Vickie grew up in Iowa. Lived in Silicon Valley & NYC. Peter has lived all over (NJ, NY, CH, IN, CA, MA, etc.) We chose to live and raise our family in Gloucester. Owners of gimmesound.com & Van Ness Group. Producers of gimmeLIVE concerts.
The music business is in undergoing a huge transformation — but you already know that, so why are we stating the obvious? Two reasons:
1) Once in a while when you find yourself in the middle of a major paradigm shift, it’s worth stepping back for a moment to notice what’s going on before you arrive at the next level and exclaim, “Oh! Look what happened.”
2) 2014 was a dramatic turning point for music as evidenced by two Earth shattering stats that you might not be aware of:
Taylor Swift was the ONLY artist to release a platinum album in 2014.
Digital music sales were down in 2014 for the first time in 10 years (maybe ever, it’s hard to get good stats on music downloads).
Even with all the tech advances that empower musicians to record and distribute their own music relatively inexpensively and without getting “signed” by a major label, it’s harder than ever to make a living as a musician. We believe that recorded music sales will never again be the major source of revenue for musicians — just like sheet music sales are no longer a major source of revenue.
Vickie and I believe that live music holds the most promise for the future of the music business, both for musicians and fans. In this new world where we spend more and more time staring at a screen of some kind, we find people crave live concerts where we make powerful connections with musicians and other fans that transport us to a magical place we just can’t experience any other way. Musicians who can draw fans to their concerts are able to make a good living doing what they love most–playing music. Everybody wins!
We’re embracing this musical paradigm shift by focusing our efforts on presenting and promoting live music even more than we have in the past. Our new focus is reflected, in part, by changes to gimmesound.com. We’ll continue to provide live music listings while we transform the site into something new that helps musicians and venues promote their live shows better and works well on all devices, including phones. You’ll notice that songs on gimmesound can now be played on phones and tablets (including the iPhone and iPad). More mobile enhancements are coming. Stay tuned . . .
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Our friend Aurelia Nelson just keeps the local stars coming on her fascinating North Shore 104.9 radio show Curtain Up and tomorrow (Sunday) is no exception. Local singer/songwriters Chelsea Berry and Bang-A-Song Studio owner Tony Goddess will be Aurelia’s guests. Worth getting up to listen in at 9am!
Here’s an example of the excellent results Chelsea & Tony got collaborating on Chelsea’s latest solo CD:
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Paula PoundstoneFriday, January 2, 8 PM
Known for her spontaneous and dynamic stand-up comedy, as well as her recurring role on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, comic Paula Poundstone is truly one of the funniest people on the planet.
This show is currently sold out. Check with the box office closer to the date of the show as some tickets may become available.
Handel & Haydn’s Guy Fishman, cello Ian Watson, fortepiano
Sunday, January 11, 3 PM
Pre-Concert Talk by Dr. Teresa Neff
Two stalwarts of the acclaimed Handel & Haydn Society join forces for a special all-Beethoven program, including his Cello Sonatas for fortepiano and violoncello, Op. 5, Nos. 1 & 2. Don’t miss your chance to see two of the greatest period-piece musicians in the world explore Beethoven.
Two rising stars of classical music join forces for a free community concert featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Poulenc and Sulkhan Tsintsadze. A reception with the musicians will follow the performance.
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny IrionSunday, January 25, 5 PM
A folk-rock duo that balances homespun harmonies with indelible pop melodies, Sarah Lee Guthrie (granddaughter of Woody, daughter of Arlo) & Johnny Irion have gained additional rock cred with their latest record Wassaic Way being produced by members of Wilco.
We’re about to book lots of new shows down the road at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre and one of the people we’re seriously considering is Book T. Jones who wrote “Born Under a Bad Sign” with William Bell, recorded in 1967 by Albert King and later by Cream. Here’s Booker T’s powerful version with his excellent touring band! Leave a comment or Click here and tell us whether or not you think we should bring these guys to the Larcom this winter.
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Oh, I just couldn’t resist that terribly corny rhyme …
Before I head downtown (Gloucester, that is) to (hopefully) finish up my shopping, I figured I’d remind all of you, who might be stressing about what to buy, how easy it is to raise your loved ones’ spirits with the gift of music. Of course there are many excellent choices this year, but I’ll take this opportunity make a shameless plug for just 1: John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band right down the road at Beverly’ Larcom Theatre on Jan 31. It’s really easy:
1) Buy your tickets here.
2) Print them out.
3) Fold, wrap in a bow and put under the tree (or where ever you like).
Here are some reasons why this is a good idea: It’s local. Fun. Don’t have to go to the mall. Don’t even have to get dressed to buy them. Gives you and your loved ones a treat in the dead of winter. Gives you something to look forward to. Doesn’t take up any space. Music heals your soul.
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We realize this holiday season can be hectic and stressful. That’s why this year’s Solstice concert is designed to take you away and give you an new appreciation for the power of acoustic music in a magical space to cleanse the soul.
When you hear Boston rock star Charlie Farren’s hits like ‘Fool In Love’ and ‘You are the Only One’ solo with guitar in this intimate room, you’ll feel them even more deeply than the electric versions. Add Danielle Miraglia’s soulful blues with slide guitar and mix in Gloucester’s iconic Americana singer/songwriter Allen Estes as host and we guarantee you’ll leave having been taken to a place you’ve never experienced before.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” outside. Join us tonight and feel the holiday spirit inside.
Here’s a taste of what it will be like:
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If you’ve been waiting for a multi-platinum recording artist (i.e., Rock Star) to come down the road to Beverly’s Larcom Theatre, wait no longer. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band (feat. Michael “Tunes” Antunes on sax) will ROCK the house on Saturday, January 31 with his #1 hits “On The Dark Side”, “C-I-T-Y”, “Tough All Over”, “Hearts on Fire” and one of my favorites “Tender Years.”
You know how you’re gonna feel in late January … like you need some high-energy music to break you out of your winter doldrums. The thing is, these tickets won’t last that long. So get them now (right here). They make perfect holiday gifts for all of your friends and family who will be feeling the same way in late January. Here’s his hit, “On The Dark Side” from the Eddie and the Cruisers movie featuring “Tunes” on Sax.
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The Very Best Kind of Christmas Tree featuring Bezzie Strong (from GSC Summer 2014 production of Fences) as the Little Tree surrounded by the animals of the forest
The Christmas in Gloucester Family: Center: Frankie, Father: Colby Taormina; Youngest son, Joey(with hat): Gabriel Magee
An Elf (Gabriel Magee) in Santa’s Workshop celebrates when he finishes a toy
The Cratchit Christmas Dinner
Mrs. Claus and the Elves in Santa’s Workshop
The Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops proudly presents Holiday Delights from December 19 through December 21 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Holiday Delights features a cast of over 30 young people ranging in age from 6 to 17, all students in Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops. This family holiday event marks the sixth time in Gloucester Stage history that a production has featured a cast of student actors from the GSC Youth Acting Workshops Program. First produced in 2007, Holiday Delights has become an audience favorite and Cape Ann holiday tradition. Conceived and directed by Gloucester’s Heidi Dallin, Holiday Delights is a festive evening of stories, songs, and dance recounting the special traditions that other cultures and families experience as seen through one young girl’s magical journey on Christmas Eve to discover what is really important during the holiday season. Holiday Delights performances are December 19 through December 21 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Performance times are 7 pm on December 19, December 20 and 3 pm on December 20 and December 21. Ticket prices are $15 for Adults; $12 for Senior Citizens, $8 for Students and $6 for Children under 12. For tickets and further information, call 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.com
The 2014 edition of Holiday Delights features the journey of Ella, 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. Ella’s special Christmas Eve journey helps her to realize and appreciate the importance of her own family 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 literary characters including The Cratchit Family and the Fezziwig Family from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the March Sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and the animals of the enchanted forest and a talking Christmas tree in Henry Van Dyke’s The Very Best Kind of Christmas Tree.
Holiday Delights features Sign Language, movement, music, and costume design – all skills that the student actors learned in YAW classes this year as well as the return of Christmas in Gloucester, the original story set in turn of the century Gloucester featuring Ella’s grandmother as a young girl herself growing up on the Fort in an Irish-Italian fishing family and a retelling of The Very Best Kind of Christmas Tree. According to director and writer Heidi Dallin, “By adding Christmas in Gloucester to the show I wanted to explore the main character’s background so she could see first hand the origin of her own family traditions and thus gain a new appreciation for them. I also wanted to offer the entire cast a glimpse of Gloucester’s past and enrich their experience in the production. We had an enthusiastic audience response to the story so we brought the story back this year with some new twists and new characters.” Regarding the new adaptation of The Very Best Kind of Christmas Tree, Dallin adds “The actors love telling the story of the little green tree and her friends, the animals of the forest because they get the opportunity to play the animals in the forest.”
The 30 young actors bring the original and classic stories to life on stage with a fresh perspective. Many actors play multiple roles in the production to bring all the stories to life. Holiday Delights features over 100 costume changes, Irish step dancing, folk dancing and a traditional Hebrew dance with the added twist of dancing dreidels; classic holiday music including Angels We Have Heard on High;Deck The Halls; O, ChristmasTree, Three Ships, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and a holiday sing a long with the audience.
Gloucester 11 year old Ella de Gaspe Beaubien plays the young girl who wants to skip Christmas rather than move away from Gloucester. de Gaspe Beaubien came to YAW as a 7 year old with stage fright whose parents described as “a backstage girl.” Now this “backstage girl” is front and center and has been a cast member of Holiday Delights since 2010. She made her Holiday Delights debut in 2010 playing an elf and a rabbit.
Gloucester native 15 year old Talia DeWolfe takes over the role of Mrs. Claus. DeWolfe has been a student of Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops since 2010 and has appeared in Holiday Delights for 4 years.
The Holiday Delights 2014 cast also includes nine year old Bezawit Strong who made her stage debut in Holiday Delights 2013 and her professional stage debut in August 2014 in the GSC’s 35th Anniversary Season production of Fences. Strong takes over the role of the talking Little Tree in The Very Best Kind of Christmas Tree.
In addition to Dallin, the artistic staff includes music direction by Gloucester Public Schools’ Helen Greene, choreography by Carol Burnham, set and prop design by Danvers native Jamie Wilkinson, costume design by Lara Jardullo, lighting design by Brendan Marr and stage management by Annika Rosenvinge assisted by Davia Meader.
Holiday Delights performances are December 19 through December 21 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Performance times are 7 pm on December 19, December 20 and 3 pm on December 20 and December 21 Ticket prices are $15 for Adults; $12 for Senior Citizens, $8 for Students and $6 for Children under 12. For tickets and further information, call 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.com
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Tonight at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre, Gloucester’s Henri Smith releases his first CD in a decade (recorded live at the Larcom in March) with a concert celebration that will, of course, include dancing a traditional New Orleans Second Line parade in the aisles.
Vickie and I produced the CD and Vickie designed the CD case and disc.
This will be your last chance to get your CD signed by Henri and the band before the holidays. Very good seats still available in the balcony (here) and a few good seats also left in the orchestra (here).
L-R: Allen Estes, Aurelia Nelson, Charlie Farren
Tomorrow morning Allen Estes & Charlie Farren are Aurelia Nelson’s guests on her 104.9 show Curtain Up at 9am (Worth getting up for!)
You get to hear a new song and a taste of the Solstice experience you can expect next Saturday 12/20 when they perform with young, rising Boston Blues star, Danielle Miraglia in a benefit for Gloucester’s UU Church Meetingbouse Restoration. This will be a festive night of original rock, blues and Americana music with a few traditional holiday sing-along favorites. Tickets are still available. Get them here.
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Last winter we started a Gloucester Tradition – The Cape Ann Winter Solstice – a tremendously successful kick-off to our Meetinghouse Benefit Concert Series, culminating in a memorable evening with 60s icon John Sebastian, the first ever Gloucester appearance by a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
This winter we continue the tradition featuring three of the area’s top acoustic artists: Boston rock star, Charlie Farren, of Joe Perry Project and Farrenheit, rising Boston Blues star, Danielle Miraglia (whom you may have seen at our Celebrate Gloucester benefit for The Open Door featuring James Montgomery this summer) and Gloucester’s iconic singer/songwriter Allen Estes.
There are still a few VIP seats left. VIPs get premium seating in the first 5 rows of the center section, exclusive early entry and a commemorative VIP laminate.
Enjoy a festive night of original music, traditional holiday favorites and a few surprises as you help Gloucester’s Meetinghouse become a world-class concert and performance venue.
Here are some videos to give you a taste of what you can expect:
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Now, if you read my GDT letter from 2011 (here) you’ll know that I usually start my Christmas shopping on Dec 24 at about noon — and I do almost all of it in Gloucester and Cape Ann. But I realize the rest of the world starts a tad earlier — and perhaps you’re grousing at this week’s nasty weather, thinking it’s an excuse to head to the mall where all the stores are indoors. Before you do (head to the mall that is) STOP and think about your friends in town who offer unique, interesting gifts and a convivial shopping experience.
Gift Certificate for The Cave — you can print it on your own printer immediately after buying it online!
This year you’ve got a new choice that doesn’t even require you to get dressed. The Cave is offering on-line Gift Certificates and you can print them when you buy them. So, if early on Christmas morning, you wake up and remember, Oh… Aunt Betty actually got out of the hospital and is coming for Christmas dinner … well, just get her a Cave Gift Certificate (click here), print it out and put it under the tree. #BOOM!
Here’s a video I shot a couple of years ago of our first time at what has become one of our favorite stores in Gloucester!
Check out this fun video that reminds us what it would be like if all this rain had been snow:
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A beloved comic who thrives on spontaneity and improvisation, Paula Poundstone has been performing stand-up comedy for over 25 years, fine-tuning her craft over the years to become of the truly great humorists of our time. Learn more
GUEST PRESENTATION
PRESENTED BY THE CAPE ANN SYMPHONY
Acclaimed Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians Owen Young (cello) and Lucia Lin (violin) will be performing a dynamic program of duets (Mozart, Kolday and more) to benefit the Cape Ann Symphony. Learn more
A folk rock duo drawing from a musically-rich gene pool, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion combine the down-home campfire strumming of Woody and Arlo with a modern pop/indie rock sensibility, all anchored by their lush, intimate harmonies. Learn more
Three of America’s most admired musicians meet for an evening of musical diversity. David Bromberg pioneered the skillful blending of several genres into what is now known as Americana. David Hidalgo is the co-founder of acclaimed Los Lobos. Larry Campbell is renowned for his work with Bob Dylan and Levon Helm among many others. This will be an unscripted evening of spontaneity, discovery and musical virtuosity by three American music masters. Learn more
A dynamic singer and talented songwriter blessed with legendary rock and roll blood (her dad is the late great Levon Helm, her mother is songwriter Libby Titus), Amy Helm infuses her particular brand of Americana with heavy doses of gospel, folk and country. Learn more
A veritable titan of both gospel and R&B, Mavis Staples has been tiptoeing the boundary between the spiritual and the secular for more than 60 years. And she isn’t slowing down. Learn more
As one of the leading lights of country music throughout the 90’s, Travis Tritt stood out among the pack with a style that borrowed as much from southern rock as it did the Grand Ole Opry. Of course his trademark long hair and conspicuously absent cowboy hat aided in making Tritt one of the most recognizable country music stars of the last 25 years. His impressive string of multi-platinum albums and Top Ten singles didn’t hurt either. Learn more
As the preeminent Cajun band in the world, BeauSoleil has been generously exporting the rich musical traditions of Southwestern Louisiana for close to forty years. After almost singlehandedly reviving Cajun music in the 70’s, they began incorporating various folk and world music traditions into their sound, creating a musical hybrid unlike any in the world. Learn more
In the last five years, Justin Townes Earle has emerged as a genre-busting acclaimed singer-songwriter, infusing country, blues, folk and indie rock into his vintage Americana sound. As the son of beloved country folk rabble-rouser Steve Earle, Justin had large musical shoes to fill, but after five critically-adored records and an ever-growing legion of fans, it’s safe to say he’s done that. Learn more
A tremendous jazz pianist with a seemingly boundless curiosity and adventurous spirit, Billy Childs plays and composes in a unique style that borrows heavily from the classical world, but still manages to be wholly his own. Learn more
Expertly combining the dusty stomp of Western swing with hot gypsy jazz, the Austin-based trio has crafted a unique and infectious hybrid that playfully blurs musical boundaries. Fiddler Elana James, guitarist Whit Smith and bassist Jake Erwin have been conjuring the spirit of both Bob Wills and jazz manouche legend Django Reinhardt for close to fifteen years and show no sign of slowing down. Learn more
One of Ireland’s most cherished Irish folk bands and among the leaders of the new traditionalist movement in Celtic music, Danú has been thrilling audiences with their instrumental virtuosity and powerfully emotive ballads for close to 20 years. Learn more
A two-time Grammy nominee, legendary acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke is known for his signature fingerpicking style drawing from blues, jazz and folk music and his syncopated, polyphonic melodies. Widely recognized as a master of his instrument, he has collaborated on records with legends such as John Fahey, Chet Atkins and Lyle Lovett, and is a frequent guest on radio variety show A Prairie Home Companion. Learn more
Maceo Parker stands among the legends of funk, forging the first half of his stellar career as a sideman for the genre’s forefathers James Brown and George Clinton. From being an essential voice in Brown’s horn section to helping steer George Clinton and Parliament’s Mothership Connection to platinum status, his soulful saxophone playing and vocals are firmly rooted in funk music history. Learn more
One of the first bands to blend rock and roll with country, the pioneering Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have crafted a musical legacy that has spawned an entire genre of music, influencing a generation of country-rock bands in its over 45 year history. Learn more
A bonafide blues and rock legend, the inimitable Taj Mahal has been instrumental in preserving and shaping American roots music. With his booming baritone, nimble finger-picking guitar playing and pioneering fusion of blues with disparate world and folk styles, the iconic artist has earned himself a place amongst the titans of American music. Learn more
Known for his earnest, heart-on sleeve balladry, folk pop songwriter Edwin McCain has enjoyed a lengthy career since the mid 90’s, mostly due to the success of his smash hit single “I’ll Be” and a relentless touring schedule. Learn more
A singer-songwriter known for her surprise starring role at Woodstock and her subsequent #1 hit “Brand New Key,” Melanie has remained an iconic voice for the “summer of love” generation. Learn more
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Henri & Dana talk about New Orleans music, food, tourism, second line parades, Henri’s new CD and his CD release concert next Saturday, Dec 13 right down the road at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre.
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A few single seats left for tonight’s concert. Get them here. More seats may open up soon. A few standing room only tickets will also be available. Call 978-525-9093 and leave your number if you want them.
-pvn, sent from my phone
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Did your teacher ever quip, “Just how funny do you think you are, young man?” [or “young lady”] If you answered that question, instead of assuming it was rhetorical, then you might have some true comedic talent, which likely got you sent to the principal’s office … That was then … This is now — and now, that talent could get you sent to the stage: The Larcom Theatre stage, that is. Check out this contest for details:
MTV/Comedy Central Star seeks young, talented, local opener for Dec 3 Homecoming Comedy Show
Sean Lynch (MTV, Comedy Central) and Mark Riccadonna ( Fox Tv’s Laughs) are looking for an opening act for their Homecoming Comedy Show right down the road at Beverly’s Larcom Theater. The winner will receive a paid 10 minute spot on the show on Wednesday, December 3rd at Beverly’s fully-restored, historic Larcom Theater (550 seats) and a chance to open for Sean Lynch at the Broadway Comedy Club on December 18th in Time Square NYC.
“18 years ago, a young Producer from Comedy Central’s The Daily show, saw me performing in a tiny dive bar and gave me a shot at opening a Huge comedy show at Stand-Up NY in New York City. I was 22, just graduated from college and had no job. That one show changed my life. It’s how I got my first agent, manager, MTV, Comedy Central, etc.,” explains Lynch, who is a Lynn native. “I want to give that same opportunity to someone from home who wants to make it. I feel like I need to put it out there.”
Don’t freak out — at least, not yet. You can still get tickets for Saturday’s Cape Ann Symphony Concert right here. You can also still get tickets for the reception on Sunday. Get Reception Tickets here. For all of you who really wanted to go to the Sunday concert but thought you could get tickets at the door, stop you’re bellyaching and just be grateful that you live in a community with a vibrant, growing cultural economy. Oh, and next time you see a GMG post about a concert you might want to go to (like this post), get your tickets RIGHT THEN! We ALWAYS put a link to tickets — always (see above for 2 examples).
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The music business is in undergoing a huge transformation — but you already know that, so why are we stating the obvious? Two reasons:
Friday, January 2, 8 PM
Ian Watson, fortepiano
Next Generation Recital with
Sunday, January 25, 5 PM
The BBC broke the news a little while ago 
Good Morning Gloucester 
