Tag: Concerts in Rockport

Local rising star profiled in Northshore Magazine

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Chelsea Berry from the Northshore Magazine feature story

Last week (in this post) we warned you against waiting until the last minute to get tickets to see Chelsea Berry  at Shalin Liu on Feb 9.

You may have thought we were just helping  promote her concert, but you’d be wrong.  That concert will sell out.  Chelsea Berry doesn’t need our help promoting it.  That’s because she’s a rising star, which is precisely why Northshore Magazine chose to feature her in their latest issue (see here).

We posted the warning so you wouldn’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see her debut new music with her new band at one of the most spectacular venues anywhere on Earth.

It won’t be long before tickets to a Chelsea Berry concert will cost at least a hundred bucks, they’ll sell out in a day, and even if you’re lucky enough to get them, you’ll very likely be a lot farther from the stage than the last row at Shalin Liu is.  Plus you’ll have to drive an hour and pay for parking.

Don’t take our stellar talent and venues here on Cape Ann for granted.  Look at it this way: It’s a Sunday in the dead of winter, yet there’s plenty of good live music to choose from tonight.  See the lineup here.

You could be screwed

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

As of yesterday, there were only 50 tickets left to Chelsea Berry’s triumphant return to Shalin Liu with her new band, performing songs from her new CD.  And the concert is on Feb 9 (five weeks from Saturday).

Do you really want to be one of those people who clicks on this link in two weeks and screams at the computer, Oh Sh*t, it’s sold out?

Just in case you missed her opening for Chris Isaak at North Shore Music Theatre last June, here’s a taste of what you can expect next month in a much more intimate setting:

Now just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean the weekend doesn’t start on Thursday.  Good live music choices tonight.  See the complete lineup here.

 

Gorgeous vocals, fascinating instruments & a dancer Saturday @ Old Sloop ~ Bring coats, hats, gloves for the homeless

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Check out this video!

poster-130105-crop-for-gmgEvery performance is surprisingly different and always entertaining, exciting and educational Get tickets here!

Homeless shelters need your support more than ever this time of year, so take advantage of the opportunity to bring warm coats, gloves, hats, etc. and get a free drink!

P&V’s LOL #7: You’re freezing when it’s colder than your age

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit

Of course, this LOL is only true for those of us who use the temperature scale developed by the inventor of the mercury thermometer, Mr. Fahrenheit.

This Law of Life, was inspired by Kevin Ricci of The Village Restaurant in Essex, whose answer to my question about why he always vacations in warm climates was, “I just don’t like when it’s colder than my age.”

It didn’t take me long to realize that Kevin was on to something.  You can easily test this law by asking yourself at what temperature do you feel like you’re freezing.  As predicted, that temperature (for me) is right about my age, which is considerably warmer than either the air or water will be tomorrow, hence the reason I will NOT be taking the plunge.  (There’s part 1 of your answer to this post, Joey.)

Last year Vickie took the plunge, but she’s a year older now.  More importantly, she’s a lot wiser, so she will not be taking the plunge either (part 2 of the answer).  Now the Zip Line Kid, is certainly young enough not to feel freezing in 45 degree water, but his commentary in yesterday’s video was so good that he’ll be filming instead of plunging (part 3 of the answer).  So we’ll bring donations to the Open Door, a camera, a commentator and plenty of enthusiasm for those young enough and/or crazy enough to plunge tomorrow.

But before we even think about tomorrow, we just have to point out just how much music is available tonight MORE THAN 70 SHOWS TO CHOOSE FROM!   See the full NYE schedule here.

Here’s a wintry video from 25 years ago to get you into the NYE and plunge spirit:

These girls ROCK, but their version omits the 2nd half of the bridge from Simon & Garfunkel’s original.  Does anybody know what those lyrics are?  Here’s some help:

 

Tickets for new Rockport Music concerts go on sale today

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Here’s a press release from Rockport Music announcing new concerts.  Check them out!

New Concerts in Winter & Spring at Rockport Music

Rockport Music announces several new concerts added to our 12-13 Season.  Experience the highest quality of concerts and presentations year-round at the stunning, seaside Shalin Liu Performance Center.

On Friday, February 15 at 8 pm, rapidly rising star jazz pianist Yoko Miwa performs with special guest jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris for an unforgettable evening of music.  The Yoko Miwa Trio was voted the 2012 Best Jazz Act by the Boston Phoenix and debuted their fifth CD Act Naturally in Japan. Regularly playing sold-out shows in Boston and New York City, Jazziz Magazine hails that “Yoko Miwa displays unpretentious melodies, elegant phrasing, and the lyrical sensibility of a jazz poet.” Known as “First Lady of Boston Jazz,” vocalist Rebecca Parris has reached legendary status in the New England jazz scene performing with jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, and Woody Herman.  A nine-time winner of the Boston Music Awards, Parris’ latest CD You Don’t Know Me had Jazz Journal International proclaiming that she, “…delivers lyrics with care and affection, with wit and flair, and her phrasing is exemplary.” (Jazz Journal International)  Tickets: $15-28

On Sunday, March 3 at 5 pm, the Bill & Bo Winiker Sextet, a Boston musical institution, will perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center.  Bo and Bill Winiker were taught how to play music, and specifically jazz, by their father at a very young age.  Now, over 50 years later, they have moved on to record with Billy Joel and perform with Aretha Franklin at President Clinton’s inaugural ball.  With a repertoire of over 15,000 songs they cover for special occasions, they are also true jazz musicians.  Fred Taylor, founder of Sculler’s Jazz Club, says Bill and Bo Winiker are, “…really underappreciated for their great jazz knowledge and performance.”  Tickets: $15-$28

On Friday, March 8, at 8 pm, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the world-renowned Celtic ensemble Cherish the Ladies, the most sought-after Irish American group in the country. For nearly 25 years, the six-member, all-female group has been collecting awards and accolades from fans and critics worldwide, including the BBC’s Best Musical Group and Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards. They have shared the stage with celebrated entertainers like James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, and The Chieftains. On their latest release, Country Crossroads, they teamed up with stars Vince Gill and Nanci Griffith; and their recording with the Boston Pops, The Celtic Album, led to a 1999 Grammy nomination.  “The band brilliantly…exudes a tremendous joie de vivre and deep nostalgia.” (The Irish Times-Dublin)  Tickets: $27-$49

Singer/songwriter Catie Curtis performs on Saturday, March 9, at 8 pm.  An American singer-songwriter dubbed a “folk-rock goddess” by The New Yorker, Catie Curtis tours extensively in diverse settings from Chicago’s legendary Old Town School of Folk Music to the White House.  A Lilith Fair alum and former tour mate of Mary Chapin Carpenter, this urban-folk powerhouse is one of the best singer-songwriters recording today.  Many of her recordings have been featured on episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Dawson’s Creek and other TV series.  “With a clear, deceptively gentle voice, she can turn on a dime and thrill the listener with unforeseen power and emotion.”  rollingstone.com  Tickets: $18-$32

Returning by popular demand, the 17-piece Cape Ann Big Band will delight audiences on Friday, March 29, at 8 pm, with jazz, swing, soul, and rock n’ roll that will make you want to dance.  Led by Carlos Menezes, the diverse 17-piece big band performs big band classics from a nostalgic era like “Mack the Knife,” “I’ve Got You Under my Skin,” and “Take the A Train.”  Tickets:  $19-$34

On Thursday, May 2, at 7 pm, NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! makes its cinematic debut with a live broadcast of its popular news quiz show beamed into hundreds of theaters across the U.S., including the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Host Peter Sagal and official judge and scorekeeper Carl Kasell will be joined on-stage by panelists like Paula Poundstone and Mo Rocca to play the quiz in front of a live audience. Enjoy the familiar segments “Who’s Carl This Time?,” “Bluff The Listener,” “Not My Job,” “Limericks,” “Lightning Fill in the Blank,” and other audience favorites–all written around the news of the week. These presentations are made possible by NPR, WBEZ-Chicago, and BY Experience.  Tickets: $22 general admission

Described as “riveting” (Chicago Tribune) and “hypnotic” (Entertainment Weekly), Patty Larkin, a “guitar driven songwriter,” performs at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Sunday, May 5 at 5 pm.  A winner of an unprecedented 11 Boston Music Awards, Larkin has re-interpreted traditional folk and rock melodies with her distinctive vocals and guitar wizardry for over 25 years.  In her latest CD 25, she uses her remarkable guitar skills and creative vocals to rework her favorite songs in an acoustic, unplugged performance.  “A virtuoso guitar player and mood-shaper…She is also a superb slide guitarist whose mature work is comparable to the best of Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams.”  The New York Times  Tickets: $18-$32

For tickets or more information on these and other concerts in the 2012-13 Season, please visit our website at www.rockportmusic.org.  Concerts are added throughout the year, so make certain you check the website for new additions.  Tickets are also available through the Box Office at 978-546-7391 or visiting 35 Main Street, Rockport, MA.  The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4 pm.

New Years Rockport Eve is right around the corner

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

New Years Rockport EveDon’t have buttons yet?  Here’s where to get them:

In Rockport:
John Tarr Store, Main St.
Smith hardware & Lumber at the Lumber Desk
Toad Hall Bookstore, Main St.

In Gloucester:
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Commercial St.
House of Raven, Main St.
Gloucester Music, Main St.

Here’s a list of the live music (dozens of choices).  The whole shebang goes from 6pm to midnight and is one of the best entertainment values of the year.  You can download a map and complete schedule (in table format) here.  Plus if the weather cooperates (which it just might) you can see the moon, Jupiter and its moons, and galaxies so far away they’ll convince you that you really are as insignificant as you thought — a great way to begin the new year.  The Zip Line Kid and I are still talking about how much fun we had looking through the telescopes set up by the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club at Dock Sq.

Last year we were too late to get in to see Cape Ann Big band at Shalin Liu.  We won’t make that mistake this year.  Here’s a sample of what we missed:

Plenty of opportunities to get into the party spirit tonight (see complete live music listings here).  Might be a good time to check out  Mike O’Connell and his excellent band at Minglewood starting at 9pm.

Old Sloop Coffeehouse presents The Atwater-Donnelly Band Jan. 5

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

poster-130105-crop-for-gmgEvery performance is surprisingly different and always entertaining, exciting and educational Get tickets here!

 

All your shopping done? If not, NYRE Buttons could save your butt

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

OK, you’ve had Ladies Night and Men’s Night, but you’re still not done.  Or if you’re like me you haven’t started yet.  We went to Men’s night last night and what did I do?  Saw the Two Buddies Show at Alchemy, bought cheese, pate and olives at The Cave (I know I was supposed to by buying gifts, but I was hungry), talked with lots of people I don’t see every day and then it was late and Vickie and John (who had been Christmas shopping the whole time) wanted to go.  Oh well, guess I’ll go back to plan A, which is to start my shopping at noon on Christmas Eve.  Then I’m focused.

Henri Smith at Shalin Liu on NYRE 2011
Henri Smith at Shalin Liu on NYRE 2011

But wait!  You don’t have to procrastinate like I do.  You can get New Years Rockport Eve buttons for everybody still on your list.  It really is one of the best entertainment values you will ever get on Cape Ann with dozens of artists performing all over Rockport from 6 to midnight — and beyond (see live music schedule here).  Plus magic, puppetry, story telling, fortune telling, face painting, balloon making and lots more for kids and parents.

Here’s where you can get buttons:

In Rockport:
John Tarr Store, Main St.
Smith hardware & Lumber at the Lumber Desk, 3 Station Square
Toad Hall Bookstore, Main St.

In Gloucester:
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Commercial St.
House of Raven, Main St.
Gloucester Music, Main St.

OK, now you’re done . . . and you can relax and enjoy all the great music this weekend.  You’ve got over 30 choices between now and Sunday.  See the full live music schedule here.

Satch Kerans at Shalin Liu on Friday with Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
“Satch” Kerans

This will be a great night, local favorite “Satch” Kerans  opening for Ronnie Earl & The Boardcasters.  Ronnie’s music truly transcends genres and touches the soul.   Some tickets are still available.

If Satch & Ronnie don’t do it for you check out the other great live shows happening around cape ann here.  Get out and enjoy the holiday with some great music, good friends and always good food.

If you can’t find something to do on Cape Ann this weekend, you’ve lost it

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

33 live music shows to choose from tonight through Sunday (see weekend live music lineup here).  Oops, make that 32 (unless you already have tickets to Overboard’s sold out show at Old Sloop tomorrow night).    Here’s a taste of what you’re missing if you don’t:

But wait!  They’re coming back to Rockport as part of New Year’s Rockport Eve’s huge lineup of excellent entertainment.  See the NYRE live music lineup here.

Tonight’s music lineup is killer and includes KBMG @ Dog Bar featuring Dave Brown on guitar.  Just in case you forgot who Gloucester’s greatest guitarist is, here they are at Celebrate Gloucester 2010 (with Nelson Bragg  on percussion):

Overboard returns to Old Sloop Coffehouse Sat 8 Dec

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

poster-121208a-crop-for-gmg

Get advanced tickets NOW, by clicking here!

Tonight’s big, tomorrow’s bigger

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

On Wednesday, you could get to nearly every live show in Gloucester if you scheduled it right (as I pointed out in this post).  That’s probably not gonna work this weekend, ergo, you’re just gonna have to choose.  Not an easy task, so take a look at the live music lineup and start talking with your friends now, so you’re not arguing at the last minute.

Tomorrow you’ve got choices all over the Cape from opera to ska and every genre in between in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Hamilton.  Whew!  What a way to start off the new month.  Music is listed here, but  before most of the evening music starts, bop down to Rocky Neck for the Art Colony’s opening reception at their Cultural Center.

I’m not even gonna talk about Sunday right now, but Dog Bar and Rhumb Line are featuring two of my favorites.  Have a look:

What Time is it Mr. Fox?
What Time is it Mr. Fox?

More Inge Berge Videos here.

Celebrate the Holidays with Music This Year

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Thanksgiving day is the perfect time to consider your plans for celebrating the holidays.  So take a little time this afternoon, before Black Friday hits, to think about what Celebrating the Holidays really means.  Regardless of your religious affiliation, or lack thereof, these end-of-year holidays are a perfect time to celebrate everything that’s good about life here on Earth.  Music plays a major part in enriching everyone’s lives here on Cape Ann, making music one of the best vehicles for celebration.

Here are some gems to consider over the next month or so (don’t forget about the abundance of music this weekend — see full live music lineup here.)

Berklee in Gloucester Indie Rock Night — one week from tonight at Latitude 43, you can hear new music from some of Boston and Gloucester’s best young musicians and recent Berklee graduates — and you’ll be helping to send a Gloucester Student to Berklee.
Get tickets here.

Soul infused vocal rock from Overboard at the Old Sloop Coffeehouse on December 8th.  Get tickets here.

And here’s the skinny on upcoming holiday shows at Shalin Liu Performance Center sent to us by Karen Herlitz

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH MUSIC

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Rockport Music!  From hard-swinging jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut to A Christmas Celtic Sojourn to an afternoon at the Met Opera, take the opportunity to hear these artists in an intimate setting with exemplary acoustics– the Shalin Liu Performance Center!

Experience the unique interpretation of A Christmas Carol by the Firebird Ensemble on Wednesday, December 5, at 7 pm (Please Note: Date has changed from Thursday, December 6).  TheFirebird Ensemble has been described as “ambitious and eclectic” by the New York Times and has earned a reputation as one of the premier new music ensembles in the United States. Known for its virtuosic performances and wide audience appeal, Firebird Ensemble’s musical interpretations are drawn from diverse sources and genres.  This concert is free and open to the public, no tickets required.

Led by jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, the Cyrus Chestnut Trio performs Sunday, December 9, at 5 pm in a special holiday program of jazz and holiday favorites.  Cyrus’ hard swinging, soulful interpretations set him apart from many musicians today.  A graduate of Berklee School of Music, Chestnut has worked with such celebrated artists as Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, and legendary Betty Carter, as well such artists as artists in other musical genres like Vanessa Williams, Kathleen Battle, Bette Midler, and Isaac Hayes.  Chestnut is known for blending such styles of Gospel, blues, as well as tones of Jelly Roll Morton’s ragtime and early jazz.

The New York Times hails, “His brand of crisp articulation and blues-inflected harmony evokes another era…multifaceted and dynamic…Mr. Chestnut was the evening’s star and he brought charisma to the role…”  Additionally, Time Magazine states that, “what makes Chestnut the best jazz pianist of his generation is a willingness to abandon notes and play space.”  Chestnut’s new album, Journeys, is his most compelling to date—his playing is lyrical, timeless, and always deeply soulful.  Tickets are $18-$32.

Ring in the holidays with the New England Ringers performing classical and holiday favorites on Sunday, December 16 at 5 pm.  This fifteen-member highly energetic ensemble plays advanced handbell works with a blend of musical moods and styles—from classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions, all with a touch of entertaining humor.   Tickets are $15-$28.

On Monday, December 17 at 4:30 and 8 pm, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn returns to Rockport Music to celebrate the holidays!  Brian O’Donovan’s acclaimed Celtic holiday show returns this year to perform in two SOLD-OUT performances featuring a stellar line-up of singers, musicians, and dancers steeped in Celtic tradition and traditional Irish cheer.   Tickets are $39-$58.

On Saturday, December 22, at 7 pm (Please Note: Date changed from Saturday, December 15), Rockport Music will host the annual Holiday Community Sing featuring Rockport High School Madrigal Singers led by Patti Pike and host Bill Hausman.  This concert follows the Rockport Christmas Pageant held earlier the same day.  It is free and open to the public, no tickets required.

Met Opera Live in HD

The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD is broadcast directly from New York with behind-the-scenes interviews and a “front row” perspective of the opera.  Tickets are reserved seating and range $20-$32.

On Saturday, December 1, the Met Opera Live in HD presents Mozart’s La Clemenza di Titowith Giuseppe Filianot as the title character, a Roman emperor and Barbara Frittoli as the vengeful Vitellia, daughter of the deposed ruler.

On Saturday, December 8, the Met Opera Live in HD presents Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, a story of jealousy and vengeance starring Sondra Radvanovsky as Amelia, Marcelo Álvarez as Gustavo Ill, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Anckarström.

On Saturday, December 15, the Met Opera Live in HD presents Verdi’s Aidastars Liudmyla Monastyrska as the enslaved Ethiopian princess and Olga Borodina sings her royal rival Amneris.

For tickets and more information on these and other concerts/events in the 2012-13 Season, please visit our website at www.rockportmusic.org.  Tickets are also available through the Box Office at 978-546-7391 or visiting 35 Main Street, Rockport, MA.  The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4 pm.

Last Minute Updates to Live Music this Weekend

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Yesterday we told you about the Cape Ann Musicians performing at The Hive on Sunday 4-midnight to help raise money Superstorm Sandy victims in The Rockaways.  We said the lineup would change, and so it has.  Here’s the latest lineup, which now includes Satch Kerans and  Allen Estes who will perform with his son Dylan.  It seems like every minute, more musicians are jumping on board to help out, so stay tuned . . .

But don’t wait for Sunday.  Over 20 live music choices tonight and tomorrow (and you thought this was the slow season!)  See the complete weekend live music lineup here.

Love & Death from Two Top Songwriters ~ Sat Nov 17 @ Old Sloop

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

 

Another excellent show at Old Sloop Coffeehouse.  The Nov 3 concert was nearly sold out, so don’t wait.  Get your tickets here.

Unusually wide choice of music in Gloucester, Rockport & Manchester on Saturday

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Every once in a while it’s worth reminding ourselves that Gloucester is a hub of music, which is one good reason to live here (and to visit).  This weekend proves it.  As usual, you have excellent live music choices in Gloucester (see complete schedule here).  Plus on Saturday, the Rockport HarvestFest, the Old Sloop and the Landing 9 hour acoustic festival add about 20 artists to your choices.  Here are two of our favorites, whom you don’t get to see very often:

Satch Kerans 7:30pm at The Old Sloop with Red House recording artist Drew Nelson.  Here’s what Jonathan Perry of the Boston Globe says about Satch, “reemerges  with some of the best songs he has ever written, at the collection’s core is a  clutch of sturdy melodies and classic pop structures…Kerans gets better and surer with age.”

Brad Byrd is in Dock Square at 3:30pm with his excellent band, who are in this video shot at Minglewood back in May.  See more Brad Byrd videos here.