Author: Vickie & Peter

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.

Panda Cams are dark, NOAA’s site is down, but Cape Ann TV is up, Gloucester Sings & Lights are on at Larcom Theatre

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

I sympathize.  Life is tough when you can’t get your panda fix from the National Zoo because the Panda Cams are dark.  Or perhaps you’re wondering what to do after seeing that scary message “NOAA.gov and most associated web sites are unavailable” at  www.noaa.gov.

But don’t be depressed.  When the Allen Estes Band takes the stage on Saturday, the lights will be on at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly (which opened in 1912 — same year as Fenway Park — under the slogan “Lit Completely by Electricity” and it still is!)

Cape Ann TV is still on.  And tonight they premiere a new Local Music Seen show featuring Marina Evans as Allen Estes’ guest on Channel 12 at 6:30pm.

Marina sings new songs off her brand-new CD, Unbound, which she’ll release next Sunday, Oct 13 at concert at Cape Ann Community Cinema.  This will be an excellent night of music, so mark your calendars.

Don’t worry, Marina will be there even if the Government is still shut down.

And, of course, there’s live music all week here in Gloucester.  See the live music lineup here.

Just in case any of you in Washington who voted to shut down the government are reading this post about all that’s going on here despite your antics, we’ve got five words for you: THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Where can you get a brown paper bag with $1000 cash in it?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

PitchNight

Awesome Gloucester’s first Pitch Night is tomorrow 10/3 at The Gloucester House.  The three finalists who will pitch their ideas are

  • Soft-Shelled Lobsters
  • a Book of Poetry and
  • a Blue Revolution,

The winner walks away with a brown paper bag containing a thousand dollars in cash!

Anyone can come and watch the proceedings.  See this post for more detail on Awesome Gloucester.

Did you miss New Bedford’s Working Waterfront Festival yesterday? That’s OK. Music next Saturday will be even better!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
AllenDaveMatt460
L-R: Dave Brown, Allen Estes, Matt Leavenworth at the New Bedford Working Waterfront Festival – photo: Joan Vaughn

If you were at New Bedford’s Working Waterfront Festival yesterday you were likely part of the crowd giving a standing ovation for Allen Estes with multi-platinum artist Dave Brown on guitar and Matt Leavenworth on fiddle.

Dave Mattacks
Dave Mattacks – photo Stephen Stoddart

This Saturday, Oct 5, you’ve got a chance to top that performance when Allen, Dave & Matt are joined by the great Dave Mattacks on drums, Wolf Ginandes on Bass and Steve Burke on keyboards for one night only at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly (get tickets online here).

Steve Burke - Wolf Ginandes
Steve Burke – Wolf Ginandes

It’s been several years since you’ve been able to see Allen with a full, six-piece band — and this rare assemblage of extraordinary talent may not come together again for another few years.

So you really don’t want to miss this one-night-only concert.

There are still some good seats left, so get your tickets now to be assured of the best possible seats.

If you end up waiting until the last minute, be sure to bring cash.

Tickets at the door are cash only.

What? Is it still summer?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

There’s so much music and fun tonight and tomorrow that you’d think it was the height of the tourist season.  Click here for the latest updates.

TONIGHT, Saturday, September 28, 2013

ROOTS 66 1:00 pm Listen to ROOTS 66 ROOTS 66 americana classic rock blues

8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
2:00 pm  GARY DOLINSKI

Solo
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
Orville Giddings 2:30 pm Listen to Orville Giddings ORVILLE GIDDINGS

with Ken Steiner
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
3:00 pm  QUENTIN CALLAWAERT

Solo
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
3:30 pm  ERIC WILSON TRIO

Bluegrass with Eric Wilson, John Hicks & Jon Stone
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
4:00 pm  FOZZIE HILL

with Rocky Kramm
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
Michael O'Leary 4:00 pm Listen to Michael O'Leary MICHAEL O’LEARY

Celtic Music Sunset Sail. Sailing ‘seisiun’ of trad songs ‘n tunes on the Lannon. schooner.org
63 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA

Phone: 978-281-6634
4:30 pm  LISA MARIE

with Silvertone Steve
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
Dan King 5:00 pm DAN KING

Acoustic Roots Session with Dan King till 7pm
75 Essex Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: (978) 283-2122

FREE SHOW
5:30 pm  ALEK RAZDAN AND A-TRAIN

Starts at 5:20
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
6:30 pm  DR. IRON CROW & HIS TRAVELING MEDICINE MUSIC SHOW

Starts @ 6:15 featuring Ric Saint Germain, Frank Hawks, Ken Steiner and Tod Ellyson
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
Honky Tonk Women of Gloucester 7:00 pm HONKY TONK WOMEN OF GLOUCESTER

HONKY TONK WOMEN of Gloucester support Mayor Carolyn Kirk for re-election, fundraiser dance
Rogers St., Gloucester, MA
7:30 pm  GERRY RYAN & CHARLIE ORTOLANI

Indoors. Advance Tickets $12 @ Gloucester Music & Plum Cove Grind, $15 at the door
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
8:00 pm  CRAZY MOON

6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-758-1210
Cape Ann Symphony 8:00 pm CAPE ANN SYMPHONY

Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique & Dvorak Cello Concerto
36 Lincoln St, Manchester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-281-0543
KBMG 8:00 pm Listen to KBMG KBMG

with J.B. Amero Evening Dance Party – Advance $12 at Door $15
8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-381-9522
8:00 pm  MEGAN MCKENZIE BAND

Bridge Deck – Pop/Rock/Soul
75 Essex Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: (978) 283-2122

FREE SHOW
8:00 pm  MUSIC AT EDEN’S EDGE

Featuring violinist Daniel Stepner
11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-270-4463
8:30 pm  JOE THOMAS

2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-879-4622

FREE SHOW
9:00 pm  WILDFIRE

27-29 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-283-6342

FREE SHOW
9:00 pm  FUNBUCKET

65 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-281-6565

FREE SHOW
9:00 pm  MIKE O’CONNELL BAND

blues/rock/jam
25 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-281-0223

FREE SHOW
Groove Therapy 9:30 pm Listen to Groove Therapy GROOVE THERAPY

40 Railroad Ave, Gloucester, MA

Phone: 978-283-9732

FREE SHOW

TOMORROW, Sunday, September 29, 2013

3:00 pm  MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

a unique experience, extending beyond its headquarters in New York City
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966

Phone: 978-546-7391
Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz 5:00 pm BARBARA AND AL BOUDREAU JAZZ jazz

11 Rogers St., Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: (978) 282-7399

FREE SHOW
5:00 pm  CRAZY MOON

6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-758-1210
6:00 pm  ANNETTE DION

Fundraiser for the Gloucester Docksiders
2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-879-4622

FREE SHOW
Michael O'Leary 6:00 pm Listen to Michael O'Leary MICHAEL O’LEARY

Celtic Music Session, 6-9pm. Trad songs ‘n tunes with string players Bob & Jennifer Strom.
7 Central Street, Manchester, MA

Phone: 978-526-7494

FREE SHOW
Dan King 8:00 pm DAN KING

Open Mic with AnnMarie
40 Railroad Ave, Gloucester, MA

Phone: 978-283-9732

FREE SHOW
The Wilkins Noise 8:00 pm Listen to The Wilkins Noise THE WILKINS NOISE

Joe Wilkins w/ The Royal Suns – Feat. Rory Walsh, Eric Reardon, Scott Noring, and Steve Burke
208 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA 01915

Phone: 978-524-0005

FREE SHOW

VIDEO: Sawyer Free Library Art Auction Preview

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Lisa Smith sent us this nice video by Cape Ann TV’s Becky Tober featuring Carol Gray with a preview of the art in this year’s Sawyer Free Library Art Auction on Wednesday, October 2 beginning at at 6pm with a preview party, entertainment and refreshments.

2013 Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops start on Friday (9/27) Still time to register

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

2013/2014 Gloucester Stage
 Youth Acting Workshops
(YAW Program)
Acting Classes for Ages 6 – 18 years old

Six-Week Program begins on
Friday, September 27, 2013
Classes on Fridays and Saturdays
through November 2, 2013 

Children’s Class (ages 6-10):
     Fridays 4pm – 6pm, and Saturdays 2pm – 4pm

 Teen Class (ages 11 +):
Saturdays 12pm – 4 pm

 The YAW Program Director is award-winning actress and Gloucester native Heidi Dallin. Workshop topics include basic acting techniques, theatre games, improvisation, movement, vocal and physical expression, non-verbal communication, character study, storytelling, public speaking and confidence-building training.

Students will also prepare for the 2013 edition of the annual YAW holiday production, Holiday Delights in December.

  Special Guest Instructors for the Fall Session 2013 

Curriculum Include:

  • Sign Language Interpreter Kara Kelly Martin, teaching American Sign Language
  • Theatrical Yoga Instructor Daria Whittaker

Class size is limited and
Registration is on a first-come basis.
Tuition: $225 Per Student.

 To register, call Heidi Dallin at 978-283-6688
Visit http://gloucesterstage.com/youth_workshops.html for more information.

Tonight’s Music Lineup

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

TONIGHT, Thursday, September 26, 2013

7:00 pm

Deb Hardy, Andrew Geano, hristopher Mitchell, Mike O’Connell and Brian King
2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-879-4622

FREE SHOW
Inge Berge 7:00 pm Listen to Inge Berge INGE BERGE

Singer Songwriter Shuffle hosted by Aurelia Nelson
2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-879-4622

FREE SHOW
T Max 7:00 pm Listen to T Max T MAX

Singer Songwriter Shuffle hosted by Aurelia Nelson
2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-879-4622

FREE SHOW
7:00 pm  OTHELLO

Othello by William Shakespeare, presented by National Theatre Live
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966

Phone: 978-546-7391
8:00 pm  CRAZY MOON

6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-758-1210
Dave Sag's Blues Party 8:30 pm DAVE SAG’S BLUES PARTY

with Crag and Shag, I.E. Chris ” Stovall” Brown, Steve Chaggaris
40 Railroad Ave, Gloucester, MA

Phone: 978-283-9732

FREE SHOW
9:00 pm  BRIAN FINES

Open Mic
11 Rogers St., Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: (978) 282-7399

FREE SHOW
DJ Vito 9:00 pm DJ VITO

“shake it thursdays”
25 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Phone: 978-281-0223

FREE SHOW

Win tickets to see Allen Estes Band & Fabulous Mustangs at Beverly’s Historic Larcom Theatre

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Allen_PosterI know.  You think you can wait until the last minute to get tickets for the Allen Estes Band at the Larcom Theatre next Saturday, October 5th.  And even though you know you don’t want to miss this concert because it’s one night only — and because Allen will have a brand new band featuring multi-platinum guitarist David Brown, Fairport Convention founder Dave Mattacks on drums, Matt Leavenworth on fiddle, Steve Burke on keyboards and Wolf Ginandes on Bass. You also want to be the first to hear Allen’s newest music. And when you see Allen Estes singing his Howard Blackburn hit “Not With Ya Hands” on next season’s Wicked Tuna TV premiere, you want to be able to say you danced in the aisles as Allen sang and played that memorable song with his new band in October.

And you want to be able to see South Shore sensation Dave Foley and his Fabulous Mustangs open for Allen (Foley opened for REO Speedwagon at the Melody Tent this summer to rave reviews) because you’ve got no intention of driving to Plymouth any time soon.

But you’ll still wait to get tickets because you think that maybe, just maybe, you can win them.  Well you’re right, but only for another couple of days.  Here’s how:

WIN TICKETS ON FACEBOOK
Like our gimmesound page on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gimmesound).  Then comment on the HUMP DAY post with the picture of the Allen Estes Band poster in it.  We’ll pick a winner tomorrow morning.

WIN TICKETS FROM NORTH SHORE 104.0
Listen to North Shore 104.9 tomorrow morning.  They will be giving away tickets before noon.

You should also know that, unlike our sold-out April concert at the Larcom Theatre, all of our concerts in this Fall Series have reserved seats.  So if you get your tickets now, you’ll be assured of the best seats.  You can even get a discount subscription with premium seating to all three concerts for only $99.  But those great seats won’t last long, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Cape Ann Symphony Opens 62nd Season on Saturday September 28th

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This just in from Heidi Dallin:

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY
THE 62nd SEASON
Yoichi Udagawa, Music Director

OWEN YOUNG,
CELLO SOLOIST FROM BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
JOINS CAPE ANN SYMPHONY FOR
A FANTASTIC PROGRAM!
TO OPEN 62nd Season

Owen Young – Cello Soloist
Conductor Yoichi Udagawa
Conductor Yoichi Udagawa

Cape Ann Symphony opens the 62nd concert season with A Fantastic Program! on Saturday, September 28 at 8 pm. in their performance venue at Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. A Fantastic Program! features the return of acclaimed concert soloist cellist Owen Young. A member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1991, Mr. Young joins CAS for the season opening concert to play Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. The program also includes Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. The Cape Ann Symphony concerts are held at the Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium is handicapped accessible. Ticket prices are $35 for adults, $30 for senior citizens, $20 for Young Adults and Free for children age 18 and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.

Cape Ann Symphony’s Open Rehearsal of the concert is Friday, September 27 at 7:30 pm. at the Manchester-Essex High School auditorium. The public is invited to the Open Rehearsal during which Conductor Udagawa, guest artist Owen Young and the orchestra is scheduled to work on the music in the Saturday night concert. Conductor Udagawa will take questions from the audience following the Open Rehearsal. Admission to the Open Rehearsal is $10 for Adults and Free for Children 12 and under.

Mr. Young made his Cape Ann Symphony debut in 2007 with the Saint Saens’ Cello Concerto. In 2009 he returned to the CAS to perform Brahms’ Double Concerto with violin soloist Lucia Lin. Conductor Udagawa is eager to work with Mr. Young again, “Owen Young is an incredible cellist and he never fails to impress and move audiences. The way he plays the Dvorak Concerto is not to be missed. A versatile musician, he plays all kinds of music perfectly and in addition to his work in the Boston Symphony, he plays in James Taylor’s band. He is a favorite with the Cape Ann Symphony audiences and we are really looking forward to working with him.”

Owen Young joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in August 1991. As a concert soloist, he has appeared with numerous orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra, and San Antonio Chamber Orchestra. He also frequently performs chamber music and recitals in the United States and abroad. Mr. Young often performs with singer/songwriter James Taylor, including the nationally televised recorded concert James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. A founding member of the innovative chamber ensemble Innuendo, Mr. Young is a frequent collaborator in chamber music concerts and festivals and has appeared at Tanglewood, the Banff Centre for the Arts, Brevard Music Center, and the Aspen, Davos, Sunflower, Gateway, and St. Barth’s Music Festivals. His performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio, WQED in Pittsburgh, WITF in Harrisburg, and WGBH in Boston. Mr. Young has served on the faculties of the Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory’s Extension Division, and the Longy School of Music and is currently active in Project STEP (String Training and Educational Program for Students of Color) and the BSO’s Boston Music Education Collaborative. From 1991 to 1996, he served as a Harvard-appointed resident tutor and director of concerts for Dunster House at Harvard University.

Mr. Young began his career as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 1986 and 1987.  He went on to play with the Atlanta Symphony in 1988 and with the Boston Symphony during the 1988-89 Season. He was a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra from 1986 to 87 and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 1989 until he joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1991. His teachers included Eleanor Osborn, Michael Grebanier, Anne Martindale Williams, and Aldo Parisot. He received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale University and served as principal cello of the Yale Symphony Orchestra and the soloist for its 1986 European tour.

Founded in Gloucester in 1951, the Cape Ann Symphony is a professional orchestra of over 70 players from throughout the New England area. They perform a subscription season of four concerts per year plus several Pops and youth concerts. The Symphony Board of Directors named Yoichi Udagawa the Music Director and Conductor of the Cape Ann Symphony in the summer of 2000 after a yearlong search. In addition to his leadership of Cape Ann Symphony, he is Music Director and Conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and a cover conductor at the Boston Pops Orchestra. Mr. Udagawa is on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory where he teaches conducting. Frequently invited to guest conduct, Mr. Udagawa has worked with many different orchestras including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Nobeoka Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Indian Hill Symphony, the Garden State Philharmonic, the Brown University Orchestra, the Syracuse Society for New Music, the Boston Conservatory Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Symphony, the Austin Civic Orchestra, and the Mid-Texas Symphony.

Mr. Udagawa is at home in popular and contemporary music as well as the standard symphonic repertoire. He is known for his relaxed manner and ability to speak from the podium which has helped new audiences as well as enthusiasts gain a greater appreciation for symphonic music. His programs often include premieres of new works – some specially commissioned for the orchestra — as well as great orchestral works across the symphonic repertoire and lively Pops programs. He is also an integral part of the Cape Ann Symphony Youth Outreach programs to area schools.

Yoichi Udagawa, the son of a nuclear physicist father and singer/artist mother, was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1964. His family immigrated to the United States soon thereafter. He began playing the violin at age four and made his conducting debut at age fifteen. After receiving a music degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he continued advanced studies in conducting with Gunther Schuller, Seiji Ozawa, Morihiro Okabe, and Henry Charles Smith. A fan of many different styles of music, Mr. Udagawa also enjoys performing gospel music in addition to his conducting activities. He is also an accomplished violinist and an avid fan of exercise and yoga.

The Cape Ann Symphony’s A Fantastic Program! is Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 8:00 pm at the Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Manchester-Essex High School Auditorium is handicapped accessible. Ticket prices are $35 for adults, $30 for senior citizens, $20 for Young Adults and Free for children 18 years old and under. The Open Rehearsal is Friday, September 27 at 7:30 pm at the Manchester-Essex High School auditorium. Admission for the Open Rehearsal is $10 for Adults and Free for Children 18 years old and under. For information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org

Hometown Girl, Caitlin McGrath, makes it big in LA

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Joe McGrath send us this post about a new single and independent record label from Gloucester native, Caitlin McGrath.  Check it out!

Caitlin McGrath released her first single and music video this month under her independent label. The video depicts her ‘Change of Scenery’ song starting with a drive to the airport in the ’65 Buick Riviera, then a trip around the globe to Japan, Korea, Italy, Morocco and more. Caitlin is working in LA, but will be visiting Cape Ann next month for her sister’s wedding celebration.

Get Change of Scenery on iTunes here and Amazon here.

Caitlin and partner Reggie Pierre, of Diamond Girl fame, have produced the song, video and founded King Lion Music LLC to promote this and many more to come.

Don’t believe on-line reviews unless you know the reviewer personally — or it’s GMG

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

SocialMediaYou’ve probably guessed that this was happening right?  Companies who want good reviews create fake ones on Yelp, Citysearch, Yahoo, Google, Kayak — even Facebook & Twitter.  Well you’re right. It’s called astroturfing.  It’s gotten so big that you can now hire companies to write and post fake reviews for your product or service.  You can even get them to write fake bad reviews about your competitors.

There’s a very interesting article in today’s New York Times about a crackdown on astroturfing that exposes several companies, including Main Street Host, which is one of those companies people hire to write fake reviews.  Main Street Host even went so far as to condemn astroturfing on one of their own blogs, while at the same time they wrote their own fake reviews about their own services, prompting this line from the New York Times article, “Faking reviews often begins with faked reviews of the company faking the reviews.”  You just can’t make this stuff up!

So, if you want to know the truth, stick with GMG.  No fake reviews here.

3 Concerts for $99 at Beverly’s Historic Larcom Theatre

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Once again, FOB’s get the news first!
Here’s your chance to save money on the best seats to see top talent in one of the most gorgeous theatres in the country — right in your backyard!

After the success of our sold-out April concert, we knew we had to bring more music to the acoustically perfect Larcom Theatre (more in this post).   Now you can see all 3 concerts for $99.  Click here to get the best seats.

It all starts 2 weeks from tonight when Gloucester legend Allen Estes and his new, 6 piece band fill Beverly’s historic theatre with music for one night only.  You don’t get to see Allen with a large band very often.  Plus we’re bringing Dave Foley and his Fabulous Mustangs all the way from the South Shore to open for Allen.  This will be a special  evening you won’t soon forget!

MardiGrasCrowd
Sold out Larcom Theatre crowd on their feet in April

In a few months, when you see Allen Estes perform on TV in next season’s Wicked Tuna, you’ll be able to say you were there when he played his hits live with a full band at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly.

Don’t wait until all the good seats are gone.  Click here now to reserve your seats and then you can relax and enjoy the Block Party tonight.

See the revised Block Party Live Music Schedule here.

Joan Osborne and Eileen Ivers Perform in Early October at Rockport Music

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

2013-14 SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

Eileen Ivers
Joan Osborne

Rockport Music proudly presents Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers on October 3 and Joan Osborne on October 11.  Other early October events include the Dublin Guitar Quartet on October 18, the Metropolitan Live in HD production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and National Theatre of Londons broadcast of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Save the Date –  Jazz on the Rocks-Take 4 Gala Benefit with pianist Ramsey Lewis and guitarist-vocalist John Pizzarelli on Saturday October 12.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Purchase 4 or more concerts & receive 10% discount & other benefits!

For more information call the Box Office at 978.546.7391, M-F, 10-4.

Check out Rockport Music Education Video

Meditation and Music combined in a 1-hour secular program Sunday September 29 at 7:30

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This just in from Karen Rembert

SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 at 7:30pm

in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church
Corner of Middle  & Church Streets
Open to the Public  with Free-Will Offering
Social Gathering Afterwards with Refreshments

MMM Flyer 29 SeptemberINFORMATION:

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is pleased to announce the fourth in a monthly series called Music & Meditation in the Meetinghouse (MMM) that offers Cape Ann residents and visitors a unique spiritual, but non-religious, experience of beautiful music and relaxing meditation.  It is held in the candle-lit, early-evening setting of the 1806 Meetinghouse with golden light beaming through the stained glass windows.

The September event features meditation leader Dr. Neil Williams and harpist Carol McIntyre.  There will be a collation with sweets and Italian sodas afterwards in the church’s Entrance House, giving participants the opportunity to meet the leaders and each other in a convivial atmosphere.  The Sanctuary is accessible for persons with disabilities via the Church Street Entrance.   A free-will offering is requested and everyone is welcome.

MEDITATION LEADER:

Dr. Neil Williams believes that meditation is a tool like prayer, music, beauty, silence and loving-kindness and that these tools are freely available.  It is in the love of music and beauty that we are connected to one another.  Silence and loving-kindness ground us in difficult times and promote healing.  As a recent immigrant to Gloucester, Dr. Williams is finding everything new and fascinating, especially the rhythms of the sea and the sky.  He observes that meditation allows us to slow down to the speed of life, like the movements in Nature; a gateway to connect with our internal rhythms, our music, and our inner voice.  He believes that this voice within is a reflection of the divine spark we share with all beings.

MUSICIAN:

Carol McIntyre, a harpist from Ipswich, plays classical, folk, celtic and meditation music.   She studied the harp since childhood, receiving a BA in Classical Music from Stanford University, and ventured into Celtic music and playing a folk harp.  Carol is a past New England Scottish Games harp champion.  She plays for many schools in the area and is a past instructor of Comhaltas (Irish Music) School in Cambridge.  Carol currently teaches privately out of her studio in Ipswich.

KAREN REMBERT
Church Administrator
Hours Available:  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (9 am – noon)
Call (978) 283-3410

What does Jesse Colin Young have to do with Saturday’s block party?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

I know, this is really out of left field, but here goes:  In 1974 I discovered the re-release of “Soul of a City Boy” by Jesse Colin Young that had been released for the first time ten years earlier, but didn’t sell then.  This LP was recorded in a single 4 hour session at A&R Studios in NYC.  Just Young (22 at the time) and his guitar.  It remains one of my favorite albums.  There’s something haunting, almost mesmerizing about his voice and guitar on this record with six of his originals and 5 covers.  One of my favorites of his covers is “Rye Whisky” — and that just happens to be the featured liquor for Saturday’s final Ryan & Wood Cocktail Contest.  Back in 1974, when you got a new album, you put it on the stereo, sat on the floor and stared at the cover while it played.  Nobody does that anymore.  But here’s the next best thing:  Watch this video of “Rye Whisky” by Jesse Colin Young.  Mostly you’ll just see the Soul of a City Boy cover.  Did anybody else do this?  Remember what it was like to immerse yourself in your newest purchase from the record store?

This Block Party features some excellent music (details by stage here; details by time here).  Be sure to check out Alexandra Valenti (here’s a recent post about this endearing, young, rising star).  By the time she’s 22, she might be as good as Jesse Colin Young was.

3rd & Final Block Party of 2013 Saturday September 21st

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

September’s  Block party highlights a variety of entertainment with an emphasis on women performers. In addition to Willie Alexander, Karen Ristuben and Mo Bounce, emerging new talent such as Marina Evans and Alexandra Valenti will fill five stages.

Main Street restaurants serve outside and the stores are open late for shopping. Youngsters are entertained in Kids’ Town.

The third & final Ryan and Wood Distillery Block Party Cocktail contest will feature Rye Whiskey for the September party. Restaurant patrons may enjoy a sample and vote for their favorite creation at the Ryan and Wood information table.

  • The July winner was Alchemy Bistro’s “Simpler Tides” created by mixologist Felicia Grossi.  
  • August winner was Dog Bar’s  “Knockabout Jell-O™ Shots” created by mixologist Misty Baker.  

The popular contest will continue in September.

September 21 Entertainment

Applied Materials (SOVEREIGN STAGE) @ Sovereign Bank Upper Main St.
  • 6:00 PM – Bonnie Barrish – Romantic concert piano compositions
  • 6:45 PM – Toni Ann Enes – Original folk to rock to diva!
  • 7:30 PM – Deb Hardy– Dynamic Rockport singer-songwriter
  • 8:30 PM – Bradley Royds– X-tra-ordinary guitar and songs
Gloucester’s Hometown Realtors Stage – Main St. by Mark Adrian Shoes
  • 6:00 PM – Naoya and Yuri featuring Jamie Song – Japanese pop!
  • 6:30 PM – Bill Gleason  – Acoustic blues treasure vault
  • 7:20 PM – Karen Ristuben – Smooth Jazz Chanteuse with combo
  • 8:30 PM – Willie ALexander with the Razdans & Doctor Dave Vincent!
Whitmarsh Lock & Safe Stage (SARGENT STAGE) – Middle Main St. by Sargent House
  • 6:00 PM – Play Reading – “The Medium” by Judith Sargent Murray
  • 6:45 PM – Cape Ann Dance Company – Back by popular demand- this troupe always dazzles us!
  • 7:15 PM – Tony Fonseca – Drumming
  • 8:30 PM – Livin’ on Luck – Classic rock and choice gems to dance to!
Bank Gloucester Stage (MYSTERY TRAIN STAGE) – Lower Main Street in front of Mystery Train Records and the CA Cinema
  • 6:00 PM – The Docksiders – Gloucester High School’s terrific Big Band
  • 6:45 PM – Joe  Thomas – Giuseppe’s piano song monster takes requests
  • 7:30 PM – Marina Evans – Back from tour with a new CD!
  • 8:15 PM – Alexandra Valenti – young voice big talent, one to watch
  • 9:05 PM – Johnny and the Firecrackers – Rock ‘n’ roll , punk, new wave and soul

*All times approximate

AT THE DOG BAR
AT GIUSEPPE’S
  • Joe Thomas – outdoor sing-alongs during the breaks!
To see lineup by time click here
To see lineup by time click here

Toni Ann Enes on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes tonight

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Toni Ann Enes
Toni Ann Enes on the set – photo: Joanne Silva

Local diva Toni Ann Enes is Allen’s guest on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes, which premieres tonight at 6:30 on Cape Ann TV Channel 12.

One of Gloucester’s most passionate singers, Toni Ann treats us to her original folk, blues and rock with a heartfelt, emotion that reaches through the screen and grabs you.

You can see Toni Ann live this Saturday at the Block Party Sovereign Stage at 6:45pm.

Watch the show tonight and get ready to have your heart strings pulled!

See complete Block Party music lineup here.  More Block Party details coming soon . . .

Lanesville Music Fest Next Saturday 9/28 – Perfect for the whole FAMILY!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This just in from Osha Rose & Sara Wester:

The Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan Street in Gloucester, presents our 4th Annual Lanesville Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1:00 to 11:30 pm.  (see music lineup here)

Poster - LCC Music FestivalThe Festival features ten hours of great live music starting outdoors on the grounds from 1-7pm with some of the North Shore’s best musicians covering:  bluegrass, traditional and contemporary folk, Celtic, country and blues, jump, jive and boogie. Great food and beverages will be sold by Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ with beer and wine on sale, as well as local crafts and children’s activities.  Admission for the daytime music is by donation.   

 It all continues indoors on our dance floor from 7:30-11:30pm, featuring the great, KBMG band (King, Brown, Mattacks and Ginandes).  Advance tickets for the evening dance party are available at Gloucester Music on Main Street and the Plum Cove Grind in Lanesville for $12 until the day of the event.  Tickets will be $15 at the door and you can purchase during the daytime music event.

Visit our website: www.lanesvillecommunitycenter.org for more information on the outdoor music lineup and times, as well as directions, parking information and our other upcoming events.     

Chance to be in a TV audience on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes Tomorrow at 2pm

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Tomorrow (9/17/13) we will be taping two show of Local Music Seen with Allen Estes.

If you’d like to be in the audience, come to the Cape Ann TV Studio in Blackburn Park (directions here) at 2pm.  Ring the doorbell and say, I’m here for Local Music Seen.  Don’t worry about what you look like, you won’t be on camera.  Your presence allows the performers to connect with a live audience, which gives the show an added dimension.  And your clapping, cheering, whistling, etc. will be captured on the soundtrack.

We will be taping a show with Toni Ann Enes followed by a show with Marina Evans.  Hope to see you in the live studio audience.

Toni Ann
Toni Ann
Marina Evans
Marina Evans