Category: Good Morning Gloucester

Monday 11/18

Wednesday 11/20

Saturday 11/23 AM

Saturday 11/23 8PM

Sunday 11/24 4AM

Backlight…

Celebrate the holiday season with the 5th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann! Discover Gloucester, in collaboration with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, invites you to experience the magic of the season in the charming coastal towns of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. The festivities begin on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024, and continue through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025.

Businesses across Cape Ann will light up the season with enchanting storefront displays, transforming their communities into a sparkling holiday wonderland. The illuminated streets and festive windows create a beautiful backdrop for exploring, shopping, and enjoying the magic of this special time of year.“

This event brings together the heart of Cape Ann—our small businesses and our community spirit—to create something truly special for residents and visitors alike,” says Steve Buckley, CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to see so many businesses participating again this year, each contributing their creativity and holiday cheer to make the season shine even brighter.”

The annual Winter Lights Decorating Contest is back, encouraging everyone to explore Cape Ann and vote for their favorite displays. Voting begins on Small Business Saturday, November 30, and continues throughout the season. Winners will be announced in the New Year, and anyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a prize.

“Winter Lights on Cape Ann is one of the most festive times of the year,” says Brittany DiCologero, Marketing Director of Discover Gloucester. “It’s the perfect opportunity to discover what makes our communities so unique—walkable streets, beautifully decorated shops, and the unmistakable charm of Cape Ann during the holidays.”Start planning your holiday adventure today! Find the full list of participating businesses, cast your vote for the best displays, and explore the interactive digital map with event details, local promotions, and more at https://discovergloucester.com/winter-lights-cape-ann/. Brochures are also available at participating locations or downloadable online.

About Discover Gloucester

Discover Gloucester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Gloucester as a premier visitor destination. Working collaboratively with local businesses and cultural institutions, Discover Gloucester inspires authentic visitor experiences and fosters economic vitality in the region.

About The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Serving Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport for over 100 years, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.

Shalin Liu 11/23/24
photo:  trudy clemens

My view driving up Washington St. towards Lanes Cove on Saturday. I had to chase the end and see where it would land.

Of course it takes me to the cove for a better view. It was a raging windy day by the water. It felt like a steady 35-45 mph thumping. It had to have been a gale.

And upon turning down Duley St. I found a special moment. Lanes Cove at sunset never disappoints. And behold, with the wind bearing down so hard I could barely keep my feet steady, this was my reverse view. Pay-dirt.

A wispy dance of color, clouds, and rain painted a glow that could take your breath away. And, so it did.
May we never forget how fortunate we all are to live in such a place of perfect beauty and heritage.

(all iPhone 13 images)

Reservation at Tock or visit our website www.sushisanglee.com

The Sip n Shop and Espresso Bar will be open at 4:30. The Cookie Contest Tickets To be A Judge go on sale at 6PM

St. John’s Church will hold an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving on Monday, November 25 at 4:00 pm at St. John’s Church, 48 Middle St. Gloucester. This service is offered in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church, Gloucester, First Congregational Church, Rockport, Temple Ahavat Achim, Gloucester and First Church, Wenham. Please join us as we focus our prayers, blessings and choral voices on things that unite us. We will be taking an offering of cereal for the Open Door and monetary donations for the Younity Access Center in Gloucester, which offers a variety of services to youth ages 16-25 who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have experiences with substance use, housing instability, and/or mental health needs. Some parking available in St. John’s parking lot across from 18 Washington Street. Festive reception to follow.

Thank you!

Since we stopped at Turtle Alley for a special gift, it seemed only fair to also go to Nichols Candy when I needed some special sweets for a baby shower. It always feels so cozy and homey in there and the staff is exceptionally helpful. I successfully selected a bucket of sweet treats for the shower and lingered a bit looking at the tempting treats. Thanks Nichols!

It’s been slow out there, so here are a few current encounters, and some older ones that remind us of the seasons we have left behind.

PowerWash…

Please mark your calendars and join the Cape Ann Makers Market event at the Cruiseport in one week! Pat D’s Photos will be on hand as will Ardizzoni Photography, Cape Ann Sea Salts, Hold Fast and many other favorite vendors. Looking forward to seeing you there and at the many other upcoming holiday events!

Here’s my latest portrait “TWELVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT” of a scene behind my childhood home in Essex. Please let me know if you like it!

Best wishes, 

PJ Bovio 

Front Runner…

NEC All Stars
Skye Ciolino
Taiya Mano

Back to Black Live and Booty Vortex

The Cut in Gloucester, MA has announced two popular shows are set to return to the North Shore’s latest entertainment venue in February. Back To Black Live: The Music of Amy Winehouse featuring Gloucester native Megan Wolf returns by popular demand to The Cut on February 1^st  following September’s wildly successful show, and Booty Vortex, known as Boston’s Finest Funk and Disco Band, will play the groovy tunes of the 70s on February 15. Tickets go on sale for these shows on Friday, November 22 at 10 am at thecutlive.com. 

Megan Wolf, backed by some of Boston’s greatest players, will take audiences through a tour-de-force of Amy Winehouse’s 5x Grammy-Award winning album “Back to Black” and other fan favorites. Wolf’s renditions of “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” “Love is a Losing Game,” “You Know I’m No Good,” and “Tears Dry On Their Own” have audiences singing and swinging in celebration of all things Winehouse.

Booty Vortex is a collection of the finest, funkiest musicians from across New England ever to play the groovy tunes from the ’70s. The heat these players/singers bring is guaranteed to knock audiences off their feet. Gold Finger, Brass Tornado, Slip-N-Slide, Meat Hammer, Pixi Stix, Super Sonic, Huggy Bear, Minty Fresh, Baby Gold, and Silky Smooth all come together to form Boston’s Finest Funk & Disco Band. 

Other shows coming to The Cut Live include Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light on November 21, Amy Helm on November 22, Vapors Of Morphine on November 23, Alisan Porter on November 30, The Glostafarians and The Carnivals on December 7, Brass Fed Nation Holiday Bash on December 12, The LeeVees Hanukkah Party For All on December 13, and HOLIDAYS & WINTERTIDE: A Night of Christmas and Winter Music with Chris + Joe, Renee + Joe, and Dennis Monagle on December 14.

The Cut, a multi-purpose entertainment venue and restaurant at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA is a 22,000 square-foot facility featuring a restaurant (capacity 150), a flexible concert space (500 general admission, 300 seated), and rehearsal and recording studios.  

For tickets, dining room reservations, and other information, visit thecutlive.com.