Blue Moon

Blue Moon ©Kim Smith 2013For several reasons, Blue Moon is my favorite beer to order out on a hot summer night (warning to readers, I know even less about specialty and craft beers than I do about wines). The first reason being is that it always makes me think of the sweet song “Blue Moon,” written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, and covered by many artists; the second reason is the attractive label, and lastly, because it tastes pretty good!

7th Wave ©Kim Smith 2013.Family friendly tree-top dining on the 7th Wave’s upper deck

This was intended to be a post about the 7th Wave Restaurant in Rockport. We sat down and ordered drinks, which I managed to photograph. I was just so hungry and dove right in as soon as our dinners were served. We were halfway through dinner, enjoying some very fabulous fried clams, before remembering that I had wanted to take photos–anyway, next time! I will say, they were the best friend clams of the entire summer. Craig Kimberley, are you reading this recommendation?

7th Wave ©Kim Smith 2013-2.View from the deck

My favorite rendition of “Blue Moon” is Ella Fitgerald’s, but Billie Holiday’s is nearly just as wonderful and the following video has some lovely stills of Lady Day and of fashions from the 50s and 60s.

Toby Pett adds Elvis Presley’s tenderest of renditions. This video too has many beautiful photos, of The King.

Local stars going over the bridge to Beverly this fall

MardiGrasCrowdThere’s a hidden gem down the road in Beverly: The Larcom Theatre.  Opened in 1912 (the same year as Fenway Park) featuring Vaudeville shows, The Larcom’s initial advertising boasted, “Lit Completely by Electricity.”  Fully restored in 1985, the Larcom Theatre  became a second home to Le Grand David Spectacular Magic Company, which closed in May 2012.

In April 2013, Vickie and I presented Henri Smith at the Larcom Theatre to a sold-out crowd, many of whom had never before set foot in the theatre.  We fell in love with the Larcom the minute we walked in, checked the acoustics and told one of the owners (David Bull, star of Le Grand David) that we’d like to present lots of concerts in this acoustically magical theatre…

So, we begin with a 2013 Fall Music Series featuring Gloucester legend Allen Estes and his new Band on October 5 with Dave Foley’s Fabulous Mustangs opening, The Slide Brothers on November 2 with Gloucester’s Michael Thomas Doyle opening, and A New Orleans Christmas with Henri Smith on December 14.  We’re working on another six shows for late winter and spring of 2014 and will announce them in the not-too-distant future.

These shows will sell out quickly, so we’re giving FOBs first crack the best seats.  Here’s where you can get tickets:
ALLEN ESTES
SLIDE BROTHERS
HENRI SMITH CHRISTMAS

The last time Allen Estes performed with a full band they nearly sold out the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford, which has more than twice as many seats.  

The Slide Brothers are the greatest living musicians who embody the Sacred Steel tradition. The joyous music these legendary artists create extends far beyond scared steel to encompass blues, rock and soul all celebrated with a sound that is uniquely their own.  This is their only New England show this year.

Henri Smith sold out the Larcom in April.  Plus he sold out the 2012 Mardi Gras show in Gloucester and was the headliner for the 1000+ Celebrate Gloucester crowd in 2010.

I know it seems like you’ve got lots of time, but don’t wait to get good seats to these shows in one of the most beautiful, acoustically perfect venues north of Boston.

Sargent House celebrates Block Party from 6-8pm

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This Saturday, 8/17, the Sargent House celebrates Block Party from 6-8pm.
SHM will have costumed actors roaming the garden, historic lawn games for
kids, and first floor Open House during the festivities on Main Street.
Boxed lunches by Beach Gourmet will be for sale; bring your blanket to
picnic on our scenic lawn.
At 6:30pm Henry Allen’s North Shore Folklore Theatre Co. will perform an act
from Judith Sargent Murray¹s 1795 play “The Medium” on the Block Party
stage. Judith¹s plays were the first plays by an American woman to be
staged. They have never been performed in Gloucester, and have rarely been
exhibited since their original debuts at Boston¹s Federal Street Theater.
Witness history in the making!
——-
Kimberlee A. Cloutier-Blazzard, Ph.D.

Community Photos 8/16/13

Wednesday morning action on the harbor from Lowell Peabody

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OMG, OMG they were so good. The large tail is left because I had both of our legs and knuckles that I love. I mentioned to my hubby, maybe we should get smaller ones, his response: “why on earth would we want to do that?  Miss having lobster rolls?  Are you crazy?”  I suspect we’ll be back next week.
My very best friend who now lives in SF, grew up in Cambridge (and was close to Julia child, yikers) will be visiting around  our son’s wedding. She wants lobsters, so we will call ahead for a small order. She taught me ( from Pittsburgh) how to eat lobster and doesn’t leave a smidgen except the shell behind.
Thank you!  Thank you!
I am stuffed ( in a delicious way)
Best,
JoAnn

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Origami at the Farmer’s Market

Yesterday I got a slightly last minute invitation to go teach origami at the Gloucester Farmer’s Market with Art Haven / Tag / The Hive.  Fortunately my schedule was pretty clear, so I was able to go! I had so much fun, I think I got almost more out of it than the kids did… I hope to do it again, although next week I won’t be able to.

The funny thing is, I was wearing an origami shirt that I had put on before I knew I would be teaching, and I didn’t even notice until one of the parents of a student commented on it…

Matthew Green

 

“Simpler Tides” winning Cocktail from July’s Spirit of Gloucester Cocktail Contest

Help select the 2nd Block Party Cocktail Winner at the Block Party on Saturday, August 17, 2013.  Ryan & Wood  Knockabout Gin will be the featured liquor.   Sample selections at participating restaurants and vote for your favorite at the Ryan & Wood table! Make sure you’re at least age 21!

Wicked Tuna Taping

Lowell Peabody Submits-

Appears the helicopter was out filming for Wicked Tuna. Caught Pin Wheel on its way out.

Morning01PinWheel

Community Stuff 8/16/13

GHS Boys Soccer Car Wash – this Saturday, August 17th from 9:30-1:30 at the Sears Parking lot.

Thank you so much.

Jodi Bertolino

GHS Boys Soccer Boosters Secretary


‘TINS OF TIME’ by Tin Can Sally will be featured from August 17 through September 6 at Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, 121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Sally has taken this special collection of tins and transformed them into one-of-a-kind timepieces. Tins included are Singer Sewing Machine, Marilyn Monroe, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Gingersnaps, Zodiac, Schooners, Paddington, Snow White, and Lions and Tigers and Bears (OH MY!). Some of the tins are also music boxes and play tunes such as ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Whistle While You Work’. Summer hours are 10-6 Sunday through Thursday and 10-8 on Friday and Saturday.

Submitted by:

Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative


Hey there all you Patrons of the Arts!

This Saturday, August 17th, is the Second Annual Wet Paint Event and Auction.  Over 60 artists have signed up to paint their favorite scenes in Essex and donate them to the silent and live auction.  Here are the details:

Painter registration Saturday morning beginning at 8AM at the Waterline Center on Main Street.

Artists will be all over Essex for the day and they would love to have you come by and watch them at work.  Just look for the balloons!

Beginning at 5PM, there will be a gala event at the Cox Reservation on Eastern Avenue.  Chebacco Liquors will have a cash bar set up, Dana King and friends will be playing great music, Laurie Lufkin will be serving delicious food and you will be able to see, up close and personal, all of the wonderful art that was produced during the day right in Essex.

There will be both a silent and live auction component to the evening; most of the art will be sold during the silent auction, while some of the most interesting art will be sold during the live portion of the evening.  Last year there was competitive bidding and no one went home disappointed!

This entire evening is brought to you by Terri Eramo of Eventide Gallery at Periwinkles and the Essex Merchants Group.  Proceed from the evening will go directly to promoting Essex as a destination and to help promote other events for our town.

Tickets are $25 each and are available at Main Street Antiques, Periwinkles and other locations.  They are selling quickly so get yours now.  There may be a limited number available at the door, but don’t wait!

Butch and I are counting on you to come and hang out with friends and neighbors and support local art as well as the Merchants Group, buy some exceptional works of art, painted that day, right in our little town.  It is an event not to be missed!

See you on Saturday!

Susan and Butch


Looking for ASL “speakers” to master the art of signing

I’m learning ASL (American Sign Language) and wanted to see if GMG has any deaf/hard-of-hearing readers (I myself am a hearing person). I’d love to meet new people whose primary means of communication is signing. Is there anyone in Gloucester? I’ll treat you to a nice cup of coffee/tea for your troubles 🙂
Thank you so much!
Natalia.


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Pottery Trail this Weekend! Look for the orange flags.

Download your map and listings at www.capeannceramicsfestival.com/potterytrail.html or get your

festival program at:

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester

The Cape Ann Community Cinema foyer, 21 Main St., Gloucester

Cynthia Curtis Pottery Studio, 80 Pigeon Hill St, Rockport

and participating businesses around town

Tour around on the Pottery Trail this weekend. Open studios around Cape Ann and Beverly. Check out demos, see and purchase beautiful ceramics for table, spirit and home, schmooze, snack and learn.

Special events:

Extended hours for Beauty In Use: Ceramics from Cape Ann, Pucker Gallery and Beyond, Sat-Sun, 8/17-18, 10-6, Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester

Diane Chen Demo, ceramic carving, Sat, 11-2, Cynthia Curtis Pottery, 80 Pigeon Hill St, Rockport

Demos at The Hive, Gloucester, Sat, 11-3, 11 Pleasant St, Gloucester

Clay Dreaming, Free Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio fee with coupon in Festival Program, 186 Cabot St., Beverly

…and open studios at Ruth Worrall Pottery, Twin Lights Studio (Scott and Erin O’Sullivan-Place), Scott Tubby Fine Arts, Four Winds Pottery (Mary Kay Carbone), Pigeon Hill Pottery (Susan Hershey), Plum Cove Pottery (David Archibald), Dogtown Pottery (Anni Melançon), Marty Morgan Pottery, and Annisquam River Pottery (Nina Goodick)


IDRC Update

he IDRC heads to Lunenburg, NS

      A great day of racing with a limited field last Saturday produced winners in 4 out of 5 dory racing categories.  The first heat featured multi-time mixed doubles champs Elin D’Angelo/ Mike Frontiera in an exhibition race with first time competitors Tyler Edmonds/Thomas Beaton.  Both faired well in the race and completed the course with ease.  The second race was the Masters (Over 40) division with a rematch of last August’s barn burner between Mike Harmon/John Scola and Allan Murray/Bill Edmonds .  This year Harmon/Scola took an early lead and held it throughout the race.  Also, competing in the masters division for the 2nd time this year was the tandem of Alex Thomas/Donny Favaloro who continue to improve with race experience.  The final race Saturday delivered on its promise to be a tight heat.  Mark Duval/Joe Sanfillipo took on rivals Glenn Harrington/Erik Dombrowski and Chris/Nick Giacalone.  All 3 crews raced into the turning flags in a dead heat and the race home was on!  Duval/Sanfillipo and Harrington/Dombrowski continued the pace home changing leads with the help of some building waves.  In a final push (and crash into the start boat by Harrington/Dombrowski) Duval/Sanfillipo came away as victors in a photo finish.  What an exciting day of racing.  The final teams traveling to Canada will be announced once the rowers coordinate their individual schedules.

      On another note, the Fishermen’s Memorial Service will be held this Saturday at the Fisherman’s Statue on the boulevard at 5 PM.  To show our support for the forefathers of our sport, the IDRC plans to row over to the boulevard after meeting at the town landing around 4 PM Saturday.  Bring a partner or take a friend for a ride on the harbor and show your support for those who have lost their loved ones at sea.

      Lastly, the annual Maritime Gloucester Harbor Race sponsored by the Gig rowers will take place on Sunday, September 15th off Niles Beach .  The race course is about 3.5 miles out to Eastern Point and back around Ten Pound Island .  Registration will be at Niles Beach at 8 AM that Sunday morning.  All members are welcomed to use the IDRC dories on a first come first served basis, so if you plan to row sign up and reserve a dory!!

The 33rd Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival This Weekend August 17 & 18

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Historic Stage Fort Park along

Gloucester Harbor will come alive with color, flavor and music for the

33rd Annual

Gloucester

Waterfront Festival

Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18

9am to 6pm daily

Over 200 Juried Artists and Craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique American made creations, craft demonstrations, live musical entertainment, children’s activities plus delicious ethnic foods.
A pancake breakfast, famous Gloucester Seafood and a huge assortment of Antique Cars complete this

picture perfect Seaport event!

Are you ready for this?….  this is a big one folks!

Come on out and meet the Artisans … Exhibits include Fine Jewelry, Original Wildlife Art, Dolls, Custom Signs, Plush, Acrylic Sculpture, Tile, Pressed Flowers, Painted Antiques, Photography, Candles, Metal Sculpture,  Maps, Fiber Arts, Tapestry, Stained Glass, Vintage Chic, Scroll Work, Wood Burning, Slate, Scarves, Nautical Crafts, Aromatherapy, Pewter, Soaps, Wearable Art, Oil Paintings, Blown Glass,  Ornaments, Tide Clocks, Stone, Fleece, Calligraphy, Pet Gifts, Fragrance, Primitive and Folk Art, Tile, Stone, Candles,

Wire Mesh Buffalo by

Peter Robinson Smith

Mosaics, Wire Mesh, Stone, Candles, Stained Glass, Turned Wood, Basketry, Leather, Glass Chimes, “Sports” wear, Felting, Handbags, Walking Sticks, Accessories, Flags, Burl Wood,  & more. 

Ginger SargentCome and sample gourmet delights such as Herbal Dips, Tea,

Honey, Nuts, Home-made Fudge and Candies, Oils, Vinegars, Maple, Cannoli, Pickles, Hot Sauces, Slushy Mixes, Mustards & more.

Westminster WhimsyHebert Honey HerbalDips

Bring your appetite … Food Vendors include traditional American Fare and Lobster Rolls, plus Fried Dough with all the fixins, Fabulous Kettle Corn, Gourmet Lemonade, Trolley Dogs and Fresh Healthy Paninis, Guzpacho, Soups and more!

Live craft demonstrations include Basketry, Decorative Painting, Fiber Art, Red Work Sewing, Pottery, Tile Making, Leather Embossing & Acrylic Sculptures and more. 

The Rotary Club starts us off Saturday morning with their fabulous       Pancake Breakfast! From 7:30am to 10am

Lobster Bake

North Shore Old Car Club will display over 75 Antique or Vintage Autos on Sunday ….

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival runs from 9am to 6pm each day.

Handicap Accessible and friendly pets are welcome, on a leash. Sophia Puppy

Directions: From Route 128 North take Exit 14. 


Location:
Stage Fort Park, Hough Ave Gloucester

Admission is FREE! Rain or Shine. 

Free parking along Stacy Boulevard or at the High School. However, please note that there is fee to park  across the street at Beach Parking.

Free, live “family style” entertainment includes

Julie & Brownie Pirate Show, Mary Poppins Pops In,
51 Soul, All Hands Drumming,   

Just Like Newman

Some Links of Interest …

Exhibitor List … See who is in the Show!

Wow! This Event is awesome and bigger than ever!

Directions …

Stage Fort Park, Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA

Easy to find … From Route 128 North, take Exit 14 , follow to end. 

Weather … Festival goes on Rain or Shine … but it’s looking good!

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Area info dining, shopping …

Keep the Party going at the Downtown Gloucester Block Party

On Saturday August 17 from 6pm to 11pm

Shop ~ Dine ~ Dance

A few photos from past years Waterfront Festival …

Crowds at GunstockGloucester Kids Area

Gloucester

For more information visit www.castleberryfairs.com

or call 603-332-2616

Ann Straccia from Gloucester Ingredient List Makes Mario Batali’s First Video In His Batali Cooks 4 Series

Hi Joey

I hope you’re well and enjoying your summer.  I wanted to reach out to you regarding a new video series we just launch entitled Batali Cooks 4, where we asked fans to send us their top 4 favorite ingredients using the hash #batalicooks4. Mario picked a list and created a custom recipe and video based on those picks. 

In this inaugural video, mario chose a list from Ann Straccia of Gloucester which includes monkfish, artichokes, lemon and kale. Mario then created a custom recipe and video – where he walked viewers through all the steps of the recipe in his signature style – teaching us along the way.

Sweet Sixteen

photo This is our eldest grandchild, Priva, who turns 16 today. She is half Mexican and visits with her cousins in Mexico City every July. This year, the family had a belated quinceanera to celebrate her 15th birthday.

Priva lives in Brooklyn, is bi-lingual, an experienced traveller and a budding flutist.

The photo was taken by Guillermo Audelo, Priva’s cousin, in Mexico City.

Meet Liz Horwitz at Aquatro Gallery

liz horwitz at aquatro

liz horowitz at aquatro

Saturday, August 17th from 3-5:00pm at Aquatro Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave. Gallery 4.  There will be a Japanese paper weaving demo at 4:00, as well as a demonstration on the making of her beautiful eggs.

Artist Liz Mitsuye Horwitz, whose exquisite, three-dimensional paper sculptures in traditional Japanese fan shapes and her magnificent, micro-origami earrings are on display at Aquatro Gallery through Columbus Day in 2013, will be in the gallery Saturday, August 17, 2013 between 3-5 PM for Aquatro’s Meet The Artist Reception in her honor. The artist will be giving the paper-weaving demonstration at 4:00PM that day. The event is free and is open to the public.

Liz Mitsuye Horwitz grew up in Tokyo, Japan surrounded by both the traditional materials and arts of Japan and the contemporary expression of Japanese life and culture in printmaking. Her sculptural work and her more functional origami earrings both use Japanese “washi” paper which is a staple of Japanese life. Mitsuye’s three-dimensional fans seek to reconfigure the static scenes of sumo wrestlers, herons and cranes, geishas
and make them more dramatic. Multi-layered constructions in traditional fan shapes, the illustrations on the washi paper are often completely realized, even though the sculptures are built from many layers of foam and paper, each layer painstakingly created and plotted to keep the scene intact.

Horwitz attended Colby College and is an accomplished musician on the flute
and double-bass in both classical and jazz idioms. She resides in Newton,
MA.

Vining Around the Garden

For readers not yet aware, Vine is a free downloadable app for your cell phone. Vine allows you to make six-second continuously looping videos, which you can share instantly to Twitter, FB, and Vine. I like Vine because it is so immediate, uncomplicated, and fun to use. Some people I follow on Vine are John McElhenny; his Vines are always interesting scenes taken in and around Gloucester, and also Amanda Mohan and Macklemore because their Vines are often super funny.

To read the caption, wave your cursor over the lower left-hand corner of each video.

A Beautiful Night ~ Start the weekend by walking to live music @ 6 downtown venues

Start at Captain Carlos with Cripple Cove Quartet at 5.  Walk out the door to catch Alek Razdan & A-Train at Harbor Loop at 6:30, followed by Johnny Carwash.  Then you can walk to Rhumb Line to see Punk legend, Wille Loco, with Dave Sag.

Yes, I said walk.  It’s not that far.  If you’re not from Gloucester check out Google’s Walking Directions (still in beta, but they work well).  Here are Google’s directions for the 13 minute walk from Harbor Loop to Rhumbline.  And it’s a nice walk — especially on a night like tonight.

While they’re on break you can walk down to the Dog Bar, Brew Pub and Minglewood.  No cover for any of these shows tonight, so start the weekened NOW!

Trouble deciding where to go?  See the full live music schedule here.

Dueling Divas (…and a Dandy!) Cabaret One Week Only at Gloucester Stage

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Kathy St. George and Kerry Dowling – 2 of the region’s most accomplished performers- will banter, bellow and bewilder in this special cabaret featuring songs from the Great American Songbook. Daniel Robert Sullivan, from the National Tour of Jersey Boys “officiates” this affectionate battle for center-stage. Song selection includes There’s Nothing Like A Dame, What You Don’t Know About Women and a medley of Broadway love songs from across the ages among many other songs. Dueling Divas (…and a Dandy!) Cabaret is a special one-week engagement for six performances only.

The performance schedule for Dueling Divas Cabaret is Wednesday, August 28 through Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm; a Saturday matinee on August 31 at 3 pm and a Sunday performances are September 1 at 4 pm. Gloucester Stage is handicapped accessible. Ticket prices are $40 for all performances. Senior citizen & student tickets are $35 for all performances.

Full Price Ticket – $40, Students & Seniors (65+) – $35
Cape Ann Resident Discount- $20, Wednesday & Thursday nights – call 978-281-4433 for more information.
Student Rush tickets available 1/2 hour before showtime. 1 Ticket per Student ID. $20 each, Cash Only. Based on availability.

For reservations or further information, call the Gloucester Stage Box Office at 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.com