The Real Real Real Harlem Shake

Looking forward to filming all the moves Bikini Speedo Dodgeballers are bringing to the GMG Harlem Shake video tomorrow night!

So much music at Shalin Liu this summer, you’d think it was in New York City ~ plus a tip for parents & young music fans

Karen Herlitz of Rockport Music sent the following along with a gorgeous PDF (get it here) full of pictures and a complete schedule for this year’s Rockport Chamber Music Festival, the Summer at Rockport season and the Rockport Music Jazz Festival.  Subscription tickets go on sale March 27.  These concerts always sell out, so don’t delay.

Now, we also got a very nice booklet in the mail (see a PDF of it here), and under the heading DISCOUNTS, it says YOUTH: 18 and under are eligible for free tickets (limited number available).  So, check out the summer schedule and call Rockport Music 978.546.7391 to see if you can get some of those free tickets for your kids.  Live music is the best way to inspire your kids to appreciate the music you love!

Rockport Music

Announces the

32nd Season Rockport Chamber Music Festival

And

Summer at Rockport

2nd Annual Rockport Music Jazz Festival

And Folk, World, and Pop Music

Rockport Music is pleased to announce our 32nd Season of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival and 2nd Annual Rockport Music Jazz Festival that will be held in our stunning, seaside Shalin Liu Performance Center.

The 32nd Rockport Chamber Music Festival opens with pianists Peter Serkin and David Deveau with A Far Cry chamber orchestra on June 7th performing J.S. Bach’s Double Concertos for Two Keyboards and Strings.  Other Festival highlights include chamber ensembles Jupiter String QuartetVega String QuartetCalder Quartet, and the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, as well as violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and International Tchaikovsky Cello Competition gold medalist Sergey Antonov.  Highlights of the pianists performing this year include Joyce YangDubravka Tomšič, and Russell Sherman.

Two exciting additions this year include early music productions–Gotham Early Music Scene presenting their highly acclaimed production of Play of Daniel and the Boston Early Music Festival presentation of works by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.  The Festival concludes on July 14th with the internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass.

The Rockport Music Jazz Festival and Summer at Rockport concerts are held in July and August and offer a variety of music from folk icon Judy Collins to ten-time Grammy® Award-winning super group Manhattan Transfer to three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis performing with jazz pianist Joey Calderazzo.

Thursday ♪♫♪ Dave Sag’s Blues Party ♪♫♪ with Orville Giddings and Mark Earley@The Rhumb Line and more.

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New hours – 8-11

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Dave says,

It’s a double whammy this week as I  get to hang out and play not only once, but twice in a row with that  famous jongleur, former rockstar,  Gleem® spokesmodel and all-around Ipswich Idol: Mr. Orville Giddings. I’m talking about Wed. nite at Chianti’s in Beverly AND Thurday nite at the Rhumb Line. Worse, we’re being joined at the hip by my good friend and industrial tenor tooter, Mr. Mark Earley. Even better, we got our  general egg-beater Mr. Steevie Chaggaris to pound the skins. It’s gonna be a blast as we drill down deep into the bedrock and dig out the gems. So, skip your dentures appointment and hurry on down, either Wed. at Chianti’s from 7:30 to 10-30, or Thursday at the Rummie from 8 to 11. Or both. See you there!

Orville Giddings

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Mark Earley

mark earley

Fly Amero interviewed by Vintage Guitar Magazine


Hello friends!
It is my honor to announce…
VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE
features an interview with me in its newly released
May issue… the one with Buddy Guy on the cover!

Available online and in stores today.  
Believe me… this is a big
deal!  I am humbled!  Here’s a link.  Grab a copy.  Let me know
what you think!   

“Flash Mob” for the Grace Center

Glow with Grace

WHO: All members of the Cape Ann Community wishing to support Grace Center, Inc.

WHEN: Saturday, March 23 – Registration between 6:00-7:00 p.m. March begins at 7:15 p.m.

WHERE: Meet at Gloucester High School to join others as we march to Stacey Boulevard and then return to Gloucester High School.

WHY: To raise visibility and awareness for the Grace Center, a day resource center to help those in crisis.

www.gracecenterinc.org         www.facebook.com/GraceCenter        @GraceCenterInc

– Fr. Matthew Green

Pet of the Week-Rudy!

pet of the week, rudy, adopt, dogs

 

Hi!  My name is Rudy, I am a two-month-old Terrier mix boy pup.  I love to play and have fun! My siblings and I are at the Cape Ann Animal Aid located at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, located at Four Paws Lane in Gloucester.

I love it here.  The staff and volunteers are so friendly and kind and they play with me! You might want to visit CapeAnnAnimalAid.com and see other photos of me!  I will be medium size when all grown.  I have a handsome brown and reddish coat.

My brother is a little smaller, not much; just a little – maybe this is because I am three minutes older!!

 

I don’t think Rudy will stay at the shelter very long! What a handsome pup.

~Alicia

 

Plum Island Houses Toppling Into Water Nothing New- 1976 Photo From Fred Bodin

Plum Island

Storm Damage, 1976 – Like Only Yesterday

PlumIsland1wm

It’s been going on for a long time on Plum Island, MA, and elsewhere along coastal New England. I have a liking for Plum Island, because I surf fished there for years when I lived in Boston. When this hit the TV news, I drove right up and photographed this tragedy in 1976. I felt so, so bad for the folks who owned this vintage home. I believe it was owned by a Boston (Harvard?) professor. It had been there for many years. How many generations enjoyed delightful meals made on that old stove? Best of luck to those currently impacted, and to the rows of houses behind them.

Fredrik D. Bodin

Bodin Historic Photo

Community Photos 3/12/13

Dwight Hebert submits-

Look close and you can see the resident on his deck eyeballing this wave

Bass Rocks March 9th 2013


Joey

Saw some storm photos on Good Morning Gloucester and thought we’d share a couple of post-storm Good Harbor Beach shots taken from the Blue Shutters on Saturday and Sunday. There are even more photos on our Facebook page and bloghttp://blueshuttersbeachblog.blogspot.com/

The good news – as you can see from the “sun rays “ shot, Good Harbor is as beautiful as ever after a tough few days.

Tony, Patty, Ed & AnnMarie

Blue Shutters Beachside Inn


Pat Morss submits-

Joey:  The storm was impressive, but the day after was awesome.  “Pat”


Spring Ride from John Wright

Hi Joey,
Took this pic a couple of years ago. A wasp floating on a whirly-gig going downstream.
A hint of Spring ..
Thanks and BTW I voted for GMG for BONS and saw the overwhelming results. It’s a slam dunk!
CONGRATS..
John

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Sandy Chadwick contributes-

Hi Joey

Love GMG.  Took a couple of photos this morning off of Atlantic Ave as the tide was coming in.  Don’t know if you can use them. I love all the beautiful photographs of Gloucester that readers contribute.

Sandy Chadwick

Atlantic Ave March 10, 2013View from Atlantic Avenue


Community Stuff 3/12/13

 


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On Cape Ann Profiles host Rich Sagall interviews David Tower, Steve Whittey and Neil Dineen, three Cape Ann wine makers.

David Tower, founder of a Massachusetts winery in the 1980’s with an annual production of 16,000 cases, now leads a small winemaking group that produces 2,000 bottles a year.  He has a Master’s degree in winemaking and two years apprenticeship in Germany’s wine country. He’s currently the chemistry teacher at Rockport High School.

Steve Whittey, a Gloucester native, is a West Point graduate and retired US Army Major. He is also a recently retired Rockport High School math teacher. As assistant winemaster, he aids Tower in the technical aspects of the winemaking and leads the wine crew.

Neil Dineen has been teaching history for 32 years, both in Virginia and Massachusetts. He is the current high school history teacher at Rockport High School. Involved with the wine group since 1996, he enjoys the people and the winemaking and says his extended family loves the gifts.Cape Ann Profiles can be seen on Cape Ann TV Channel 12 on Friday, March 15 at 10:30AM and 7:00PM and on Sunday, March 17 at 2:00PM. It repeats on Friday, March 22 at 10:30AM and 7:00PM and on Sunday, March 24 at 2:00PM


St Patty's Day at Seaport Grille

March 11th-17th  All Week

Corned Beef Dinner with Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread, Potatoes, Carrots, Turnip & Green Beer!

GREEN BEER

Come join the fun

Gloucester High School Named MassBioEd Innovative School of the Year

Gloucester High School Named MassBioEd Innovative School of the Year. Gloucester High School (GHS) has been named this year’s Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) for inspiring students to explore life sciences careers through progressive biotechnology education and exemplary science career programming.

In 2009, GHS was selected as a BioTeach school. Over the past four years students and faculty have actively participated in both teacher professional development and biotechnology lab experiences. Gloucester has successfully utilized their BioTeach grant to create innovative programs and partnerships to ensure that students of all levels and academic achievement have the chance to experience biotechnology labs.

“Gloucester High School has done a remarkable job fostering STEM education and encouraging students to pursue careers in biotechnology as they look toward their futures,” said Lance Hartford, Executive Director of MassBioEd. “The judging panel was particularly impressed with the school’s commitment to building new partnerships to develop science outreach programs and their innovative use of BioTeach labs to give all students the opportunity to explore the world of biotechnology.”

GHS has also creatively adapted BioTeach labs and equipment to establish new biotech summer camp programs for high school students.

“This recognition is an important step forward for Gloucester High School, as we work towards our goal of becoming a leader in STEM related high school education,” said Principal Erik Anderson. “Thank you to MassBioEd for making the Innovative School of the Year Award available. All the credit for this honor goes to Mr. Eric Leigh, whose hard-work and selfless dedication to Gloucester High School students makes a difference every day. Way to go, Mr. Leigh and way to go Gloucester High School!”

“Gloucester High School is so excited to be named the Innovative School of the Year,” said Rachel Rex, Supervising Program Leader, Gloucester High School Science Department. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students. The resources provided by MassBioEd continue to enable Gloucester High School students to see a real world connection between the classroom and industry. Who knows, an opportunity such as this could cultivate the next great Nobel Laureate.”

The award will be given at a luncheon ceremony at MassBio’s Annual Meeting on Friday, March 15th at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 40 Edwin Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA. GHS will be represented by science teacher Eric Leigh and 10th grade students Morey Ronan and Jason Erwin.

The Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award was established by the MassBioEd Foundation to honor a Massachusetts school that has distinguished itself through exemplary progressive biotechnology educational programming.

Gloucester High School is well-deserving of the prestigious award for its year round dedication to ensuring all of its students have the opportunity to explore the life sciences. The award will help the program continue to encourage students to pursue an education in STEM and biotechnology through the growth of partnerships and program expansion

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com Do you get it?

The Widdle Beaver

Hand dug on weekends over the course of two months-.  Log donated by Harry and Peter at Blood Ledge Quarry.

Marsal Albanese submits-

IMG_3286

Will be seen at Winga most weekends this summer!

Niles Pond and Braces Cove From Larry Davis

Hi Joey,

You have had a number of posts about the strip of land separating Niles Pond and Braces Cove.  In the late 50s, we could (and did) drive cars over that strip of land from Braces to the road in back of Gonzaga (or Blighty’s Estate as it was known as then).  It was no problem.  There was a dirt road that was easily navigated as long as no one decided to come over from the other side at the same time.  You could also drive down to Braces Cove from the Back Shore where there is just a foot path now.

GMG is a nice connection to what will always be home for us that are lucky enough to spend our retirement winters in Florida.  Keep up the good work.

Larry Davis

Resilience of People Who Live Near the Sea

Lido Beach and Long Beach are communities on one of the barrier islands on Long Island’s south shore in Nassau County, NY.  They were devastated by super storm Sandy last October. Property damage was extensive, businesses were destroyed and disrupted and some island residents,more than four months after the storm, are still living in public shelters. Relief agencies such as  All Hands Volunteers are still hard at work helping to restore and rebuild the area.

Barbara and I spent the weekend visiting my sister whose home was substantially damaged by the storm. We were awed by the extent of the damage to the community, but more impressed by the resilience of the local residents. They, understanding the dangers, have chosen to live by the sea and have directed their energy to rebuilding and restoring what the have lost.

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Much of the beach was lost to Sandy, but surfers and dreamers still visit on a  late Winter day.


DSCF1562The world famous Long Beach boardwalk was destroyed by Sandy. Here, the new boardwalk is under construction.

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And, always, music.

P1030863 Al Hands volunteers, including Karen Sherman and Brian Luster (R), prepare to enter a mold filled home in Long Beach.

San Giuseppe Feast

What a wonderful day we had at Sista Felicia’s house today.  An amazing hostess, food and ambience made for a wonderful day.  Thank you Felicia

Antipasto
Antipasto

Zeppola

Home Made Noodles
Home Made Noodles
The beautiful Altar
The beautiful Altar

Comet Panstarrs this month

This week and until the end of March if you get an unobstructed view of sunset you may be able to pick out Comet Panstarrs. panstarrsAs comets go this one is not going to blow your socks off but don’t you want to be able to say you saw Panstarrs? It will not be back for 100 million years so this may be your only chance.

Panstarrs is just a warmup for Comet ISON which should be brightening Cape Ann skies in late October. ISON is a “sun grazer” which will do a sharp button hook around the sun. If her water laden self boils furiously the resulting tail may outshine the moon.

So get some comet viewing practice this month and click the link for Lanes Cove web cam. If the sky is cloudless right before sunset get on down there next to the fish shack and bring your binocs.  Rubber Duck might be there.

Rubber Duck in Lanes Cove

Q and A with novelist JoeAnn Hart

JoeAnn will be reading from her recently published novel Float tonight, Tuesday, March 12th, at 7pm, at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport.

JoeAnn Hart Garden -1 ©Kim Smith 2013

There’s a Maine town in Float that is suspiciously like Gloucester, Ma. Is Gloucester your model?

JAH: Gloucester is the inspiration for Port Ellery, Maine, but not the model. Float is fiction, so I needed more leeway with geography and temperament than a real city could offer. As I was writing Float I had an wholly imagined city in my head, but I was not above borrowing bits and pieces from Gloucester on an as-needed basis.

Such as the fish dehydration plant? Seacrest Ocean Products in Float has more than a passing resemblance to a company in Gloucester. 

JAH: When I first came to Cape Ann in 1979, the old dehyde plant was still in East Gloucester, and the smell as you drove up over the hill from the intersection at 128 and Bass Avenue … well, it was quite the pungent introduction to my new home. Now Neptune’s Harvest in the Fort transforms fish waste — the 70% of a fish that remains after filleting — into amazing fertilizer and there’s barely a smell. Who could not be inspired by that?

Parts of Float have to do with the relationship individuals have with the sea. What is yours? 

JAH: For a long time I wasn’t a water person. I took my kids to the beach, but other than that, I didn’t like to get wet, and I really didn’t like being on a sailboat, what with people yelling and booms swinging. Then, after watching the International Dory races off Niles Beach, I fell in love with wooden rowing dories. I bought one of the Committee’s old practice boats, named her “Doreen,” and after a rather brutal learning curve with my rowing partner, managed to get the boat to move across the water. It was both exercise and relaxation, and I learned to appreciate the wonders of the sea. The best is when a seal pops up to see what we’re up to, like a visitor from another world. “Doreen” finally died a couple of years ago, but as a dues-paying member of the Dory Committee, I’ll take one of their practice dories out for a spin around the harbor now and then. Gloucester Maritime usually has one or two for members to take out as well.

What’s with all the animals? The ferret, for instance. What is a ferret doing in Float

JAH: There are always animals in my work, because there are always animals in my life. We have the usual cats and dogs, but we take in rescue livestock too, so we have donkeys (from Save Your Ass Rescue), chickens, a goat and a pig. Over the years, the children have brought home more animals than I can list, including finches, hamsters, and rabbits. Many rabbits. One year, my son brought home a pair of ferrets, and they turned out to be both smart and personable. They pretty much ran free in my son’s room, so I’d open up a sock drawer and there they’d be, curled up in a ball. They loved people and were as clever as chimps, but they smelled terrible. Worse than any dehyde plant. So when my son went off to college, they went too. I placed them with another male teenager, a species apparently immune to smells, but I missed them. So I brought a ferret back in Float, and named him Fingers.

When you sit down at your desk to write, what do you look out at?

JAH: I used to work in the guest bedroom where the family couldn’t find me. It was quiet, but it looked out onto a messy woodpile. Now that the kids have left the nest, I’ve moved my office into one of their bedrooms, with a distant view of the harbor. It’s beautiful, but I have to keep the curtains closed most of the time or else I’d never get any work done. I’d just be daydreaming all day, watching the boats go by.

JoeAnn Hart Garden -3 ©Kim Smith 2013

Snapshots from JoeAnn’s magical garden–just to get us in the mood for delicious warm weather. Throughout the summer JoeAnn and Gordon welcome me to their gorgeous gardens – sometimes I am there filming for hours. Thank you JoeAnn and Gordon for your always gracious hospitality.

JoeAnn Hart Garden ©Kim Smith 2013

JoeAnn Hart Garden -2 ©Kim Smith 2013

JoeAnn Hart Garden -4 ©Kim Smith 2013