Willie Alexander

WILLIE ALEXANDER’S PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY ORCHESTRA
August 16 free concert on Meetinghouse Green

Gloucester-based Willie Alexander and the Persistence of Memory Orchestra offer up their unique experimental art rock ‘n roll music in a free concert on Friday, August 16 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Meetinghouse Green, corner of Church and Middle Streets in Gloucester.

Singer and keyboardist Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander has a storied history playing with legendary bands including the Lost, a 60s garage-band that made records for Capitol; a stint with the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, and the alternative punk Boom Boom Band, which recorded for MCA. He formed the Persistence of Memory Orchestra in the ‘90s, and their high energy and artistic integrity continue to excite audiences of all ages.

Willie brings a sweep of cultural interests to his musicianship. His 1954 single “Kerouac” was covered by Tim Pressley on the Album The Wink (Drag City, 2016). In 1994 he narrated a local film titled ‘Middle Street’ made by fellow Gloucester native, independent filmmaker and co-founder of the Gloucester Writers Center, Henry Ferrini. He continues to collaborate with Ferrini on soundtracks for other films.

Lovers of experimental music, punk rock, and good old rock ‘n roll will groove to the beat of Willie Alexander and the Persistence of Memory Orchestra.

Each week Music on Meetinghouse Green partners with a different non-profit organization to raise awareness for the services they provide to the local community. At the August 16 concert, the audience is invited to contribute a freewill donation to the Grace Center, a Lifebridge North Shore day resource center serving those who are homeless. Willow Rest will provide tasty, fresh food for concert-goers.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Unitarian Universalist Church, is located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets. The concert is handicapped accessible. Event parking is available on the green and at additional parking lots nearby in the Historic District. Folding chairs will be provided or bring your own beach chair. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the Meetinghouse.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is grateful to our 2019 sponsors who made this series possible:
Hero: Scobie Ward
Platinum Tier: J.J. & Jackie Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Harry & Mary Hintlian
Gold Tier: John and Janis Bell, Bomco, Michael & Mary Ann Bresnan
Silver Tier: Anonymous, Gib and Sarah Carey, JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, John and Sandra Ronan
Bronze Tier: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Bill & Rose Hausman

All 2019 Music on Meetinghouse Green concerts are dedicated in honor of Linzee Coolidge and the late Beth Coolidge for their vision and generosity.