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.

Follow John Rockwell around town tonight

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This could be a record: you can see a the same local artist in 3 different venues in one night.  So John Rockwell fans are in for a treat.  And if you’re not already a fan, you don’t know what you’re missing.  It’ll be a nice night, so take this perfect opportunity and go see him.

If you bought an Irish Sweepstakes ticket, you’ll see John singing Irish songs at Gloucester House tonight starting at 5pm.

Then you can bop on over to Alchemy and catch his set with Robert Erinn Brown at 7.

And off you go to Rhumb Line to see him (and Robert) as Fly Amero’s special guest just after 9pm.  If you’re not familiar with John’s full, smooth, robust voice (Vickie says it has sex appeal), check out the video of John with another of our favorite voices, Sarah Slifer, nicely shot by FOB Joanne Silva.

Going out tonight is a perfect way to gear up for a great weekend of music starting tomorrow and to prepare for Friday, when you’re just gonna have to choose from among Cape Ann’s best musicians all playing on the same night.  Check the Friday schedule here and start planning now.

So much music at Shalin Liu this summer, you’d think it was in New York City ~ plus a tip for parents & young music fans

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Karen Herlitz of Rockport Music sent the following along with a gorgeous PDF (get it here) full of pictures and a complete schedule for this year’s Rockport Chamber Music Festival, the Summer at Rockport season and the Rockport Music Jazz Festival.  Subscription tickets go on sale March 27.  These concerts always sell out, so don’t delay.

Now, we also got a very nice booklet in the mail (see a PDF of it here), and under the heading DISCOUNTS, it says YOUTH: 18 and under are eligible for free tickets (limited number available).  So, check out the summer schedule and call Rockport Music 978.546.7391 to see if you can get some of those free tickets for your kids.  Live music is the best way to inspire your kids to appreciate the music you love!

Rockport Music

Announces the

32nd Season Rockport Chamber Music Festival

And

Summer at Rockport

2nd Annual Rockport Music Jazz Festival

And Folk, World, and Pop Music

Rockport Music is pleased to announce our 32nd Season of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival and 2nd Annual Rockport Music Jazz Festival that will be held in our stunning, seaside Shalin Liu Performance Center.

The 32nd Rockport Chamber Music Festival opens with pianists Peter Serkin and David Deveau with A Far Cry chamber orchestra on June 7th performing J.S. Bach’s Double Concertos for Two Keyboards and Strings.  Other Festival highlights include chamber ensembles Jupiter String Quartet, Vega String Quartet, Calder Quartet, and the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, as well as violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and International Tchaikovsky Cello Competition gold medalist Sergey Antonov.  Highlights of the pianists performing this year include Joyce Yang, Dubravka Tomšič, and Russell Sherman.

Two exciting additions this year include early music productions–Gotham Early Music Scene presenting their highly acclaimed production of Play of Daniel and the Boston Early Music Festival presentation of works by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.  The Festival concludes on July 14th with the internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass.

The Rockport Music Jazz Festival and Summer at Rockport concerts are held in July and August and offer a variety of music from folk icon Judy Collins to ten-time Grammy® Award-winning super group Manhattan Transfer to three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis performing with jazz pianist Joey Calderazzo.

Lots of early shows tomorrow (SUNDAY) will seem even earlier

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

OK, you’re setting your clocks ahead before you go to bed tonight, so that means everything that happens tomorrow will seem earlier.  That’s because it will be earlier even though our clocks will tell us differently.  Honestly, I don’t much like this business of changing time twice a year.  And setting clocks ahead seems to be much more difficult than setting them back.  It’s not because we supposedly lose an hour of sleep.  It’s because it feels funny.  In fact, early studies on circadian rhythms showed that when people could control their own light and were not exposed to any time cues, they gravitated toward almost a 25 hour day (sometimes referred to as a “lunar day”) — essentially synchronizing their inner “body clocks” with the tides.  (It takes the Earth 24 hours 50 minutes to rotate to the same position relative to the moon.)

Anyhow the point is that if you’re gonna feel weird, you might as well take advantage of the fact that good music starts at 11 AM tomorrow (it’ll feel like 10).  Then there’s music starting at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 and 8, when you can catch Marina Evans at Rhumb Line (good for those of you who were bummed because The Grove cancelled her last night).  Check the full live music schedule here.

Cape Ann toughing it out, so you can too — most places are open for music tonight

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

AS OF 1PM TODAY:

Most of main street is open right now and planning to stay open.  Check the live music listings as you get closer to going out.  CANCELLED shows are marked and we’ll be updating all day long.  Here are some highlights of things that we know are open or closed.

The Brewery is open and said they’re extending they’re kids under 10 eat free special until 5pm.

Jalapenos is open and planning to stay open.

Poseidon says they are “fully operational”.

Rhumb Line is open now and will stay open tonight with Runaround

Minglewood Tavern is open with Dave Bailin tonight.

Espresso’s is open and Wes says Full Circle is till on for tonight.

The Sold out Gordon Bok show with Three Sheets to the Wind at Old Sloop is still on.  And tomorrow’s Debbie & Friends show is still on for tomorrow at 10:30 AM

The Farm is open.  Kid’s eat free until 4pm.  MAC members get 15% 0ff (you can work your ass off then pig out).  Nick’s Jazz Fest is on for tonight.

Looks like Northbound Train will be at Dog Bar.

CLOSED ~ CANCELLED:

Dress Code – Closed
Cherish the Ladies Concert at Shalin Liu Cancelled
Grove Cafe in Manchester is closing early and has cancelled Marina Evans.

BREAKING NEWS – Cherish the Ladies Concert Cancelled at Shalin Liu

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Rockport Music Announcement

Cherish the Ladies Concert Cancelled

 Due to the weather,
Rockport Music announces that the Cherish the Ladies concert tonight—
Friday, March 8 is cancelled.

Rockport Music is coordinating a new date with artist’s management to be announced soon!

Ticketholders will be notified of the new date and provided an opportunity to exchange tickets.  Please note: The Box Office is closed today, due to the weather.  Please check Shalin Lin Liu homepage for updates on other concerts this weekend.

Box Office phone number is 978-546-7391, ext. 197.

Thank you!
Karen Herlitz

Before heading out, check gimmesound.com for latest music updates.

March Continues with A Variety of Concerts at Rockport Music

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Check out all the action at Shalin Liu Performance Center (sent by Karen Herlitz)

March Continues With A Variety of Concerts at Rockport Music

Rockport Music presents the highest quality of concerts and presentations year-round at the stunning, seaside Shalin Liu Performance Center.  This March provides a variety of musical opportunities for people to enjoy—from classical to jazz.

Classical Concerts

On Sunday, March 24, at 3 pm, Blue Heron performs under the direction of Scott Metcalfe.  Blue Heron – Boston’s top early-music vocal ensemble—presents Divine Songs, connections and exchanges between secular song and sacred music, featuring the music of Johannes Ockeghem.  Unknown to many, Ockeghem is one of the greatest composers of all time. His endlessly fascinating sacred music has been characterized as mystical; his songs—each one a gem of invention—can be funny, heart wrenching, or profound.  The program includes Ockeghem’s songs Ma maistresse, Fors seullement, and Presque transi; De plus en plus by Gilles Binchois; and movements from the masses by Ockeghem based on those songs.  The Boston Globe proclaims, “Sensually rich, yet balanced and incandescent.”   Tickets:  $28-$48

Jazz, Folk, Pop, and World Music

On Friday, March 22 at 8 pm, Larry Coryell, known as the pioneer guitarist merging jazz, rock, free-form improvisations, and Eastern influences will perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center.  Larry Coryell brings his eclectic style described by critic Whitney Balliett as “the most innovative and original guitarist since Charlie Christian,” Coryell’s career spans four decades, over 60 albums (dozens more as a sideman), and performances with some of music’s heavy-weights like Eric Clapton, John Scofield, Elvin Jones, and Chick Corea, to name a few. Also a consummate composer, he tells Rockport Music, “I write music because I can’t help it. I think perhaps I want to complement all the great compositions already out there…Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins come to mind, and of course, Monk!”  Tickets: $19-$34

Back by popular demand, the 17-piece Cape Ann Big Band will delight audiences at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Friday, March 29, at 8 pm, with jazz, swing, soul, and rock n’ roll that will make you want to dance.  Led by Carlos Menezes, the diverse 17-piece big band performs big band classics from a nostalgic era like “Mack the Knife,” “I’ve Got You Under my Skin,” and “Take the A Train.”  Tickets: $19-$34

HD Broadcasts

On Saturday, March 16, at 12 pm, the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD broadcast of Zandonai’s early 20th-century melodrama Francesca da Rimini returns to the Met for its first revival in more than 25 years, in Piero Faggioni’s production. Marco Armiliato conducts Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title role of a noblewoman who is tricked into marrying the brutal Gianciotto, sung by Mark Delavan, instead of her true love Paolo, sung by Marcello Giordani. Tickets: $20-$32

National Theatre of London presents People in a HD broadcast on Thursday, March 21, at 7 pm.

In this hilarious new play, celebrated playwright Alan Bennett (Madness of King George, The History of Boys) takes a stab at modern society by examining  the consequences of a self-serving government that turns a once-dignified nation into a “captive market,” with its people “rebranded as customers… available for easier exploitation.”   Through satirical social commentary, People offers up “classic Bennett comedy with a Downtown tinge” (Daily Express).  Tickets: $22 Adult, $15 Senior

For ticket information and details on these and other 2012-13 Season offerings, please visit our website at www.rockportmusic.org.  Tickets are also available through the Box Office at 978-546-7391 or visiting 35 Main Street, Rockport, MA.  The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4 pm.

Great Music for the Whole Family Starting Tonight and the Whole Weekend

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Don’t let this little storm get you down — the weekend starts tonight — here are a few highlights:

At Seaport Grille: Last night of Customer Appreciation Day!! 1/2 off Appetizers Lobster Rolls $9.95 Raw bar on the Deck with the amazing duo Renee & Joe starting at 6:30.

At The Rhumb Line starting at 8pm Dave Sag’s Blues Party with John Keegan, John Hyde. Dave Brown & Benny Benson

Pete Lindberg at the Dog Bar starting at 9pm

The weekend is packed full of great stuff for the whole family, see the full lineup here and make your plans now.

Join Grammy award winners Debbie and Friends for “Story Songs and Sing Alongs” at Old Sloop Coffehouse on Saturday

Award-winning local songwriter/producer wants to help you take your songs to the next level

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Check this out from  Brad Byrd, whose songs have appeared on TV shows, including ABC’s Happy Endings, MTV’s Teen Mom, The Challenge, Downtown Girls, VH1’s The TO Show, E! Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and in TV commercials and films, including Bloodline.

Brad says,
Hi there, are you a songwriter!??  Have you ever thought about working with a “producer” to make them, as they say in the biz “fully realized”?? Well, aside from developing my own songs, I LOVE working (and developing relationships) w/other artists/songwriters on their SONGS as a producer, songwriter, arranger, music director, songwriting teacher, drummer, vocalist, and/or guitar player (teacher).  I work out of my home studio, do skype sessions, travel to client’s homes, and have had the unique opportunity of working out of various amazing studios around the country for over 10 years!  If you have songs, and think that working with a producer could help get them (YOU) to next level in your music career, well, I think I can help…  

See more here along with a long (shortlist) of musicians you’ve heard of, for whom he’s produced .  If you’re not sure what a “fully realized” song is like, check out his new video, below (more Brad Byrd videos here).

Local singer/songwriter Steve Caraway featured on TV this week

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Steve Caraway is Allen’s guest on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes this week, with his new show premiering tomorrow (WED) at 6:3o pm on Cape Ann TV Channel 12.

Steve talks about how he got started in the music business and reveals some songwriting secrets during a lively conversation with Allen.  It’s not easy making a living as a musician and Steve will give you some tips on how to do it well.  Plus you’ll get to hear one of Allen’s most popular sad songs and three gems from Steve Caraway.  Here’s one of them:

You can catch both Allen & Steve tonight (TUESDAY).  Allen is at Jalepenos at 7 with Brown, Mattacks & Ginandes, and Steve hosts the open mic at the Dog Bar at 9.

It’s an excellent week to see lots of live shows with start times from 6 to 9.  Plus Seaport Grille has music all mid-week as part of their 4th Anniversary Celebration.  Check the complete live music schedule here.

Why having a pro on stage and on sound makes a real difference to your concert experience

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Chelsea Berry with her Parker Fly (Joe Cardoza at left on bass, Michael Thomas Doyle at right on guitar)

A bright red Parker Fly guitar rests comfortably on its wooden stand, like a Siren luring Chelsea Berry to the rocky coast we all know is behind the stage.

Chelsea enters alone and smiles at the audience, gracefully accepting the ovation she receives before singing a note.  Then she begins … a capella.  No mic, no amp, no guitar, nothing but her gorgeous, powerful, soaring voice carried with perfect clarity to the Shalin Liu’s very last row by the concert hall’s perfect acoustics.

Chelsea’s loving, dramatic, musically brilliant performance of Dave Sudbury’s King of Rome brings the story to life, sending chills up my spine.  If the concert had ended right then, I would have felt fulfilled.  Then I wonder, when’s she gonna play that red guitar?

Migrating to piano, acoustic guitar and finally, the red Parker Fly, Chelsea Berry sings and plays her hits, accompanied by her young, enthusiastic, well-rehearsed band with grace, humor and an enchanting professionalism that endears her to her audience.  This is a show.  It has a beginning, middle and end, like a good story — an arc, you might say.

All through this show, the sound remains nearly perfect — even when the band barrels in, full force on her rocker Lonely being Lonely, which she takes just a tad slower than she did at North Shore Music Theatre last summer, giving it even more ironic power and guts.

After a wonderful encore of crowd-pleasing favorites (Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and her own You Me And Mary) Chelsea invites the entire audience upstairs for a party and gathers the band for a Broadway style bow to a standing ovation.

Chelsea Berry & Band bow on Saturday at Shalin Liu ~ photo by Louise
BillWinn
Bill Winn

Lots of our friends are at the after-party, including T Max, who spies sound legend, Bill Winn, having seen him only in a tiny picture from this book review T Max published in the February issue of his Noise Magazine.  T Max introduces himself to Bill and then introduces me, at which point I’m thinking, what’s Bill Winn doing here?  This guy wrote the book, literally, on live concert sound (you can get it here) and has engineered for Whitney Houston, Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock, just to name a few.

Then Chelsea comes over and gives Bill a big hug, “Thank you, Bill.  The sound was great!”

We tend to bat the word “pro” around carelessly most of the time, but I don’t use it lightly, here, when I say that choosing Bill Winn as her sound guy was one of a string of highly professional musical and business choices Chelsea Berry has made of late, proving that she has earned the position of Headliner!

OOPS Wrong Day: Gordon Bok is really on Friday 7:30, Debbie & Friends on Saturday 10:30 AM all at Old Sloop

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This has been a bad week for me.  First I leave my card in the ATM (see this post).  Then I  get Gordon Bok’s Old Sloop Concert day wrong: It’s FRIDAY not SATURDAY (see corrected post).

On Saturday, Old Sloop presents Grammy-winning Debbie & Friends for a special children’s show at 10:30 AM (better check the poster below to see if I’m right).

poster-130309-crop-for-gmgA whole lotta music today and tonight (it’s already started).  Check the lineup here.

How many mangled lobster traps are in this photo?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Mangles Lobster Traps
Mangles Mess of Lobster Traps near Magnolia Beach

I figure this jumble looks like about 3 traps.  John thinks it’s 9.  So we settled on 6 and based on that we counted 36 mangled traps on a small stretch of rocky Magnolia coastline today (see map here).

Joey, maybe you and some of your suppliers can estimate the number of lobster traps in this mangled mess more accurately and we’ll adjust our count accordingly.

Anyone else wanna take a shot at guessing?

Folk legend Gordon Bok with local favorites Three Sheets to the Wind @ Old Sloop next FRIDAY [CORRECTED]

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This will be a one-of-a-kind experience.  Get tickets here.

poster-130308-crop-for-gmgTonight it tough.  Excellent music all over Cape Ann.  Too many good shows overlapping, so you will just have to choose. Here’s some help with that.  Usually we take John with us, and tonight there are plenty of good shows starting early enough to take the kids.  But we’re going to stay out late and party, so we’ll be kid-less tonight.  For us it’s Chelsea Berry at Shalin Liu.  Even though it had previously sold out, right now there seem to be about 6 tickets left on-line from people who couldn’t swap their Feb 9 tickets.  You can try to get them here or you call 978.546.7391.

Then we’ll try to get to Minglewood in time to catch the Toasters’ last set.  Carlos says they should be rockin’ the house until about 12:30.

Distracted driving – another good reason to bank locally

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
BankGloucesterPaulaNovo
Paula Novo – Customer Service Supervisor
with my retrieved ATM card @ BankGloucester

Last night after a long day of trying to get some code to work followed by a couple of meetings, I stop by the BankGloucester drive up ATM on Main St. to make a deposit.  I’m on the phone.  The radio’s on.  I grab a deposit envelope, rummage through my pockets to find my glasses, flick on the ceiling light, glance at the amount, stuff the check and deposit slip into the envelope, lift up my butt so I can get my wallet out of my pants, find my ATM card, stick it in the slot, type in my PIN and I’m ready to make the deposit.

OK, that’s done.  Off I go.  Oops.  At the Liquor Locker, I notice my ATM card isn’t in my wallet.  So I race back to the ATM and the friendly little light is flashing above the card slot waiting for my card.

The Bank’s already closed, so I call Vickie and she calls the 800 number on the back of her card to report the problem.  Did somebody take my card?  Could anybody guess my pin?  Not that there’s much money to steal,  but it’s the end of the month.  We’ve got bills to pay. Arrrgggg, this I don’t need tonight!

Well, this morning I get a call from Brittany at BankGloucester telling me that they have my card.  We don’t have to cancel it.  All I have to do is come into the bank, ask for customer service and pick it up.  WOW!  When I get there, I ask Paula Novo (pictured above) if they’ve taken the hold off my card so I can use it.  She says yes, but suggests I test it in the ATM just to make sure.  Another very smart move.  It works.

This has got to be the best service I’ve ever gotten from any bank anywhere, period!  My guess is that there are lots of people at BankGloucester who contributed to making my day today.  Somebody thought to have the ATM swallow cards that aren’t retrieved after a transaction.  Then somebody had to check the machine for swallowed cards, look up my number, call me, verify that it was me when I got to the bank, remove the hold, cancel the lost card ticket, etc., etc., etc.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

I have only one suggestion for BankGloucester.  Instead of just beeping when somebody is about to leave a card in an ATM, why don’t you have the ATM shout, “HEY STUPID” as loud as possible.  I always stop and look around when I hear that . . .

Now, all you people who are going out to hear live music tonight (nine shows all over Cape Ann — see schedule here), remember that it’s just as important not to be distracted when you’re at the bank as it is when you’re driving.  But more importantly, if you’re constantly multitasking and you think you might forget your card some day, bank locally.

Their loss is your gain – but only if you act quickly

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Take a minute to feel a smidge of sympathy for those unlucky music lovers who couldn’t swap their tickets to Chelsea Berry’s sold out show at Shalin Liu from Saturday 2/9 to this Saturday.

OK, that’s enough.  Now go and get those tickets for yourself (they were just made available on-line today click here) and feel bad no more.  There aren’t very many of these gems left, so don’t think you can wait until the last minute to snatch ’em up.

If you’ve already got plans for Saturday (maybe you’re going to see the Toasters at Minglewood) or you don’t act quickly enough to get Saturday tickets, there are also a few left for tomorrow (FRIDAY get them here).  What ever day you go, you don’t want to miss what could be one of your last chances to see Chelsea with her new band in an intimate venue close to home for a reasonable price.  Next time tickets could cost a hundred bucks for seats farther away from the stage than the last row of Shalin Liu, plus expensive parking, a long drive and big lines.  If you’re not sure why, check out the video below (more Chelsea Berry Videos here).

Now, to get yourself psyched for a great weekend of music, check out tonight’s lineup here. (Dave Sag hosts Evan Goodreau @ Rhumb Line, which promises to be a great show.)

Celebrating Gloucester’s Gabriel, Sylvester “Hooley” Ahola in March

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Check out this news release sent by Sara Wester about two very fun looking events :

Celebrating Gloucester’s Gabriel, Sylvester “Hooley” Ahola
In March, Gloucester will be celebrating the life and music of our own world famous trumpeter.  Two events will be held at the LanesvilleCommunity Center, located at 8 Vulcan St. and once the Ahola family’s dairy barn.

  • Sunday March 10,  1:30 – 4:00,  “Hooley’s Place in Jazz History”
    Come listen to his wonderful music, and stories by people who knew and played with him, and enjoy photos, displays and some of his home movies from the 30’s.  The event is free and open to the public, donations welcomed.  Join us for coffee and nisu.
  • Saturday, March 23, from 8-11,  dance and stomp to Hooley’s  music played live by the 7 piece jazz and swing band The Seacoast Stompers. Beer and wine will be on sale.  Tickets are $10 in advance and available at Gloucester Music and the Plum Cove Grind in Lanesville,  or $12 at the door.
  • And, during the month of March, the Cape Ann Museum at 27 Pleasant St. will be celebrating Hooley with an exhibit from their archives.

For more information, directions, and other events at the LCC,  go their website.

Reminder from Natalia: Fly Amero & Bob Kramer @ Cafe Shalom Saturday, March 2

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Temple Ahavat Achim (86 Middle St. in Gloucester, MA) continues to bring back its popular coffeehouse to sell out audiences, Café Shalom, on Saturday, March 2nd, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, with an evening of contemporary acoustic music.

Café Shalom will serve hot beverages and snacks. All are welcome; there is no dress or age requirement and families are welcome.  Refreshments will be available. Admission is $10 at the door, doors open at 6:30 PM.

CafeShalomFlyAmeroBobbyKramer

The featured performer will be recording artist Fly Amero. Left-handed, upside-down guitarist/singer/journeyman Dennis “Fly” Amero finds his musical roots deep within the vast genres of the ’60’s pop revolution.  Fly moved to New York City, joining in on musical projects with members of the pop/rock bands, Foreigner and Meatloaf. In the early 1980’s, Fly struck upon the start of what would become a lifelong friendship with the classic pop singer, Larry Hoppen of “Orleans”. He joined, toured and recorded with the famed group for the better part of 3 years before returning Gloucester to focus on his own writing.  His remarkable versatility led to the writing and co-producing of Atlantic’s holiday comedy album classic, Twisted Christmas, which quickly became certified gold in 1995.  Fly is currently touring as a member of “Orleans” and fronts the thrilling rock/blues act known as “The Big Strum”.

The opening performer will be Bob Kramer with Al Foucault on bass.
The duo plays a blend of acoustic rock/blues/jazz creating ‘rootsy, rockin’ & blue’ sound that echoes from the Delta to the urban landscape with its unique arrangement of cover songs and original songs.  Bob and Al have opened for The Pete Best Band (original Beatles drummer), recording blues artists Paul Rishell and Annie Raines and host the open mic at the Grog in Newburyport.  Bob has produced two CDs, a solo CD, Honorable mention in the Billboard Songwriting Contest and has performed at the Terra Blues Club in the Village in New York City.

Special Musical Appearances Coming to Cape Ann ~ Don’t Miss Them!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

THIS SATURDAY MARCH 2nd MILE 21 will be having the original 2007 lineup on THE MINGLEWOOD STAGE!!! featuring SKA LEGENDS THE TOASTERS!!! 10$ @ The door. don’t miss it!

Friday, March 8th Cherish the Ladies, the Number 1 Irish American Act in Celtic Music, will be at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.   Check out this video and get your tickets.

Don’t forget to head out tonight and see some great music starting at 7pm tonight ~ check out the full lineup here.

P&V’s LOL #14: Don’t curse across generations

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

All the fuss last week on GMG over offensive language and the controversy surrounding the language in Django Unchained, makes it perfect timing for this new Law of Life (LOL for short).  For some reason, that I’m not sure I understand, cursing seems to be taken as more offensive by people outside your generation.  Here’s an illustration.

Many years ago, when our eldest son was about 5, he told us that the two-year-old sister of one of his friends knew his name, his friend’s name and all the swears.

“Really?” remarks Vickie.  “What are all the swears?”  It’s an early Summer morning and she hasn’t had much coffee.
“Oh, I can’t say them.”
“I’ll give your grace.”
“Really?”
“Yup.  You can say them.”
“OK … fuck and shit.”
“That’s not all the swears.”  These words escape before Vickie’s coffee deprived brain can retrieve them.
“Well, what are all the swears?”  The little one’s eyes widen.
“Oh, I can’t say them.”
“I’ll give you grace!”

This is where I step in and explain that you just can’t swear across generations.  Parents swear with their friends and nobody seems to care.  Kids do the same.  But kids can’t swear   when parents are within earshot — and parents can’t swear when kids are within earshot.  Probably the worst thing you can do, I explain, is cross TWO generations and swear when your grandparents are within earshot.

Here’s a funny music video tribute to one of my favorite Sci-fi writers by a slightly bookish, but sexy comedian who isn’t afraid of swearing across many generations.  WARNING: Don’t show this to your kids or your mother-in-law!

Gillian isn’t sick, she’s a dancer!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Joey’s choice to post Benjamin’s Carson brilliant speech (see this post) reminded me of how much I love a good speech.  It’s like a good song.  Here’s one of my favorites — an equally brilliant speech by Ken Robinson, who asks, at TED conference, “Do schools kill creativity?”  His answer is “We are educated out of creativity.”  This one will make you laugh & wonder just like Dr. Carson’s speech does.  So as we did yesterday, we urge you to watch it to the end — and we urge every parent, student, teacher and most especially the School Committee, Jason Grow & Peter Dolan to watch.  If you really think you don’t have 20 minutes, at least catch his story about world renowned coreographer Gillain Lynne (Cats, Phantom of the Opera, etc.).  It starts at 15:15

After you watch the video, take Sir Ken’s advice and let your kids enjoy some of Cape Ann’s most creative people tonight.  Lots of excellent choices with many of our favorites — all starting early enough to take the kids.  See the complete live music schedule here.