Thursday it’s the Third Thursday (music) Therapy FREE show with The Spynz! Each month we offer a free concert as a way to say thanks to the community and make sure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the incredible sound system and huge dance floor! If you haven’t been to a show at The Cut yet, this is the perfect opportunity to scope the scene without having to buy tickets. The Spynz will be playing classic and modern hits all designed to get you dancing! Doors are at 6:30pm, show is at 7pm. There are some seats available on a first come, first serve basis.
Friday is the Brassfed Nation’s Holiday Bash featuring The Jambalaya Horn Orchestra! You’ll feel like you’re celebrating Christmas in New Orleans! This show is ALL AGES, so it’s the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family. Seats are pretty much sold out, but there are still some GA Standing (aka dancing) tickets available! Doors at 7pm. Show at 7:30pm.
We will also have live music in the restaurant from 7pm-9pm. No cover. Just come hang, grab a drink and a burger, and enjoy the cozy holiday vibes!
Saturday we are throwing it down with DJ Vito & Friends in the restaurant from 9 to close! DJ Vito Ferrara & Friends will be with us every Saturday night. No cover. Follow us on social media for guest DJ updates!
Sunday come by and knock out the rest of your holiday shopping list with the Last Minute Holiday Gift Market hosted by Cape Ann Makers Market from 12pm-4pm. They’ll have over 25 local vendors, so you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. The bar will be open so you can sip & shop, Little Sister will be serving food, and we’ll have all the NFL games on in the restaurant too. The perfect little Sunday!
As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night and at noon on Sundays. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing!
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, AND 1/1-1/7 FOR STAFF APPRECIATION BREAK.
LITTLE SISTER IS ALSO OPEN AT NOON ON SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!
HOURS: MON 5PM, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 5PM, SUN 12PM
Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce that beginning Thursday, November 27, 2025, the City of Gloucester will offer free 2-hour parking on Main Street in Zone 6 and Zone 2 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The initiative is designed to encourage visitors and residents alike to shop, dine and stroll the downtown corridor during the holidays, while supporting our local businesses and fostering a vibrant community environment.
Key Details
Free parking will apply in the two-hour metered spaces on Main Street within Zone 6 and Zone 2 from November 27 through December 31.
Even though parking fees are waived,vehicles must still register their license plate number and time either at the on-street kiosk or via the Flowbird Parking app.
The free two-hour session is limited to once per day per vehicle.
The two-hour time limit will be strictly enforced. Vehicles parked longer than two hours will be subject to standard enforcement procedures.
At the kiosks, users will press the check mark to start, enter their vehicle’s license plate number, press the check mark to continue, and finally press the check mark to activate the two-hour session (no payment is required/accepted). The app functions in a similar fashion: you log in, select the Main Street zone, enter your plate and confirm to activate the two-hour session.
The City asks all parkers to comply with the time-limit and registration process to ensure fairness and availability of spaces for all visitors and residents.
Why This Matters
This free-parking offer is part of the City’s broader holiday activation plan: by reducing the barrier to access downtown, the City is supporting Main Street-area merchants, restaurants and galleries and encouraging foot traffic in the heart of Gloucester. At the same time, the enforcement of the two-hour limit protects turnover, ensuring that parking remains accessible through the busy season.
Additional Reminders
The registration of your license plate and time is still required—even though payment is waived. Failure to register may result in a violation.
While Sundays and legal holidays already enjoy free parking across all zones (under normal conditions) in Gloucester, this Main Street waiver is an additional convenience for the holiday period.
A free 20-minute session remains available in all other zones and parking regulations will continue to be enforced in these areas.
Please always check the posted signs in the area to confirm the applicable zone and pay/registration requirements—these remain part of the daily regulation system.
“We want everyone to enjoy the spirit of the season and support our downtown businesses. By offering free parking along Main Street and maintaining the two-hour limit, we strike the right balance between convenience for visitors and continuing turnover so our Main Street remains vibrant and accessible,” said Mayor Verga. “I encourage all of our residents and guests to plan their visits, register their plate and time, and enjoy a holiday season filled with local culture, shopping, and community.”
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Wednesday is Thanksgiving Eve – also known as the BIGGEST bar night of the year. So you should probably spend it at the biggest bar in town! The Cut is hosting a DJ Dance Party with DJ Skully & DJ Vito in the venue. NO COVER. But if you want to impress those cousins in from out of town or make that ex from high school jealous, you can buy a VIP table for 4 that comes with a bottle of bubbly and cocktail service. Or just buy a rail seat so you have somewhere to leave your things, and can order drinks from a QR code and skip waiting at the bar!
And as we do every Wednesday, we’ll also be hosting our weekly Seisiun! Join us for live traditional Celtic music in the restaurant. No cover! Musicians will gather starting at 6pm and play until 9pm. This is intended to be an intimate and collaborative celebration of live music for the whole community, so we hope you’ll come by, grab a pint, and enjoy!
CLOSED THURSDAY FOR THANKSGIVNG
Friday is Rhythm of the Saints – A Tribute to Paul Simon with The Gary Backstrom Band playing the music of the influential jam band, Jiggle the Handle. Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 8:00pm. There are still a table seats and rail seats available, as well at GA standing (aka dancing) tickets!
We will also have Cheryl Arena & Mike Dibari Duo playing in the restaurant from 7pm-9pm. No cover. Just come hang, grab a drink and a burger, and enjoy some live music!
Saturday Zane Christopher returns to The Cut for a homecoming show you won’t want to miss. This North Shore native almost sold out last year, and tickets are going fast again, so don’t wait! Zane will be joined by Overserved Again. This is the perfect show to bring your out-of-town cousins to if they love Noah Kahan, Vance Joy, The Lumineers or Zach Bryan. There are still a few high tops and rail seats available. Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 8:00pm.
We are also bringing back Saturday Night DJs in the restaurant from 9 to close! DJ Vito Ferrara & Friends, every Saturday night. No cover. Follow us on social media for guest DJ updates!
As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night and now starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing!
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, AND 1/1-1/7 FOR STAFF APPRECIATION BREAK.
LITTLE SISTER IS ALSO NOW OPEN AT NOON ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!
HOURS: MON 5PM, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 12PM, SUN 12PM
Ever wonder how Gloucester’s public library came to be? The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to a special evening celebrating nearly two centuries of local history, innovation, and civic spirit. On Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Library will present a film screening and panel discussion of Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library in its Community Room.
Produced by Kory Curcuru of1623 Studios, Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library traces the remarkable story of Gloucester’s public library—from its 19th-century beginnings in the Gloucester Lyceum to its role today as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. The short documentary explores how a small-town vision grew into a cornerstone of learning, access, and community connection.
The film situates the Sawyer Free Library within the broader story of American public libraries—beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 subscription library, which sparked a movement for shared knowledge and free access to books. By the early 1800s, the “Lyceum movement” swept New England, bringing citizens together for lectures, debate, and education. Gloucester quickly joined in. In 1830, residents established the Gloucester Lyceum, which merged Franklin’s ideals with this new spirit of civic learning.
The Library’s evolution accelerated under the leadership and generosity of Samuel Elwell Sawyer, a Gloucester native and philanthropist who made access to books free for all. His lasting legacy includes the donation of the Saunders House, which remains part of the Library campus today, and the 1872 incorporation of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library, with a charter promising it would remain free forever.
Timeline Cape Ann also highlights the Library’s continued resilience and innovation—surviving fires, embracing technology, and expanding services through the 20th and 21st centuries. From WPA murals and children’s programs to its newly completed, state-of-the-art renovation and expansion, the Sawyer Free Library remains a living institution shaped by generations of readers, learners, and citizens.
Following the screening, Curcuru will be joined by Sawyer Free Library Local History Librarian Julie Travers and local historian and author Wayne Soini for a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the Library’s enduring role in Gloucester’s civic life.
This free public event offers a fascinating look at how one man’s generosity and a community’s shared commitment helped shape the heart of Gloucester.
Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Thursday, November 20, 2025 5:00–6:30 PM Sawyer Free Library, Community Room (Ground Floor), 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA
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Wednesday we’re hosting our weekly Seisiun! Join us for live traditional Celtic music in the restaurant. No cover! Musicians will gather starting at 6pm and play until 9pm. This is intended to be an intimate and collaborative celebration of live music for the whole community, so we hope you’ll come by, grab a pint, and enjoy! Last week was a fabulous first run that allowed us to work out some kinks. This week it will be even better!!
Friday is The Rock & Roll Circus featuring New England Music Hall of Fame members Jon Butcher and James Montgomery, and The J. Geils Band co-founder and “Ace on Bass” Danny Klein (Danny Klein’s Full House). You can expect a night of classic rock and blues; all for a more than worthy cause!!! 100% of net proceeds go to benefit The Open Door Food Pantry at a time when they need it most! Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 8:00pm. There are still some tickets available!
We will also have local favorites, Lines End, in the restaurant playing an acoustic set from 7pm-9pm. No cover. Just come hang, grab a drink and a burger, and enjoy some live music!
Saturday we’ve got an epic 80s dance party with Fast Times! Boasting wild hair, keytars, and all the drumstick twirls you can handle, these guys throw one heck of a party that you don’t want to miss! There are still some tickets available! Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 8:00pm.
As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night and now starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing!
LITTLE SISTER IS ALSO NOW OPEN AT NOON ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!
HOURS: MON 5PM, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 12PM, SUN 12PM
I opted for the $35 wash which includes all the stuff in the lower level washes plus interior vacuum, windows cleaned, console dusted and door jambs wiped. I figure if I keep up with it it will keep my truck looking new for years and I really like my two year old truck.
Maplewood Car wash 50 Maplewood Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930
Here is a video of the process and advice from owner Steve Milan:
Some words from owner Steve Milan: So I want to address the belief that a friction car wash damages the car’s paint. My car is 16 years old and has 226,000 miles on it. You seen it today! Second… on my FB post, that you saw, I woman commented that she would rather go to the car wash that is automated, select her wash package choice and put her money into the machine without being pressured into buying any other extra services. At Maplewood Car Wash the Greeter will ask you if you, want an extra service. ( If you go to McDonald’s, and order anything, they will ask you if you want, an apple pie or is that a large size fries or drink. Every business does this, it is called, UP SELLING! Only asking the customer if they want to upgrade,1 time. That is all. The customer just has to say, No Thank you. No reason to feel pressured into buying more. #3..We offer personal service, you talk to an employee when you come in, your vehicle gets PREPPED, before washing, Towel Dried at the end and Satisfaction is Guaranteed. If you are not happy, there is a Manager for you to talk to, and He WILL, make it right for you. Try talking to the machine at the automated car wash and see if it can solve your dissatisfaction. .. YOU WILL NEVER BE LEFT ALONE, at MAPLEWOOD CAR WASH!
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Wednesday we’re hosting our first Seisiun! Join us for live traditional Celtic music in the restaurant. No cover! Musicians will gather starting at 6pm and play until 9pm. This is intended to be an intimate and collaborative celebration of live music for the whole community, so we hope you’ll come by, grab a pint, and enjoy!
Thursday it’s Crowned28 performing high octane tributes to 28 iconic women in music with powerhouse vocals, costume changes, and other surprises! If you scream-sing along to Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey in your car, this is the ultimate girls’ night out for YOU! There are still tickets available, so grab yours before they’re gone! Doors at 7:00pm. Show at 8:00pm.
Friday is HALLOWEEN! We’re celebrating everyone’s favorite candy-consumption holiday with Soul Rebel Project. They’ll be playing a killer rock-reggae show complete with Halloween surprises! Costumes are encouraged! Doors at 8:00pm. Show at 9:00pm. There are still some tickets available!
We will not have live music in the restaurant this Friday. Friday Night Live will return next week!
Saturday we’ve got an epic disco dance party with Motor Booty Affair! Come boogie the night away with Superfly, Spanish Fly, Vinnie Boom-Boom Funktonio, and Cyclone Link Sky! These guys throw one heck of a party that you don’t want to miss! There are still some tickets available! Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:00pm.
DJ Skully will also be throwing it down for Send It Saturday in the restaurant starting at 9pm. No Cover!
As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night and now starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing!
LITTLE SISTER IS ALSO NOW OPEN AT NOON ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!
HOURS: MON 5PM, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 12PM, SUN 12PM
New Beaches and Parks Operations Manager and Economic Development Coordinator will enhance the city’s open spaces and support local business growth.
GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the hiring of Kansas Ricci-Munn as the City’s Operations Manager for Beaches and Parks and Emily Sloane as the City’s Economic Development Coordinator.
“Emily and Kansas bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to the team, and I’m confident they’ll make a real difference in their new roles,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Our open spaces and local businesses are among the most important parts of our community, and these two new positions will play a key role in advancing the initiatives that strengthen and support them.”
Ricci-Munn, a Gloucester resident, has been a valued member of the City’s lifeguard team for nearly two decades, bringing experience and creativity to the role. He has worked as Lifeguard Coordinator for the City of Gloucester since 2022 and has been instrumental in the development of the program and team. Through his leadership of the lifeguard program, he has prioritized training, staff engagement, and communication.
“It brings me great joy to serve the City of Gloucester,” said Ricci-Munn. “ We have a special community and I’m proud to be part of it”
As the City’s new Operations Manager for Beaches and Parks, Ricci-Munn will be responsible for the care and oversight of some of Gloucester’s most well-used public spaces. From maintaining the safety and accessibility of our shorelines to supporting the upkeep of our parks, including Stage Fort Park, he will help ensure these areas remain welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors. He will play a key role in the implementation of Gloucester’s Beach Management Plan — ensuring our beaches are safe, well-maintained, and welcoming for all residents and visitors.
Sloane, a native of Gloucester, brings over 20 years of experience driving economic growth, strengthening the workforce, and empowering communities. Most recently she supported studies intended to promote global food security as Markets Advisor at Tetra Tech, following nearly a decade of experience in international economic development and humanitarian program management work — specifically within the nonprofit or international NGO (INGO) sector. As Economic Development Coordinator, she will play a key role supporting Gloucester’s economic growth and long-term community goals. She will focus on implementing many of the City’s recently completed strategic plans, including the Municipal Harbor Plan, Local Rapid Recovery Plan, and Comprehensive Plan, while advancing the creation of a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID).
“After two decades of working on economic development projects worldwide, I am truly excited to be focusing on my home community. Gloucester has so many smart, engaged residents, and I look forward to partnering with them to build a stronger economic future for us all,” said Sloane.
In this role, Sloane will also work to support Gloucester’s existing maritime industry while helping to guide opportunities in the emerging blue economy, ensuring that Gloucester continues to honor its working waterfront heritage while preparing for a sustainable economic future.
Sloane and Ricci-Munn officially started with the City of Gloucester on October 6, 2025.
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Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6th, 5:00pm in the Library’s Matz Gallery
The Sawyer Free Library proudly presents Volume One, the inaugural exhibition in its new Monthly Artist Program—marking a vibrant beginning for the Library’s reimagined Matz Gallery and its renewed commitment to the arts. Featuring Gloucester artists Erin Luman and Laureen Maher Bowie, Volume One will be on view November 2 through December 29, 2025.
There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Matz Gallery at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. The public is invited to attend this special event. No registration is needed.
Volume Onecelebrates both the creative spirit of the community and the innovative transformation of the Sawyer Free Library itself, which has just reopened following a two-year, $28 million renovation and expansion.
Both artists began their creative journeys years ago by exhibiting in the Library’s Monthly Artist Program. Returning now to inaugurate the revitalized Matz Gallery, they reexamine their art through a fresh lens—bridging past and present in this inspiring debut show.
About the Artists Gloucester-based contemporary artist Erin Luman weaves memory and daily life into evocative scenes that invite viewers to pause and reflect. What began as a fascination with the weathered cottages of Long Beach has evolved into a body of work capturing small, intimate moments—a century-old bathroom sink, beach towels drying in the sun, or glimpses of lived spaces both personal and universal. While her upcoming winter exhibition at Endicott College will spotlight the studios of local makers, Volume One offers a deeply personal collection drawn from the in-between moments that inspire her.
Laureen Maher Bowie, an award-winning local painter and celebrated colorist, captures the beauty and grit of Gloucester in richly layered oils. Her iconic painting, We Dive at Five, depicting local youth jumping off from the Good Harbor Beach footbridge at high tide, will be displayed publicly for the first time at this exhibition. Maher Bowie’s work has been featured in Exhibit Art New England and will appear in the upcoming Rockport Art Association & Museum National Juried Show.
As part of the Library’s renewed commitment to supporting local arts and culture, the Monthly Artist Program will feature rotating exhibitions that highlight both emerging and established regional artists. The newly formed Matz Committee will help guide future exhibitions, ensuring that the space remains a vibrant showcase for creativity and connection. Local and regional artists interested in exhibiting may submit expressions of interest to matzgallery@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Volume One serves as an exciting kickoff to this initiative—and to the holiday season—with 25% of all sales benefiting the Sawyer Free Library. The exhibition has already drawn enthusiastic community response and stands as a fitting tribute to the Library’s long-standing role as a cultural cornerstone of Gloucester.
Visitors are invited to experience Volume One and explore the beautifully expanded Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester—a welcoming, inspiring space designed to serve generations to come.
Celebrations to Kick Off with Public Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, September 5
After nearly two years of renovation, expansion, and modernization, the Sawyer Free Library is proud to announce the grand reopening of its historic home at 2 Dale Avenue. To celebrate this major milestone, the Library will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 5, followed by a Community Open House on Saturday, September 6.
All are warmly invited to attend and explore the newly revitalized space.
This once-in-a-generation transformation marks a bold new chapter in the Library’s nearly 200-year legacy as a pillar of civic and cultural life in Gloucester. The result is a vibrant and inclusive public space designed to support 21st-century learning, creativity, and community connection.
“The new Sawyer Free Library reflects the spirit of our city: rooted in tradition, driven by creativity, and focused on building an inclusive, dynamic future”, said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees.
“This represents one of the most significant civic investments in Gloucester in a generation,” said Gloucester MayorGreg Verga. “It reflects what’s possible when we invest in public spaces that serve everyone.”
“We are incredibly proud to welcome everyone back into a new Sawyer Free Library that is reimagined, renewed and ready to inspire,” added Library DirectorJenny Benedict. “This Library will serve our community as a launchpad for lifelong learning, innovation, and connection for decades to come.”
A Space Revitalized for All
Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architects and built by W.T. Rich Company, the $28million construction project seamlessly blends the original 1913 structure and 1976 addition with a striking new 14,000-square-foot expansion. The project was guided by extensive community input and completed on time and within budget.
The transformed Library offers an expansive array of amenities and technologies to serve Gloucester’s evolving needs:
A light-filled Children’s Room and Early Learning Center
A vibrant Teen Room featuring a STEAM-focused Creation Space, gaming consoles, and study nooks.
A state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab and Podcast Studios with media creation tools, digitization equipment, and soundproof recording rooms
A 100-seat Community Room with adjacent public-use kitchen
New study rooms, conference spaces, and quiet reading lounges
A dedicated Local History Research Center with an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, a robust digital archive, and an interactive 85” Gloucester History Timeline, alongside the preserved writing desk of historian Joseph Garland
In addition, visitors can enjoy a refreshed Matz Gallery for local art exhibitions and the soaring three-story Cape Ann Quarries mural by artist Leslie Bartlett. Outdoors, the grounds feature expanded outdoor gathering spaces, including the Fountain Plaza, covered Dale Avenue Porch and the Library Greenway with raised garden beds, as well as EV charging stations and bike/e-bike parking.
With over 66,000 items—including books, media, digital devices and book club kits—sections of the Library’s collection have grown alongside its physical footprint. New conveniences like after-hours pickup lockers extend access for all.
Built for the Future
The Library sets a new standard for sustainable public building design in the region. Built to Net Zero Ready standards and LEED Gold certification, the building features an all-electric HVAC system, smart energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient landscaping—demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
“The long and challenging journey to restore, expand, and revitalize one of Cape Ann’s greatest public resources has reached a successful ending through the tireless work of dedicated trustees, donors, and a community that cherishes the tradition of a free public library,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Now, its doors will open wide again to allow us all to begin our own countless journeys in the future, made possible by the resources and the inspiration inside its incredible new spaces.”
“As the daughter of a school librarian, I’ve always understood the power of libraries to open doors and bring communities together. The reopening of the Sawyer Free Library reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to knowledge, creativity, and civic life,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “The facilities in the expanded library will serve every generation — supporting early literacy, digital access, lifelong learning, and community gathering in one space. Thank you to the many partners who helped make this transformative project a reality.”
A Community Effort, A Shared Legacy
The $28 million construction transformation was made possible through generous public and private support, including over $10 million from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $6 million from individual donors, $1.85 million from corporate donors, and $200,000 in local government and community partner grants. In addition, the Library Corporation contributed $2 million to the project during the design phase from trust funds. The capital project has reached completion on time and within budget.
To date, 65% of the Library’s capital campaign goal has been raised. Fundraising continues to fully cover construction costs and support the Library’s long-term vision. To contribute, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For nearly two centuries, the Sawyer Free Library has served as a trusted source of knowledge, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Library honors that legacy while boldly embracing the future—with a mission grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
“This is Gloucester’s library,” said Sibley. “And it belongs to everyone.”
To celebrate this milestone, the Library will host two public events:
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Friday, September 5, from 3:00–4:30 PM Featuring remarks, guided tours, a Cape Ann Youth Chorus performance, and light refreshments. Free and open to all. Rain or Shine.
Community Celebration & Open House Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM A day of family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the transformed space.
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Wednesday we’ve got Trivia in the restaurant! Free to play. Prizes include show tickets and Little Sister gift cards!
Thursday it’s our Third Thursday (music) Therapy FREE show with Line’s End! If you haven’t had a chance to check out how incredible to venue portion of The Cut is yet, this is the perfect opportunity! Doors are at 6pm. Show is at 7pm. There are some seats available, first come, first serve.
Friday Robert Ellis Orrall returns to The Cut stage for a night of stories and songs from his EPIC career. If you’re interested in the music industry, or just love good storytelling and music, this one is for you! Plus Fun Bucket will be throwing an afterparty, so stay and dance! This show was SO good last year, so don’t miss your chance to see it this time around! There are still some tickets available. Doors are at 6:30pm. Show is at 7:30pm. We’ll also have live music in the restaurant starting at 8pm. No Cover.
Saturday it’s a double header. First a night of comedy with Tom Cotter, Christopher Robinson, and Tim McKeever. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7pm. There are still tickets available. THEN Come dance to pop hits and hip-hop from the 90s and 00s, plus current party anthems at our End of Summer Jam. This is a FREE DJ Dance Party with DJ Snackzilla & DJ Deirdre Dagata! Party kicks off at 9:30pm. 21+.
Sunday we have a collab between The Cut & Little Sister with South African music AND food! Come enjoy a special menu in the restaurant, and then enjoy Bokani Dyer back in the venue. Doors at 7pm. Show at 7:30pm. There are still tickets available.
As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing! They offer a late-night menu on Friday and Saturday nights.
Gloucester, MA — Mayor Greg Verga is proud to announce the completion and official adoption of the City of Gloucester’s Comprehensive Plan 2025–2035, a forward-looking, community-driven roadmap that will guide growth, priorities, and investment over the next 10 years.
“This is more than just a document, it’s a promise to our community,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s aspirational, actionable, and attainable. And it reflects what thousands of Gloucester residents shared with us about their hopes for the future of our city.”
The Comprehensive Plan was developed over two years through robust public engagement, with nearly 4,000 community participation touchpoints through surveys, meetings, workshops, and events. The result is a visionary plan centered on local values and goals, Gloucester’s unique identity, natural beauty, working waterfront, creative economy, and iconic neighborhoods.
Key highlights from the plan include:
Upgrading infrastructure, including roads, water, sewer, schools, and recreational facilities, to support evolving community needs.
Expanding housing options for residents at all life stages and income levels.
Supporting economic growth by strengthening Gloucester’s marine economy and attracting innovation-driven industries.
Creating safer, healthier connections through walkable neighborhoods, expanded bike and transit access, and public health investments.
Mayor Verga plans to appoint an Implementation Committee, composed of community members, city staff, and representatives from boards and commissions, that will be tasked with ensuring meaningful and transparent progress on the plan’s goals. The following phase will include annual reporting, performance tracking, and continued public involvement.
“This effort has been central to my vision for Gloucester since day one,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s deeply gratifying to see this plan finalized and I’m incredibly proud of the team effort it represents. From the Planning Board and City staff to our partners and residents, Gloucester showed up and helped shape this together. Now, the real work begins: turning vision into action.”
The Community Development Department will present the plan to the City Council on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Six Ways of Seeing the World July 10- August 3, 2025
Cove Gallery: July 10-August 3, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 10, 5–7 PM Closing Event & Artist Talks: Thursday, July 31, 5–7 PM
Curated by Gabrielle Rossmer Featuring: Kathy Archer, Paul Cary Goldberg, Donald Gropman, Sonya Gropman, Gabrielle Rossmer, and Constance Vallis
In a time marked by uncertainty and transformation, six artists come together to explore how art can serve as both personal expression and cultural reflection. Six Ways of Seeing the World, curated by Gabrielle Rossmer, offers a compelling look at how visual art helps us process, respond to, and shape our understanding of the contemporary world.
Through diverse media—painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, and collage—these six artists examine the intersections of inner life and external forces. While their approaches and mediums vary, they share a commitment to introspection, craft, and a meaningful engagement with today’s fractured landscape.
· Kathleen Gerdon Archer conveys emotional depth and existential searching through paintings of ambiguous, floating figures. Her palette swings from bleak to bright, mirroring the emotional tension between despair and fleeting hope.
· Paul Cary Goldberg presents black, white, and gray-toned photographs in an installation format for the first time. His long-running exploration of personal and social narrative gains new form, offering a contemplative, immersive experience.
· Constance Vallis draws from spiritual practice, working in intuitive response to the present moment. Her process-driven artwork reflects a meditative connection to feeling and form.
· Donald Gropman offers meticulously rendered black-and-white drawings that sharply critique societal absurdities. With wit and precision, his work blends fantasy and commentary.
· Sonya Gropman transforms urban detritus—found while walking through New York City—into layered, stitched collages. Her work gives new life to discarded materials, turning the overlooked into poignant, abstract reflections of a shifting world.
· Gabrielle Rossmer, both curator and participant, presents sculpture that ranges from figurative to abstract. Her work examines form, color, and narrative gesture, always grounded in a personal response to the world around her.
Together, these artists demonstrate six unique but interconnected ways of seeing. Their works push the boundaries of their chosen media, reflecting on today’s world with vulnerability, insight, and artistic rigor.
About the Venue Located in the heart of Gloucester’s historic Rocky Neck Art Colony, the Cove Gallery is a dynamic exhibition space dedicated to showcasing the work of contemporary artists. Surrounded by working studios and a vibrant waterfront community, the gallery provides an inspiring setting for artists and visitors alike, continuing the area’s rich legacy as one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States.
Admission is free and open to the public.
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Connect with Creativity! Join Us for an Exclusive RNN2025 Artist Talk
Dates: Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, March 9, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA
Gloucester, MA – Art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members are invited to experience an inspiring weekend at the RNN2025 Artist Talk! This dynamic two-day event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from eight talented artists as they share the stories behind their works, creative processes, and artistic inspirations.
Set against the immersive backdrop of the RNN2025 exhibition, this special event allows attendees to engage with artwork firsthand while gaining deep insight into the minds of the artists who brought these remarkable pieces to life. Through guided discussions and open Q&A sessions, guests can explore the artistic vision, techniques, and emotions that shape each masterpiece.
Featured Artists:
Saturday, March 8 – Brian Murphy, Kathleen George, Juni Van Dyke, and Beth Delforge Sunday, March 9 – Karen Watson, Alev Davis, Deborah Quinan, and Patricia Scialo
This free event is open to all and provides a unique opportunity to:
Meet and connect with the renowned RNN2025 artists
Gain personal insights into their creative journeys
Deepen your appreciation of the exhibition
Engage in meaningful discussions on artistic expression
Explore diverse artistic techniques and approaches
Seating and refreshments will be provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of contemporary art, this event promises to spark inspiration and conversation.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with creativity! Mark your calendar and join us at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck for an unforgettable artistic experience.
As one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the U.S., Rocky Neck has long been a vibrant hub for artists and art lovers. The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck continues this tradition by fostering artistic dialogue and community engagement through exhibitions, talks, and events like RNN2025 Artist Talk.
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The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is delighted to announce the Rocky Neck Winter Fest 2025, a dynamic weekend event celebrating art and community, taking place Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Event Highlights
Saturday, February 8
RNAC Member Pop-Up Show and Fundraiser: “Art to Warm the Heart and Soul” at Cove Gallery (11 AM–5 PM)
RNAC Member Artists invite you to a heartwarming pop-up show and fundraiser celebrating kindness and community on Rocky Neck and beyond. A portion of the sales from this exhibition will be donated to CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund), a mutual aid organization that assists with relief efforts for artists affected by the fires in LA. Enjoy light refreshments while exploring the art on display — paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, and more.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special pop-up exhibition featuring artwork from Rocky Neck Art Colony artists. Explore paintings, drawings, ` sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry, all priced at $500 or less.
Participating Artists: Kristie Bernard, Paula Borsetti, Jason Burroughts, Jillian Demeri, Paige Farrell, Jackie Ganim-DeFalco, Kathleen George, Karen Gross, Leslie Heffron, Nancy Henry, Joanne Hurd, L. Marie Lamarche, Bob Murphy, Crissie Murphy, Judy Robinson-Cox, Amy Sudarsky, Juni Van Dyke
Live Portrait Drawing at The Cultural Center (11 AM–5 PM)
Participating Artists: RNAC Member Artists: Amy Sudarsky, Janet Grover, Mary Lee, Helen Tory, Vanessa Michalak, and Invitational Artist Jill Hoy.
Valentines Makers Event at The Salted Cod Arthouse (4 PM–5:30 PM)
Join us upstairs to express your love with a fun, creative Valentine’s card(s). Tickets: $20.00, includes supplies. Light refreshments will be served. While you’re at The Salted Cod: Browse and purchase RNAC members’ artwork on-site. Enjoy food and beverages at The Salted Cod Arthouse bar.
Additional Open Studios and Galleries: Michalak Fine Art Old Salt Studio Hughes Bosca/Side Street Gallery
Sunday, February 9
RNAC Member Pop-Up Show: “Art to Warm the Heart and Soul” Continues at Cove Gallery (11 AM–5 PM)
Don’t miss the second day of this special Valentine’s Day-themed exhibition.
Participating Artists: Kristie Bernard, Paula Borsetti, Jason Burroughts, Jillian Demeri, Paige Farrell, Jackie Ganim-DeFalco, Kathleen George, Karen Gross, Leslie Heffron, Nancy Henry, Joanne Hurd, L. Marie Lamarche, Bob Murphy, Crissie Murphy, Judy Robinson-Cox, Amy Sudarsky, Juni Van Dyke
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street The Salted Cod Arthouse, 53 Rocky Neck Avenue Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Avenue
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About RNAC
The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering artistic excellence. Through exhibitions, workshops, residencies, historical tours, and cultural events, RNAC brings vibrant arts programming to its members and the public. Explore RNAC’s three exhibition spaces on picturesque Rocky Neck. For more information, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org or call 978-515-7004.
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Longtime Gloucester residents Kurt and Rick Hosman are proud to announce the opening of Wave Kitchen at DRIFT, an exciting new addition to the local dining scene. Located at 3 Main Street, DRIFT first opened its doors in 2018, quickly becoming a community favorite. Now, Wave Kitchen offers a fresh new dining experience, blending bold Asian-inspired flavors with tropical and South American influences while maintaining a strong connection to Gloucester’s unique character.
“Our goal has always been to create spaces that celebrate this community we love,” says Kurt Hosman. “With Wave Kitchen, we’re continuing that mission by offering a dining experience that’s both creative and approachable, reflecting the diversity and energy of Gloucester.”
Wave Kitchen features a menu crafted to surprise and delight, bringing global inspiration to familiar ingredients while highlighting the flavors that make Gloucester special.
Reservations can be booked on RESY or at www.driftgloucester.com. Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for DRIFT and the Gloucester community.
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It’s another great week at The Cut! Bring the whole family for a Holiday Movie Night featuring ELF! $10 at the door ($25 per family of 3+). Then on Saturday we have two epic hometown bands up on the stage – The Glostafarians & Carnivals. And on Sunday is our second Sip & Paint event featuring a cozy winter scene.
Our new fall menu is now available so make sure you snag a reservation! (Our Street Food menu is also available and perfect for a quick bite before, during, or after a show). We’re also now open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and we have $1 oysters from 4pm-6pm on Sunday.
Friday: ELF – Holiday Movie Night – Bring the whole family to watch Elf and take photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Tickets sold at the door. No presale. $10 per person, or $25 per family of 3+. Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Santa & Mrs. Claus photos 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Movie from 5pm – 6:30pm. Saturday: Glostafarians & Carnivals – Two epic hometown bands! There are still tickets available for this event. Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:30pm. Sunday: Sip & Paint – Winter Scene – This is a follow along, step-by-step paint night with Lannah Paints. There are still a few spots left, so grab yours before they’re gone! Tickets are $45 and include everything you’ll need to create a beautiful painting. Bar will be open. 6pm.
This week The Kitchen at The Cut restaurant will be serving our new Fall menu as well as our Street Food menu curated by our new Executive Chef, Justus Dunton.
The Gloucester Historical Commission is pleased to announce that our annual Preservation Awards ceremony will be held on May 18, 2025, at City Hall. This annual community event recognizes residents of Gloucester for a range of historic preservation projects from a book, to a lecture, to historic preservation of a building. We welcome your attendance – and need your suggestions for nominees before the end of December.
Awards are given to those individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the preservation and protection of Gloucester’s historical heritage. If you know of a potential candidate that you feel would qualify for a Preservation Award, please submit their name, project description and contact (email or phone) to the Historical Commission in December by email at: GHC1623@gmail.com. Award criteria and categories are:
Criteria – some or all of the following: – Historically significant in age, style, or use – Restored using traditional materials or methods – Preserves historical integrity or appearance – Protects from present threat or future harm – Completed within the past two years – Completed by an individual, family, group, or community effort
Categories: – Archaeology – Adaptive reuse – Education and outreach – Landscape preservation – Restoration and rehabilitation – Local preservationist – Documentation of Gloucester’s history – Individual lifetime achievement
The Commission will be voting on awardees at our December 30th meeting. We look forward to nominations from the community, thank you!
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The Rocky Neck Art Colony is pleased to announce that it is accepting exhibition proposals for the 2025 season at Cove Gallery on Rocky Neck in Gloucester. The spacious and well-lit gallery is located on the Smith Cove waterfront in America’s oldest working art colony, an area that attracts visitors all season long to shop for fine art and crafts, visit historic sites and dine in nearby restaurants.
Exhibition proposals will be reviewed by a group of independent jurors to fill 5 openings running from late-May through early October. The jury will be looking for proposals with thematic and aesthetic cohesion featuring work by dedicated artists in any/all media.
The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, February 10, 2025. It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in this opportunity read the brief carefully and communicate with the Program Director early in the process to avoid unseen delays. Artists will be notified of acceptance in February, allowing sufficient time to prepare their shows.
RNAC acknowledges the generosity of Mark Goetemann who has donated the use of the former home and gallery space of his late parents, Gordon and Judth Goetemann, to honor their legacy as artists, as inveterate supporters of artistic excellence, and to carry on their commitment to keeping Rocky Neck a haven for artists and art lovers.
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The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies, historical tours, and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free, The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally.. Check the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004.
Baraka’s Holiday Open Studio & Sale!
Sunday, November 17th – 10 AM till 3PM
3 Lighthouse Way Apt. #2 Gloucester, MA 01930 . 978-869-3636Prints, Gliclees, Original Paintings & Mixed Media Monotypes, Women of History and Myth, Sacred Landscapes, Beautiful Art Cards, Magnets, & Hand-Painted Spirit Stones
Come and view some of the original artwork for the Women of the Celts ~Oracle Deck, to be published in 2025/26
WELCOME!! PLEASE PARK IN THE STREET.~ THANK YOU & follow the signs for my art sale!!
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It’s Halloween week at The Cut and we’ve got all the best ways to celebrate! Our Gang of Four show on Halloween-eve is sold out, but if you’re itching to put on a costume and dance until the cheap zipper gives out, we’ve got you covered. A FREE DJ Dance Party on Halloween (prizes will be awarded for the best costumes) and TWO NIGHTS WITH SAFETY – Not your average 80s band! There are themes for each night (Friday is Goth & Glitter, Saturday is Heroes & Villains) so you can come dressed for the theme, dressed for the 80s or just dressed to DANCE.
Our new fall menu is now available so make sure you snag a reservation for dinner! (Our Street Food menu is also available and perfect for a quick bite before, during, or after a show).
Wednesday: Gang of Four – This show is SOLD OUT. Doors 7pm, show at 7:45pm. Thursday: DJ Skully’s Halloween Dance Party – This is a FREE event! Costumes encouraged – there will be prizes for the best ones! 9pm-midnight. Friday: SAFETY – Night 1 – Goth & Glitter – There are some tickets left for this event. Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:30pm. Saturday: SAFETY – Night 2 – Heroes & Villains – There are some tickets left for this event. Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:30pm.
This week The Kitchen at The Cut restaurant will be serving our new Fall menu as well as our Street Food menu curated by our new Executive Chef, Justus Dunton.
Good Morning Gloucester 