Tomorrow’s Seafood Throwdown Postponed
This just in from Seafood Throwdown organizer Sandy Farrell:
We are disappointed to have to postpone this week’s SeaFood ThrowDown at the Farmer’s Market. The National Weather Service is predicting a rough day tomorrow with rain, thunder, and strong wind gusts possibly in store for us. With all of the planning and effort around the tents, electricity, and audio- not to speak of the chefs, judges, set-up crew and audience, it seems prudent to not make a last minute decision.
We have a second event scheduled for Thursday, August 23rd; I am hopeful that this match will occur then but need to reconfirm with everyone involved. Our thanks to the many people who had graciously agreed to donate their time to making this event possible, Classic Cooks, Sugar Magnolia’s, Cape Ann Fresh Catch, The “Fillet King”, Beacon Street Farm, our Youth Judge Team, and not least of all, Peter Van Ness of gimme sound.com We hope to see you in August.
And, Niki Bogin, Market Manager wants to remind you that, regardless of the weather, the Market itself will be open from 3pm-6:30pm, and the parking is always free on Market days.
After the rain on Tuesday
Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band Orleans, passed away last night.
July shows are cancelled, but Lance Hoppen intends to finish the rest of this year’s tour in his brother’s honor with the first East Coast show at North Shore Music Theatre on August 31. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fly and all of the band during this dark time.
Official press release from the desks of Lance Hoppen and George T. Gilbert, Esq
Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band Orleans, passed away on July 24th, 2012. Born on Long Island, New York, Hoppen was 61 years old.

Between 1969 and 1971, his Ithaca, NY- based band, Boffalongo, made two LPs for United Artists. The second included the original recording of “Dancin’ in the Moonlight”, later a hit by friends King Harvest. Soon after Boffalongo disbanded in late 1971, Larry got a call from (former US Congressman, D-NY, 19) John Hall, inviting him to come to Woodstock, NY to join with the late Wells Kelly and John to form Orleans which he did in early 1972. Larry’s younger brother, Lance, joined the band the following fall. Tens of millions know Larry’s uplifting tenor from the Orleans hits “Still the One”, “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time”.
Larry also performed and/or recorded with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Livingston Taylor, Lulu, Graham Parker, Blues Traveler, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Michael Franks, Levon Helm, the late great Michael Brecker, the late great Chet Atkins, the late great Artie Traum, John Sebastian, Bela Fleck, Felix Cavaliere, Edgar Winter, Robbie Dupree, Spencer Davis, Rick Derringer, Mark Farner, John Ford Coley, Jimi Jamison, John Cafferty and many more notable artists.
Larry released 2 solo albums: “HandMade” and “Looking for the Light”, the latter being a flagship fundraising vehicle for his 501(c)3 nonprofit Sunshine for HIV Kids.
Larry was still touring with Orleans, including brother Lance and youngest brother Lane, and was scheduled to appear on Fox TV’s nationwide “Fox & Friends’ All-American Concert Series” show this coming Friday, July 27th.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Hoppen and his daughters, Claire and Maeve, as well as his bothers, Lance and Lane and his sister, Lynda.
The Family asks that since Larry’s passion was feeding hungry people, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to their local food bank in his name.
Patricia Smith Hoppen and her daughters ask the media to please respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Lunch
Dennis Monagle welcomes the Dejas to Minglewood again ~ always a great show
If you haven’t seen this enchanting duo, check them out tonight at Minglewood Tavern. Rumor has it they may even perform at the next Block Party. Stay tuned for word on that . . .
If you want to be outside tonight, you have two great choices: Remember, Conscious Reggae Band will be in Masconomo Park (rescheduled from yesterday) and Compaq Jazz Band at Stage Fort Park. Get details and the full live music lineup here.
GMG Stats and Top Ten Posts July 24, 2012- 46,820 Views
Traffic Update Half an Hour Three Exits
Traffic Update 13 Minutes 1 Exit
The Gary Backstrom Band~Rhumb Line ~This Friday night 7-27-2012
If you were at the Harbor Loop Concert last Thursday you got to hear the Gary Backstom Band. The remind me of Santana, The Grateful Dead and Frank Zappa all rolled up in one. The music issurreal. I am looking forward to seeing them again.
Joanne
About Gary Backstrom
Hometown: Gloucester, MA
Genres: Rock / Soul / Jam Band
Members: Gary Backstrom, Dave Osoff, Brian O’Connell, Mike Doyle
The Gary Backstrom Band is a high energy, innovative original act featuring the infectious licks and songwriting of nationally recognized guitarist Gary Backstrom, the mesmerizing grooves of award winning keyboardist Dave Osoff and the dynamic and soulful rhythm section of bassist Brian O’Connell and drummer Mike Doyle.
The band’s music features clever, hook filled songwriting and arrangements with intense interaction among the musicians. Their unique sound is interwoven with exciting, unpredictable improvisation that can only be heard in the best live acts on the scene today.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/iyUhwHUynoc?rel=0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>
Check out more music > http://www.garybackstrom.com/
Is it always bumper to bumper at 11:51am on 128?
David Curtis at Bank Gloucester July 26,2012
DAVID P CURTIS, NSAA artist member and Gloucester resident, has his artwork on display in BANK GLOUCESTER’s lobby at 160 Main Street, Gloucester.
A public reception with the artist will be held at the Bank on Thursday, July 26, from 5-7PM.
Curtis will be exhibiting recent paintings of the Cape Ann area.
Decorations in the window
Every season of the year, the Prince Insurance Agency (15 Washington Street) storefront has different, seasonal decorations in the front window.
I bet that many people walk or drive by without really looking. Check it out!
Come to Stage Fort for your free Dog Massage
Back by popular demand on Thursday, July 26th, David Feldman of Skillful Hands, a certified dog massage therapist will be giving free dog massages and talking to pet guardians from 3pm-4:30pm!!
Nina, a newly adopted Pitbull/American Bull Dog enjoying David’s services!
The Friends of Gloucester Dog Park will be staffing an information table in front of the Visitor’s Center at Stage Fort Park on the following Thursdays from 3pm-5:30 pm: July 26, August 2, 16, 30 and September 13 and 27. There will be lots of activities and dog park merchandise for sale including t-shirts, bumper stickers and our red signature bandanas for the dogs.
You are also encouraged to walk around the dog park site and let your best friend ‘sniff’ it out for themselves. It’s a great opportunity to get an up close and personal glimpse into the entire process behind the makings of Cape Ann’s first dog park. Come see for yourself what the excitement is all about.
The dog park is being built entirely by private donations. Please consider making a donation by mailing a check to The Gloucester Fund (in memo line write dog park),
45 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Also visit www.gloucesterdogpark.org for information, updates and to join the mailing list.
Deal of The Day Cape Ann Whale Watch $29- Normally $48
I’ll be honest I’ve never been on a whale watch. It sounds crazy all these years in G Town and never going on a whale watch but the reason isn’t because I don’t want to, it’s just that whale watch season happens to coincide with the most insano crazy time of year at work for me, a time where we just don’t have any days off to partake in a whale watch.
I will say this however-
EVERY SINGLE PERSON I’VE EVER SPOKEN TO THAT HAS GONE ON A WHALE WATCH COMES OFF BLOWN AWAY!
It’s like you are seeing something like real life dinosaur monsters right up in your grill.
So take your pick. Go on one spur of the moment and pay what the noobs pay, full price, or buy this groupon and save a buttload of money and see the ginormous monsters of the sea. Easy choice if you ask me.
Beauty in Gloucester
I loved this Macy Gray song from the moment I first heard it. The lyrics are full of hope. I found the song to be perfect for creating a montage of my favorite clips, filmed in and around Gloucester over the course of the past month. The footage is from works-in-progress butterfly films, 2012 Greasy Pole shorts, and random footage from a family picnic. Is it too kooky–butterflies and Greasy Pole Walkers–you tell me because I see beauty in everyone and everything.
Filmed at Niles Beach, Pavilion Beach, Good Harbor Beach, Eastern Point, Brace Cove, Gloucester Harbor Walk, and Plum Street. Created for Good Morning Gloucester. Dedicated to Joey and his beautiful family and to our beloved Gloucester community.
Thank you Ciaramitaros for your help with my Monarch film!
Thank you to my darling daughter Liv; as Craig said, “a trifecta–beautiful, smart, and funny!”
Beauty in the World Sung by Macy Gray
Featuring:
Liv
Eloise Ciaramitaro
Madeline Ciaramitaro
Joe Ciaramitaro
Stew McGillivray
Ross Carlson
2012 Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers
“Beauty in the World” is by American singer Macy Gray from her album The Sellout, which is Gray’s fifth album and first since her under-performing 2007 album Big. The Selllout is her return to musical form after almost conforming when her last album didn’t take off. “I thought after Big flopped maybe I should do what everyone else was doing,” she said. “Go out and hire the hottest producers, the best writers, get real skinny. But none of those people called me back.”
The song was inspired by hearing her daughter’s laughter on a down day. “I didn’t even know what she was laughing at. I thought ‘at least she’s happy.’ And I felt at least I hadn’t failed there, because my daughter’s happy.” -wiki
We Need This Class Up Here On The North Shore! “Penalty for Rule-Breaking Bicyclists: A Remedial Class” From The NY Times
Whoever put these laws into effect get them up here STAT!
Penalty for Rule-Breaking Bicyclists: A Remedial Class
By J. DAVID GOODMAN
New York Times
Published: July 23, 2012
The eight wrongdoers sat inside a windowless basement classroom, serving a court-ordered penance for their transgressions. For the next 90 minutes, they would learn about the proper rules of the road, how to use hand signals and when to change lanes safely — even if most did not believe they had done anything wrong.
“He said I wasn’t in the bike lane,” said Kenny McKissick, a 32-year-old messenger. “But I was on the line.”
This spring, the Midtown Community Court began sentencing cyclists who had been issued tickets for certain offenses in and around Midtown Manhattan to a class to learn about bicycles and traffic.
Think remedial driver’s education — for bike riders.
“You couldn’t possibly ticket all of the stuff you see irresponsible cyclists do,” said Judge Felicia Mennin, who worked with the nonprofit organization Bike New York to develop the new sentencing option.
For the rest of the article follow this link
Again, just to clarify I am 100% in support of responsible biking. It is the inconsiderate road hog bikers that ride in the middle of the street for miles and miles that drive me nuts.
Just look at this form-
That’s how you do it baby! Nice and tight to the side, single file, not out in the middle of the road trying to pretend I’m Lance Armstrong, comfortable camos, no silly polka dotted banana yellow shirt. Just chillin like it aint no thang.
I could teach that damn class and you know what the first thing I’d tell the students?
Lose the funny outfits bros. People are laughing at you, I don’t want you to look silly, I’m just here to help you look like less of a bozo.
article forwarded by Martin Daley
Community Stuff 7/25/12
Star Party At Halibut Point State Park
Star Party! Join the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club at the visitors’ center at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport on Friday July 27 from sunset to 10:00 for a tour of the beautiful Cape Ann night sky! Free!
If we get clouded out on Friday, we’ll try it again on Saturday.
Saturn is putting on a wonderful show, and you can expect gorgeous views of the ringed planet as well as craters and mountains on the moon, beautiful double stars, star clusters with hundreds of thousands of stars all gathered together by the force of their own gravity, and more. Come and enjoy the under-appreciated beauty of our dark skies.
Family Event at the Shalin Liu
A Special Family Evening with Pianist Alpin Hong
To Benefit The National Center on Family Homelessness
On Saturday, August 4, 2012, The National Center on Family Homelessness and internationally renowned pianist Alpin Hong invite music lovers of all ages to a special benefit concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in the scenic, seaport village of Rockport, MA. This extraordinary evening celebrates children, families, and the transformative power of music.
Alpin Hong has earned the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. Opening ears, eyes, and imaginations with his stunning technique, emotional range, and humor, his shows bring audiences of all ages to their feet. Hong’s extensive musical training, matched with his active interest in youthful pursuits—skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames—forms a creative force unmatched in its vivacity and boundless energy. His music is celebrated as “Classical for the iPod generation.”
The dynamic program will range from classical masterpieces such as “Pictures at an Exhibition” to pop culture classics like “Super Mario Brothers.” A portion of the program will feature the vibrant talents of tomorrow from Camp Encore/Coda, a musical summer camp, performing alongside Mr. Hong.
Join us for a fun evening to help homeless children and families! Tickets are on sale for $40, $30, and $20 (all children under 12 are $20.00 for any seat) at
http://rcmf.org/classical-concerts/8-4-12.html.
Ron Gilson Discusses Gloucester Fishing in the 20s, 50s and Today Part I
Homie taking a break on Raffe’s Chasm Submitted By Rich Bean
Hi guys! I thought I would share a nice picture of Homie who made an appearance for my nephew, Tommy Bean, visting from Ohio. He’s great with the camera and I took him on a small photo tour. Of course, there is never enough time to see it all! One stop we made was at Raffe’s Chasm. (thanks to Donna and GMG for introducing that beautiful spot!). Anyways, here is the shot. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer.
– Rich Bean



















