I love being right (just like Paul F.) I predicted Gloucester’s music scene would benefit as a result of The Noise Magazine publisher/editor, T Max, moving here. Check this out: The Noise Live Show Picks for this week include not one, but two Gloucester shows, putting us on par with Cambridge for the week’s picks.
So I figured you might enjoy a video series I published in February where T Max walks Gloucester’s music scene, visiting many of our excellent music venues, plus you’ll see chance encounters with some of Gloucester’s finest characters. Here’s the first one:
Speaking of videos, perhaps you missed the Blues Festival last month. In case you didn’t know, we spent the day live blogging videos from the festival. And now we’ve organized them in one convenient place — see here. Below is one of my favorites by Queen of the Blues: Shemekia Copeland when she walked the crowd and sang without a mic!
If you’re looking for some more great Blues, go see Canada’s Queen of the Blues Rita Chiarelli LIVE at Cape Ann Community Cinema this Saturday at 7:30pm following a special screening of her movie Music From the Big House (see trailer below).
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Remember the Cowsills? This is the tremendously talented family whose quick rise to stardom in the 1960s became the inspiration for the Partridge Family TV Show. But there was a dark side — and they fell quickly into obscurity.
On Sunday you can hear Aurelia Nelson of North Shore 104.9 interview Bob Cowsill on her show Curtain Up at 9AM on 104.9FM. Bob speaks candidly about their life in the early days of rock n’ roll.
Then on Thursday, you can experience it all at Cape Ann Community Cinema with a screening of the new film Family Band: The Cowsills Story, plus a LIVE SET by surviving members of the band and a Q&A. Seating is very limited so get your tickets now.
Who’s the new face of Jazz, Pop, Folk & World concerts at Shalin Liu? It used to be Livingston Taylor. Now it’s “our girl” (as Joey would say) Chelsea Berry! Check out the link and see what I mean. CONGRATULATIONS CHELSEA!
Tough Coffeehouse Choice Tomorrow. Do you go to see Allen Estes at One World Coffeehouse or Chelsea Berry at Old Sloop Coffeehouse. Both will be great shows!
It gets worse: Chelsea and Allen are competing with Judy Collins at Shalin Liu and the Noise 31st Anniversary Fete at the Dog Bar. Judy Collins is playing on Sunday too, but you have to call for ticket availability for both shows.
Talented local artists, who started out solo, are beginning to record with bands. Here are two recent examples:
Marina Evans just released a new EP with her Glosta band featuring one of her best songs (buy it here). Listen here:
You can see Marina tonight at the Dog Bar with the great Dave Brown.
And Chelsea Berry, who ROCKED North Shore Music Theatre on June 28 (see video below) is about to record with her new band. She’s doing what all smart, talented independent artists do — raising money herself on KickStarter, where people donate to the project and get something when it’s done. We donated because we can’t wait to hear her new album. You can donate too by going here. See Chelsea with Anna Dagmar at the Old Sloop Coffeehouse in Rockport on Saturday.
Why do we like this trend? Because sparks of genius ignite fires of creative collaboration and competition. Don’t you think the Beatles were better as a group than any one of them individually? You can probably name several other examples like this. These two elements — competition and collaboration — inspire most performers to be, at the same time, more disciplined and more dramatic, thereby enhancing the quality and entertainment value of their performances.
Finally, there’s the fact that we love the SOUND of ensemble music, whether it’s a string quartet, rock band, big horn section or full symphony.
As Brad Byrd explains in the video below (after his solo performance), “most every song can use a little something .. to give the listener a little ear candy … to make the song fully realized …” Hear the fully realized version Zero to the 101 here.
Remember, it’s still summer and Rocky Neck Art Colony presents their final Nights on the Neck tonight with live music at seven locations from 5-9:30pm. Plus there are six indoor venues with live music tonight as well. See the full live music lineup here.
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Here’s another video of Shemekia Copeland (Queen of the Blues) at the Gloucester Blues Festival with yet another powerful song that shows off her band as well as her remarkable voice (see yesterday’s post if you missed the song that gave me the chills).
Who’s that security guy walking in front of the stage at at about :30 seconds into the video? He looks so serious! You wouldn’t wanna mess with him would ya?
Just in case you missed getting Shemekia’s excellent CDs signed at the Blues Fest, you can order one here and ask her to sign it next time you see her (see tour schedule).
It’s a testament to Gloucester’s stature as a music destination that we can attract major international recording artists, the caliber of Shemekia’s Copeland, for our very first Blues Festival. Perhaps it’s because of the tremendously talented musicians who live here.
Don’t take them for granted. Check Cape Ann’s live music schedule and go see them now. Some day you may have to drive an hour and pay a hundred bucks to see artists you can see this weekend right here on Cape Ann for free.
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Shemekia Copeland’s astounding performance was the climax of Gloucester’s Blues Festival 2 weeks ago. We blogged all day from the festival, but never showed you any of Shemekia’s set — so here you go: In this video, she walks the crowd singing without a mic, while the band plays from the stage. Perfect mix; powerful music; gave me the chills.
We’ve had a busy month of festivals, here in Gloucester. This weekend we’ve got 28 artists in 16 venues — two of which are schooners. And that’s just Friday & Saturday (see the Friday & Saturday live music lineup here). You’d think it was another festival. Nope. Just more evidence of Cape Ann’s thriving music scene.
I have to say that, certainly from musical perspective, today’s Festival By The Sea in Manchester is the place to be. [just a little back-peddling, here] Now that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to the Sidewalk Bazaar in the morning. And if you’ve taken my advice (given here) you went on Thursday too. But I gotta hand it to Festival By The Sea Music Director Chris Langathianos. He put together a DYNAMITE LINEUP headlined by one of my favorite artists: Chelsea Berry with her HOT new band! Just in case you missed them at North Shore Music Theatre, watch the video below and then tell me you’d rather be anywhere other than Masconomo Park at 6 tonight — REALLY?
And for later tonight you’ve got another 15 artists and Cape Ann venues to choose from. WOW! See the full live music lineup here.
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You saw it on GMG FIRST. Just like you heard about the sudden, tragic death of Fly’s longtime friend and band-mate Larry Hoppen last week (see post here).
The next day, Fly demonstrated the healing power of music (see that story here) and on August 31, the healing continues as the show goes on (see details here).
All of us who know Fly are celebrating the band’s commitment to music in honor of their friend and brother by inviting John Hall, who wrote the multi-platinum #1 hits Dance With Me and Still the One to join them for this very special 40th anniversary concert (get tickets here). Here’s a video of John making a special appearance with the band last year.
Now I hope you’re reading this on your phone because that means you’ve taken the day off and are out at the Sidewalk Bazaar and planning to visit the Farmers Market and take in some music this evening. See today’s AMAZING live music lineup here.
(There may even be tickets left to see Fly and Allen Estes on The Lannon at 6:30 — and, finally, the weather looks good. Call 978-281-6634 to find out).
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Gloucester’s newest music venue Mile Marker One features one of Boston’s best Latin/Reggae bands Los Sugar Kings tonight at 7pm. With just a little thinking ahead, you can schedule a perfect musical night starting at 5pm with Michael O’Leary and Friends aboard the Schooner Lannon, then on to Mile Marker One, then over to the Dog Bar at 9 to catch the Bandit Kings with Joe Wilkins.
If none of those artists tickles your fancy there are half a dozen others to choose from. See the complete live music lineup here.
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Today’s Daily Item of Lynn story about Chris Isaak’s concert tomorrow at North Shore Music Theatre includes an interview with Chelsea Berry (see Lynn Item Story Here). Now, for some reason she told the reporter how old she is (I thought women never did that — she never told me). More importantly, read the story and find out how she’s taking her music in a new direction, which you can experience for yourself tomorrow night when Chelsea and her new band open for Chris Isaak (whose birthday is today). VIP is sold out, but seats are still left — and all seats at the Music Theatre are good seats. Get tickets here.
OK, where do you think the Zip Line Kid will be tonight? It’s wrist band night at Fiesta. That means your kids (and you too if you can handle it) get unlimited rides for one price. So our family will be at Fiesta — rain or shine. And we will save $5 with a coupon. You can get one too here.
Just in case you’d rather be inside tonight (see full live music lineup here), check out Fly Amero with guitar virtuoso Jake Pardee at Rhumb Line. Here’s part of Jake’s appearance on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes, where he talks about guitar playing, lessons, listening, neighbors, Berklee and says, “Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane to me are very similar.” Then he proves my point about his virtuosity!
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Peter Chianca, of Gatehouse Media published an excellent interview with Chris Isaak (read it here). Drummers: pay attention to what Chris says on page 2, and all of you who care what stars wear on stage will want to know how much his mirrored suit weighs (page 3).
Tomorrow Morning, Aurelia Nelson interviews Aaron Neville on her show Curtain Up at 9am on Northshore 104.9 FM. If you’re not near a radio, you can listen live on your computer or iPhone (get the free iPhone app here)
Aurelia and Aaron talk about his music legacy in pop, rock, soul, R&B and his new project with Keith Richards. Plus you’ll get an idea of the music we’ll here next Saturday at North Shore Music Theatre. Good seats are still available for this show (and a few VIP packages). Henri Smith opens with an all-star band. Get tickets here.
The KBMG show will sell out, so for those of you don’t make it in time, there are over a dozen other good choices for live music. See the full live music lineup here.
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Michael is currently a senior at Berklee College of Music, and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his high-energy performances and ecclectic style of playing. He is currently working on a jazz/post-rock instrumental album called “Kind King” with fellow bandmate Mike Moschetto. He continues to perform with various acts such as The Gary Backstrom Band, The Runaround, and many others across the area while being being a full-time student at Berklee.
Mike Moschetto – Drums
Mike Moschetto is a graduate of Emerson College from North Andover, MA. Aside from being a drummer, Mike is the owner and engineer of the Office Recording in North Andover, MA. and has worked with many local acts in the New England area. Mike is also the bassist of the experimental-rock band Aviator, as performing a variety of different instruments for singer/songwriter Amory Sivertson.
Pete Iannitto – Bass
Recent graduate at Berklee College of Music, Pete is a studio teacher in the North Shore Area, as well as being a freelance musician in support of many local acts in the Cape Ann and Boston Area. Pete is currently working on a solo album expected to be out by the end of the year. (see newspaper story on Pete here)
Ann Marie Shimanoski – Backing Vocals
Ann Marie Shimanoski performs and writes with two Gloucester based bands: SAFETY and The Bandit Kings. She’s studied performance arts at both The University Of London at Goldsmiths and Salem State College. Recently, her passion has led her to mentor young teens at The Cape Ann Theater.
Renee Dupuis – Backing Vocals
Renee Dupuis is a A graduate of the Hartt School (voice performance) Renee Dupuis is a vocalist/pianist for the Bandit Kings, Renee & Joe, Bling Cherry, and the Gaudy Baubles. Recently she sang lead vocals in “A Merry Funny New England Christmas” featuring Comedy Central Comedian Juston McKinney (New Hampshire Music Hall) and completed her second series of west coast performances (Los Angeles) as a member of the Bandit Kings. Renee is honored to be a part of Chelsea Berry’s band! For more information visit www.reneedupuismusic.com.
It’s summer. It’s hot. And so is Cape Ann’s music scene (see full live music lineup here). You have 30 performers to choose from on Cape Ann just tonight and tomorrow! If you’ve never seen What Time Is It Mr. Fox?, here’s your chance — don’t pass it up. They’re at the Dog Bar tonight. Here’s a video of one of my favorite Brian King songs, Cold Rain (starts about 1 minute into the video and it gets louder too).
In case you didn’t know, Cold Rain was covered brilliantly by New Orleans Soul Queen, Irma Thomas (listen here).
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This video shows part of the solo acoustic version aired on Local Music Seen followed by the electric version of that same part of the song shot at a rehearsal for the band’s debut on June 28 at North Shore Music Theatre opening for Chris Isaak. Enjoy!
It’s another hot summer night with plenty of music by (and on) the water –or in air conditioned venues — from classic rock to string quartet to open mic to soul and blues. Take your pick. See the full live music lineup here.
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Let’s face it folks, we, in New England, are known for being kinda stuffy, right? Isn’t that why we’ve welcomed Henri Smith to Gloucester? Isn’t that why we do our level best to keep him here year after year? Yes, he’s a fine musician. Yes, most of his friends are all top talent too. Yes, he infuses Gloucester will all kinds of culture we’ve never before experienced. But let’s be honest. He’s fun! And so are his super-talented friends. Just look at this video:
Don’t these guys just look like they’re having the time of their lives? We need more of that — and we’re going to get it on June 3o when Henri gathers the most talented, fun-loving New Orleans musicians you can see north of the bayou at North Shore Music Theatre to open for the iconic for Aaron Neville (get tickets here). Henri’s band will include:
Now for some fun tonight (see full music lineup here) we have to mention one of Gloucester’s most talented and fun musicians with an acerbic wit, Inge Berge, will be at the Dog Bar with his trio. See what we mean by wit and fun in the video below:
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Yes, we’ve been touting Chelsea Berry‘s new electric band lately (see this post, for example) But it’s really her voice that captures you. Watch this video and see what we mean. Allen got goose bumps listening to this song when we shot Local Music Seen a couple of weeks ago. You can see the entire show tomorrow at 6:30pm on Cape Ann TV Channel 12. The show features a new song by Allen Estes and a new song by Chelsea. Plus she closes with one of my favorites.
And you can see Chelsea with her new band open for Chris Isaak at North Shore Music Theatre on June 28. This will be the first time Chelsea’s new band performs in public and the only Boston area Chris Isaak concert this year. Don’t wait until it’s sold out. Get tickets now.
Any doubt that Chelsea Berry is one of Cape Ann’s finest songwriters will be vanquished by her haunting new tune. Chelsea uses the first TV performance of this song to show off her powerful, dramatic, versatile voice. Then she reveals how she wrote the song, proving that Livingston Taylor was right when he said, “A voice of remarkable power and control with a joyous soul. Brave and bright, Chelsea Berry is the real thing.” Watch the video and see what we mean.
Lots of opportunities to start the weekend early tonight from solo acoustic to open mic to DJ to Rock, Reggae and more. See the full music lineup here.
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In this final video of our gimmesound Artists of the Week series featuring Greg Bover and Frances Fitch, the two of them talk about their inspiration and reveal some of the things that make this harpsichord so special ~ all with a smattering of music thrown in.
Your mom has a choice of a dozen live shows this evening on Cape Ann. Don’t wait ’till tomorrow to treat her right. Take her out tonight. See the full lineup here.
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Didn’t think the harpsichord could ROCK? Check out this video of gimmesound Artist of the Week, Frances Fitch performing a piece written in 2005 by American composer Edwin McLean, who lives in the South. Listen carefully and you’ll hear a rhythm similar to Big Chief performed here by Henri Smith. And don’t miss her performance of the full piece next Tuesday 5/15 at 7:30pm at Shalin Liu. It’s FREE!
You’ve heard Frances Fitch play her new harpsichord (see here or here if you missed either of those videos). In this video, her husband and gimmesound co-artist of the week, Greg Bover, takes us under the hood (literally — he takes off the jackrail to reveal plectra and then shows us how they pluck the strings).
You won’t see the plectra Next Tuesday, May 15, but you should go to Shalin Liu at 7:30pm anyhow to hear his masterpiece played in one of the most perfect acoustic settings on Earth — and it’s right down the street — and it’s FREE.
Inge Berge is back at Giuseppe’s tonight for his 2nd of 5 Thursdays. If you go, request his gorgeous new song and ask him if it’s the sequel to this song.
Let’s not take Gloucester’s tremendous talent base for granted. Get out and support them. It’s fun! See the full music lineup here.
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Today we have a special treat as Frances Fitch show us some Harpsichord music written in the 1650s and then plays it for us. You can hear the entire piece next Tuesday night.
Good Morning Gloucester 