Learn From Master Drummer Mamadou Diop
We will be drumming with Mamadou Diop who is a world renowned song writer, musician and drum teacher from Senegal, West Africa. Expect to be educated on traditional West African rhythms played in unison, as poly-cross rhythms and as “call and response” beats. You will also learn the history of the drum used for ceremonies, dance and spiritual gatherings. Mamadou has the unusual knack of blending new and experienced drummers together providing a great drumming experience for all.
Besides being a drum teacher, Mamadou is a renown rhythm guitar player and singer whose award winning band has performed frequently around New England including many locations in Gloucester. In 2012 Boston Music Awards honored Mamadou as International Musician of the Year.
Besides his musical activities, Mamadou is President of A3D, Inc. (African Development through Drum and Dance)www.a3dinc.org which is a humanitarian organization helping schools and medical facilities in West Africa along with supporting organizations and the community in the greater Salem area.
No Drums, Shakers or Percussion Instruments? . . . No Problem. There are extra drums and other percussion items around to freely share.
My Boy the Rabbit Is Applying For A Dream Job And Needs Your Votes
Vote Here
He is absolutely without a doubt the guy for the job- check out his Flickr Page and tell me if you think his photographic skills and sense of adventure make him the perfect candidate-
Messy Art Day For Kids At The Lanesville Community Center Saturday
Hello, Joey! Some friends and I are former and current preschool teachers and enthusiastic artists in Lanesville–and we are having a messy art day for kids this Saturday, at the LCC from 10-12.
I am the last minute announcer for this fun thing, but my daughter was also happy to help! Many thanks for the post in GMG!
Mary Beth Periera
Bikini Dodge Ball 2015 Post #4
Nichole’s Family Picks of the Weekend 4/18 and 4/19
Dare I say it is finally here, my friends? Bring on the fantastic weather!
Pick #1
The Swan Boats are back in action this weekend!
2015 Season
Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2015 10am to 4 pm
Adults $3.50
Children $2.00 (age 2 to 15 years)
Under 2 yrs. Free
Seniors $3.00
While there, take a spin on the Frog Pond Carousel and let the kiddos play on the playground. My boys love walking throughout the Public Garden and searching for statues too.
Read more about the Frog Pond here!
Pick #2
This is a great way to spend a day! If you’re up for even more of an adventure you can tour the Constitution, spend some time in the museum, and then take the water taxi over to the New England Aquarium area and continue the fun at Faneuil Hall, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway (one of my favorite areas of the city…and you can bet I’ll be writing about it again soon), or the North End!
Pick #3
Fairy Shrimp, Salamanders, & Frogs, Oh My!
Head out to Ravenswood Park from 1-3 on Saturday to learn all about Vernal Pools and the critters who call them home!
Read all about the program HERE
Vernal pools are crucial to the survival of fairy shrimp, salamanders, and wood frogs. We’ll have fun exploring the pools at Ravenswood Park. Participants will learn how to certify and protect vernal pools. When vernal pools become certified, we can prevent development on and around them. This program is instructive for participants, so you, too, can take home the techniques, forms, and methods to certify pools.
Pick #4
We are GIANT fans of Maritime Gloucester, but sadly they are not open for the season quite yet. They are, however, offering some great April Vacation programs later in the week!
Check them all out by clicking here. Their educators always do a phenomenal job!
Brain Building in Progress
Community Stuff 4/16/15

Cape Ann Contra Dance This Friday
Hi Joey,
After a loooong winter we’re ready to celebrate spring with a contra dance at the Magnolia Library Center, 7:30 PM, this Friday, April 17.
Contra dancing is fun, it’s social, it’s mildly aerobic, and it features exceptionally fine live music.
Attendees don’t need to have previous experience – everything is taught. And it’s not necessary to come with a partner, either.
We love to see new folks discover the joy of dancing for the very first time and we hope to have both new friends and old join us this Friday.
The Cape Ann Contra Dances are organized and produced by Folk Life Studio, and they are supported in part by a grant from the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
There is a requested donation of $10 per dancer, dancers younger than 16 are free.
For more information, contact capeanncontradance@gmail.com, or find us at
https://www.facebook.com/CapeAnnContraDance or at
www.meetup.com/Cape-Ann-Contra-Dance.
Thanks for keeping our community well informed.
I’d forgotten just how good The Runaround is.
Searched high and low for a place to buy their music, I must be losing my touch.
Sweet Video from Lisa Smith and Becky Tober at CATV: Backyard Growers Cutest Fundraiser Ever!
Beautifully filmed and edited Lisa and Becky, and great job with the interview Meghan! Thanks so much for sharing.
How Do you Do
Tourists from Washington D.C.
Welcome back Egrets
Happy On Main Street………..HM-05
Caption This!
Saturday’s Clean up
Clean Gloucester and The One Hour at a Time Gang would like to invite you to volunteer for an hour on Saturday.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2015
Where: Upper Main and Upper Roger’s Street
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
We can meet on Main Street near the Liquor Locker.
We have bags, please make sure you bring your gloves. Look forward to seeing all.
Thank you
Cape Ann Symphony Mother’s Day Concert Saturday, May 9 feat. BSO Soloists
Last month (in this post) I pointed to the roots of today’s music. This month, the Cape Ann Symphony takes the whole thing one step farther. First of all, they’re playing one of Beethoven’s most extraordinary compositions, the 7th symphony. My guess is that the audience will jump to their feet after this finale just as they did last month for Beethoven’s first piano concerto, featuring David Deveau.
Beethoven’s 7th has been used in a number of films, most recently the 2nd movement in a tremendously powerful scene in which Academy Award winner Colin Firth as King George VI delivers a triumphant speech after struggling all his life with a terrible stutter. Check out that scene in this video:
Now imagine hearing the whole symphony live.
And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve invited Boston Symphony Orchestra father and daughter team Richard and Erin Svoboda as soloists for Michael Gandolfi’s Double Concerto for Clarinet and Bassoon. Plus you’ll hear an overture by Rossini, the most popular opera composer of his time. You really do want to be there! Get tickets here.
Wednesdays with Fly Amero ~ This week’s guest will be, Ron Schrank 8-11pm 4.15.2015
Wednesday, April 15th – 8pm
Special Guest: RON SCHRANK!
Ron makes us all feel at home whenever he plays. Sweet and
gentle. Join us. We start at 8! ~ Fly
Dinner with great music!
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
Dave Trooper’s Kitchen…
Prepared fresh weekly by “Troop”… always good!
Check out Fred’s rockin’ wine menu!
Upcoming…
4/22
J. B. Amero
4/29
Allen Estes
Visit: http://www.therhumbline.com/
Looking forward……to seeing you there 🙂
Kites and Flight… or Attempts
Additional shots from Saturday’s Kite Day at Cogswell’s Grant in Essex. Some young, some old, some creative, some multitasking, a dog, and a lot of fun. Some great style and expressions!
Bikini Dodge Ball Post #3
One More to follow tomorrow































































































































