The Passing of the Keys

passing of the keys

 Photos by E.J. Lefavour

It is now official.  The closing was at Deb Eliason’s office this morning and RNAC took ownership from Steve and Kathy Archer of the Center at Rocky Neck.  Join us this evening from 6:00-8:00pm for a ribbon-cutting/key-passing ceremony and celebration of this momentous event in the history of Rocky Neck.  A debt of gratitude is owed to Steve and Kathy Archer who made it possible for RNAC to conceive of accomplishing this major undertaking, and to Karen Ristuben and Karen Tibbets, who were the major driving forces behind its becoming a reality.  Kudos to all the RNAC members who have worked so hard this past year to help make this happen.

 

 

At Old Sloop Coffeehouse May 4

garnet rogers

May 4 – Garnet Rogers
with Chris Pahud and Seth Connelly
Tickets $16; at door $18, 65 or over: $10, under 18: $5.  Advance tickets can be gotten at http://www.rockportucc.org/May04-2013.htm, Toad Hall Bookstore, or Gloucester Music.

Garnet Rogers

In a darkened bedroom, lit only be the amber glow from an old floor model radio, two young brothers aged 6 and 12 lay in their beds, listening to the country music broadcasts from the Grand Ol’ Opry, and practiced their harmonies.  Two years later, the youngest one was playing the definitive 8-year-old’s version of “Desolation Row” on his ukulele.  He soon abandoned that instrument to teach himself the flute, violin and guitar.

Within ten years, and barely out of high school, Garnet Rogers was on the road as a full- time working musician with his older brother Stan.  Together they formed what has come to be accepted as one of the most influential acts in North American folk music.

Since then, Garnet Rogers has established himself as “One of the major talents of our time”.  Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “charismatic performer and singer”, Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with a voice to match.  With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post), his incredible range, and his thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere.  His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful.  Cinematic in detail, his songs “give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart” (Kitchener Waterloo Record).  An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday.  As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.

“He mixes the powerful and the gentle and demonstrates his mastery of both…One of the major talents of our time.” – The Boston Globe

 

Chris Pahud and Seth Connelly

Chris Pahud grew up in Needham Massachusetts and currently resides in Quincy. Chris started playing guitar and singing in the local Boston area around a decade ago.  Chris’s latest CD “Red Sky in Morning” was released in the summer of 2009.  Produced and mastered by Seth Connelly (who will perform with Chris at Old Sloop Coffeehouse), it also includes Seth on bass, piano, mandolin and guitars, Garnet Rogers on guitars and vocals, Youngbloods co-founder Jerry Corbitt on guitars and fretless bass, former Del Fuego percussionist Joe Donnelly, Jr. on drums, Hatrack Gallager on harmonicas, and Steafan Hannigan on whistles, Uilleann pipes, bouzouki and bodhran.

“Chris Pahud sings with all his heart, and his heart is huge. His voice and songs come from such a beautiful place, I smile every time I hear him sing… and witness him doing what comes so natural to him… ” – Mary Gauthier – Lost Highway recording artist

Seth Connelly is highly appreciated and recognized by listeners and musicians alike as a talented singer/songwriter, guitarist, instrumentalist, producer, arranger, teacher and accompanist.  A talented singer and song writer, Seth’s songs move listeners.  He “…realizes that music is the one thing that reaches out to all of us… no matter what language we speak.”

Ardelle Launch Photos

Photos by Len Burgess of the launch of the Ardelle Saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.561469927230863.1073741839.174653662579160&type=1

Exhibit Opportunities for Artists on Rocky Neck

There are two Galleries (plus the sliver space) still available for Rent on Rocky Neck Avenue for this coming season (May 15-October 15).  Madfish Wharf is a great place for artists – cooperative, supportive, fun and good traffic.  Contact Niki at 617-543-2977 for more details on individual gallery rentals.  She most readily responds to text messages.  #6 has been rented, so #’s 15 & 7, plus the sliver gallery on the walkway from the parking lot to Madfish Grille are available.   Join us for a great season on Madfish Wharf.

madfish galleries copy

Elynn Kröger Gallery

elynn kroger gallery

I really love living on Rocky Neck where I can see artist friends on a daily basis.  I went to tea at Elynn Kröger’s yesterday.  Elynn is always a joy to visit with, and her gallery and abstract landscape paintings and drawings are truly amazing.  Just the trip up to her space is a delightful adventure.  Her gallery is at the top of the stairs at 15 Rocky Neck Ave., and every step of the way you encounter an interesting and quirky assortment of objects and quotes.  Once inside, her work and space will blow you away.  And then there is her beautiful view of Smiths Cove.  Elynn’s gallery is open year round, but now that nicer weather is upon on, next time you visit Rocky Neck, make sure you take the magical trip up the stairs to Elynn Kröger Gallery.  In the meantime, you can visit her website at http://elynnkroger.com/.  Her phone number is 978-282-3467 if you want to call first to make sure she is open, although her general pre-season hours are 11:00-6:00.

E.J. Lefavour

Anyone Need a Glass Display Case?

glass case

JEWELRY CASE  FOR FREE –
4′ long x 20″ deep x 40″ high display case on wheels, rolls easily for moving around, glass front and top. Solid sides, solid sliding doors on back. Locking mechanism can easily and inexpensively be attached (not included). Base with wheels is separate from main top section, can be used with or without the base. (Photo is shown WITH wheel base in place – wheels are covered by wood base so you don’t see them). Fair condition. Top glass has 5″ crack in corner that is covered with clear packing tape.  ready for pick up anytime.  It is heavy!  On Rocky Neck, E. Gloucester  Contact: Brenda 978-559-1709

And the Winner is…

soup competition

Eric Kaplan of Rocky Neck and Chelmsford was the winner of the Sailor Stan’s For the Love of Soup Competition and $25 Sailor Stan’s gift certificate, with his scrumptous mushroom soup made with cashew paste, soy milk, curry and tons of mushrooms.  Additional entries included Lisa van Sand’s gazpacho (my personal favorite which came in 2nd), Rick’s Gumbo Ya Ya which came in 3rd, Ian Crown’s famous mushroom soup, Karen’s Kovis (kale and linguisa), Wayne’s French onion, Sailor Stan’s fish chowder and my spicy shrimp and corn chowder.  Participants got to enjoy a diverse selection of delicious soups, salad, fresh bread and assorted choice of beverages, and had a great time while being challenged to pick a favorite – all for the benefit of the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.

On a separate culinary note, keep an eye out for Lisa van Sand’s amazingly decadent treats which will soon be carried at the Last Stop, including her Oh My God Cake.  A number of us tried a piece of it yesterday, not knowing in advance what it was called, and all had the exact same response: “Oh My God!”  It is to die for, as is her white chocolate and chai cake.

E.J. Lefavour

You Gotta Love the Causeway

guatemalan students at causeway

My sister Judy came to visit last weekend with two Guatemalan exchange students they have staying with them. 

Marcela Pineda is in an OBGYN program at Mass General; Federico Murga is studying sleep therapy and neurology at Beth Israel.  They are both from Guatemala City.

When it was time for lunch, it was straight to the Causeway, Judy’s favorite place to eat in Gloucester.   Marcela and Federico both enjoyed it immensely.  We all got chowder (my favorite is the fish chowder) and shared seafood platters (yummmm!).

E.J. Lefavour

Breakfast and Soup at Sailor Stan’s

breakfast at sailor stans

My mom, Jean Lefavour, came to visit for a couple of days and got to kick up her heels at the dance at the Rocky Neck Center last night, and have breakfast at Sailor Stan’s this morning.  We had the McStan’s breakfast sandwiches, which were delicious.

Don’t forget, tomorrow from 3:00-5:00 be at Sailor Stan’s for the Love of Soup Best of Cape Ann Soup Competition, with proceeds to benefit the Center at Rocky Neck.  There is still room for a few more soup entries, if you have a great soup you’d like to enter into the competition.  If so, email EJ at khanstudio@comcast.net with your name and type of soup you’re entering.  For soup lovers, this is going to be a special treat, and it is still chilly enough to really enjoy a great variety of soups made by the best local soup makers.   Winner gets a $25 gift certificate to Sailor Stan’s. 

E.J. Lefavour

Need some help?

soup

Thinking about entering the Sailor Stan’s First Annual Invitational Soup’s On Best of Cape Ann Soup Competition this Sunday but don’t know what kind of soup to make?  Check out this site: http://glorioussouprecipes.com/?refsrc=email.  Of course, you don’t have to enter a soup in the competition to be part of this delicious fundraiser for the Center at Rocky Neck – you can just come enjoy and vote for the soups others have made.  I picked up the ingredients for my souper special soup yesterday.

Details:  Sunday, April 21 from 3:00-5:00pm, Sailor Stan’s First Annual Invitational Soup’s On – Best of Cape Ann Soup Competition with proceeds to benefit the Rocky Neck Cultural Center.   $12 includes samples of all the entries plus fresh bread and a beverage, $5 for children under 12.  Entrants eat for free and get to check out their competition.

If you make a great soup that you would like to have included in the competition, email EJ at khanstudio@comcast.net with your name and the type of soup you will bring.   The creator of the winning soup will win a $25 gift certificate to Sailor Stan’s, in addition to the worldwide acclaim and notoriety of being the best soup maker on Cape Ann.  Fun, delicious, heart and tummy-warming, and all for a good cause. 

RNAC__LOGO

And while you’re here, make sure you stop by the Center and enjoy the Best of Rocky Neck show currently on exhibit.

E.J. Lefavour

The Circle of Life

Seals enjoying a morning bask in the sun on the rocks at Brace Cove.  Seagulls enjoying a morning meal of dead seal on the Niles Beach side of Eastern Point.

circle of life

E.J. Lefavour

“A Concert for Mother Earth” in celebration of Earth Day

Greta Bro copy
 
The Annisquam Village Church presents: 
“A Concert for Mother Earth” in celebration of Earth Day. 
Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m
 
Featuring Greta Bro Group with Ricardo Frota, Maurice Cahen and Steve Travis. 
Tickets at the door only: $20/$10 students.
 
For more information: 
Call: 978.283.6416 

Swing Into Spring

Spring Swing A4(1)
 
Hello friends,

 

Please join us and show your support for the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck on Sunday April 28, 4 pm.  We start with wine & cheese at the Center for an hour with the Cape Ann Swing Ensemble, Mary Martin on vocals and a special dance performance by Sarah Slifer Swift, followed by dinner at the Rudder – a chance to check out the new spring Rudder offerings!

Since May, 2012, we have made enormous progress in establishing the Cultural Center as a year-round hub of arts and educational activity on Rocky Neck, while contributing substantially to the cultural vibrancy of Cape Ann. Just some of the Center’s uses have been:

*Launching an innovative Teaching Artist Partnership with the Gloucester Public Schools to connect hundreds of middle school students with professional artists.
*Welcoming diverse classes and workshops that served over 500 artists and community members.
*Generating earned income to support Cultural Center operations from cultural and community programs.
*Hosting the Schooner Adventure lecture series.
*Hosting several Gloucester Writers’ Center poetry readings and 10-Minute Play performances.
*Co-hosting three speakers on international topics with the Cape Ann Forum.
*Providing space for more than twenty business meetings.
*Hosting ten extremely well attended art exhibits with sales of artwork.
*Providing space for community salsa dancing, yoga, Ta’i chi and meditation classes.
*Sponsoring numerous artist talks, critiques, and conversations.

This spring, the Rocky Neck Art Colony will take ownership of the Cultural Center and launch the next phase of our capital campaign to retire our debt. This is an exciting crossroads for the Art Colony and the city, along with an increasing number of partners who are committed to our vision to foster the community’s economic and cultural vitality.

 

We hope you will come and enjoy this fun way to show your support for the Center’s acquisition by the Rocky Neck Art Colony for the benefit of all.  Limited space is available so reserve your tickets (and wine raffle tickets) early by:

 

* Paypal at www.rockyneckartcolony.org

* Send check payable to Rocky Neck Art Colony Building Fund to P.O. Box 60, Gloucester MA 01930 or

* Call Brenda Malloy at 978-559-1709.


Hope to see you there!!

 

Karen Ristuben for the Rocky Neck Art Colony
 

Love Soup?

soup
“Eat soup first and eat it last,
and live to till a hundred years be passed”

 Do you love soup?  Do you have a great soup recipe?  Do you want to help support the Rocky Neck Cultural Center?  Then you don’t want to miss this. 

 On Sunday, April 21 from 3:00-5:00pm, mark your calendars for Sailor Stan’s First Annual Invitational Soup’s On – Best of Cape Ann Soup Competition with proceeds to benefit the Rocky Neck Cultural Center. 

 If you make a great soup that you would like to have included in the competition, email me at khanstudio@comcast.net with your name and the type of soup you will bring.  Entries will be limited to 14 unique soups, including Karen Roberts’ and my own special secret recipes, so there is room for 12 additional entries.  We want to be able to offer a variety of unique soups for people to enjoy and vote for, so come up with something other than chicken, unless you know you make the best damn chicken soup ever.  The creator of the winning soup will win a $25 gift certificate to Sailor Stan’s, in addition to the worldwide acclaim and notoriety of being the best soup maker on Cape Ann.  Fun, delicious, heart and tummy-warming, and all for a good cause. 

Those who just love to eat soup, show up at Sailor Stan’s with $12 in hand ($5 for children under 12), enjoy soup, fresh bread and a beverage to your heart’s and belly’s delight, cast your vote for your favorite soup, and help support the Cultural Center.  And while you’re here, make sure you stop by the Center and enjoy the Best of Rocky Neck show currently on exhibit.

 P.S.  I make a darn good soup, and Karen is the “Soup Nazi”, so bring on the competition!  I’m talkin to you, Sista Felicia!

E.J. Lefavour

The Gloucester Boyz

gloucester boyz

Rare sighting of The Gloucester Boyz on Rocky Neck by Sailor Stan’s.  They wanted their identities to remain secret.  Does anyone know who they are?

E.J. Lefavour

BOLO! The Alewives are running!

alewifes

Fish Counters,

I counted two alewives at the counting board today at 1:00 – 1:10. Hopefully they are the first of many.

I also stopped by the bridge at Apple Street in Essex around noon today and there were about 3 dozen in the brook at that time and I’ve received reports that many were counted yesterday in Essex.

Best.

Dave Sargent
Gloucester Shellfish Constable/Alewife Warden

In case you don’t know, as I didn’t, the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a species of fish. There are anadromous and landlocked forms. The landlocked form is also called a sawbelly or mooneye (although this latter name is more commonly applied to Hiodon spp.). The front of the body is deep and larger than other fish found in the same waters, and its common name is said to come from comparison with a corpulent female tavernkeeper (“ale-wife”).[1] In Atlantic Canada it is known as the gaspereau. More locally, in southwestern Nova Scotia, it is called a kiack (or kyack).[2] In the Southeast US, when sold and used as bait, the fish is often referred to as “LY”.

Adult alewives are preferred bait for the spring lobster fishery in Maine.[3] It is also used for human consumption, usually smoked. It is caught (during its spawning migration upstream) using large dip nets to scoop the fish out of shallow, constricted areas on its migratory streams and rivers. It is one of the “typical” North American shads of the subgenus Pomolobus.

from Wikipedia

E.J. Lefavour

Digital Photography Workshop

digital photography workshop

To sign up, or find out more, you can e-mail Barry O’Brien at bobrien@northshorecommunications.com

Fluid Dynamics Opening Friday, 4/12 5-9:00pm

This is going to be the photography exhibit of the season, so don’t miss it.  Charlie is an amazing photographer and James at Cape Ann Giclee has gone over and above to make his printed photos look fantastic.  Very intriguing and fascinating body of work.

C_Carroll-flyer-v1

E.J. Lefavour

Best Dance Party in Town

If you went to the last one, you already know that.  If you love to dance, meet and hang out with cool, fun and lively people, in a spot with a great dance floor and great dancing music, don’t miss this.   My hip has finally recovered from the last one, so I’ll be looking for some dance partners!

FRIDAY, April 19th, 7 -10pm
 The Cultural Center on Rocky Neck
6 Wonson St, Rocky Neck, Gloucester

Suggested donation of $10 per person is greatly appreciated.
This is a fun, fundraiser to help support
The Cultural Center on Rocky Neck



Last months DANCE PARTY  was a smashing success, over 80 people attended throughout the night, the dance floor was crankin’ the whole time, and everyone had a great time!  I’ve had some excellent feedback on the music, people loved it!  If you like lively dance tunes, then this is the place for you! 

We’ve got a big wood dance floor, a big open space, friendly and open vibe, and we welcome you! Single, got no partner, come alone! Join us on the dance floor, meet new people and have a great time!  The dance floor was humming right at 7, so come early and dance to your hearts content!

All are welcome!!!!!!

If you wanna bring a snack to share, please do so. Bring your own beverages, of whatever sort (alcohol is fine). Please note that this not a drinking party, it’s a dance party. Tables for snacks and beverages will be set up downstairs, so please bring them down there when you arrive. If you could please take with you what you brought, that would help us a lot on clean up at the end of the evening.

Hope to see YOU there! The people make the party, hope you’ll help us make it a good one! PLEASE SHARE THIS AND INVITE OTHERS!

For questions, info, please email BrendaMalloy@hotmail.com or call 978-559-1709

If you’d like to volunteer or help out in any way at this event, let Brenda know Open-mouth smile

E.J. Lefavour