Don’t be fooled by cooler weather — the music season NEVER slows down on Cape Ann

A few places have closed for the season and there aren’t as many tourists around.  Traffic is lighter.  The Cut Bridge isn’t always up.  But that doesn’t mean you can wait until the last minute to get tickets to concerts at Shalin Liu.  That’s because with a world-class music venue down the road in Rockport, the season never really ends — at least not the music season.  Many of their concerts are already sold out — or nearly sold out, meaning you have to call the box office to see if there are any seats left, namely: Capital Steps and Arlo Guthrie.  There are still a few tickets left for Jonathan Edwards and Peter Wolf, but not many.  And the Cape Ann Big Band matinee on Dec 8 is nearly sold out too.  There are still some good orchestra seats for The Freddy Cole Quartet on next Friday, Nov 15, but they’re going fast too.  Check out his video below:

So the moral of the story is that just because it’s getting cold out doesn’t mean you can wait until the last minute to get tickets to world-class concerts at Cape Ann’s premier concert venue!

One of the worlds greatest chefs & restaurateurs is dead at 54

Charlie Trotter, who put Chicago on the map as a food destination, brought serious recognition to American cuisine and was one of the first to promote sustainable sourcing died suddenly yesterday at the age of 54.

All of us who enjoy eating in restaurants — and all of you who run restaurants — owe a great debt of gratitude to Chef Trotter.

Learn more about Charlie Trotter in this NYT article and this piece on NPR, in which the president of the James Beard foundation, says Trotter told her that chefs are like musicians: “That every ingredient is like a musician’s note, and he laughed and said, ‘My father must have known I must have wanted to be a chef after he named me Charlie after Charlie Parker, the great jazz musician.’ He was somebody who really took the artistry of cuisine to another level.”

A while ago, I heard an interview with Charlie, in which he explained that fine dining is one luxury available to almost everybody.  In the interview, Charlie points out that a fine meal costs about $100 an hour and involves about 80 people.  By contrast, he explains, a decent plumber in San Francisco costs at least $115 an hour and he’s by himself.

Good point.  We’ll miss your creativity, spirit and wit, Charlie Trotter!

Vote today in Gloucester, then vote on-line at the Boston Music Awards

You know the rule: If you don’t vote you can’t bitch.  And I love to bitch, so I always vote.

After you go to your local polling place today, you can go on-line and vote for your favorite local music at The Boston Music Awards.  You’ll be able to vote for plenty of artists you’ve seen in Gloucester and Cape Ann, including Kingsley Flood for their Album “Battles” and for their Video “Sigh a While”, Peter Wolf for Live Artist, Gracie Curran (who opened the Gloucester Blues Fest) for Blues Artist, Barrence Whitfield for Male Vocalist and Dennis Brennan for Best Live Ongoing Residency.

Let’s show the Boston folks that artists who come to Cape Ann to perform get the most votes!

The Broadcast at Minglewood on Friday November 8th

The Broadcast is hard-edged, soulful rock music bursting-at-the-seams. Drawing much of their ambience from 70’s classic rock, they’re a band with an explosive female lead singer, riffing guitar, mood-altering keys and a rock-solid rhythm section. A dynamic ensemble known for their powerful live performances, The Broadcast continues to break new ground across the country with vocal powerhouse Caitlin Krisko leading every step of the way. Described by audiences as a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”, The Broadcast’s infectious energy and authentic approach to rock & roll music has propelled them into the live music community spotlight. The band is currently on tour supporting their new studio album “Dodge the Arrow” released September 2013.

Check online for latest information
Check online for latest information

A sneak peak behind the scenes

If you went to The Slide Brothers concert we presented on Saturday, you hopefully had a good time, but had no clue as to last-minute scrambling that went on.  That’s because everyone involved is a pro — and that’s the way it should be.  Today, we’d like to offer a special shout-out to some of the folks whose work made this event happen and let you peek behind the scenes just a bit.

The scrambling began a couple of days before the show when we learned The Slide Brothers were not going to be able to bring a drum kit.  Mike Doyle happened to be at the theatre when we heard this, so he scooted down to Nate’s The Drum Shop North Shore on Rantoul St. and arrived back at the theatre in less than half an hour with a very nice sounding Premier kit in gorgeous white pearl, which you can see in the photo.  Thanks MTD and Nate for making this happen so quickly.

Then, on the day of the show, we discover we need even more gear and everyone in the Michael Thomas Doyle band chipped in to lend The Slide Brothers all that was needed for their stellar performance.  Thanks guys.  You’re real pros.

That performance relied, in good measure, on the expert talents of our sound crew, led by Will Hunt, who spent half of Friday drilling through a brick wall in order to hide the snake.

And on the night of the show, Bill Winn and Bradley Royds gave us absolutely perfect sound — so good that we heard compliments from both performers and fans!

Perhaps the last person ever to get any credit for his hard work is the guy in the light booth, which for this concert — and for Allen Estes, was Inge Berge, whose artistic lighting enhanced both performances.  And when Calvin Cooke (the B.B. King of Slide Guitar) told Inge to raise the house lights for a gospel tune so it would feel more like a church, he obliged gracefully and then returned the theatre to a performance feel with class and style.

You’ll notice that most of these people are from Gloucester and all are from Boston’s North Shore.  We are terribly grateful to live in a place so full of talented professionals!

Still not sure whom to vote for on Tues? Watch debates on online!

You might remember my mentioning Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool new feature that streams shows on-line.  It’s great for people who miss shows, or for all you FOBs who don’t live here but still want to stay in touch.

Well, they’ve taken it one step farther and posted all the 2013 election debates online here!  Just click on the link that says Gloucester Election 2013 and you can see all the debates listed.  Now you have no excuse for not voting.  Make your voice heard on Tuesday!

CATV-Videos

Listen to Slide Master Calvin Cooke’s interview on Aurelia Nelson’s Curtain Up here

Calvin Cooke – the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar

Don’t worry if you missed Aurelia Nelson’s wonderful interview, on her show Curtain Up, with Calvin Cooke (the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar) on Sunday at 9am (like we did because we were at Joey’s surprise birthday Mug Up).

You can listen to the whole thing right here.

Calvin tells the fascinating story of the birth Sacred Steel and how he blends its unique sound with blues and classic rock on The Slide Brothers’ latest CD and live in concert.

[audio http://media25.podbean.com/pb/cab87d90d126d2e42a327d7bd380b345/527307a3/data1/blogs23/22124/uploads/CurtainUp10272013.mp3]

You can see Calvin and his band tomorrow night right down the road at The Larcom Theatre in Beverly.  This is rare chance to see the greatest living masters of steel guitar (the people who taught Robert Randolph how to play) close up and close to home.  Local virtuoso Michael Thomas Doyle (who played with Robert Randolph, while at Berklee) opens the show.

Good seats in the historic Larcom Theatre’s fully restored horseshoe balcony are still available (get them here).

80s U.K. New Wave Pioneer Thomas Dolby at CACC on FRIDAY!

Every once in a while you get a rare opportunity to experience an intimate evening with a unique talent that you may not be able to see again within driving distance.  That’s what you’ve got this Friday at Gloucester’s wonderfully intimate Cape Ann Community Cinema when 80s electronic music pioneer Thomas Dolby makes a live appearance at the Cape Ann Film Festival.  Get Tickets here.  Check out this tremendously creative trailer:

Sorellanza Fall 2013 Performance Schedule

SorellanzaPublicityPhotoSORELLANZA

Come…Stand on the Rock

Sorellanza, a 14-woman a cappella chorus based in Gloucester, announces its Fall 2013 performance schedule.

Saturday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Church of the Holy Name
60 Monument Avenue, Swampscott

Friday, November 22nd, 7:00 p.m.
AscensionMemorialChurch
31 County Street, Ipswich

Sunday, November 24th, 4:00 p.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
48 Middle Street, Gloucester

Sorellanza has been entertaining audiences for 8 years, with an eclectic and upbeat repertoire. Their program ranges from Renaissance to Broadway, sacred songs, rounds, Beatles and jazz. Rockport resident Patti Pike co-founded and directs the chorus. As part of their community outreach program, Sorellanza has invited talented high school seniors to audition for and join the chorus for a year. Audiences will enjoy the youthful additions to the Sorellanza sound.

For more information Contact Karen Koerth
978-546-9570 kfamtl@verizon.net www.sorellanza.com

Pumpkin Carving & Chef Challenge to Benefit Open Door TOMORROW (TUES)

What a week!  OK, no World Series game tomorrow, so get on down to Alchemy and help judge the 2nd installment of their chef throwdown series as champion Chef Scott Jensen takes on Chef Stacy Cogswell of award-winning Brookline restaurant, Regal Beagle, in a head-to-head challenge with the season’s #1 staple: the pumpkin.  Plus you’ll be helping to support The Open Door at the same time.  — Call 978-281-3997 for reservations

pumpkinchallengebannerAlchemy Cafe & Bistro

Professional and amateur ARTISTS compete to see who can make a pumpkin LOOK BEST.  Alchemy will donate $5 to the Open Door for every pumpkin entered.

Contestants do not need to be present at the event itself to win, they simply need to bring their carved pumpkin to Alchemy anytime between now and 7:00 pm on October 29th. The best looking pumpkin will earn its maker a $100 gift certificate with second place receiving $50.

Here are some ideas – but maybe someone should do a GMG pumpkin?
  

If you want to attend the Chef Pumpkin Challenge at Alchemy on Tuesday, October 29th  call 978-281-3997.  Alchemy’s Chef Scott Jensen will challenge Chef Stacy Cogswell of Regal Beagle to a throw down with the season’s #1 staple: the pumpkin.

At the challenge, every guest will receive a signature challenge cocktail made with Gloucester’s own Ryan & Wood spirits, a pumpkin dish from each chef, and the opportunity to cast their vote for the winner of both contests.

B.B. King of gospel steel guitar on 104.9 tomorrow (SUN) 9AM

Calvin Cooke – the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar

Calvin Cooke, leader of The Slide Brothers and known as the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar, will be Aurelia Nelson’s guest on her North Shore 104.9 FM show Curtain Up tomorrow (SUN) at 9am.  Calvin calls in from the road where he and his band are touring the U.S. in support of their new CD Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers.

Guitar Worlds says, “The Slide Brothers … tackle rock, funk and blues with a ferocity that will startle fans of Duane Allman, Derek Trucks and Muddy Waters.”  Listen to this amazing version of the Allman Brothers’ classic Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ from their new CD.

The Slide Brothers’ only New England concert is next Saturday, Nov 2 (after the Red Sox will have won the World Series) just down the road at Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom Theatre.  There are still some good seats left (especially in the gorgeous horseshoe Balcony — see here).

Local virtuoso and recent Berklee grad, Michael Thomas Doyle opens the show with his band — Cody Nilsen on guitar/vocals, Bill Spencer on bass, and Steve Russo (of Runaround and Mile 21) on drums .  This will be your only chance to catch the greatest living masters of Slide Guitar so close to home — and support one of our local rising stars at the same time.  Get tickets now.  Watch them play the Hendrix Classic, Foxy Lady!

The Holmes Brothers at Shalin Liu TONIGHT – still some seats left

THE HOLMES BROTHERS
Friday, October 25, 8 PM
At Shalin Liu Performance Center
Rockport, MA
978-546-7391

Over the course of their 30-plus year career, The Holmes Brothers– bassist/vocalist Sherman Holmes, guitarist/pianist/vocalist Wendell Holmes, drummer/vocalist, and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon–have been feeding the souls of their devoted and ever-growing fan base with a joyous and moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and country. Their amazing three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell’s gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy’s soaring falsetto and Sherman’s rich baritone brings the soul and spirit of gospel music into everything they perform. Equally gripping is the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman’s bass playing and Popsy’s drumming, complimenting Wendell’s blues-soaked guitar solos and church-inspired piano playing. 

From winning multiple Blues Music Awards to sharing stages and recordings with legends like Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Willie Nelson, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Merle Haggard, Keith Richards, Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and Rosanne Cash, the band easily blends Saturday night’s roadhouse rock with the gospel fervor and harmonies of Sunday morning’s church service. Their most recent album Feed My Soul, produced by longtime friend and collaborator Joan Osborne, is an album of friendship, loyalty, and family.

“Glorious, rootsy R&B, gospel, blues and country. Full
of soul and surprises.”
USA TODAY

“A breathtaking and heartfelt journey through gospel-drenched
soul, blues, funk, and country.”
Chicago Sun-Times

“Timeless, deeply soulful and uplifting gospel-drenched blues,
street corner doo-wop, ballads, R&B, country and funk. “
The New York Times

See what else is coming to Shalin Liu here

What’s Happening at Cape Ann Brewery

Sunday October 27, 2013

Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz Quartet
Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz Quartet

The Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz Quartet
5:00-8:00

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Jazz Session  with  Kate Barry, Zach Gorrell & Steve Lace
5:00 – 8:00

Thursday, October 31, 2013 – Halloween

henri-smith-promoHenri Smith and his band for a
Mardi-Gras-O-Ween
Costume Dance Party
Starting at 9:00pm

Check online for latest information
Check online for latest information

Johnny Winter Coming to Beverly’s Larcom Theatre

BREAKING NEWS
Johnny Winter Tickets ON SALE TODAY!

JohnnyWinter_Larcom2

For 40 years Johnny Winter has been a guitar hero without equal. He immediately laid out the blueprint for his fresh take on classic blues with a powerful combination of authentic Texas funk and his own high-energy interpretation for the legions of fans just discovering the blues via the likes of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.

Johnny Winter is enjoying an unparalleled resurgence performing to sold-out shows worldwide even after a long life full of honors and accomplishments. Performing now with a renewed vigor and fire to say that he is “back” would be an understatement. In fact, he never left. He is just better than ever. Don’t miss a true living legend as he rocks the Larcom!  Tickets On Sale NOW  

Other Things Happening at the Larcom

The Slide Brothers on Saturday, November 2nd. The Slide Brothers are the greatest living musicians who embody the Sacred Steel tradition.  The joyous music these legendary artists create extends far beyond scared steel to encompass blues, rock and soul all celebrated with a sound that is uniquely their own.  This is their ONLY New England show this year.   With Special guest singer-songwriter Michael Thomas Doyle.   


Henri Smith & his all-star band
, featuring Grammy winner Amadee Castenell bring a New Orleans Christmas to the historic Larcom Theatre for the very first time on Saturday, December 14th. The concert will feature traditional New Orleans jazz and blues with a touch of gospel, topped off with Christmas favorites. 

 

As Fly Amero says (in this post) the Larcom Theatre is “right down the street from us all (not ‘up the line’, which makes everyone think it’s far, far away when it’s really not)” So don’t be shy — come down the street to the Larcom Theatre for a spectacular concert!

World Series & Rock Music — a “Partnership”

Fox Sports says Eddie Vedder is a diehard Chicago Cubs fan?!?!?!?

In this day and age when rock stars “partner” with big corporations, you wouldn’t expect MLB to be left out, would you?  Of course not.  48 songs from 90s mega-stars Pearl Jam will “soundtrack” (yes they actually use this word as a verb on their website) the 2013 World Series.  There was a time when Pearl Jam was one of only a handful of touring artists that could guarantee to sell out an arena.  The band is on tour again and it makes me wonder who benefits more from this partnership — MLB or Pearl Jam?

Closer to home, local venues are changing their live music schedules knowing that many — if not most of their customers will want to watch the World Series, which begins tonight.  Minglewood Tavern cancelled live music for tonight and tomorrow.

The Rhumb Line moved guest host Allen Estes (filling in for Fly Amero, who’s on tour with Orleans) to 4:30.  He and Orville Giddings will get fans revved up for the game, which starts at 7:30.

John Rockwell will be at Alchemy as scheduled for Ladies Night (telling?)

Henry Allen makes his final appearance at Midori tonight during the game — perfect for those of you who hope the Sox win, but don’t really care to watch.

Whether or not you plan to watch the World Series, you can get a complete listing of local live music with up-to-the minute schedule changes here.

What Time Is It Mr. Fox? on Local Music Seen

Photo by Sheila Roberts
Photo by Sheila Roberts

Yesterday we taped Local Music Seen with Allen Estes with special guest 3rian King and What Time Is It Mr. Fox? What fun we had, thank you to the great studio audience.  You can see the show tomorrow tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30pm on cable channel 12.  The show airs again on Friday at 1 pm, and Sunday at 6pm.  For all of you FOBs, who don’t live in Gloucester, you can now watch Local Music Seen and other shows on Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool on-line streaming service here.

Celebrate Halloween with What Time is it Mr. Fox? Live at Crowell Chapel on Sunday October 27, 2013  get your ticket here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/483913

6PM TONIGHT: Live taping of What Time is it Mr Fox at Cape Ann TV

You can be in the audience when we tape What Time is it Mr. Fox as the very special guests on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes.  Taping begins at 6pm at the Cape Ann TV Studios 38 Blackburn Center, Gloucester.  Your beautiful faces won’t appear in the show, but your clapping and cheering will.

Here’s your second chance — don’t blow it

As Fly Amero said (in this post) to all of you who didn’t get tickets to see Allen Estes at the Larcom Theatre on October 5: “too bad for you!”.  But wait … now you’ve got a second chance.  Allen is playing one of Cape Ann’s best listening venues, The Old Sloop Coffeehouse on Saturday, November 2 — and he’s sharing the stage with award-winning singer/songwriter Claudia Nygaard.  So don’t screw this up.  Get tickets now.

poster-131102-for-gmgNot sure?  Watch these 2 videos