Welcome to the West End ~ Short & Main! Gloucester’s Latest Restaurant

Fred Bodin Submits-

I just had to go the grand opening of Short & Main Tuesday evening. They’re at 36 Main Street, where Valentino’s used to be. Pretty packed by 8pm, but we found seats at the counter that faces the open kitchen. We sat in front of an iced tray of lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters.They serve draft beer and have a full liquor license.

Amelia Monday shucked our oysters and placed them on an iced platter. Fresh and delicious!

This was the view from my seat. It’s fun to watch your food being prepared, and your pizza baked in the wood-fired brick oven. Very cozy and friendly place.

Janet and I shared a La Quercia Prosciutto pizza, made with arugula and Parmesan. It was quite tasty and unlike any pizza I’ve ever had.

S_Mmenu

Short & Main

Bananas Saturday Night Steppin Up For City Hall Photos From Michael Miller

girlsmarianne

Hi Joey,

A woman I know from Bayview, Marianne Spencer, invited me to Saturday night’s Bananas Benefit Extravaganza, and here are my 

photos from that event:  http://finedesign.net/photo/index.php?/category/22

Michael Miller

Click for slideshow-

image

Evelyn

Evelyn Bong Tree book Launch ©Kim Smith 2012

EJ asked to look to see if I had any photos of Evelyn she could share with Evelyn’s family. I didn’t think I had any–but found several from EJ’s festive Tale of Bong Tree Island book launch last September.

Evelyn Bong Tree book Launch 2 ©Kim Smith 2012

Singer vs. Crowd

The deck is open.  We eat outside because Cape Ann Brew Pub is full inside.  People had come to hear Chelsea Berry and her friends and to support Boston Strong.  

After dinner, there’s room to stand inside to see the music.  It’s a relaxed, fun, lively atmosphere.  But it’s loud.  People are talking over the music.  You’ve been there right?  The band turns up.  The crowd talks louder.  It begins to feel like a contest.  Most musicians hate this.  They’d rather be playing to a listening crowd.  

Chelsea sings her song, “Blues House”, which is about this very problem.  From the back, it’s hard to hear her over the crowd.  But it’s too loud in there to carry on a conversation either.  I’ve always puzzled about this singer vs. crowd phenomenon.

Then something magical happens.  Chelsea sings her signature a cappella song, “King of Rome” and does something unexpected.  She leaves the mic.  Chelsea’s powerful voice is still heard over the din.  And the sheer power of her presence and performance begins to quiet the crowd.  Finally all you can hear is Chelsea’s soaring song about Charlie and his racing pigeon accompanied by the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen as if it were an off-stage percussion section.

Singer vs. crowd.  Singer wins.  But so does the crowd.  Live music takes you to a place you simply cannot experience any other way.

BTW: This is the 100th anniversary of the 1001 mile race from Rome to England that Charlie Hudson’s racing pigeon, The King of Rome, won in 1913.

St. John’s Episcopal Church 150th Anniversary Concert

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Gloucester is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year!

As a part of the celebrations, they will be holding a concert:

All Parish Musicians in Concert

4pm, Sunday, May 19

Music especially chosen to celebrate our Sesquicentennial will include:

Detail from a window in St. John’s

Britten’s Festival Te Deum
McKie’s “We wait for thy loving kindness”
Sumsion’s “They that go down to the sea in ships”
Will Todd’s “The Call of Wisdom”
Gardiner’s “Tomorrow shall be my dancing day”
Tindley’s “The Storm is passing over”

Also included will be several hymns
as well as readings from church history involving music.
Former Music Director Frances Conover Fitch
will play the organ and conduct the choir.

There will be a very festive reception to follow.

Fr. Matthew Green

Mahiba S. Ina Has Passed At Age 100

Ina Shop In Magnolia Photo from Elinor Ina Bowes  (Ellie)

Irene Ina Shaker Forwards-

Mahiba S. Ina, 100

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West Palm Beach, FL — Following a long and blessed life, our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died peacefully at Hospice of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 26, 2013.

Earlier this year, her family gathered in her honor to celebrate her 100th birthday which was a grand affair.

Born in Lebanon in 1913, Mrs. Ina married Akl in 1933 and moved to Boston.

After being widowed at the young age of 30, she raised her children with courage and grace. She became a successful entrepreneur as the owner of Ina’s of Magnolia, an exclusive dress shop catering to the women of New England.

For those that have had the honor to know her, she was unlike any other. Beautiful and glamorous, she was the matriarch of the family and loved by all.

She is survived by her children, Irene and former husband Fred Shaker, Dr. Sam and Carol Ina, Alfred, Rhoda and Bernie Silva, Elinor and Peter Bowes; grandchildren, Carolyn and Ken Horvat, Debbie Drago, Nancy and Chuck Filias, Elaine and John Parisi, Laurie and Dennis Anderson, Jim and Beth Ina, Dan and Brook Ina, Julie and Brian Marley, Shana Bowes; great-grandchildren, Jenna and Jamie Shaker and their mother Debbie, Nicholas and Dana Filias, Keith Drago, Alexa Ina, Nicole Anderson, Jake Marley,Tory and Abigail Ina. Mrs. Ina is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Beshara and Agia Shaker; husbands, Akl and Albert; grandsons, William Ina and Robert Shaker; brothers and sisters, Nazlee, George, Harry, Linda, Camille, Elias and Joseph.

A special thanks from her family to her devoted son and caretaker, Alfred, family friend, Mimi Zelhawi and hospice nurse, Jeannie.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., on Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Mrs. Ina will be laid to rest in a private service in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester. There will be no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 300 N. Point Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407.

Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester. Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com


Many Knew Mrs Ina from her Classic Shop In Magnolia and wrote in about here posts-

Happy 100th Birthday- MAHIBA INA’S 100TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Joey C

 

FOLLOW TO THE SEPT 3 FOLLOW UP ON MAHIBA INA IN MAGNOLIA From Irene Ina Shaker

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Joey C

Ina Shop In Magnolia Follow Up From Elinor Ina Bowes and Alfred Ina

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Joey C

My mom, Mahiba Ina came to this country in 1933 from Lebanon as a new bride.My mom & dad had stores in Palm Beach in the winter & Magnolia in the summer. When my father died in 1943, the family spent the winters in Jacksonville and when we started high school we moved to Magnolia year round. Being the only store in Magnolia during the winter was a challenge but she had her mind made up to work hard and succeed in which she did. She loved her shop and her dear customers who she still talks about and she always say that she misses them so. We love West Palm Beach but Magnolia will always be in our blood. Magnolia in those days was like a piece of Heaven on Earth. It breaks my heart to see whats left of Magnolia and how it is neglected. My mom sends all her love to all of you and thanks you for remember her. You all made her day so special and I thank you all.

Living in a Whistler Painting

Smith's Cove Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2013

Smith's Cove Gloucester Massachusetts ©Kim Smith 2013Smith’s Cove in the fog last night reminded me of Whistler’s Nocturne series. Although British-based, Whistler was born in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Smiths Cove Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2013

Glosta Strong supports Boston Strong Tonight

You know you’ve won over Joey when he starts a podcast with a joke about how much we love Chelsea Berry (listen to podcast here) and then within a week he’s promoting one of her events (see that post here).

Chelsea has a way of channeling what we’re all feeling through her music and tonight will be one of those magical moments when you’ll get to witness Gloucester’s top talent find hope in tragedy and do some real, tangible good in the process.  Come down to Cape Ann Brewing tonight at 5pm and experience the transformative power of music.

To get you in the mood, here’s a wonderful video by another one of Gloucester’s rising stars, Inge Berge.  How lucky we are to live in a community filled with such talented people who enrich our lives every day!  Let’s vow never to take them for granted.

Wednesday’s with Fly Amero to host Allen Estes @ The Rhumb Line 8-11

rhumb

 Surf & Turf Specials!

Wednesdays Only!

Hello everyone!
Wednesday, May 8th
Special Guest:  ALLEN ESTES!

allen estes

No contest… we’re talking about Cape Ann’s most prolific poet
and songwriter.  But, of course, what goes along with all that is
a generous, personal giving of himself each time he performs.
Beautiful, insightful music and lyrics pour from his heart and
fill the room.  But what greets you is the kind and gentle soul
from beneath.  Mama taught him real good, right from wrong’s
my guess.  Please say hello to my good friend, Allen Estes! ~ Fly
Dinner with Fly Amero: 8 – 11pm

*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
Dave Trooper’s Kitchen… Surf & Turf Dinner –  $11.95 (while they last)
Tenderloin Tips with Grilled Garlic Shrimp!
Prepared fresh weekly by “Troop”… always good!
Upcoming… May 15: Ron Schrank

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Coming soon… Charlee Bianchini

charlee mini

Looking forward… …to seeing you there!  🙂 ~ Fly

Bagpipes in Gloucester

Bruce Campbell was playing the pipes for a wedding at St. Ann’s Church. He was standing out front by Pleasant Street, and I could hear his music down by City Hall on Dale Avenue!  I’m no expert on the topic, but it seems to me he really knows his instrument. It sounded beautiful.

– Fr. Matthew Green

 

Short & Main: Welcome to the West End

Fred Bodin submits-

Walking to my car tonight, I heard a circular saw running behind the old Valentino’s restaurant on Main Street. One guy was working OT to get it together for the 4pm opening of Short & Main tomorrow. Here’s a view of the main dining room. New decor and lighting, with a long bar and open kitchen.

Looks inviting to me! They also own the Market Restaurant in Annisquam.

http://www.facebook.com/ShortandMain

Fred Bodin Bodin Historic Photo

 http://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto

Here’s a video interview Donna Ardizzoni did last month as they were preparing to open-

Da Ruddah

Yep Every Bit As Good As It Looks. Check  It!

http://www.rudderrestaurant.com/

Tomorrow ~ Chelsea Berry & Friends a benefit to support the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing

glousta chelsea boston new

In Memory of Evelyn Howe

first mug up 2013

This was my scheduled post for today, sharing the wonderful time we all had at Mug Up yesterday.  Early this morning, we learned of the death of Evelyn Howe, a dear personal friend and paddleboard buddy, devoted single mom, avid volunteer and supporter of the Center and Rocky Neck Art Colony (where she had moved this past fall), volunteer on the painting/cleanup crew at the paint factory, a dedicated friend of Good Morning Gloucester, and an avid lover of everything Gloucester, a place she so dearly loved.  Evelyn is pictured above with her amazing lemon/lime cheesecake and champagne and pomegranate juice that she so generously slaved over and brought to share for Mug Up.  Evelyn was an incredibly generous, funloving, sharing young woman, quick to smile and make a room light up.  She apparently drowned while trying to save her good friend who had come up to visit from Rhode Island with his wife and had gotten into trouble after being swept into the water at Brace Cove beyond the Retreat House.  They both were lost.

To those of you who knew Evelyn and her beautiful spirit and bubbly energy, we will all be getting together this evening at The Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street at 6:00pm, to be with each other, share our feelings and thoughts, and grieve the loss of this beautiful woman.  Please come, and feel free to bring along something to share, if you like.

evelyn at plunge

2013 rocky neck plunge 132

Here’s Evelyn, the trooper, during and after her plunge this New Year’s Day with Amanda Nash at the Rocky Neck Plunge.  Evelyn was always up for an adventure and into trying anything.  She lived her life and enjoyed it immensely, and made everyone around her enjoy it too.

evelyn on nightsup

On the Night SUP on Smiths Cove – the night little fish swarmed our boards and jumped all over our feet – creepy but very cool.  SUP on a morning paddle with Becky Bernie over to Capt. Joe & Sons to visit Joey.

evelynhoweSUP_thumb.jpg

And Evelyn at Mug Up at the gallery.

evelyn at mugup

This was sent in by a co-worker of David Machado, Evelyn’s friend who she died trying to save.

I worked with David Machado who passed away with Evelyn Howe this weekend. He worked at Materion Technical Materials in Lincoln, RI. I have attached a picture below for your blog. He was a great guy. He was really looking forward to spending time with his wife Kristen this weekend. That was the last thing he said to me when he left work on Friday. Everyone here at Materion is extremely upset and in disbelief. We will pray for Evelyn Howe and her family and also David Machado and his family.

evelyns friend dave

We had a great pre-season Mug Up on Cinco de Mayo, reconnecting with old and new friends after a long winter, and enjoying some amazing treats that were brought for everyone to enjoy.  A bunch of people arrived at the same time, so I lost track of who brought what, but I do know Evelyn Howe made the most incredible lemon/lime cheesecake with homemade whipped cream and brought pomegranate juice and champagne for yummy and healthy mimosas.  Peter Quarato made the most wonderful Mexican wedding cookies.  Ann and Bob Kennedy are back in Gloucester again from Missouri for the month of May and she brought her notorious thick cut bacon dipped in chocolate sauce – decadent.  Greg Bover made his delicious ginger molasses cake.  Gigi Mederos and Stevie Black brought Gigi’s famous drunken bread pudding drenched in rum.  Mona Faherty brought Margaritas (I had suggested it, and was hopeful, but didn’t really think someone would bring them – yea Mona).  Fred and Janet came late, but came heavy with shrimp roasted with mango sauce and were dressed for the occasion and bearing maracas.  Donna and Rick had them too.  Of course, Paul Morrison was in the hizzy with a new, bigger, better Rubber Duck – the original one having been misplaced.  Also Amy Bell and Richard Mils came by, as did Richard Rosenfeld, Len Burgess and Mary Bowles bearing bunches of tulips.

The new digs got filled up with a bunch of great energy and everyone had a good time.

E.J. Lefavour

Murder on Rocky Neck, the Opera

Coming soon the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck: “Murder on Rocky Neck, the Musical” (tickets available here)!

“Travel back in time to 1870′s Gloucester, and lose yourself in this witty opera, a courtroom drama with a surprise ending – an original story entirely conceived and written by Henry Allen’s Young Playwrights, ages 9-13. The show features a beautiful original score by Derek Dupuis, age 16, who also composed the music for ‘Song of The Sea’. Murder On Rocky Neck, The Opera is appropriate for all ages!”

Here are some photos from a recent rehearsal:

It looks like it is going to be a really fun show!

“On a frosty Thursday morning on old Rocky Neck,
The artist Richard Bluewall was found drowned, by heck!
Whilst the children of the town pondered how he had died,
Court was in session with those being tried:
Was it Old Scurvy Crabwater killed poor Richard Bluewall?
Or was it Miss Sylvia DeSylvia who’s love conquered all?
Or perhaps Jesse Pomeroy, a boy of sixteen,
With suspicious demeanor and caught at the scene!
Star witness and actress, Alicia Linguiça,
Insists to the end,
That the murder was committed
By her former best friend!
With Judge Thaddeus Pudge
Presiding the case,
And the audience as jury putting justice in place,
Attorneys Paperwell, Rockwell, Scissorwell and Schute
Do their level best to condemn the brute.”

Fr. Matthew Green

Bananas 2013 City Hall Fundraiser Pics

Speechless.


David Cox was there with the big camera and as he didn’t have two monkeys climbing all over him during the performance I’m guessing he’s gonna have some fantastic photos to share over the next couple of days.

Inge Berge ♪♫♪ tonight 8 -11@ The Rhumb Line

Inge Berge melodious

Solo acoustic… many originals and covers.

click the photo and tour his website and listen. try the tape vault and also his new CD’s

FOB Artist Gabrielle Barzaghi Shows us her Work Space

From, Gabrielle Barzaghi

Here’s a picture of my studio. I’m offering three drawing workshops

at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck this summer.

Check out their link for details

http://mail.rockyneckartcolony.org/#workshops

 My website is;

http://www.gabriellebarzaghi.com/

http://rockyneckartcolony.org/workshops.php

6. studio shot