I found this program in a downtown Gloucester shop. It states: “We, the members of the Gloucester Service Chest welcome you to our entertainment, an Old Time Minstrel Show, which is given for the benefit of all our own boys in the Armed Forces.” It was held on January 20 1944. I was tickled to see my dad listed (“Patty Ryan” though he was generally known as Paddy) as a performer. My childhood memories of his many performances are full of End Man/ Host duties at variety shows for various charities, so this was perfect.
He must have been only about 16 at this time and it’s gratifying to see that his End Man experiences had a long history. Another cousin, Edna Handran, is listed on the ticket committee so it was a bonus. Some of the other names include Virginia Friend, Priscilla Cahoon, Theresa Sylvester, Buzzy McKinnon, Norman Ball and Lester Bragg. There are others but perhaps some of you recognize these. Presumably the ladies were members of the Junior Women’s Club at the time.
Performances included songs like My Shining Hour, My Heart Tells Me and Pistol Packin’ Mama; and, of course, Yankee Doodle Dandy. You’re humming right now, aren’t you?
An Evening of Rock and Blues with Jon Butcher and Friends Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, MA Friday, April 20, 2018 The thirty-five year career of Boston songwriter, recording artist and Grammy nominee Jon Butcher is a ‘how to succeed’ road map in an ever changing entertainment business landscape. From the days of powerful record labels and producers, through the rise of MTV and video, digital recording, independent production and collaborations, to film scoring and soundtracks- Jon has embraced every element of an ever evolving musical journey. The flourishing Boston rock scene embraced Butcher’s highly acclaimed 1983 debut album, Jon Butcher Axis and Butcher was one of the first Video stars on MTV. His music has been featured in film and television productions including HBO’s Deadwood, he has played and performed with some of the best in the industry and Butcher’s Hendrix inspired guitar work and performances have turned new generations on to an iconic sound. His latest CD-2 Roads East, digs into his “love affair with the very fabric of American music”. Creating, composing and sharing his passion for all elements of the industry have lead him to his newest gig, mentoring. Through his Gloucester-based artist management company ELECTRIC FACTORY X, Jon (and partner Leighton Wolfe) keeps the creative focus on bold, next generation artists for a new audience All of this comes together live on stage at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Friday, April 20th when ME productions presents: An Evening of Rock and Blues with Jon Butcher and Friends. The evening kicks off a celebration of thirty- five years in a challenging and rewarding industry and will feature a band put together for this event, a unique assortment of the finest blues and rock musicians working today. This includes seventeen year old guitarist Quentin Callewaert who will open the show. Jon is producing this talented young musician’s debut CD. Callewaert is a local favorite who Jon refers to as “a young talent with an old soul”. Old favorites, new songs, some great storytelling and few surprise too! Celebrate thirty-five years well spent! An evening of Rock and Blues with Jon Butcher!
Good Morning Gloucester 