How shall we beguileThe lazy time if not with some delight?—Theseus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act V, scene 1
And so it begins, Windhover’s summer season of performing arts delights. On our outdoor stage, and inside our other performance spaces (like the renovated chapel) we’re pleased to offer a varied array of what we hope are tasty, and tasteful, opportunities to relax, and be both entertained and uplifted by the artists and the shows we’ve planned for you.
Chapel gets a new look! Photo Lisa Hahn
First up – coming this Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:00pm under the main stage tent will be 13 (!) different dance companies from all across New England in a program titled: Artfulness. Ballet, tap, jazz, and diverse modern dance styles will all be shown during the evening, with each company presenting an 8-10 minute dance. The dancers range from youthful to experienced, mature artists. To get your tickets in advance, use this link. It promises to be an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Next weekend brings the ever-popular (and fiery!) United Flamenco dance company, which takes center stage on Saturday, June 27th at 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28th at 3:00pm. These talented singers, guitarists and dancers, who hail from Spain as well as throughout the U.S are steeped in the history and culture of the Spanish Flamenco style. They are returning for their third summer to Windhover for their residency and performances. Tickets can be secured here.If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this fascinating cultural tradition, with its romantic stories and captivating dance rhythms, there’s a community engagement event with the Flamenco troupe which takes place in the chapel on July 5th at 3:00pm. See our website for more information on that.
Our resident theater company Lanes Coven will be presenting Shakespeare’s enchanting “As you Like it,” which, we can guarantee, will indeed be as you like it. Shows begin July 10th and run through August 2nd. As always, their version will be lively, innovative and insightful, bringing Shakespeare to life as only they can. Tickets can be found here. Stay tuned for other events and programs as the season unfolds by checking our website and calendar. And… SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, August 25 is the WINDHOVER SUMMER CELEBRATION from 5:00-9:00pm under the tent. Come enjoy delicious cuisine prepared by beloved chef Melissa Donati of Vidalia’s Cafe, paired with a selection of wines chosen by a local sommelier. The evening’s entertainment will be a soloist from the Paul Taylor Dance Company performing on our stage. Further information will be forthcoming.
Come picnic before any performance this summer.
There’s lots more happening throughout the summer, so please check our website regularly to see what’s coming up.We appreciate your support and welcome you to our new summer season.
With warm wishes,Lisa Hahn, Windhover Executive Director Duncan Hollomon, Windhover Board Member
This week celebrates the conclusion of August performances at Windhover with a feast of great dance and music. On Thursday August 28 and Friday, August 29th at 7:00pm, former principal dancer from the renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company, Annmaria Mazzini, performs in a show she curated with dancers and musicians working in a collaborative manner. This innovative performance is titled: “The Sound of Memory,” exploring music with sound bowls, Saigon water bells, Moroccan Crescent Drum, Caxixi Brazilian Shakers, Octo Cahon Drum, Indian Kinjira Drum, healing practices, vocals, oral history and varied choreography by Annmaria and others.
The Sound of Memory
Jennifer Mabus (dancer) and Brittany Breitman Nearing (sound bowls) rehearsing at Windhover
This evening presents a choreographic and musical meditation about the passage of time, caregiving, loss, fragility, and moving through life with a sense of awe and wonder. Renowned for its capacity to provoke thought and generate healing, “The Sound of Memory” explores questions of where in the body memory resides, what haunts us, and what sustains us. Tickets are available on the Windhover website or by using the buttons below. Distinguished bios of the artists can be found on the Windhover website: www.windhover.org
Then on Saturday, August 30, please join us in a musical bash when two talented music groups collaborate for an evening under the tent. Opening the evening at 6:30pm will be guitarist Brendan Evans and the Night Owls which brings together the music talents of guitarist Brendan Evans, vocalist Ben Blanchard and Daniel Palmer, a songwriter turned mystery/suspense novelist. The group performs mostly original material blending classical guitar with three-part harmonies to create a unique sound for their indie-folk infused songs. Then at 7:30pm, theClements Brothers & Good Company perform. This is an exciting chance to see the local and beloved (and identical twins) Charles and George Clements with their full national touring band who will perform together under the tent. The Clements Brothers, who live here on Cape Ann, have been playing and writing music together for as long as they can remember. With roots in rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) aim to capture their singer-songwriter sensibilities in a unique blended voice, at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene. Tickets must be purchased in advance with this link.
And a sneak peek at September brings a group of local Cape Ann dancers and musicians together for a special one night only performance under the tent titled Locomotors on Friday, September 5 at 8:00pm. Locomotors is a collaborative music and dance group rooted in the practice of Dalcroze Eurhythmics and open-form improvisation, with a special focus on the somatic relationship between sound and movement. The core members are pianist and composer Michael Joviala, and dancer and choreographer Dawn Pratson. This performance also brings in guest artists Sarah Slifer Swift, dancer and director of Movement Arts in Gloucester ( MAGMA), plus with the work of visual artist Derick Melander, whose large-scale sculptures made from secondhand clothing, confront the intersection between global consumerism and our intimate relationship with what we wear. Tickets can be found here.The mission of Windhover this season continues to be: Collaboration… Connection… Community… and Creativity, which are our themes and directives. All of these upcoming performances are rare chances for you, the audience, to engage in these art forms and enjoy the collaborative beauty of these creative artists.Please come enjoy and support these artists in dance and music. Warm Wishes, Lisa Hahn, Windhover Executive Director
Event details: Montreal based MARGIE GILLIS and Company
Dates: August 9th and 10th at 7:00pm
Location: Windhover Center for the Performing Arts on the outdoor stage covered by a tent :257R Granite St. Rockport, MA 01966
Price: $20.00 -$30.00
The Margie Gillis Dance Foundation presents an emotional night of solo and duet dance performances at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, in Rockport MA, for two nights: August 9th and 10th at 7:00pm. Join the iconic Margie Gillis, along with dancers from her Legacy Project, in a suspended moment in time that showcases their somatic and inspiring artistry. Don’t miss this highlight of the summer dance performance calendar!
Internationally acclaimed modern dancer/choreographer Margie Gillis has been creating original works for over 50 years. She is a dual citizen: Canadian and American. Margie has guested and choreographed with the Paul Taylor company. Her repertoire now includes more than 150 pieces, which she performs as solos, duets and group pieces. Her creations are wholly devoted to the study of the human soul, whether through the solo dances that make up most of her repertoire or the group pieces she has designed. All works in these performances are remounts of Margie Gillis’ original repertoire or have been created in collaboration with the artists of the Foundation’s Legacy Project. “Slipstream” will be performed at Windhover by Adam Barruch.. It is an electrifying dance piece that was recently featured in Dance Magazine in an article titled: Masters of Brevity and can be found here: https://www.dancemagazine.com/short-form-choreography/#gsc.tab=0
The Margie Gillis Dance Foundation (MGDF) was established in 1981 and its mission is to implement Margie Gillis’ artistic vision, in addition to deploying her commitment to the arts community. The MGDF supports the creation, production, and dissemination of dance.
In 2018, the MGDF launched The Legacy Project, an initiative dedicated to ensuring the continuity of Margie Gillis’ creative history. Its mandate is to protect and promote Margie’s legacy through sharing and working along the next generation of dance artists. Six dancers will perform at Windhover including Margie Gillis, alongside Annmaria Mazzini who has performed previously at Windhover.
Did you know about all the amazing classes and programs offered by Rose Baker Senior Center? Look up! The exterior view from Rogers incorporates new panels based on art by Juni Van Dyke to express the vibrancy generated within this Gloucester institution.
Fine artist Juni VanDyke resides in Cape Ann and has been the stellar Director of the arts program at Rose Baker Senior Center since 1993.
The figurative mural series feature some of the many classes and special performances and events available through the center: yoga, balance & fitness, performances, art, dance, computer, and bridge.
next exterior renovation step ✅
Looking forward to a monumental Juni Van Dyke mural on the vertical wall “1” bring her color mastery and original work downtown, and break up the blue blocking.
Saturday, April 29, 5-7pm, with performance event commencing at 7pm
Installation from “The Political Body”, group exhibit at Trident Gallery, 189 Main Street, Gloucester, MA (triptych by Gabrielle Barzaghi: Cephalic Frieze, 2014, Pastel, Charcoal, and Ink on Paper, 50 x 129 inches overall, Three 50 x 43 inch sheets)
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I’m proud to introduce to you a newcomer to our blues pile: Mr. Tim Gartland. Citizen, Harpist, and singer deluxe, I’ve had it on good account that he’s the man, and I’m really looking forward to squeezing out some blues with him as boss. Come cheer him on! I’ve corralled Mr. Jon Ross, meat-tearing guitarist from the boonies of Maine to serve as travel consultant. Mr. Jeff Casper, the friendly drummer will be serving canapés and queues. I’m bringing the Diaperine®.
Don’t miss Rockport’s HarvestFest THIS Saturday, October 19th from 10am to 6pm. The fun includes dancing and a bit of Ipswich Ale, among other delights. This post would be a million words long (really!) if I included everything going on, so for the details check out the website: www.rockportartfestivals.com/harvestfest/schedule-of-events In the meantime, here are just a few highlights:
Rockport Music is sponsoring a Make Your Own Instrument Workshop for children at 10am (first come, first served)
Cape Ann Animal Aid is sponsoring a Dog Parade at 11:30, with lots of fun prizes to be awarded!
Bearskin Neck Leathers is sponsoring the Buddy Walker Band, a polka band founded 65 years ago with performances at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm in front of the shop.
The MIT Juggling Club is joining the fun with performances throughout the afternoon.
The HarvestFest Contra Dance, sponsored by the Cape Ann Contra Dance group, will host an outdoor dance in Dock Square, complete with live musicians and a caller. Did you ever think there would be dancing in the streets in Rockport?
The Annual Scarecrow Chase Costume Parade for children begins at 3pm. Lots o’ fun & a treat for children are in store.
Don’t forget the all-day food & drink under the big tent on T Wharf. Ipswich Ale, Twin Lights and an awesome roster of vendors will be on hand.
Cooking demos will take place throughout the day, culminating in the famous Seafood Throwdown at 2:30, sponsored by the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance.
Finally, close out the festival by sending off the public art installation that has been on Lumber Wharf all summer (due to be disassembled the day after HarvestFest). Head over to Lumber Wharf at 6:15 to join us to say farewell to this very cool piece of public art.
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Don’t forget – this Saturday – New Orleans style dance party at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center on Saturday, October 19th 7-10:00pm. Take a listen at their website: http://www.revolutionarysnakeensemble.org.
15Winter hibernation time isn’t here yet and there’s still plenty of fun to be had on Rocky Neck.
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An African Music and Dance Party, featuring the band ‘Samba Lolo & Boubacar Diabate’ at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St. Saturday, September 14th 7-10 pm. $10
About Boubacar Diabate & Samba Lolo
Boubacar Diabate is a Griot singer, guitarist, songwriter and storyteller from Mali. ‘Bouba’ creates his own style of contemporary music by combining traditional rhythms with modern influences including Reggae, Blues, Bluegrass, and Jazz. Bouba sings of a common shared experience of love, life and humanity, giving all an opportunity to hear the age-old West African tradition of Griot storytelling through song.
Now based in Boston, Bouba was born in Bamako, Mali-West Africa. He was raised playing Djembe and Guitar while learning from the Griot elders as they passed down their ancient heritage through their music and song.
About Griots
In Africa, Griots pass down the oral tradition of legends, stories, and proverbs through many generations, which is essential to preserve their culture. A Griot is a teacher, poet, musician, and participant in important ceremonies such as weddings, naming initiations and installations of chiefs.
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August 3rd, 6-10:00 pm – Don’t miss it! The 2013 Rocky Neck Beaux Arts Ball. Dig out some old threads and make them into something new. Turn your recyclables into a trendy fashion statement. You’re not expected to look like the model here – go for something uniquely you. See you there.
E.J. Lefavour
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If you were not at the Cape Ann Museum Summer “After Hours” event last Thursday, August 16, you really missed out! This museum is one of the under-recognized jewels in Cape Ann’s cultural crown.
There was great music, great food from Alchemy, live music/dance pieces featuring Sara Slifer, Kristen Miller, and 3rian King… and the personable staff and breathtaking art that you can always find at the Cape Ann Museum. Here are some photos.
Elyssa East, author of Dogtown: Death and Enchantment in a New England Ghost Town, will discuss Hartley’s sixteen-year relationship with Cape Ann and how it changed his life and work. $10 Museum members; $15 nonmembers. Reservations are required; to make a reservation please call (978)283-0455 x16 or email info@capeannmuseum.org. Dogtown Lecture series generously sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank.
Click this link to take you to the Facebook event page for more information on Windhover’s Annual Summer Dance Performance. Windhover is a lovely space with a strong tradition of bringing dance to Rockport.
July 27, 28, and 29 at 8pm
Featuring Guest Companies
FORTY STEPS DANCE
DUŠAN TÝNEK DANCE THEATRE
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Seniors/Children/BDA/NSDA
Available at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport or The Bookstore in Gloucester
Or call 978-546-3611 or e-mail windhover@verizon.net
Performances held outdoors.
In case of rain, performances held indoors with limited seating.
Funding in part by Gloucester Cultural Council,
Gortons Contribution Committee and Private Contributions.
Support Forty Steps Dance by Taking a Chance on Our Raffle…
Play To Win One of The Following Prizes:
Two Tickets to Windhover Performance
in Rockport (July 27, 28 or 29) with
Picnic Basket & Bottle of Wine
$25 Gift Certificate to LuxeBeautiQue
$20 Gift Certificate to The Tides Restaurant & Pub
A little of that Cape Ann winter hibernation thing is still going on around here (especially on cold, rainy days like today), but tomorrow you’ll have the chance to shake off that favorite blanket you’ve had draped over you for the last three months, get off your couch, and step outside into actual Spring sunshine. Come on down to the Community House in Rockport where we’re serving Twin Lights Soda, Coffee, Cupcakes and giving you the opportunity to take a photo with Motif No. 1 itself! There’ll be some dancing magic too, and if you’re lucky, maybe some GMG contributors will even show up to shake a leg. Rumor has it that no one cuts a rug like Paul Morrison, the smoothest scientist in Rockport. Admission is a Pay-What-You-Can donation, with all proceeds going to support programming for Motif No. 1 Day & Rockport’s HarvestFest. Check out www.rockportartfestivals.com for more info and we hope to see all of our friends and neighbors there for a real Community bash!
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Good Morning Gloucester 