Author: Catherine

posted content / cell phone photos mine, unless otherwise credited (thumbnail portrait of Catherine at MFA, Boston © David Cox photo) https://www.cryanaid.com/

ON BROADWAY! Cape Ann Symphony Musicians Unleashed sing your favorites Feb 9th at 3pm

Posted on by Catherine

Enjoy a terrific Broadway show tunes concert for a good cause and even join in for the sing along bits–and all before the Superbowl kickoff! Heidi Dallin shares the info and program below.

Courtesy image:  The Company of Musicians Unleashed ON BROADWAY! Photo Credit: Henry Betts. Front Row L-R: Byron Winn, Gordon Baird, Priscilla Walter, Carolyn Howard. Back Row L-R: Wendy Betts, Brittany Betts. Missing from Photo: Guest Artist: Lydia Betts; Bass Player: Justin McLean

Cape Ann Symphony Musicians Unleashed Concert Series goes ON BROADWAY! for their upcoming concert on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM at The St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester. 

 ON BROADWAY! features a group of singers from the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus, local musicians and special guests led by CAS Chorus Director Brittany Betts. The multi-talented Betts will lead the company as well as contributing Vocals, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, and Percussion for the concert.

The ON BROADWAY! Company includes CAS Chorus members:

  • Gordon Baird: Vocals and Percussion
  • Carolyn Howard: Vocals
  • Byron Winn: Vocals and Cello
  • CAS Chorus Accompanist Priscilla Walter: Piano
  • Justin McLean; Bass
  • plus Special Guest Soloist: Lydia Betts, Piano
  • and Former CAS Chorus Director Wendy Betts: Vocals and Piano

**The program includes songs from Hamilton, Something Rotten, The Sound of Music,  Camelot, Songs for a New World, Into The Woods, Dear Evan Hansen, a George Gershwin Medley and two audience Sing-Along Medleys of hit Broadway classic and contemporary songs.**

Brittany Betts is excited to bring the music of Broadway to the Musicians Unleashed Series,

“Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 9, 3pm @ St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lanesville (Gloucester), MA because you won’t want to miss this Cape Ann Symphony – Musicians Unleashed chamber concert of vocal and instrumental Broadway tunes performed by members of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus (Brittany Betts, Carolyn Howard, Gordon Baird and Byron Winn) along with chorus accompanist, Priscilla Walter, and special guests Wendy Betts (vocals and piano) and Lydia Betts (piano).

We’ve got something for everyone: 4 Vocal Solos, 2 Duets and 2 Group Numbers; 1 Piano Solo; One Set of 4 Gershwin Piano Duets; 2 Sing-Along Medleys…and maybe even a game or two! Songs are spanning the decades – from the 1930s to the 2010s. Grab your ticket early. Don’t wait. It’s not a large space and we want to make sure you get to see it. And, hey, why not come dressed as a Broadway character to add to the fun?”

Brittany Betts

ON BROADWAY! is Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 PM at  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester.  The ticket price for ON BROADWAY! is$40 for Adults. Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets.

Art on MLK Day: Martin Luther King portrait study by John Wilson

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“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” MLK, Strength to Love, 1963.

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The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, owns 20 incredible and deliberate states from John Wilson’s monumental etching of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The final state was printed in an edition of 50 in 2002 and was based on a smaller Wilson drawing of Dr. King, a 1985 preparatory study for a bronze statue installed in the Rotunda of the US Capital in 1986.

Wilson created other portraits of Dr. King including a monumental 8 ft’ tall bronze commission that was installed in Buffalo’s Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Its maquette went to the Butler Institute of American Art.

Note to GMG readers: To make the etchings on view at the MFA, Wilson collaborated with master printer and artist, Jim Stroud. Stroud is the founder and owner of Center Street Studio, named for its address in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Center Street Studio opened and operated from 1 Center Street from 1984 to 1986 before moving to Boston.

– Catherine Ryan, 2017.

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John Wilson (1922-2015) eminent and kind American artist and teacher was adept in any media and expression. His talent and life and legacy of activism was a good fit for a King tribute.

images

  • John Wilson, Roz, dynamite 1972 pastel
  • John Wilson indelible 1945 litho, Streetcar Scene, the laborer commuting to Boston Navy Yard meets our gaze

ADIN MURRAY | In Arboribus Speramus at Jane Deering Gallery. Tree portraits also a ‘400 Trees for Gloucester’ fundraiser

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On view at Jane Deering Gallery, local artist and detailed draftsman Adin Murray exhibits a series of original graphite drawings on panel: silhouette portraits of native trees.

You can commission a special favorite tree of your own, too.

A portion of the sales will go to the ‘400 Trees for Gloucester’ project.

Reception this Saturday 1/25/2025, see below.

Image credit

  • Artist:  Adin Murray
  • Medium: Graphite on panel
  • Dimension: 7.25″ x 7.25″ framed

Read more from Jane Deering Gallery:

ADIN MURRAY. Wall text. Jane Deering Gallery 2025 JanuaryDownload

This much fresh snow in Gloucester.

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photos and video: Rooftops, beaches, and robins. Views from the road plus two winter walks on Wingaersheek Beach–yesterday vs. snowfall today. Jan. 19 (icy blue puddles and sheen) vs. Jan. 20 (yellow light, soft and silent).

Gloucester houses and rooftops

Good Harbor Beach Marsh views

Road to. Wingaersheek Beach

Robins

morning sun, Wingaersheek Beach

January 19, 2025

Don’t miss Painted Dreams | live music, film, and fine art experience! One night only

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Reminder! Join four Cape Ann creatives for a special performance event featuring live new music, experimental film, and live fine art painting

Painted Dreams

Saturday, January 18th & Sunday, January 19th, 6-8pm

MAGMA, 11 Pleasant St., Gloucester

Tickets $25 HERE

Cape Ann Symphony Annual Meeting Minglewood Harborside

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Reminder from Heidi Dallin:

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, INC.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING | JANUARY 29, 2025

The annual meeting of the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 7:00pm in the Christopher Columbus Room at the Minglewood Harborside, 25 Rogers Street in Gloucester.  The public is invited.  For further information please contact the Cape Ann Symphony at (978) 281-0543 or info@capeannsymphony.org.

2025 Upcoming

And Cape Ann Symphony next concert: ON BROADWAY

throwback 2017

17 seconds with Maestro Yoichi Udagawa

1950s playbill

Saturday snow and drizzle. #GloucesterMA

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photos | video: This much snow about 8:30 AM in Gloucester, Ma. 1/11/2025. Roads clear. Winter views back shore, Good Harbor Beach, Days Pond, Long Beach.

video. mood.

Last Chance: Hammond Castle Festooned for the Holidays and Two temporary exhibits Closing December 29th. Museum reopens April 2025.

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Last chance to visit Hammond Castle and two special temporary exhibitions on view before it closes for the winter at the end of the day December 29th, 2024. The museum has completed major architectural repairs, restoration and archival research sampled throughout the museum and well labeled for captivating tours and repeat visits.

Images: Hammond Castle on a crisp winter day

Temporary Exhibits

featuring work by Natalie Hammond including wonderful loans from the Hammond Museum and Japanese Scroll Garden which she designed and founded in North Salem, New York in 1957.

Invention room featuring John Hays Hammond inventions with an informative focus on the history of early 20th C encryption and decryption technology in this special exhibit and creative interactive displays.

You can help repair the organ!

Happy Hanukkah 2024! Gloucester’s Lobster Trap Menorah is ready to be lit. Check out Ethan Forman’s article About its significance and 10th anniversary!

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image: Lobster Trap Menorah 2024 is ready! Temple Ahavat’s community lighting ceremony to mark the beautiful Festival of Lights and hope will be held on December 29th this year, 4:30-5:15, Middle Street, Gloucester, MA.

Hanukkah is falling on December 25 – January 2, 2025 this year. Don’t miss a visit to the community lighting or this great read from Ethan Forman about its Gloucester history and special anniversary this year:

“Bringing Light into Darkness. Lobster Trap Menorah Celebrates Hanukkah in Gloucester Style” by Ethan Forman with photos by Paul Bilodeau and Forman. Cape Ann Holiday magazine 2024 special Gloucester Daily Times edition.

Congratulations to Powers Family Dental: 2024 expansion, a new location, and on being 4th-gen local legacy business right here in #GloucesterMA!

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What an impressive family affair! Congratulations Dr. Powers and Dr. Powers 🙂 !

Powers Family Dental has moved from 26 Dale Avenue to 18 Dale Avenue. Dr. Conor Powers, Dr. Michael Power’s eldest child, has joined the practice and is as congenial, warm and fastidious as his father. What hasn’t changed? The wonderful staff and dental hygienists! Michael’s sister Gina Muniz and niece Candace Balboa also work at the office. The expanded practice features six gleaming exam rooms outfitted in comfort and style with the latest and innovative equipment, efficient dental chair tech, custom sound system, and imaging–the x-ray being the sole carry over from the prior digs.

The new headquarters is closer to Central Grammar, directly across from the post office, with plenty of windows and views. Parking is available on Dale Avenue plus there are a few spaces on the building lot. From Dale Avenue, the accessibility entrance integrates a classic New England architectural detail into its design: a sweet and safe bridge crossing walkway to the front door. More Power To You 🙂

Portraits: Drs. Powers providing dental care since…1926!

“Walter Powers Sr. started the business in 1926 on Middle St. In 1957 Walter Powers Jr. joined and they moved to 26 Dale Ave. In 1999, Michael Powers joined at 26 Dale Avenue. On September 16, 2024 Conor Powers joined and the practice moved to 18 Dale Avenue.” – Candace Balbo

Michael Powers maternal grandfather, Reginald Courant, was also a dentist- on Middle Street!

Moved from “there to here” 26 Dale Ave to 18 Dale Ave | Reno/Before/walkway

Powers Family Dental RIBBON CUTTING OPENING!

Courtesy images. September, 2024

FA LA LA The Holiday Lights & Cocoa Drives 2024 Map is LIVE! Enjoy #GloucesterMA Merry Houses

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Here are all the images of the Gloucester homes added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2024 edition and the Google online and printable map or scroll below. Enjoy an abundance of creativity from our neighbors’ displays–religious and secular, traditional and one hit wonders, minimal and ornate, and everything in between. This is the 8th year in a row—and the 5th accompanied by a map with photo. Please note: you might want to increase the brightness on your display if you have it set low. Images can be clicked and enlarged. They aren’t set to their highest resolution. **For the 2024 edition there are only two posts**. For past year maps, search Good Morning Gloucester 2023, 2022 and so on; or here

Image Block Batch 2 . Post 2 of 2 for the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2024 edition.

random order

2024 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

A selection of Gloucester’s decorated homes in 2024. Photos were posted on Good Morning Gloucester in 2 separate batches. Map is current as of 12/22/2024

Image Block Batch 1 (reposting here):

For the 8th year in a row—and the 5th accompanied by a map with photos—enjoy a selection of Gloucester’s houses decorated for the season. Addresses so far: downtown, Reynard, Finch, Washington, Spruce, Goose Cove Lane. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

ROADS WORTH A RIDE AND ICONIC SCENIC STOPS

Concentrated neighborhood blocks include
*Elizabeth Road
*Finch Lane
*Goose Cove Lane
*Harrison Ave. and Crestview
*Hartz St.
*High Popples Road
*Reservoir Road
*Reynard Street
*Essex Ave/Rt. 133 Kent Circle to Essex

Mad Merry Solos:
Abbott Road; 7 Cherry Hill Road; Concord Street; Lendall (turn off Harrison Ave.); 8 Spruce; Starknaught Heights; 326 Essex Ave.

Iconic Scenic Stops: Gloucester’s Christmas trees at Kent Circle and Lobster Trap Tree on Harbor Loop, the Lobster Trap Menorah on Middle Street and Rockport’s Christmas Tree in Dock Square are enchanting each and every year.

Paige Farrell Be Light! It’s Christmas exhibit | Gifts for the holidays extended hours

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Stop by Jane Deering Gallery Dec 20-24, 1-4pm, or by appointment 🙂

hand built. wheel thrown. custom glazed and hi fired sets and individual pieces

Holiday Lights & Cocoa Drives 2024 Map. Gloucester Houses Are Glistening Once Again! 🚗🎄☕

Posted on by Catherine

Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2024 edition is off. More merry neighborhoods, pictures and map coming soon.

Image block: For the 8th year in a row—and the 5th accompanied by a map with photos—enjoy a selection of Gloucester’s houses decorated for the season. Addresses so far: downtown, Reynard, Finch, Washington, Spruce, Goose Cove Lane. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

What a hoot-as in the Peacock and the Officer! Billy Baker at The Farm Bar & Grill in Essex. Boston Globe

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A good smile read, for sure. article here.

Besides The Farm, Essex Shipbuilding Museum is mentioned, too.

Billy Baker article 12/13/2024

“And she has tried. And tried. This was her second attempt of the day, and the previous one — when the bird was perched on the railing of an apartment complex, staring in a window at a woman trying to get dressed — ended as many others have. The bird took one look at Reilly and her net and turned into Usain Bolt, sprinting off before flying up into a tree…

Tina Iliakostas at TD Bank is Unflappable

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Tina Iliakostas has worked here for 24 years. She’s unhesitatingly calm and professional which makes it easy for customers to work through any hiccups or questions.

Congratulations to Author Jean Woodbury! Invited to The Association for Small and Rural Libraries Conference. With Tom Clark, Asst. Dir. Rockport Public Library

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Image: Jean Woodbury, joined by Tom Clark, Asst. Dir. Rockport Public Library in Springfield, Mass. for The Association for Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) 2024 national conference

The Association for Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) was founded in in 1982 and became an American Library Association (ALA) affiliate in 2008. The ARSL conference is scheduled in a different part of the country each year, cycling through a five year rotation, spread out by region and city to foster congenial networking and knowledge. In 2024 the convention landed in the Northeast, and for the first time in Massachusetts. Attendees encountered celebrity writers and panels and an impressive Author Fest. Author Jean Woodbury traveled with Tom Clark to celebrate The Tree in Dock Square and Cape Ann Reads on the road and representing our region and local libraries at ARSL! (arsl.org)

ARSL Author fest

ARSL Author Fest 2024 here

The Tree in Dock Square here

Cape Ann Reads here

Paige Farrell Ceramics at Jane Deering Gallery: Be Light! It’s Christmas. Art in Clay.

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“Please stop by to see Paige Farrell’s two-day exhibition of her beautiful ceramics, which will make such wonderful christmas gifts!”

  • Jane Deering. Preview more here

Cape Ann Tradition Returns: The Cape Ann YMCA Presents Holiday Delights 2024 at Annisquam Village Hall

Posted on by Catherine

Holiday Delights is next week! Heidi Dallin shares the press release and ticket information below. Can you guess how many young people have played a part in this mainstay since the very first production? Tickets are selling now!

Images: All photos by Sassy Square marketing

HOLIDAY DELIGHTS 2024

The Cape Ann YMCA presents Holiday Delights on December 13 at 7pm; December 14 at 2pm and December 15 at 2pm at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA.   Set in Gloucester, Holiday Delights is a festive mix of stories, songs and dance celebrating the special traditions of other cultures and families as seen through a young child’s magical journey on Christmas Eve to discover what is really important during the holiday season. A Cape Ann holiday tradition, Holiday Delights is conceived and directed by Gloucester native, award winning professional actress and Harvard University graduate Heidi Dallin, the YMCA of the North Shore Theatre Specialist. Since the production’s premiere in 2007 over 750 young people from Cape Ann and beyond have appeared in Holiday Delights through the years.

“It is so exciting each year to see these wonderful young actors tell the story of Holiday Delights! I am so fortunate to work with all of them! They are all working so hard and now they are part of this Cape Ann tradition entering its 14th year!” says Holiday Delights creator and director Heidi Dallin. “This year 10-year-old Carolyn Andrews plays Mistletoe, Mrs. Claus’ Elf Assistant,” continues Dallin, “Young Carolyn is excited to play the coveted role especially since her big sister Malia played the role in 2016. Malia is now a freshman at BU School for the Arts studying Acting.  Holiday Delights is a family tradition on Cape Ann!“

The 2024 edition of Holiday Delights features the journey of a young girl who discovers the spirit and the joys of the holiday season as she faces the unhappy prospect of leaving her beloved hometown of Gloucester and moving with her family to a new home in Michigan. Her special Christmas Eve journey helps her to realize and appreciate the importance of her family and friends as well as her own special holiday traditions.  During her Christmas Eve travels with Mrs. Claus and the elves, she celebrates Hanukkah, travels back in time to turn of the century Gloucester to see her Italian-Irish ancestors celebrate the holidays, and meets famous characters including The Crachit Family from Charles Dickens’ holiday masterpiece, A Christmas Carol and The March Sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s heartwarming classic novel, Little Women.

The 2024 production has a cast of over 35 actors age 5 to 15 from throughout the North Shore including Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, and Essex.  Holiday Delights 2024 features Gloucester’s Brae Gavin as Mrs. Claus and Gloucester’s Aubrey Hamm as the young girl she takes on the life changing Christmas Eve journey.  Gloucester’s Carolyn Andrews and Beverly’s Evie Swallom are Mistletoe and Peppermint, Mrs. Claus’ loyal elf assistants. Beverly’s Madelyn Swallom and Gloucester’s Lillian Jamieson are also featured in the production as the supervisors of Santa’s Workshop.

Staff

The Holiday Delights production staff includes: Music Director: Anthony  Prestigiovanni; Set, Costume and Prop Design: Sarah Vandewalle and Lia Sophia Numerosi; Stage Manager: Jenny Hersey and Production Assistants: Sophia Drost, Naia Gibson, Harry Larabell, Damian Etna, Kit Carpenter, Claire Dullea and Merina Earle.  

Tickets

Holiday Delights Performances are December 13 at 7pm; December 14 at 2pm and December 15 at 2pm at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA.   For tickets call the Cape Ann YMCA at 978-283-0470 or go to HolidayDelightsTickets