Month: July 2025

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MANCHESTER’S ‘FESTIVAL BY THE SEA’ and ‘SALE BY THE SEA’ ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ GREATER CAPE ANN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ~ 

Visit Festival by the Sea Event Page | View Interactive Map

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Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to present Manchester’s annual ‘Festival by the Sea’, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea and downtown businesses. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed, and Masconomo.

Over 90 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more. This family-friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, restaurants, food trucks, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN DEALS AT THE ‘SALE BY THE SEA’

While exploring the festival, don’t miss the ‘Sale by the Sea’ sidewalk sales featuring Manchester’s charming downtown retailers. Local boutiques and specialty shops will showcase unique treasures, coastal-inspired goods, and festival-exclusive discounts right on the sidewalks. The walkable downtown setting makes it easy to hop between festival activities and shopping, while the free shuttle service connects all locations for a full day of entertainment and discovery. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and take home a special piece of Manchester-by-the-Sea’s distinctive charm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THREE LOCATIONS

We are pleased to announce live music performances at three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. The music in Masco Park is sponsored by Kelly Auto.

Masco Bandstand Schedule:

  • 10 AM: Livin’ on Luck
  • 12 PM: Joe Wilkins and Friends
  • 2 PM: Rob Banks and the Money Makers

Town Hall Park Schedule:

  • 11 AM: Liam Anastasia-Murphy
  • 12:15 PM: Pete Lindberg
  • 1 PM: Matt Rich
  • 2:15 PM: Brother Toaster

7 Summer Street:

  • 11 AM to 2 PM: Acoustic guitarist Chris J. Carter

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE

A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School lower parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shuttle stops will be made at Masco Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library, and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 PM at Masco Park.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life!

We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:

  • Gold Sponsors: Applied Materials & Rite Window
  • Music Stage Sponsor: Kelly Automotive Group (Masco Bandstand)
  • Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service
  • Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, & Sullco, Inc.
  • In-Kind Sponsor: The Event Company

Magnolia Landing

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

After my shift at the Welcoming Center at Stage Fort Park, drove by Shore Road to enjoy the view.

BE A BUD THIS WEEK!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

FLOWERBUDS

cape ann

We grow the flowers

YOU spread the love!

Deliveries on Thursday

to Rockport and Gloucester residents

FREE OF CHARGE

Donations appreciated if you’d like!

We just ask that you give us a shout out on Social!

Contact Leslie via email:

flowerbudsrockport@gmail.com to place an order!

Music Sail Aboard The Thomas Lannon August 7th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

STRAIGHT FROM NEW ORLEANS, SOUL SINGER AND PIANIST JORDAN ANDERSON BRINGS HIS POWERHOUSE VOCALS AND SMOOTH PIANO GROOVES TO GLOUCESTER HARBOR. FRONTMAN OF J & THE CAUSEWAYS, JORDAN DELIVERS HIGH-ENERGY PERFORMANCES THAT BLEND SOUL, FUNK, AND NEW ORLEANS R&B. A ONE-OF-A-KIND LIVE SHOW ON THE WATER DON’T MISS IT!
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.SCHOONER.ORG

You can’t predict the future — but you can plan for it.Our financial planning services are built around real-life needs: Preparing for big life transitions Protecting your family’s future Aligning money with values Having a plan when markets shift

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Whether you’re just getting started or rethinking your next chapter, we help you create a dynamic plan that evolves with you. Give us a call to schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our advisors at 978-283-0748.

It’s Showtime! Cape Ann YMCA Presents Beetlejuice Jr. in Rockport 2 shows only July 31, Aug 1

Posted on by Catherine

AT EVANS FIELD IN ROCKPORT :)!

Read all about it:

The Cape Ann YMCA performs Beetlejuice JR. on July 31 and August 1 at 5:00 PM on Evans Field in Rockport , MA . Tickets are $16 for Adults and $12 for Children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door day of the performance. For more information: Contact YMCA Creative Arts Coordinator Heidi Dallin at dallinh@northshoreymca.org or 978-283-0499. 

The talented young cast of North Shore residents led by Director Heidi Dallin  and her  YMCA  Theatre Team have been working to bring this frightfully funny and magical modern  musical to the stage on Evans Field over the past 3 weeks. In addition to Director Heidi Dallin the YMCA The Production Team includes Music Director Anthony Prestigiovanni, Music Teacher at Gloucester’s West Parish Elementary School; Choreographer Seania McCarthy, Rockport Middle School Choreographer; and Stage Manager Julia Drost, Rockport native and Tufts University Senior.  

Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway musical, Beetlejuice JR. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, who is grieving the loss of her mother. Lydia and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.

With music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by the Tony Award–nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.

“My team and I were so excited to produce Beetlejuice Jr. and make our YMCA theatre debut in Rockport on Evans Field this summer,” says Gloucester native and Harvard University graduate Heidi Dallin, the show’s director, “I am not sure if many theatre performances have been held on Evans Filed, but we love performing here!”    

“Beetlejuice Jr.,” continues Dallin, ”focuses on family relationships, humor and imaginative magical reality. The movie song hits Day-O(The Banana Boat Song) and Jump in the Line are in the show, but the new original songs are contemporary masterpieces and really give out young actors a chance to shine especially Aubrey Hamm as Lydia and Molly Doherty as Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice JR. is sure to leave audience members laughing and singing those catchy tunes for hours after they leave the theater.”

“Beetlejuice has a large and fervent fan base among people of all ages,” said Drew Cohen, Music Theatre International’s President and CEO. “The response to Beetlejuice JR. from audiences around the country is nothing short of astounding. Bravo to Director Heidi Dallin and her Cape Ann YMCA Theatre Team for bringing this musical so vividly to life…figuratively speaking, of course.” Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.

 Beetlejuice JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

The Cape Ann YMCA presents Beetlejuice  Jr.  on July 31 and August 1 at 5:00 PM on Evans Field in Rockport , MA . Tickets are $16 for Adults and $12 for Children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door day of the performance. For more information: Contact YMCA Creative Arts Coordinator Heidi Dallin at dallinh@northshoreymca.org or 978-283-0499. 

Attached Photos : Beetlejuice Jr Company 

Sunset and Repairs At The Paint Factory

Posted on by Pat D

We went down to the Paint Factory to check out the sun setting recently and noticed some work apparently underway on the chimney. There’s always something going on down there.

Call for Vocalists! Sopranos Altos/Countertenors/Boy Sopranos for one program and altos, tenors and basses for another! cape Ann Symphony Auditions for 2 concerts. News from Heidi Dallin.

Posted on by Catherine

Reminder! Don’t miss an opportunity to join a major tradition.

Cape Ann Symphony Chorus Director Brittany Betts is Conducting Auditions for Vocalists to Perform with Cape Ann Symphony in Two Heralded Programs (Concerts Sept. 28, Nov. 29, Nov. 30)

The Virtuoso Orchestra: September 28: 2 PM
&
The Holiday Pops:
November 29: 2 PM & 7:30 PM;
November 30: 2 PM

Audition details

“Cape Ann Symphony kicks off the 74th season on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 pm with The Virtuoso Orchestra Concert featuring Gustav Holst’s majestic The Planets where a chorale is featured in the final movement, Neptune. Cape Ann Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops Concert on November 29 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and November 30 at 2:00 pm features The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus. 

 Ms. Betts, entering her second season as CAS Chorus Director, is looking for Sopranos & Altos/Countertenors/Boy Sopranos who are able to read and render music quickly to perform with the chorus in Gustav Holst’s The Planets in The Virtuoso Orchestra Concert on September 28. To audition, please send a video to Brittany Betts at brittanybetts@gmail.com by August 1, 2025. The video should contain the following vocal material:  Sing a short piece you can sing well that showcases your range, especially your upper register; Sing a 9-Note Scale up and down at the top of your range on an “ah”; and Sing through 4 Octave Arpeggios (1, 3,5, 8, 5, 3, 1)on “ah” at the top of your range and holding the 8 for 4 long counts before returning to 1. If you are unable to create a recording, contact Ms. Betts at brittanybetts@gmail.com before the August 1 deadline to set up an audition.

 CAS Chorus Director Betts is looking for Altos, Tenors and Basses to sing in The Holiday Pops Concert in November. According to Betts, “We are not looking for Sopranos at this time.  The Soprano section is full for this year’s Holiday Pops Concert.” Altos, Tenors and Basses can contact Ms. Betts at brittanybetts@gmail.com to set up an audition appointment.  The audition deadline is August 10.”

About the upcoming season:

The Cape Ann Symphony’s 74th Season opens on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM with The Virtuoso Orchestra Concert followed by the annual Holiday Pops Concert featuring The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus on Saturday, November 29 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, November 30 at 2:00 PM. The  74th Season  continues in 2026 with The Mozart, Mendelssohn and Rodrigo Concert featuring Guitarist Grisha Goryachev on Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 PM and the season wraps up with The Rossini, Grieg and Tchaikovsky Concert featuring pianist Frederick Moyer on Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 PM. All concerts are held at the Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Tickets are ON SALE NOW for the Cape Ann Symphony’s 74th Season. For season subscriptions, single tickets and further  information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org

This Week at The Cut!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ The Cut Live ~ 

Wednesday night we’ve got Trivia in the restaurant. Come grab some Little Sister Smash Burgers and test your smarts! Free to play. Prizes include Little Sister gift cards and free show tickets!

Thursday it’s THIRSTY Thursday with Thurston Howell – A Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular! There are still some tickets available. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm.

Friday Roomful of Blues returns to The Cut! Tickets are still available. Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:30pm.

Saturday we have local favorites, Captain Jack & The Strangers playing Billy Joel tunes and celebrating Jack’s birthday! There are a limited number of tickets still available. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm.
We’ll also have a pop up DJ – Johnny Dangerously – in the restaurant starting at 9pm. No Cover.

Sunday is the perfect opportunity to support young Gloucester musicians by coming out to see Reset Button and The Gloucester Student Band! Tickets are still available. Doors at 5:30pm. Show at 6pm. All ages welcome (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

As always, Little Sister will be serving killer burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm. Come early and grab food before the show, or stay late and refuel after dancing!

Thurston Howell Tickets

Roomful of Blues Tickets

Captain Jack & The Strangers Tickets

Gloucester Student Band Tickets

HOURS:
MON, WED, THU, FRI, SAT, SUN : 5PM – CLOSE

THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA

Visit Our Website

Buy Tickets to a Show

On the Water — Pat Morss

Posted on by patmorss

Events on the water continue after this year’s 74th International Dory Race, including the 10th Bluefin Blowout (tuna tournament) and the 39th Blackburn Challenge (20-mile row/paddle around Cape Ann).

If you’re not competing, a drink out on your deck is a good summer pastime.
Outcast reeled in the 2nd largest tuna – 653 pounds – at the Bluefin Blowout.
Cleaning out the heart and guts before weigh-in.
Outcast‘s pretty trophy, fit for the dinner table. [First prize was 728 pounds].
Here are a few of the Blackburn classes, this being a 6-person outrigger canoe (OC-6).
It was relatively flat water, except for boat wakes, for this sliding-seat single scull.
A traditional 2-person Banks dory, from the Gloucester fishing schooner days.
I have the greatest respect for standing paddleboarders completing the 20-mile course.
The racing single kayaks look pretty small out in the ocean traffic.
If you own Annastar, you of course tow a 30-ft dinghy sporting 4 large outboards.
And then there are the afternoons when it’s just best to be in safe harbor.

Don’t miss out on PRIME IV’s’ GLOW GETTER SUMMER DRIP.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Available for a limited time only.

📞 Contact PRIME IV Danvers to book your appointment and experience the Glow Getter.  978-480-8142

Maritime Gloucester

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Prior to the Pier Fest at Maritime Gloucester, took some photos on the pier.  The sky was beautiful and looked like it was telling a story.