sense of place – the feeling of being in Annisquam and on the island called Cape Ann.

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I hadn’t even started on my lobster when fisherman Rick Taylor’s rod bend down to the water from a big bite. After a few minutes, he reeled in a large striped bass. Gloucester’s Tina Greel assisted in landing the fish, as she and her husband Terry (in the background eating corn on the cob) had tied up there on their boat.

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The striper measured 34 inches – a beautiful fish! Rick generously gave the fish to Tina and Terry. Oh yeah, my lobster dinner was still hot and tasty, and the wine was cold and delicious. Rain? I didn’t even notice. What an incredible place we have here! It rains on your dinner, a large fish is caught 20 feet from your table, everyone is so friendly, and it’s a birthday night I’ll never forget.

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The Annisquam Sea Fair’s Dinner on the Bridge: Next year, I’m in!

Fred Bodin

Bodin Historic Photo

82 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930 info@BodinHistoricPhoto.com

Like us on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto

Community Photos 7/30/12

Anthony Marks submits-

Straitsmouth Cove Landing Rockport, Mass

Old lifesaving station / Coast Guaed station Straitsmouth cove Rockport, Mass.IMG_1553


Janet Rice submits-

Mother Nature creates awesome bouquets!

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Ann Kennedy writes-

In Missouri our courteous wildlife will almost always pose for a photo shoot when they amble onto your property…as these guys did.
We’ll be in Gloucester soon, but I promise to leave my mom jeans, fanny pack, and coyote at home:-)

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Melissa Cox submits-

Photo’s from The Hive Opening Saturday July 28th

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Community Stuff 7/30/12

ROCKY NECK CULTURAL CENTER CALL

for ART SUBMISSIONS

Another opportunity for RNAC artists!  We are seeking five to six artists to submit two to four works of art for exhibition at the Cultural Center. The four-week show, August 8 through September 4, will be up during our August 17 Cultural District Gala and “Pass the Hats” fundraising party at The Center.  And, Labor Day weekend is prime time on Rocky Neck!

Art delivery will be on Monday August 6, 12-4 PM, the works installed on August 7 and an opening reception on Sunday, August 12, 4-6 PM following the 2-4 PM Summer Artist series opening at the RNG.

If at all possible, please submit jpegs of your work (Maximum size: 48 inches) via email by Wednesday, August 1 to ease the process of selection.

A 30% commission on sales will support the Capital Campaign Fund.

Please complete the following information:

Artist Name:
Address:
Phone:
E mail:
Website:
Total number of pieces:
Special instructions:

Description of each piece:
Title:
Media:
Framed size:
Price:         Donation amount:
Jpeg: ___yes ___no

I understand that the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck and RNAC will not be responsible for damage or theft of any artwork exhibited at the Center unless preventable by reasonable means.

Signature: _____________________________________


HAWC

susan hershey writes-

Friday evening I attended the Gloucester Stage production of “Master HAROLD” and the Boys, by Athol Fugard. The audience was asked to spread the word about the play because the theatre’s usual Boston Globe coverage will not be available until the day before the show closes, Sunday, Aug. 12.

I urge everyone who loves the theatre, and is drawn to the deep complexities of human imperfections, attend this extraordinary production. The award-winning play, once banned in Apartheid-riddled South Africa, features outstanding performances by Johnny Lee Davenport, Peter Mark Kendall, and Anthony Wills, Jr. and is superbly directed by Benny Sato Ambush. This is an evening of stark emotion and complicated interactions between three South African men, two black and one white, with a history of friendship and connection through employment. The script by Athol Fugard is absolutely brilliant. In an hour and 45 minutes – with no intermission – through the use of  humor, irony, and anger, the audience experiences the anguish of recognizing that entrenched racism has affected the special relationship these three men have had since the 17-year old white man was a boy. A sense of intractability is pervasive. Although, when, at curtain call, the three men embrace, there is relief!

I left the theatre in tears, deeply moved by a feeling of hopelessness, but then uplifted by Fugard’s message which director Ambush expresses in his director’s note within the program: in the words of poet/humanist Gwendolyn Brooks, “We are each other’s harvest, We are each other’s business, We are each other’s magnitude and board.”

Please go to see this play before it closes on Sunday, August 12. The Gloucester Stage is a Cape Ann gem that must be supported. Do your part!

Heather Atwood and The Open Door Food Pantry’s Jennifer Perry Pair up to Help Gloucester eat Better! From Adam Bolonsky

Adam writes-

Heather Atwood and The Open Door Food Pantry’s Jennifer Perry teamed up last week at Heather’s house to tape a segment on making baked snack chips even kids would eat. 

Jennifer’s the Food Pantry’s nutrition development coordinator – her job, to teach Gloucester how to cook and prepare the fresh produce available at the Pantry’s numerous distribution sites throughout the city.

Hey kids, tell mom and dad, grammy and grampy, uncle and auntie: free lunch for Gloucester kids this summer at five Pantry locations:

As part of Project Bread’s Better Summer Meals initiative, menus include locally grown produce, whole wheat breads, and low-fat milk.

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Jennifer Perry, The Open Door Food Pantry’s nutrition development coordinator.

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Low in fat, high in nutrition, easy to make and tasty: sweet potato, white potato, zucchini, beet chips.

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Joe Langhan and cameraman/DP Luis Goncalves, from Gallo Productions, set up for the two-camera shoot.

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Heather and Jennifer gear up for the first segment: frozen pea bruschetta and radish topping.

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Heather gets the wireless mic treatment from Luis: mic on the blouse, transmitter on the back of the apron.

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Start with these ingredients. Slice. Add salt and pepper. Bake for anywhere between ten minutes and an hour. Zucchini needs a lower temp and more time.

Only 34 days to the start of the Gloucester Schooner Festival

Hi Joey…… You might like to post this striking Carl Gustin photo.  Only 34 days to the start of the Gloucester Schooner Festival.

Al Bezanson

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Downtown Merchant Plans For The Sidewalk Bazaar Coming August 2, 3rd and 4th

John John Nicastro writes-

West End Sweets:  Stop by West End Sweets for some refreshing ice cream, slush, smoothies, frappes, cupcakes and much much more….

West End Salon & Spa: Come to West End Salon & Spa- "Let us Bring Forth the Most Beautiful You." 

Primetime Party Zone:  Join us at sidewalk days for the Giant Inflatable Slide, Bounce House, Baseball All Star Slugger’s Lane, Cotton Candy, Popcorn.  Many special Combo

Packages available during the bazaar!!! 
Thank u
John John

The Gift

The Gift

 

He had spent his youthful summers on Cape Ann,

but life, as it has a way of doing, took him many miles away

to a place where his kids were born and are growing up

not knowing Stage Fort, or the harbor, or the people of Gloucester.

 

They have never seen the brave souls on the greasy pole

or splashed in the Good Harbor surf, or, until this day, stood

on a rock watching the fishing boats live out the traditions of

nearly 400 years that began on this precise spot.

 

So he gave his kids a gift, one that they will remember

and cherish and make them think of him well after they

are grown and have children of their own;

a gift that only a parent can give.

 

On this lovely day in July he brought them to Gloucester

and showed them around and told them stories

of his summers in this place and gave them

a part of his life that they will keep forever.

 

© Marty Luster 2012

“Wish I could be wrong that often and get paid that much”

That’s what I hear people say when weather predictions fail, as they did this week.  The Harbor Loop Concert and Seafood Throwdown were both canceled on Thursday due to warnings of severe thunderstorms and flash floods.  Not a drop of rain fell.  The Farmers Market braved the storm that never was and now they all look like geniuses!  So next time the weather man or woman predicts severe weather on a Summer Thursday, go to Stage Fort Park and join the good people who put on the Farmers Market RAIN OR SHINE in defiance.

When light rain finally fell yesterday, the Zip Line Kid spent the entire time outside with a friend — not necessarily in defiance — neither of them seemed to care that it was raining.  Or perhaps they were inspired by it.  They got out a big barrel, filled it up with water, threw stuff in and went bobbing — reveling in the joy of childhood.  Joey would have gotten a good picture of it.  Vickie and I just sat on the porch with a glass of wine and relished the gentle warm rain on a midsummer night.

Regardless of what the unpredictable weather decides to hand us tonight, there’s plenty of good music around the Cape.  It’s going on right now and will continue into the wee hours.  See the full live music lineup here.

Plant, and They Will Come!

Nearly five years ago in late September 2007, I photographed a male Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly (Battus philenor) nectaring in my garden. I found mesmerizing its dark beauty, with black wings punctuated by brilliant orange spots and shimmering iridescence. The wings flashed electric blue in the fading late day sunlight and I became completely captivated!

Range Map of Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

Although the Pipevine Swallowtail is not rare in its southern range, this exotic looking butterfly is quite an unusual occurrence in the northeast, and even more rarely found on the eastern outer reaches of Cape Ann. Mine was a stray, carried in on a southerly breeze. I imagined that if a male can drift into our garden, so can a female. And if a visiting female found in my garden her caterpillar food plant, she would deposit her eggs. The following spring we planted the Dutchman’s Pipevine (Aristolochia macrophylla). Four years later, and our pipevine has grown well. With emerald green enormous heart-shaped leaves, she is quite a showstopper clambering over the back fence. The plant is named for its flower, which resembles a Dutchman’s pipe, although when ours flowers, the blooms are so small, so few, and so lost in the foliage, I barely know when it is in bloom. Our pipevine took several years to become established, but once firmly rooted, it grew vigorously, but not invasively. At the end of the growing season, or the beginning of the next, I cut the vine hard, down to the ground. Dutchman’s Pipevine grows in full sun and partial shade and is hardy in zones 4 to 8.

Aristolochia macrophylla had its glory days in gardens during the two previous centuries, prior to the invention of air conditioning. It was planted to cover porches and treillage; cooling and shading the rooms within. When looking through old photos you can easily spot the porches and arbors that are embowered with pipevine because of the distinctive heart-shaped foliage. I imagine Fred Bodin may even have a few pictures of pipevine shrouded porches in his treasure trove of vintage photographs.

Pipevine Swallowtail Egg Clutch

About a week ago Saturday while doing chores in our backyard I noticed the rapid movements of a dark butterfly investigating the pipevine. I immediately paused because say, for example, if it was the more common Eastern Black Swallowtail, which deposits eggs only on members of the carrot family, it would not show the least bit of interest in the pipevine. Upon close investigation, it was a Pipevine Swallowtail and, without a doubt, it was a she! After first zooming in and out of the house to grab my camera, I observed her as she fluttered from tendril to tendril. She deliberately chose the tenderest leaves, pausing briefly several times to curl her abdomen to the underside to deposit her eggs. After she departed I ran in the house to tell anyone who would listen of the Great News. In our household my butterfly news is pretty much the family joke, although my husband kindly offered to get the tallest ladder from the basement. He held tight while I climbed to the top rung in search of eggs. I struck gold! Unlike the female Monarch and Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies, which deposit eggs singularly, the Pipevine Swallowtail oviposits eggs in clusters. I counted somewhere between 25-30 eggs (very approximately) in the clutch we cut from the plant. I hope we have enough pipevine to feed this many hungry Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars!

Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillars Several Hours Old

One Day Old Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillars

Map courtesy NABA

Grace Englis Auditions For A Job Down At The Dock

Hi Joey,
Here is the pic of my daughter Grace. Thank you for the lobsters!
George Englis

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