Tag: Music on Meetinghouse green

MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2022

WHAT TIME IS IT MR FOX PERFORMS AT MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Singer/songwriter 3rian King and the musicians of What Time Is It Mr. Fox deliver an electrifying performance with an evening of smoky cabaret, neo-soul,
and acoustic noir at the corner of Middle and Church Streets at 6:00 p.m.

Well known in Boston’s underground cabaret scene, What Time Is It Mr. Fox has earned a strong following with frequent performances in New York City
and tours across the United States. Their original songs feature rich lyrical imagery that explore love, spirituality, sexuality, and identity, and their
performances are infused with energy, honesty, and emotional authenticity. Their unique brand of music and performance art has been adopted by
popular singers, filmmakers, and repertory theaters. Band members include: 3rian King, voice, piano, and acoustic guitar; Nathan Cohen, violin, trumpet,
voice; Dennis Monagle, drums; Renee Dupuis, voice, keys, and melodica; and Joe Cardoza, upright bass.

Your free-will donations will benefit the North Shore Health Project supporting the health and wellbeing of people living on the North Shore for more than
three decades. The evening’s food vendor is Rhea Pizzeria offering fresh pizza favorites.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now in its seventh season, Music on Meetinghouse Green features nine free Friday evening concerts from July 8 to September 9. Performances are held
on the Green with great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and a different North Shore non-profit organization benefits each week through free-will
donations from the audience. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Some chairs will be provided and audience members are welcome to
bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnic with delicious local food from our vendors or bring your own. Performances are handicapped accessible and
parking on the Green is limited to persons with disabilities.

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, many of whom have contributed since the series’ first year, all of the season’s expenses for musicians and logistics are fully paid
making it possible for 100% of audience donations to go directly to our non-profit partners.

PLATINUM: John and Janis Bell, J.J. and Jackie Bell, Karen Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, J. Linzee Coolidge, Scobie Ward, GOLD: BOMCO, Mary Hintlian,
Trish Roach and Rob Martin, Mary Weissblum, SILVER: JoeAnn Hart and Gordon Baird, Landesign, Susan Mckain and Ken Steiner, Charles Nazarian,
John and Sandra Ronan, BRONZE: Jerry Ackerman, Peter Calkins and Susan Casey, Jonathan Golding and Sally Bradley-Golding, Joe and Maggie Rosa,
Kathleen and Peter Van Demark, Kathleen Williams

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

music on Meetinghouse Green kicks off July 8, 2022

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2022
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN AS MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN KICKS OFF ON FRIDAY, JULY 8
The seventh season of Music on Meetinghouse Green returns with a performance by the John Baboian Ensemble in a free Friday evening concert at the corner of Middle and Church Streets, July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Free-will donations will support the concert’s featured local non-profit partner Pathways for Children. Pathways for Children nurtures children and supports families impacted by economic and social inequity through programs that educate, enrich, empower, and motivate. The evening’s food vendor is the Causeway.
The concert will feature the John Baboian Sextet with vocalist Sandi Bedrosian. Bedrosian is well known as a lead vocalist and director in a wide range of musical styles and has opened for some of today’s hottest stars. She has performed coast to coast and throughout Europe and her repertoire includes musical productions, theater, and opera.
Well known as an accomplished guitarist and composer in jazz and swing circles, John Baboian is equally at home in the classical, blues, rock, R&B, Latin, and world music traditions. He has performed all over the world and has shared the stage with a who’s who of music industry legends. His work has been featured on a number of popular television series and more than 20 recordings. As an educator for more than 40 years, Baboian has inspired and trained a generation of aspiring musicians. An audience favorite, Baboian and his ensemble, several of whom are fellow faculty members from the Berklee College of Music, have traditionally opened the Music on Meetinghouse Green series.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now entering its seventh season, Music on Meetinghouse Green features nine free Friday evening concerts from July 8 to September 9. Performances are held on the Green and feature great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and a different North Shore non-profit organization featured each week through free-will donations from the audience. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Some chairs will be provided and audience members are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnic with delicious local food from our vendors or bring your own. Performances are handicapped accessible and parking on the Green is limited to persons with disabilities.
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.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, many of whom have contributed since the series’ first year, all of the season’s expenses for musicians and logistics are fully paid making it possible for 100% of audience donations to go directly to our non-profit partners.
For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

Willie Alexander at Music Meetinghouse Green

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni


August 20, 2021

WILLIE ALEXANDER’S PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS FRIDAY AUGUST 27 AT MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents Willie Alexander’s Persistence of Memory Orchestra in a free Friday evening concert on Meetinghouse Green at the corner of Middle and Church Street, August 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Gloucester native Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander continues to astound with his legendary talents as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist. Willie’s artistic and emotional integrity resonates with young and old, with rhythms and vocals reflecting his storied musicianship. Starting with The Lost, a 60’s garage rock ‘n roll band, to the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, and the 70’s punk Boom Boom Band, Willie’s Persistence of Memory Orchestra, born in the 90’s, is still rocking with energy today.

Free-will donations go to the evening’s featured local non-profit partner, the Gloucester Education Foundation, a local organization that expands student opportunities and empowers educators to strengthen teaching and learning in the Gloucester Public School District.

Fresh pizza will be available from Sebastian’s Pizza. The 2021 summer music series is dedicated in memory of Harry Hintlian for his encouragement, generosity, and for making the Meetinghouse a net zero building. For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.

CONCERT DESCRIPTION

Willie’s musicianship crosses many genres, including Art Rock, Proto-Punk, Experimental Rock, Power Pop, and New Wave. In the very beginning he would sneak into church, where his father was Baptist Minister, to pound the piano. This led him to playing keyboard, with early influences including Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Afro-Cuban music and Jazz were also big influences. Winner of many musical accolades and an accomplished visual artist, Willie is famously humble. When inducted into the Musical Hall of Fame in 1987, Willie said, “I’m not used to getting awards. I’m used to playing the piano and singing.”

Music on Meetinghouse Green, now in its sixth season, features nine free Friday evening concerts with great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and benefits a different North Shore non-profit organization each week through free-will donations from the audience. Concert goers bring lawn chairs and blankets to spread out across the spacious green. Performances are handicap accessible, parking on the Green is limited to persons with disabilities only.

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 to provide a safe and more flexible outdoor concert and event venue.

OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our Sponsors all the series’ expenses, such as for the musicians, are pre-paid. 100% of the free-will donations go to our non-profit community partners.

Platinum          John & Janis Bell, J.J. & Jackie Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, J. Linzee Coolidge, Scobie Ward

Gold                 BOMCO, Michael & Mary Ann Bresnan, Landesign, Inc.

Silver               Anonymous, Tom Burger & Andrée Robert, JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Pat Johnson & Jeff Henderson, Susan McKain & Ken Steiner, Charles Nazarian, John & Sandra Ronan

Bronze             Jerry Ackerman, Karen Bell, Pamela Bynum & Henry Ferrara, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Frederick Cowan, Richard Gardner, Rev. Janet Parsons, Dick Prouty, Joe & Maggie Rosa, Peter & Kathleen Van Demark, Kathleen Williams, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer & Michael Dyer

 

 

Music on the Meetinghouse Green – The Goddnesses

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

LOCAL GROUP, THE GODDESSSES, ROCK AND ROLLS
July 26 free rock concert on Meetinghouse Green

If you love music that makes you dance, and harmonies that make you sing, come to the fourth free concert of Cape-Ann-grown rock and roll band, The Goddesses, at Meetinghouse Green, on Friday, July 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.

 Cape Anner, Tony Goddess, (and yes, Goddess is his real name), has boogied with the best of Gloucester’s rock and rollers, was a member of the Gloucester/Somerville band, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, as well as world-renowned indie-rock band pApAs fritAs, who made two of their three records in West Gloucester. He is also proprietor of the Rogers St recording studio ‘Bang-a-Song’. Tony’s wife, vocalist Samantha Goddess, is recognized for her wonderful voice as well as being the tallest member of Jenny Dee. Bassist Dave “Sag” Saginario plays Thursday nights at the Rhumb Line, and is bass chair of the band ‘Madhouse’. Keyboardist John Cameron performs regularly with Saginario. Drummer Steve Chaggaris, the only non-Cape Ann resident of The Goddesses, has played gigs throughout Cape Ann, including with the Orville Giddings Group and The Soul Band.

The Goddesses’ musical influences hail directly from American rock ‘n roll, but with regional twists from New Orleans, Austin, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, and even from Gloucester, MA.

Each week Music on Meetinghouse Green partners with a different non-profit organization to raise awareness for the services they provide to the local community. At the July 26 concert, the audience is invited to contribute to a freewill donation to Art Haven, a non-profit community organization providing art classes for adults and children in Cape Ann.  Willow Rest will provide delicious food for concert-goers.

 The Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Unitarian Universalist Church, is located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets. The concert is handicapped accessible. Event parking is available on the green and at additional parking lots nearby in the Historic District. Folding chairs will be provided or bring your own beach chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the Meetinghouse.

 The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is grateful to our 2019 sponsors who made this series possible:
Hero: Scobie Ward
Platinum Tier: J.J. & Jackie Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Harry & Mary Hintlian
Gold Tier: John and Janis Bell, Bomco, Michael & Mary Ann Bresnan
Silver Tier: Anonymous, Gib and Sarah Carey, JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, John and Sandra Ronan
Bronze Tier: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Bill & Rose Hausman

 All 2019 Music on Meetinghouse Green concerts are dedicated in honor of Linzee Coolidge and the late Beth Coolidge for their vision and generosity.

Music on Meetinghouse Green

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

MIDDLE EASTERN BEAT MEETS WESTERN JAZZ AT GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE SUMMER CONCERT, AUGUST 10

  

A high energy evening is promised for Friday, August 10, when Hye Fusion plays at the free Music on Meetinghouse Green concert, 6 pm – 9 pm, at the corner of Church and Middle Street.

 The band performs a dynamic synergy of melodies and rhythms, integrating the best of Western jazz with the beat of Middle Eastern music. Hye Fusion, an American-born trio, plays both current and traditional instruments including the doumbek – a percussive instrument commonly played throughout the Middle East – as well as the oud, classical and rhythm guitars, keyboard, clarinet, and saxophone. Their music transports us to other worlds and cultures far from Gloucester, while providing familiar rhythms and beats of jazz. A not-to-be missed concert!

 

While the concert is free, concert-goers are encouraged to make free-will donations to the Open Door, which provides emergency groceries to those in need; community meals; the Second Glance Thrift Shop; and a free mobile farmer’s market. Bring cash or a checkbook; beach chairs or blankets. Food is provided by The Causeway, a popular local seafood eatery.             In case of inclement weather the concert will be held inside the Meetinghouse. Parking is available on Meetinghouse Green, in lots nearby, and at St. Peter’s Square.

 

Music on Meetinghouse Green’s sponsors include Linzee and Beth Coolidge; J.J. and Jackie Bell; Michael and Mary Bresnan; JoeAnn Hart and Gordon Baird; Harry and Mary Hintlian; Charles Nazarian; Dick and Doris Prouty; Sandra Ronan; Brent and Linda Wilkes; and our corporate sponsor, Cape Ann Savings Bank.

 

Gloucester Meetinghouse Summer Concert Series

Posted on by Catherine

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Son of a Gun We Had Big Fun | scenes from #CapeAnnBigBand summer concert at Gloucester’s famous UU Church

Posted on by Catherine

WOW! Son of a gun we had big fun on Middle Street Friday September 8, 2017.

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There was an ensemble mix from Cape Ann Big Band self dubbed ‘Jambalaya Horns’ at Gloucester’s famous UU Church for the last Friday Night concert of this popular summer series.  “Music on Meetinghouse Green” passed the hat for the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation (GMF) fire sprinkler project, part of the UU restoration efforts.

 

All ages and pets welcome on the meetinghouse green
iconic Gloucester tower

Middle Street was alive with the sounds of New Orleans thanks to the Cape Ann Big Band players: 
Gary Wolsieffer – Tuba/bass
Carlos Menezes Jr. – Saxes/Vocals
Zach Gorrell – Keys/Saxes
Rick Geraghty – Drums/Vocals
Jon Persson – Trumpet
Tom Bones – Trombone
Joe Wilkins – Guitar/Vocals
Anthony Rocco – Trumpet/Vocals

sound snippet solos:

Jon Persson trumpet (9 sec)

 

Zach Gorrell sax (19 sec)

 

Joe Wilkins guitar (13 secs)

 

I missed hearing the students from Gloucester’s O’Maley Innovation Middle School jamming with the Cape Ann Big Band. Carlos Menezes has to be among the coolest school music directors in the country.

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There was a soccer game at Gloucester High School, a short walk and many pleasant route options away. I marvel at Gloucester’s amazing public spaces.

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About the concert series
FREE! “Nine Friday Nights. Nine Great Outdoor Concerts to benefit nine local non-profits.” 
Mayor Romeo Theken likes to remind everyone that “There’s always something going on in Gloucester!” including all the free performances for most every Gloucester Summer Night. Gloucester MA Free Outdoor Performances Daily…

tomorrow’s free friday summer concert: Gordon Michaels

Posted on by Catherine

“‘Music on Meetinghouse Green’ tomorrow evening, August 4th, starting at 6:00pm.  It looks like it will be a sultry summer evening to enjoy an unforgettable performance by celebrated singer Gordon Michaels doing Broadway, Blues, Jazz and Soul favorites.  Gordon is a baritone powerhouse who entertains with great humor, passion and stunning musicianship.” Fun Fact: He was in the original FAME movie

 

 

Mayor Romeo Theken can’t wait! UU Gloucester Meetinghouse Summer Concert Series resumes July 7th!

Posted on by Catherine

FREE! “Nine Friday Nights. Nine Great Outdoor Concerts to benefit nine local non-profits.” 

Mayor Romeo Theken likes to remind everyone that “There’s always something going on in Gloucester!” including all the free performances for most every Gloucester Summer Night. 

Gloucester MA Free Outdoor Performances Daily
Mondays farmers market Magnolia
Wednesdays HarborWalk Summer Cinema Cape Ann Community Cinema and 104.9
Thursdays Farmers Market at Stage Fort Park and Harbor Loop summer concert series
Fridays Meetinghouse Green concert series United Universalist Church
Saturdays Main Street Block Parties Cape Ann Chamber
Sundays Stage Fort Park concerts at the bandstand

Gloucester Meeinghouse Foundation announces their 2017 line-up

UU summer 2017

First up Berklee Be-Bop Guitars on July 7 to benefit Pathways for Children

Be-Bop Guitars Portrait.jpg

From Gloucester Meetinghouse printed matter:

“The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the free, outdoor concert series ‘Music on Meetinghouse Green’​ starting with the Berklee ensemble Be-Bob Guitars to benefit Pathways for Children on Friday evening July 7th.  

Mayor Romeo Theken regrets missing the 2017 kick off concert due to a prior family commitment,  and  she’s ever thankful that this fantastic series at such a grand and special venue is continuing after the pilot program last season! She’s asked Ward Councilor Melissa Cox to be on hand to open the first event. Mayor Theken is especially calling out old friends to come downtown to the old stomping grounds for all of them…especially August 11th!

July 7::Berklee Be-Bop Guitars
July 14:: Peter Souza, 3 Sheets to the Wind
July 21:: Melanie Bresnan & Friends
July 28:: Willie Alexander’s Persistence of Memory Orchestra
August 4:: Gordon Michaels
August 11:: Scanzonati Band
August 18:: Hye Fusion

So don’t miss the second season of Music on Meetinghouse Green featuring 9 great musical events in support of 9 terrific local non-profits via free-will offerings (please bring a folding chair, blanket, cash or check).  Shows start at 6:00pm and run until 8:30pm.  In case of inclement weather events will be held inside the historic 1806 Meetinghouse at the corner of Church and Middle Street.

The sponsors of ‘Music on Meetinghouse Green’ pre-pay the expenses so all contributions go to our non-profit partners.  Special thanks to Linzee & Beth Coolidge (matching gift) plus Tom & Susan Andresen, J.J. & Jackie Bell, Michael & Mary Ann Bresnan, Harry & Mary Hintlian, Dick & Doris Prouty, Charles Nazarian, Sandra Ronan, and our corporate sponsor: Cape Ann Saving Bank.”

More info:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
Continue reading “Mayor Romeo Theken can’t wait! UU Gloucester Meetinghouse Summer Concert Series resumes July 7th!” →

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