A Big Band New Year

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni


CAPE ANN BIG BAND NEW YEAR’S CONCERT!
Friday, January 2nd at 7:30pm.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents the Cape Ann Big Band in a New
Year’s Concert as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series of concerts, silent movies, civic events
and more! The historic Meetinghouse was built in 1806 for the first Universalist congregation in
America, now the home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the newly restored
green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street).
The Cape Ann Big Band, conducted by Carlos Menezes, has connected with local musicians of
all ages and backgrounds to inspire, challenge, and educate since 2010. CABB’s repertoire
always features vocal and instrumental standards from the “Golden era” of Swing, pop tunes, and
as well as show-tunes derived from popular films.
Inspired by the sounds of Jazz, New Orleans’ street bands, Soul, and Rock n’ Roll, the band
prides itself in a repertoire without horizons. Several talented upcoming High School performers
will be featured with the Band for this special concert!
Tickets are available at the door and online (recommended) with more information at:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $25, students $5, under 12 free.
Parking is encouraged on the Green in front of the Meetinghouse (enter between the granite
pillars) and available at other locations around the Historic District. The side entrance at 10
Church Street offers an elevator to the main level if needed. This is a great opportunity for the
whole family to enjoy a unique New Year’s celebration concert by the Cape Ann Big Band!

NJL Construction

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

$75 off Dumpster Rentals ending soon!

From Dumpster Rental & Haul Aways

to Full Clean-Outs

Don’t miss out on this offer.

*must schedule by 12/31/2025

Plan ahead for Spring 2026

Excavation, Drainage, Site Work, Demo, Patios & Decks, 

Walkways, Dumpster Rentals, Equipment Rentals, Clean-Outs, 

Haul Aways and more!

Call or Text 978-879-9684

Dinner At The Azorean

Posted on by Pat D

We hadn’t stopped by The Azorean on Washington St for some time so it was a special pleasure to return for dinner recently. The menu has changed a little since our last visit and they now offer afternoon tapas specials which seem like a great option as you see in these photos.

I tried the chicken saltimbocca. I usually have another dish but this seemed very tempting and I was not disappointed! Jim had baked stuffed shrimp and you can see they are quite large. For the sake of this blog (haha) I decided to have the chocolate mousse for dessert and Jim tried the carrot cake. It was a lovely dining experience especially in the midst of the hustle of holiday prep.

Holiday Shows 2025

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Would like to thank all the venues that held our holiday shows.  The Cape Ann Makers Market put on 3 shows from October to December.  The Magnolia Library for Magtoberfest,  Cruiseport , and The Cut, these shows were extremely successful.  The Elks venue is always a pleasure, The Magnolia Women’s Club Holiday Show, and Marshalls Farmstand for a pop up.   Thank you to the coordinators and venues for all their hard work.  And I would especially want to thank the customers who came out to shop and most important shop local.   Thank you again.

Sunday Afternoon At The Gloucester House

Posted on by Pat D

It’s become a weekly habit to stop by The Gloucester House Pub on Rogers St Sunday afternoons when we finish at the shop. It’s warm and inviting, comfortable and also offers a great menu and friendly service. I was delighted to note that chicken parm has been added to the menu and I am here to report that it is EXCELLENT. The sauce is a sweeter sauce, the chicken cutlet sized just right and is perfect for a winter afternoon. Highly recommended. Jim got the turkey BLT and we took half home—large portion. See you there soon!

Traveling Mystery Room at Sawyer Free Library!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Traveling Mystery Room with Big Ryan
Saturday, December 27 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Children’s Program Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

The Sawyer Free Library is calling all young detectives and adventure-seekers! Kids ages 7–16 are invited to join Big Ryan for an exciting Traveling Mystery Room experience — an interactive adventure filled with teamwork, creativity, and fast-paced problem-solving.

The challenge:
You’ve been abducted by aliens along with a group of your peers. Your only hope of escape is to work together, follow the clues, and complete each step needed to charge the escape pod. But act quickly — you have just one hour before the aliens discover you’ve broken free!

Important details:

  • Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org, and space is limited — please register each child individually.
  • Designed for kids ages 7–16.
  • Parents of children ages 7–9 are strongly encouraged to stay and lend a hand with the mystery.

Questions? Email tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!