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.

Life, Liberty & what?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Not “property” as John Locke had written.  Nope.  Jefferson wrote “the pursuit of Happiness” and the Congress went along with him, even though they made many other edits, much to his chagrin.  This was a truly revolutionary idea — and still is.

What’s even more revolutionary (to me anyhow) is that we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence as our official Independence Day holiday.  This is NOT a day on which we won our independence through a battle, or a war, or signed a treaty, or formed a government, or elected anybody. This is the day that our Founders defiantly declared that the Colonies were going to “dissolve the political bands” with Great Britain and become independent states.   In short, this is not the day we won any independence through any means other than by saying so on paper.  And it meant a certain death sentence for everyone who signed that paper, which was treason.  Now that’s brave.  Few people today exhibit anything close to this kind of bravery.

But back to happiness.  Everybody pursues happiness in different ways.  One of mine is through music.  So, as promised, here’s the set list for yesterday’s award-winning GMG float featuring almost all local music.  (In case you hadn’t guessed, it’s the spectacular local music that makes me happy!)

The list is in alphabetical order by song title and doesn’t necessarily represent the only good local music, just the best local music suitable for a prarade:

Big Chief – Henri Smith
Blind Knowledge – Willie Loco Alexander
Blues Brothers’ Review – Cape Ann Big Band
Fat Belly BBQ – T Max
Gloucester Till The End – Earl & Arch
Goodnight Romeo – KBMG
Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyed Peas (not local, but requested)
Harley Rider – Allen Estes
Love Light – Fly Amero
Madeline – Pete Lindberg
Not With Ya Hands – Allen Estes
On The Dark Side – John Cafferty (performing with Orleans in August)
Reap What You Sow – The Distractions (That’s me on drums)
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (not local, but requested)
Samsara – Inge Berge
Stand Up – Tom Hauck
Still The One – Orleans (Fly Amero’s band)
Take Another Look – Bandit Kings
Two Different Paradigms – Ned and the Big Babies
Where’d They Go – Allen Estes (Official Song of Gloucester)
Wire – Will Hunt
You Me and Mary – Chelsea Berry

Secret Set List is done ~ Watch for the GMG Float and Listen for your favorite Local Music

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

The official GMG Float music set list is done — and features almost all local music (with a few non-local party songs thrown in).  We’d post it here, but we’ve been sworn to secrecy!  So be sure to listen when you’re at the Horribles Parade and check our post tomorrow for the complete list.

And don’t forget the FREE CONCERT on the BOULEVARD before and after the parade leading all the way up to the fireworks at 9:30 featuring The Runaround Sound!

We’ll see you there!

The Winning Float will have Winning Local Music

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

That’s right folks.  You all know which will be the winning float and just like last year, we’re creating a special playlist of the best local music available (plus one not-so-local-but-oh-so-party-song).  If you have a request from a local artist (music needs to be on gimmesound.com — see local gimmesound artists here), comment on this post by midnight tonight and we’ll add it.

Be sure to go to the Boulevard after the parade for some of Gloucester’s best high energy music from with The Runaround Sound headlining.  See schedule here.

July 3 Correction ~ Runaround Headlines FREE Boulevard Concert

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The Runaround at the Boulevard July 3, 2010

Many local papers and websites say that Henri Smith will perform at the Boulevard on July 3.  That is incorrect.  Henri Smith is performing tonight opening for Aaron Neville at North Shore Music Theatre — and believe it or not you can still get tickets.  Get them here or call 978-232-7200.  All Seats are Good Seats at Northshore Music Theatre.  Plus it’s air conditioned.

July 3 features Gloucester’s best high energy band, The Runaround Sound with Cape Ann Big Band and Jon Goodhue.  See details here.  This will be a great party.  Don’t miss it!

Raw Footage Preview of Chelsea Berry at North Shore Music Theatre last night

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Local photographer / filmmaker Brendan Pike shot some excellent video last night of the Chelsea Berry Band rocking the North Shore Music Theatre “like nobody has ever done before,” as one long-time theatre-goer exclaimed after the show.

Of course you are among the very first people to see this raw footage because you’re an FOB!  And as soon as we have more to share (Brendan shot Chelsea’s entire set), you’ll be first to see that video too.

Tomorrow will rock with a New Orleans flavor when Aaron Neville takes the stage with Henri Smith opening — There are still tickets left (get them here), and, as you can tell by this video, which was shot from behind the LAST ROW, all seats are good seats.  No; make that GREAT seats.  And the sound is spectacular!

Weather is clear and looks perfect for the evening, so get out to Fiesta and party!  Over a dozen great choices for live music in town tonight.  Check out the full live music schedule here.

You’re not one of those people who avoids Fiesta are you?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

OK, I said it.  It’s the elephant in the room.  We actually have friends who look at us like we’re mental patients when we say we LOVE FIESTA!  There are only a few places on Earth where the whole city parties and invites tens of thousands of other people to join in.  Rio and New Orleans come to mind.  Not bad company for Gloucester to be in, is it?  Just look at this video from last year:

The guys who didn’t get the pole aren’t cursing the winner.  They’re cheering him and carrying him on their shoulders out of the water and up the street.  That’s the spirit I’m talking about!  A little more of this spirit on a daily basis would make all our lives better.

Plus there’s live music all over town (see full live music schedule here) and nearly everybody you run into is in a great mood for days at a time.  So let’s have some fun, OK?

3 Answers: Where will the Zip Line Kid be tonight? Where can you get Fiesta Coupons? & Why is Chelsea Berry in the news in LYNN?

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Today’s Daily Item of Lynn story about Chris Isaak’s concert tomorrow at North Shore Music Theatre includes an interview with Chelsea Berry (see Lynn Item Story Here).  Now, for some reason she told the reporter how old she is (I thought women never did that — she never told me).  More importantly, read the story and find out how she’s taking her  music in a new direction, which you can experience for yourself tomorrow night when Chelsea and her new band open for Chris Isaak (whose birthday is today).  VIP is sold out, but seats are still left — and all seats at the Music Theatre are good seats.  Get tickets here.

OK, where do you think the Zip Line Kid will be tonight?  It’s wrist band night at Fiesta.  That means your kids (and you too if you can handle it) get unlimited rides for one price.   So our family will be at Fiesta — rain or shine.  And we will save $5 with a coupon.  You can get one too here.

Just in case you’d rather be inside tonight (see full live music lineup here), check out Fly Amero with guitar virtuoso Jake Pardee at Rhumb Line.  Here’s part of Jake’s appearance on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes, where he talks about guitar playing, lessons, listening, neighbors, Berklee and says, “Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane to me are very similar.”  Then he proves my point about his virtuosity!

Aaron Neville says he’ll play songs from his new album (produced by Keith Richards) on Saturday

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Aaron Neville – Don Was – Keith Richards

Check out this Aaron Neville interview with Aurelia Nelson on Northshore 104.9.  Aaron says he will perform many of his Grammy nominated hits in multiple genres, including standards, pop, soul, R&B, jazz and even some doo-wop from his new album (due out this fall) produced by Keith Richards (who also plays guitar on the album) and legendary producer Don Was, president of Blue Note Records, on which the album will be released.

Aaron also talks about his love of music, 50 years of writing and performing and how technology is changing the process of mixing and producing his new album.

When asked how he decides what songs to perform he says, “The voice is a connection between hearts … I just want to connect with the people there listening … ”  VIP tickets for Saturday’s concert are sold out, but good seats are still available.  Get tickets here.

Fiesta and Rockport Chamber Music Festival ought to be enough excitement for one week, but in addition to that, we’ve got 42 more artists in 18 venues, including a schooner!  See the full live music lineup here.

5th Annual Runaround Fireworks Extravaganza CORRECTION

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The Runaround Sound on Gloucester’s Boulevard ~ July 3, 2011

We just corrected the Chamber’s listing for July 3, which had incorrectly listed Henri Smith as a performer.  (He’s opening for Aaron Neville at North Shore Music Theatre this Saturday.)

This year is the Runaround’s 5th anniversary performing FOR FREE on the Boulevard July 3.  Every year it gets better.  This year, we’ll be treated to the Cape Ann Big Band as well.  Check out this video of them at Shalin Liu:

John Goodhue will open the show at 5pm.  Don’t miss this year’s extravaganza.  The Horribles Parade goes right by the Boulevard.  It’s the ONLY place to be on July 3!

Tonight, Nelson Bragg (of the Brian Wilson Band) is hosting a listening party for his 2nd CD, We Get What We Want at Rhumbline tonight at 7pm.  Another chance to see a real rock star for free in Gloucester.  See him on tambourine & percussion with KMBG at Celebrate Gloucester in the video below:

Pier Tag & Diving with Zip Line Kid @ Magnolia Pier

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Pre-K to college kids to grandpa.  Everybody jumps off Magnolia pier. In this video, we catch part of a game of Pier Tag, followed by some aerial acrobatics and the Zip Line Kid’s first jump off the railing.  Given the ages of some of these kids (and adults) you could say they’ve got at least as much skill and daring as the greasy pole walkers!

It’s a beautiful summer Sunday with over a dozen live music choices on Cape Ann (see full live music lineup here).  Since the weather is soooooo good, consider the Celtic Music Sunset Sail with Michael O’Leary aboard the Schooner Lannon.  Truly acoustic–no mics, no amps, no power except the wind in the sails and the power of great songs and excellent musicianship to move your soul.

Picks of the weekend from Boston Globe, Wicked Local Northshore & 104.9 Radio

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Peter Chianca, of Gatehouse Media published an excellent interview with Chris Isaak (read it here).  Drummers: pay attention to what Chris says on page 2, and all of you who care what stars wear on stage will want to know how much his mirrored suit weighs (page 3).

You can see Chris Isaak live at North Shore Music Theatre on Thursday, with the Chelsea Berry Band opening.  All seats are good seats and there are still some seats left (and  a few VIP packages).  Get tickets here.

L-R: Aaron Neville, Don Was, Keith Richards

Tomorrow Morning, Aurelia Nelson interviews Aaron Neville on her show Curtain Up at 9am on Northshore 104.9 FM.  If you’re not near a radio, you can listen live on your computer or iPhone (get the free iPhone app here)

Aurelia and Aaron talk about his music legacy in pop, rock, soul, R&B and his new project with Keith Richards.  Plus you’ll get an idea of the music we’ll here next Saturday at North Shore Music Theatre.  Good seats are still available for this show (and a few VIP packages).  Henri Smith opens with an all-star band.  Get tickets here.

Who did the Boston Globe pick for the best music north of Boston tonight?  Our own KBMG at the Old Sloop Coffee House.  Just in case you’re not sure this is the show for you, watch the video above.  Nothing more to say.

The KBMG show will sell out, so for those of you don’t make it in time, there are over a dozen other good choices for live music.  See the full live music lineup here.

Meet Chelsea Berry’s New Band

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
L-R: Mike Moschetto, Renee Dupuis, Chelsea Berry, Michael Thomas Doyle, Ann Marie, Pete Iannitto

Monday you got a sneak peek at Chelsea Berry’s new band rehearsing — and Yesterday you heard the acoustic vs electric versions of one of Chelsea’s new songs, so we figured today would be a good day to introduce the band, whose debut will be next Thursday 6/28 at North Shore Music Theatre opening for Chris Isaak.  Here are brief profiles of Chelsea’s band members (Chelsea, of course, needs no introduction):

Michael Thomas Doyle – Lead Guitar
Michael is currently a senior at Berklee College of Music, and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his high-energy performances and ecclectic style of playing. He is currently working on a jazz/post-rock instrumental album called “Kind King” with fellow bandmate Mike Moschetto. He continues to perform with various acts such as The Gary Backstrom Band, The Runaround, and many others across the area while being being a full-time student at Berklee.

Mike Moschetto – Drums
Mike Moschetto is a graduate of Emerson College from North Andover, MA. Aside from being a drummer, Mike is the owner and engineer of the Office Recording in North Andover, MA. and has worked with many local acts in the New England area. Mike is also the bassist of the experimental-rock band Aviator, as performing a variety of different instruments for singer/songwriter Amory Sivertson. 

Pete Iannitto  – Bass
Recent graduate at Berklee College of Music, Pete is a studio teacher in the North Shore Area, as well as being a freelance musician in support of many local acts in the Cape Ann and Boston Area. Pete is currently working on a solo album expected to be out by the end of the year. (see newspaper story on Pete here)

Ann Marie Shimanoski – Backing Vocals
Ann Marie Shimanoski performs and writes with two Gloucester based bands: SAFETY and The Bandit Kings. She’s studied performance arts at both The University Of London at Goldsmiths and Salem State College. Recently, her passion has led her to mentor young teens at The Cape Ann Theater.

Renee Dupuis – Backing Vocals
Renee Dupuis is a A graduate of the Hartt School (voice performance) Renee Dupuis is a vocalist/pianist for the Bandit Kings, Renee & Joe, Bling Cherry, and the Gaudy Baubles. Recently she sang lead vocals in “A Merry Funny New England Christmas” featuring Comedy Central Comedian Juston McKinney (New Hampshire Music Hall) and completed her second series of west coast performances (Los Angeles) as a member of the Bandit Kings. Renee is honored to be a part of Chelsea Berry’s band! For more information visit www.reneedupuismusic.com.
It’s summer.  It’s hot.  And so is Cape Ann’s music scene (see full live music lineup here).  You have 30 performers to choose from on Cape Ann just tonight and tomorrow!  If you’ve never seen What Time Is It Mr. Fox?, here’s your chance — don’t pass it up.  They’re at the Dog Bar tonight.  Here’s a video of one of my favorite Brian King songs, Cold Rain (starts about 1 minute into the video and it gets louder too).

In case you didn’t know, Cold Rain was covered brilliantly by New Orleans Soul Queen, Irma Thomas (listen here).

“I can hear that one with the band” ~ OK, Allen, here it is!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

A few weeks ago, we premiered Chelsea Berry‘s new song Lonely Being Lonely on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes (see the post here).  When she finished the song, Allen said, “Yeah, I can hear that one with the band.” to which Chelsea replied, “That’s the electric guitar song.”

This video shows part of the solo acoustic version aired on Local Music Seen followed by the electric version of that same part of the song shot at a rehearsal for the band’s debut on June 28 at North Shore Music Theatre opening for Chris Isaak.  Enjoy!

It’s another hot summer night with plenty of music by (and on) the water –or in air conditioned venues — from classic rock to string quartet to open mic to soul and blues.  Take your pick.  See the full live music lineup here.

Local Music Seen ~ first ever show on location!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

On Mardi Gras, Local Music Seen with Allen Estes went to Minglewood to shoot the sold out Mardi Gras on Rogers Street benefit for Y Teens Rebuild New Orleans.  It took some time to edit all the footage and create a good show, but with the help of Cape Ann TV’s master director and editor, Lisa Smith, we finally got it done and the show airs TONIGHT at 6:30pm on Cable Channel 12.

In this video, you’ll see the complete (un-cut) version of Henri’s studio interview with Allen and a very unusual performance of Henri singing Route 66 accompanied by Allen on Guitar and harmonica.  If you want to see the Mardi Gras footage, you’ll have to watch the show (we’ll put this show in the archives soon for those of you who don’t live on Cape Ann or don’t have cable.  You’ll be able to find it here.)

After a nice hot day, you’ll want to cool off tonight at any of the six air-conditioned venues with great live music.  See the cool live music lineup here.

Allen Estes’ New Song Written for J.B. Amero

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Check out this new song  by Allen Estes that premiered on Local Music Seen on June 6.  Allen wrote the song with J. B. Amero in mind, thinking J. B. would do a great job with it — especially the end where he could scat and whail.  What do you think?  Tell us by leaving a comment.

Allen will likely stop by Jalapenos tonight and might even sit in and sing this new song and, if JB’s there, perhaps he’ll chime in too.

Don’t you love living in a town where stuff like this (and lots more — see full live music lineup here) happens on a Tuesday night?  And it’s all FREE!

One of the many reasons I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else on earth.

Sneak Peek Inside the Chelsea Berry Band Rehearsal

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This video gives FOB’s the very first look at Chelsea’s new band as they rehearse for their June 28 debut opening for Chris Isaak at North Shore Music Theatre (see Sunday Globe story about it here).

Sun is back and tonight there’s more live music in Gloucester than any other Monday this year.  If you’re free right now, head on down to the Rose Baker Senior Center and catch Dave Sag and his Good Old Salty Jazz Band!   See full live music lineup here.

3-year-old Surf Music Dancer

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Here’s some (almost) live blogging: 3-year-old Drew Rodolosi (of Gloucester) dances to the music of Johnny Carwash in the Minglewood Tavern parking lot among some classic cars and bikes this afternoon.  Wish I could do that!