Tag: Gloucester Meetinghouse

Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Silent Movie Classic ‘Peter Pan’ narrated by Lindsay Crouse, organ accompaniment by Peter Krasinski, Sunday, December 21st at 3:30pm

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is proud to present the original silent movie ‘Peter Pan,’ a 1925 American fantasy-adventure film as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series. It will be narrated by acclaimed actress Lindsay Crouse and accompanied on the pipe organ by maestro Peter Krasinski. This is great entertainment for the whole family during the holidays!
Tickets are available at the door and online (strongly recommended) with more information at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.
The historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green and around the historic district. The side entrance at 10 Church Street has an elevator to the main level, if needed.

For decades the silent movie ‘Peter Pan’ was thought to be lost but in the 1950’s a well preserved copy was discovered in a vault in Rochester, New York. The film is based on a play written by Sir James Barrie and was directed by Herbert Brenon in 1924 and was filmed on Santa Cruz island. The plot explores fantasy, adventure and is a playful film armed with technical ingenuity and classic source material.

The presentation will be narrated by Lindsay Crouse, American actress who made her debut in the 1972 revival of Much Ado About Nothing. She has played many roles in numerous films and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Lindsay is a resident of Annisquam and a well-known celebrity on Cape Ann.

The film will also be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will display the diverse power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this memorable and nostalgic film.

‘Peter Pan’ is presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.

A Celtic Christmas:

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS:DASHING ROCK TRIO December 6th at 7:30pm

 ~ chasnaz

As Thanksgiving approaches, we know that the holiday season is nearly here, so it’s time to start marking your calendars with December concerts and gatherings.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is pleased to present the Dashing Rock Trio in a Celtic Christmas Concert with timeless melodies reimagined, on Saturday December 6th at 7:30pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, at the corner of Middle and Church Streets.

Based on the isle of Nahant in Boston Harbor, Dashing Rock Trio explores the music of the Celtic nations and beyond with varied instrumentation, including fiddle, nyckelharpa, flute, whistle, guitar, accordion, Scottish smallpipes and voice.

Elizabeth Ketudat, Dave Cabral, and Sarah MacConduibh have performed together for decades in multiple ensembles. They bring their deep friendship and experience to create the ensemble’s unique sound, a blend of tradition and fresh interpretation.

Dashing Rock Trio performs at festivals, concerts, and private events. Whether on a grand stage or a cozy local venue, they bring vibrant energy and musicianship to every performance.  We are delighted to present them to the community in the fine acoustics of our historic 1806 Meetinghouse.

Tickets are available at the door and online (recommended) with more information on our website.  General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.

Parking is available on the Green, entered between the granite pillars at 50 Middle Street, and around the Historic District.  The side entrance at 10 Church Street offers elevator access.

The Gold Rush

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Charlie Chaplin’s silent movie classic, The Gold Rush, with live pipe organ accompaniment, Sunday afternoon Nov. 2!!!

This Sunday afternoon Nov. 2, we are proud to present the Charlie Chaplin silent movie masterpiece, The Gold Rush, accompanied by sonic artist extraordinaire Peter Krasinski on the grand 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ.

Peter Krasinski will provide a a live theater organ accompaniment to two classic film comedies for “A Night of Cinema Magic” to be presented by Milton Community Concerts on May 28. (Handout)

The Gold Rush (1925) is tragicomedy about the search for gold, in which the leading character faces hunger, cold, and even the possibility that he may be attacked by a grizzly.  It’s hilarious and sad at the same time, providing delightful entertainment for the whole family!

Peter Krasinski, an international star of improvised silent movie accompaniment, will employ all the tone colors and power of the Meetinghouse pipe organ to add mystery, intrigue and excitement to this classic Charlie Chaplin film.

Tickets are available at the door or in advance (recommended) on our website.

Admission: $20 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free

Parking is available on the Green in front of the Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, at 50 Middle Street and at other locations around the Historic District. The side entrance at 10 Church Street provides elevator access.

Join us this Sunday afternoon for an incredible entertainment treat!

Gloucester Meetinghouse Save the Date

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush with Peter Krasinski

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, 3:30pm

A century ago, the name Chaplin was as famous as that of Spielberg, Redford, or Streep. In Hollywood’s early days, he was a comedian, producer, writer, director and composer widely regarded as the greatest comic artist of films—and, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, one of the most important figures ever in motion picture history.

On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2, at 3:30pm a Charlie Chaplin masterpiece, The Gold Rush, will be featured marking the 100th anniversary of this silent-film classic, with live organ accompaniment by maestro Peter Krasinski in the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.

The Gold Rush is a 1925 American silent film comedy written, produced and directed by Chaplin. It received an Academy Award nomination, and it has since been added to the National Film registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural, historic and aesthetic significance.

Silent films aren’t silent at all. Before ‘talkies’ came along the action was augmented by vigorous pianists or skilled organists whose music swelled or swooned to match the action. The Gold Rush will be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will exploit all the tone colors and power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this notable film.

Thank You, Sponsors!

Interested In Becoming a 2025/26 Series Sponsor?

An unparalleled annual series of civic, cultural and community events, hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.

Look for the sponsorship form at the bottom of this page.

Parking Info

The Green is now open for event parking. After 6, parking in downtown Gloucester is free and there are several lots nearby. When parking in and around the area, please make sure not to block our neighbor’s driveways.

 

Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Dear Friends of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation,

Please join us on July 18th at 6:00pm for music by Headlands, a favorite local band who brings an eclectic range of instruments for all to enjoy!  Headlands, with their exciting three-part vocals that put their stamp on whichever musical genre they choose, whether an acoustic trio or a full-blown rock band with percussion, fiddle and horns, Headlands treats their audiences to thrilling harmonies, tight arrangements, and humor! Please join us for this spectacular Music on Meetinghouse Green event! Backyard Growers will be our local non-profit joining us for this event, Backyard Growers cultivates healthy, connected, resilient communities and fights for food sovereignty by empowering people to grow their own food.  They increase equitable access to vegetable gardens and the resources people and communities need to grow their own food. Our food vendor for the evening will be the Lobster Roller, serving up delicious seafood for the Cape Ann community!  Please bring folding chairs, blankets and extra cash for when the donation buckets go by! Located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets.

FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE

DATE            MUSIC                                         NON-PROFIT

July 18          Headlands                                   Backyard Growers

July 25          Rhiannon Hurst & Friends          Pathways for Children

August 1       Goddesses                                  Gloucester Education Foundation

August 8      Willie Alexander                          The Open Door

August 15     Hye Fusion                                 Grace Center

August 22    What Time is it, Mr. Fox              Action, Inc.

August 29    Jim n’ Tonic                                 HAWC

Sept  5         Cape Ann Big Band                     Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

Gloucester Meetinghouse

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Hello Friends,

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents Kory Curcuru’s film series, “Timeline: Cape Ann” this Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm at the Gloucester UU Church. Please join us for this fun event and help us get the word out!

MLK DAY 2025

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE, MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. BIRTHDAY EVENT 2025

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents its ninth annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday event. It will be held on Monday, January 20th
at 2:00pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located at the corner
of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). An elevator is available
from the side door at 10 Church Street. No charge for admission but freewill
donations are gratefully received. For more information please visit:
www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

This year’s program will honor Dr. King by featuring the work being done by two
local groups to reckon with history. Afterward, there will be a discussion about
how vernacular history gets written, “how the word is passed.” The program
will open with a recording of Martin Luther King, Jr. reading segments of
“Letters from Birmingham Jail.”

Joe Rukeyser from the Cape Ann Slavery and Abolition Project will present
recent research on abolition. Melissa Dimond of Wellspring House will follow
with that organization’s work on the Freeman Family, the prominent Black
family who called the Wellspring House home for over 100 years. Then Michea
McCaffrey, co-chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, and Dick Prouty,
founder of TownGreen and board member of the Gloucester Meetinghouse
Foundation, will lead a discussion on critical points made by author Clint Smith
in his book How the Word is Passed. (It is not necessary to have read the book.)
The Paul Revere Bell in the Meetinghouse tower will be rung at the end as
people disperse onto the newly restored green.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation: SAVE THE DATE

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

SILENT MOVE EVENT FEATURING ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ and ‘TOLL OF THE SEA’ on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 WITH PIPE-ORGAN MAESTRO PETER KRASINSKI

 ~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents sonic artist and maestro of the pipe-organ Peter Krasinski accompanying two silent film classics, ALICE IN WONDERLAND (filmed on Cape Ann in 1915!) and the TOLL OF THE SEA (1922) on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30pm at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on Middle Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.

This annual classic silent movie event is great fun for the whole family, presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Maestro Krasinski is world-famous for his brilliant, improvised accompaniment of silent films and will perform on the mighty 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ in our historic Meetinghouse.

Admission:  $15 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free.  Tickets at the door or online with more info at:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Bring your family, friends and neighbors!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR AUTUMN-WINTER-SPRING SERIES!

 

 

Gloucester Meetinghouse Concert

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

ORLEANS JAZZ NEW YEAR’S CONCERT DECEMBER 29TH

 ~ CHASNAZ

Celebrate the beginning of New Year’s weekend on Friday, December 29th at 7:30pm in the historic Gloucester Meetinghouse with the Good Old Salty Jazz Band playing New Orleans Jazz tunes of the holiday season.  This group of legendary local musicians will delight you with their fantastic sound!

Robert Tuffley, cornet & trumpet
John Cameron, piano
Jimmy Favazza, drums
John Hicks guitar & banjo
Dave Sag, bass
Robert Landoni, sax & clarinet
Rikki Razdan, sax & clarinet
Ben Tuck, trombone

Last year’s New Year’s concert in the Meetinghouse sold out, so purchase your seats early!  Light refreshments will be served.  The Meetinghouse is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets. There is a side entrance with an elevator at 10 Church Street. 

Unable to attend in person? The concert will start at 7:30pm and will be simulcast on the Gloucester Meetinghouse YouTube channel, where it will be available afterwards.

Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door by cash, check or credit card.  General seating $30; students $10; children under 12 free.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

A CELEBRATION OF GLOUCESTER’S 400TH ANNIVERSARY, NOVEMBER 18TH AT 2:00PM IN THE HISTORIC
MEETINGHOUSE, CORNER OF MIDDLE AND CHURCH STREETS (GPS, #50 MIDDLE ST.)
‘REFUSING TO PAY,’ GLOUCESTER’S ROLE BUILDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN AMERICA
This three-part program was created for Gloucester’s 400ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebration to share the story of
how Rev. John Murray and his Gloucester followers influenced the separation of church and state, the
promise of religious liberty in the First Amendment.
The first segment is a video that tells the story about how in 1782 Murray’s followers refused to pay
Gloucester taxes to support the town church system. Their possessions were seized and they sued to get
them back. It took three years, but they eventually won, setting a key precedent. The Massachusetts
Supreme Judicial Court ruled that “a free populace cannot be taxed to support a state church.”
In the second segment Rev. Murray magically returns to share what happened in Gloucester, details
about the famous court case, and a second court case that led to Massachusetts legally recognizing the
independence of diverse churches and synagogues.
The third segment features a panel discussion including Q&A with the audience about why this story
matters so much in present-day America with often caustic civic discourse and religion in the center of
political culture wars.
A reception with light refreshments will follow at the Sargent House Museum, a short walk down Middle
Street (#49.)
This event is free and open to the public. It will also be live-streamed by Studio 1623 on the local
channel 6 and will be available later on YouTube.
It was jointly produced by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation, the Gloucester Unitarian
Universalist Church and the Sargent House Museum. For more information please visit:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

The Gloucester Meetinghouse.

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

From our friends at the Gloucester Meetinghouse

MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN 2023 OPENS ON JULY 7TH!!!

Save the Date Gloucester Meetinghouse

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Thank you, Kathleen Williams, for always keeping us up to date on what great events are happening at the Gloucester Meetinghouse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2023
ANNUAL BACH BIRTHDAY CONCERT MARCH 19 FEATURES RARELY PERFORMED WORKS WITH FOUR HARPSICHORDS AND STRINGS
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents a concert of rarely heard pieces for three and four harpsichords with a period string ensemble.
at the Gloucester Meetinghouse, corner of Middle and Church Streets on Sunday, March 19 at 3:30 p.m.
Four virtuoso harpsichordists will be joined by the acclaimed string ensemble ‘Arpeggione’ in a musical extravaganza to celebrate the birthday of
Johann Sebastian Bach. The harpsichordists, Elliot Figg, Frances Fitch, Lenora McCroskey, and Peter Sykes, will perform the Concerto in C-major
and Concerto in D-minor by Bach for three harpsichords and strings, the Banchetto Musicale, No. 1 by Johann Hermann Schein for strings and
harpsichord continuo, and an extremely rare performance of the Concerto in A-minor for four harpsichords alone by Bach, adapted from Vivaldi.
Members of the ‘Arpeggione’ string ensemble include Emily Hale, violin; Lisa Brooke, violin; Lauren Nelson, viola; Benjamin Swartz, cello; and
Pablo Kennedy, double bass. They perform on wonderful instruments that reproduce the sounds from the time the music was written.
The historical setting of the 1806 Meetinghouse with its concert hall acoustics provides a spacious, warm, and clear musical experience for
concert goers to enjoy these unusual and delightful works featuring multiple harpsichords.
The concert, co-sponsored by H. Woody Brock and Scobie Ward, is part of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s annual Autumn-Winter-Spring Series
of concerts and events. GMF is committed to presenting musical, cultural, and civic events for the Cape Ann community that are not available anywhere else.
on the North Shore.
Tickets are available online at http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. Preferred seating is $35; general seating $25; students with ID $5;
children under 12 free.
ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue,
and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green.
The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program
towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2023.
For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.
We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: H. Woody Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Susan Gray, Andrew Spindler & Hiram Butler
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation

Save the Date, Organ Concert

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

From FOB Kathleen Williams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2023

CONCERT OF ORGAN MASTERWORKS BY JOONHO PARK SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Internationally acclaimed organist Joonho Park presents a program of masterworks for the organ Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 at the Gloucester Meetinghouse, corner of Middle and Church Streets.

Joonho Park, Korean organ virtuoso, will perform organ masterworks on the 1893 Hutchings-Fisk pipe organ in the historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse. In this program, a stop on his current international concert tour, Joonho Park has selected works by great composers that illustrate the tone colors and sonorities of this fine instrument. The program includes works by Gigout, Bach, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Dupré, Mozart, Liszt, and Vierne.

His artistry has earned him international recognition including: 1st Prize, Johann Pachelbel, Nuremburg;

1st Prize, International Competition, Dublin; 2nd Prize, Grand prix de Chartres; 2nd Prize, Arp Schnitger Competition; and 2nd Prize, Saint-Maurie International Competition.

 

Beginning his musical studies in Seoul, South Korea, Joonho Park graduated from the Korea National University of Arts in 2007. He went on to study with Jon Laukivik at the University of Performing Arts and Music in Stuttgart, Germany and with Michel Bouvard at the Conservatory in Toulouse, France. He was recently appointed as professor of organ at the University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as an adjunct professor at the Hanyang University and at the Korea National University of Arts in Seoul, South Korea.

His busy international performance schedule has included solo recitals in: Bachwoche Ansbach, Stiftskirche in Stuttgart; Lorenzkirche in Nürnberg; Markt Kirche in Halle/Saale; Konstantin-Basilika in Trier; St. Jakobi Church in Lübeck; Westminster Cathedral; Westminster Abbey; St. John’s, Smith Square; St Albans International Organ Festival, Kings College Cambridge, and Magdalen College Oxford. He has also performed in many organ festivals such as: Galway Cathedral, Pipeworks in Dublin; Kilkenny Art Festival; Festival Toulouse Les Orgues; Summer Organ Festival in Bordeaux; and Quincena Musical de San Sebastián.

Joonho Park’s previous visit to Gloucester in 2017 featured a stunning all-Bach program of organ works. He performs at the Lotte Concert Hall in his home city of Seoul, Korea, and has performed in various concert venues in Japan, including: the landmark Fisk organ in the Minato Mirai concert hall in Yokohama; Lilia Hall; Opera City; Musashino cultural hall in Tokyo; and Parnassos Hall in Himeji.

 

Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. General seating $25; students with ID $5; children under 12 free.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2023.

For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: Woodie Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Susan Gray, Andrew Spindler & Hiram Butler
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation

 

 

 

MLK DAY, January 16, 2023

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

From Kathleen Williams, thank you for always keeping us informed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2023

CELEBRATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY JANUARY 16 WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CARTOONIST KEITH KNIGHT
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation celebrates the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a free event Monday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Middle and Church Streets.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation hosts cartoonist, rapper, social activist, author, and educator, Keith Knight, creator of The Knight Life, K Chronicles, (Th)ink, and co-creator of the television series Woke.  Through his art, Knight raises topics of race and identity with edge and humor to foster civic dialogue and raise awareness of racial illiteracy. His work is published worldwide, and features Knight’s candid take on current events as they relate to race relations in the United States.

Born in Malden, Massachusetts and a graduate of Salem State University, Knight’s work has earned him the highest professional accolades. He is the recipient of the Harvey Kurtzman Award, the industry’s most respected award for the best syndicated strip or panel weekly. He is also the recipient of the 2015 NAACP History Maker Award.

Following Mr. Knight’s slideshow presentation, members of the audience will have an opportunity to interact with him through a Q&A segment and roundtable discussion.

For the past six years, GMF has celebrated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a free event to bring together the Cape Ann community and raise awareness of the historical, cultural, musical, and artistic contributions of African Americans.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is grateful for the individuals and organizations that have made this program possible:
John and Mollie Byrnes, Susan Gray, Action, Inc., Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals, a Member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, and the Manship Artists Residency. Technical support is provided by the Cape Ann Community Cinema.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green.
The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023. For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: Woodie Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Andrew Spindler & Hiram Butler
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation

 

Events at the Gloucester Meetinghouse and a thank you for Charles

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Hi Donna and Joey,

Thanks for posting the events at the Gloucester Meetinghouse (Unitarian Universalist Church) on Good Morning Gloucester.  Your help with getting the word out is always greatly appreciated!

Next weekend we have back to back concerts, a rare occurrence.  Posters for both are attached but I just placed both events on the blog.

On Saturday evening, December 17, the Musicians of the Old Post Road perform their annual chamber music concert of the holiday season.  They are one of the best early music ensembles in the country and play on period instruments, offering a gorgeous musical experience in the candlelit warmth of the Meetinghouse.  Here is the  Cape Ann Community Blog post:  https://capeanncommunity.com/2022/12/08/american-originals-a-moravian-christmas/

On Sunday evening, December 18, the Cape Ann Big Band is performing their Holiday Concert.  Both shows in Rockport at the Shalin Liu the day before are already sold out!  This is a great chance for local residents to enjoy their signature big sound in a much larger space and for less money per ticket!!!  Here is the Cape Ann Community Blog post: https://capeanncommunity.com/2022/12/08/newsflash-extra-cape-ann-big-band-holiday-concert-sunday-december-18th/

Question:  when I am adding an event at WordPress there is a list of Categories on the right hand margin (e.g. Maritime Gloucester) to choose as a venue or organization, but the Gloucester Meetinghouse does not appear.  I have tried to enter our name in the open slot but it won’t let me.  How do we get the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation listed with the other organizations?  Can one of you do this for us?

A Big Band Holiday

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Thank you Kathleen Williams for sending this to me.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2022

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE CAPE ANN BIG BAND ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 18 AT 7:00 P.M.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation welcomes the Cape Ann Big Band and guest vocalists in a magical evening of holiday music at the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Middle and Church Streets. This concert was just added to our schedule by popular demand!

Get into the spirit of the season with “A Big Band Holiday” concert by the Cape Ann Big Band. The Cape Ann Big Band’s other holiday engagements have already sold out, so don’t miss this very special opportunity. Concertgoers of all ages will feel the joy of the season in this program featuring the signature sound of the Cape Ann Big Band that includes holiday favorites, hits from the golden era of big band swing, and a visit from the chief elf himself, Santa Claus. The band will be joined by several guest vocalists well known to Cape Ann audiences. Joining in the musical celebration of the holidays will be Alexandra Grace, Emily Grace, Rhiannon Hurst, Scott Parisi, John Rockwell, Nathan Seavey, and the “TrebleHurst” trio. This unforgettable program will also feature a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” by Santa Claus.

Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. General admission is $25; students with ID $5; children under 12 free. This performance will be open seating – doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: Woodie Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation

 

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation Presents

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

November 29, 2022

THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS A HOLIDAY CONCERT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
“AMERICAN ORIGINALS: A MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS”
The Musicians of the Old Post Road perform chamber music from the Moravian community
played on period instruments.

The Musicians of the Old Post Road return for the sixth consecutive year in a candlelight evening of chamber music
for the holiday season. The December 17 concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the
corner of Middle and Church Streets in Gloucester.

The Musicians of the Old Post Road perform on period instruments and will be joined by soprano Jessica Petrus
and mezzo-soprano Hilary Ann Walker.

Musical selections are drawn from Moravian composers including several modern-day premieres of works penned
by America’s Moravian immigrants along with selections by Johann Joachim Quantz, Carl Heinrich Graun, and
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, the fifth son of J.S. Bach.

Early music expert, Martin Pearlman, describes the Moravian community’s contribution to composition and performance:
“If a traveler to America in the 18th or early 19th century wanted to find the best music performed and written in the
European tradition” it would be found “in the churches and settlements of the Moravians.

Tickets are available online at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. Preferred seating is $45 and general
seating $30; students with ID $10; children under 12 free.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub,
entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is
currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community
Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

We thank the sponsors of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2022-2023 Autumn, Winter, Spring Concert and Event Series:
GUARANTOR: Woodie Brock, Patricia Roach & Robert Martin, Scobie Ward
PLATINUM: Anonymous, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Linzee Coolidge
GOLD: J.J. & Jackie Bell, John & Janis Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank
SILVER: JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, Patricia Poore
BRONZE: Beth Graham & William Schulz, Sandra & John Ronan, Holly Tanguay, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and Michael Dyer
SPECIAL THANKS: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Essex County Community Foundation