Tag: Willie Alexander

Willie Alexander Music on Meetinghouse Green

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2022

WILLIE ALEXANDER PERFORMS AT MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Willie Alexander, punk music legend, musical innovator, and artistic icon, returns to Music on Meetinghouse Green with his band
for a rocking evening at the corner of Middle and Church Streets at 6:00 p.m.

The stars come out on Meetinghouse Green as Gloucester’s Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander shares his legendary talent as a singer, songwriter
and keyboardist. With his roots in Boston’s punk rock scene of the 70’s and 80’s, Willie’s musical career has flourished for more than 50 years.
Whether as a band member with the Lost, Bagatelle, Grass Menagerie and the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, or as front man for his own
series of bands, Willie’s enduring popularity is a reflection of his unique musical voice and artistic vision. A true artist, Willie has expanded his
work to other mediums including soundtracks for local filmmaker Henry Ferrini, collage and painting.

Your free-will donations will benefit the Grace Center, a day resource center for men and women offering a safe and supportive environment
in Gloucester, Salem and Beverly. The evening’s food vendor is Crepes du Jour with freshly made sweet and savory crepes.  

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.

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

 

 

IN MEMORY OF FRED BUCK

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Debbie Clarke shares a beautiful prayer in memory of Fred Buck ~

A Litany of Remembrance

Poem by Rabbi Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.

Laurie Keefe shares a vintage photo of she and Fred and friends playing music together.

Martin Ray’s new book! Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life

Posted on by Catherine

Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life, by Martin Ray

December 4, 2017 at Trident Gallery

“The book will be offered for sale at $30.00 during a SIGNING PARTY at Trident Gallery, 189 Main Street, Gloucester, 3:00-5:00 Sunday afternoon December 10. At 4:00 I will give remarks of acknowledgement to the profilees and to the team which coalesced to grace the printed book with elegance. I hope to see you there.” – Martin Ray

January 13, 2018 Cape Ann Museum reception and panel

MARTIN RAY.jpg

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!” →

BEAUTIFUL NEW FILM FROM HENRY FERRINI: GLOUCESTER ARTS NOW 2015

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Featuring conversations with James Cook, Willie Alexander, Rhonda Falloon, Jay McLauchlan, and Susan Erony. See Joey for a brief moment at 2:39 seconds in.

HALF OF GLOBE NORTH BEST BETS ARE IN GLOUCESTER THIS WEEKEND

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Today’s Globe North Best Bets column features 4 events and the first 2 listed are in Gloucester.  Here’s what they say:

Theater

Gloucester: Gloucester Stage Company closes its current season with August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Fences.” The play tells the story of a former Negro baseball leagues star working as a garbage man in Pittsburgh in 1957. Thursday through Sept. 7. $35, $40. Gorton Theatre, 267 East Main St. 978-281-4433, www.gloucesterstage.com .

JamesNewsletterMusic

Gloucester: The Celebrate Gloucester Benefit Concert Series presents blues artist James Montgomery, joined by Danielle Miraglia, Marissa Licata, Sax Attax Horns, and Willie Loco Alexander. Friday, 8 p.m. $25-$55. A portion of proceeds will go to The Open Door food pantry. Waterfront Pavilion, Cape Ann Marina, 75 Essex Ave. www.gimmelive.tv

Looks like the editors of the Boston Globe know where to go for top entertainment north of Boston.

Aren’t you glad you live here?

BREAKING NEWS & VIDEO: Whitney Doucet, who sang with Keith Urban, to join James Montgomery at the Celebrate Gloucester Kick-off on Friday

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

James Montgomery just added young, rising Country star, Whitney Doucet to his lineup for the Celebrate Gloucester Benefit for The Open Door this Friday at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion in Gloucester.  Whitney is fresh off a duet with Country Star and American Idol judge Keith Urban that blew Keith away.

Whitney’s addition to the stellar lineup will add a Country flavor to the already unique benefit concert that showcases two beautiful and talented young women namely Jazz phenom Marissa Licata, and rising Blues star Danielle Miraglia, and also one of the Founders of the Boston Rock scene Willie Loco Alexander. Backing the Montgomery Band that night will be the Sax Attack horns, one of Boston’s premiere horn sections, who add a lot of power on the songs they perform.

The very best in Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Country will all be represented in one unique electrifying performance. This is a very special James Montgomery benefit concert that can only be seen on This Friday, August 22!  VIP is already sold out, but good seats are still available.  Get them NOW (right here)!

 

New Show Opens March 1st at Flatrocks Gallery in Lanesville

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

west-end1West End Boys featuring Jack Evans, Willie Alexander & Jon Sarkin starts on Feb. 28 with the opening reception Mar. 1 from 6-8pm.   See Noise cover story about Willie Alexander here.

Address: Flatrock Gallery ~ 77 Langsford Street/ Route 127 Gloucester, MA 01930
Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-5pm
Phone: 978-879-4683

STRESSED? Here’s an antidote that will make you feel great!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

christmas shopping 1Take a break from all this madness and enjoy great music with friends & family Saturday December 21st.  Get your tickets now so you can relax.

SolsticeProgram

If you’re not convinced this will be the concert of the season, check out Gail McCarthy’s piece in today’s Gloucester Daily Times.

You have a few options for tickets:

Reserved Pews (no hassle):  $225 Seats 12 or $195 Seats 10 (less than $20/person)
or
General Admission $20 in advance $15 Child/Senior (under 12/over 65)
$25 At the Door (all ages) – Cash only, please, at the door.

Tickets are available online, at the church and liquor locker.  They will also be available on Saturday morning at Solstice Farmers Market.

Plenty of free parking available:

  • both sides of Pine Street and Proctor Street (Pine becomes Proctor after it crosses Church Street)
  • in a small parking lot on Proctor Street (free parking)
  • portions of both sides of Middle Street (and any place on Middle where there is a parking meter – no fee on Sunday)
  • one side of Church Street (please be mindful not to block the driveway of residents)

Parking also available at Trinity Congregational Church 70 Middle Street & Saint John’s Church at 48 Middle Street

The Line-Up:

  • Allen Estes with Matt Leavenworth, Wolf Ginandes & Dave Mattacks
  • Willie Loco Alexander & the Raztones
  • Fly Amero
  • Gordon Baird
  • Inge Berge & Julie Cleveland
  • Charlee Bianchini
  • Ken Bonfield
  • Lenny Campanello – Gloucester Police Chief
  • Will Hunt & Alexandra Stella D’Maris
  • Dan King
  • T Max
  • Michael O’Leary

Singer Songwriter Shuffle starts up again tonight at Giuseppe’s featuring some of Gloucester’s best performers

Posted on by Vickie & Peter
Here’s who will be performing at Giuseppe’s tonight hosted by Aurelia Nelson of North Shore 104.9.
Allen Estes 7:00 pm   Listen to Allen Estes ALLEN ESTES
T Max 7:00 pm   Listen to T Max T MAX
8:00 pm   WILLIE ALEXANDER
8:00 pm   NICK CONSONE
9:00 pm   GLENN FRENCH
Inge Berge 9:00 pm   Listen to Inge Berge INGE BERGE
Chelsea Berry 9:00 pm   Listen to Chelsea Berry CHELSEA BERRY

Wow, what a lineup!

Willie Alexander Film & Performance In Gloucester This Thursday

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Rob Newton submits ~

LOCAL MUSIC LEGEND SAYS HELLO GLOUCESTER!

Ferrini film and concert celebrate Gloucester’s own Willie Alexander

Willie Alexander

On Thursday, May 24th at 7:30pm, The Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester will present Hello Gloucester followed by a live set by Willie Alexander and the Persistence Of Memory Orchestra. Tickets are $15.00 ($13.50 for Cinema Members), and are available either at the box office or online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com.

January 12,  2013 was a memorable day in  rock-and-roll. On that day, Governor Deval Patrick issued a citation that acknowledged Bay State rocker Willie Loco Alexander on the punk vanguard’s 70th birthday. His significant other, Anne Rearick, had planned a “surprise party du la monde” at Jimmy Tingle’s old theater in Somerville and dozens of musicians showed up to honor Willie and play tunes he has written over the past 5 decades.

Bands at the January celebration included Rockport’s A-Train Orchestra, Moose Savage, Breadman, Jon Hardy and the Bags, Birdsongs of the Mezozoic, Reddy Teddy, Barrence Whitfield, the Nervous Eaters, Rupert Webster (all the way from London), Kenne Highland, Dave Sag, Jon Macy, Asa Brebner, John Powhida, Frank Rowe, Dennis Brennan, Peter Wolf, Mission of Burma, Andrea Gillis, Persistence of Memory, Roger Miller, John Macey and Gloucester’s own The Boyfriends. All were  there to honor a guy who has spent his life pushing the rock and letting it roll down on the hearts of Boston music lovers.

The film is produced by the Gloucester Writers Center video archive and directed by Gloucester filmmaker Henry Ferrini. The Gloucester Writers Center was founded to celebrate, preserve and promote the future of Gloucester’s rich literary legacy. Housed in the former home of poet Vincent Ferrini (1913-2007), the GWC is dedicated to fostering the tradition of local poetic investigation practiced by Ferrini and his friend and renowned Gloucester poet, Charles Olson (1910-1970).

Through a variety of community-based programming, including literary readings, workshops, youth programs, topical writers’ talks and conferences, and a residency program, the GWC will serve as a gathering place and resource center for local and international writers in all genres, fields and realms of interest.

The Cape Ann Community Cinema’s full schedule can be found online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com, with the week’s offerings available by phone at (978) 282-1988.

OK, school started & it’s after Labor Day so you think the Summer festival season is over, right? Wrong!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This Saturday (9/8) is Noise Magazine 31st Anniversary Fete starring Preacher Jack, Willie Alexander and T Max @ the Dog Bar.

If you missed these guys back in the spring, you DO NOT want to miss this!  If you were there, you’ll want to go again.  These guys ROCK!

And don’t forget Rob Newton’s Cape Ann Community Cinema music/movie festival Fall into the Rhythm starts next Tuesday with La Cenerentola.  Check this out from the Opera in Cinema website: A Live Fairy Tale, a stunning new film-opera event from producer Andrea Andermann, has been called “A kaleidoscopic fairytale suspended between Mozart and Disney with a hint of noir” by La Repubblica. Watch as Rossini’s jubilant take on the story of Cinderella unfolds in real castles and ballrooms in Europe, and through lush, never-before-seen animation.  Starring Lena Belkina as Cenerentola.

It’s still summer folks, as you can see by the fact that we have six live music choices tonight.  Check the full live music schedule here.

Willie Alexander At The Gloucester Writer’s Center Video From Kathy Chapman

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Last night the Gloucester Writers Center presented “A Reading of Poets and Laureates”. Rufus Collinson, John Ronan, James Cook and Willie Alexander. Here is a video of one of Willie’s songs about Gloucester.

Video by Kathy Chapman

 

“The Gold” By Willie Alexander Video From Henry Ferrini

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Video From Henry Ferrini

Joey,
Here’s the event that closed out the incredibly successful and stimulating  Olson100 Celebration. Hundreds of people came to Gloucester to celebrate Olson’s birthday. Willie Loco Alexander, Alek and Rik Razdan and Dave “doc” Vincent  perform Willie’s “the gold” a poem by Charles Olson’s good friend Gloucester Poet Laureate  Vincent Ferrini (1913-2007). The tune is from Willie’s award-winning CD, “Vincent Ferrini’s Greatest Hits.”  If people like what they hear, they can get Willie’s work at Gloucester Music or Mystery Train.
best,
Henry

GMG Local Music Schedule June 15-June 21

Posted on by Sharon

Remember you can subscribe to GMG Local Music by clicking on the link on the sidebar.There’s lots of good music in Gloucester this week. This post will be updated as info comes in.


Elliott’s

Latitude 43

Dog Bar

Rhumb Line

Capt. Carlo’s

_______________________________________________________________

From Dave Sag

Rhumb Line Thursday Night Blues Party

Well, summertime’s here and you need sumphthin’ to keep you kool… so here it is: Mr. Willie Alexander heads over to the Rhumb Line this Thursday for a rip-snorting, heart attack inducing maelstrom of good ol’ rock n’ roll. Backing up over him will also be his longtime  glitarist from his Boom-Boom band, Mr. Billyclub Loosigian, and much revered drumnambulist Mr. Stevie Chaggaris. As usual, Greg T. and I will try to rein everyone in just enough to not blow a fuse. Good luck to us! It’ll be a great nite, so don’t miss it!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

From Steve Caraway-

..Of Babylon at The Dog Bar

Big Aqua-Net hair and leg warmers welcome

Thursday, June 18 at 9:00pm
________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phat Maxx this Friday night at Latitude 43

phat maxx

When:
Friday, June 19, 2009
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM EDT

Where:
Latitude 43
Rogers St
Gloucester, MA 01930

So come on by and join us this Friday, June 19th!

See ya soon!

Thad, Pete, and Eric

__________________________________________________________________

Mike O’Connell Band Elliott’s Tonight Friday  June 19

So Sorry! Last minute shout out,, Tonight at Elliott’s we will be appearing here on 1 Main St. Gloucester Ma. 8:30-11:30, Please come early for some Great Food and Drinks by Chef Jon,,  Special Guests coming to play also! Sorry so last minute with this e mail, Remember.. We Love You,, and we need your support so come on down and join in Tonight. Hope to see you, Have a great Father’s Day Weekend, Mike

___________________________________________________________________________________________

GARFISH returns to The Rhumbline Saturday June 20th

garfish2

Come dance the night away!

Start Time: Saturday, June 20 at 9:30pm
Where: The Rhumbline

The Rhumb Line has been in the live music business for over 30 years and has built a reputation as THE live music venue on Bostons North Shore. The Rhumb Line attracts a clientele who are passionate about music and expect nothing but the best. The Rhumb Line also serves up GREAT FOOD, so stop in for a great meal before the music starts! http://www.therhumbline.com

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Erinn Brown Band –  Our last gig with Fran McConville on guitar….

JUNE 20th, SATURDAY
9:15 pm – 12:30
The Dogbar
65 Main St Gloucester,MA

Come down and say “Bon voyage”…. but don’t buy him too many cuz he’s got a plane to catch!
Steve Peabody, drums/ Alison Keslow, bass/ Fran McConville, lead guitar/ and 2N on gtr/vox.

www.dogbarcapeann.com

___________________________________________________

Elegant Trash – Cameron’s

Saturday   June 20th    9pm


Willie Alexander – TONIGHT!

Posted on by Sharon

blackburn logo

1 Washington Street, Gloucester

On Saturday we proudly present

Willie Alexander with the Persistence of Memory Orchestra.


Anticipate selections from the just-released collaboration between Gloucester’s recently departed poet laureate, Vincent Ferrini and our most illustrious, celebrated, and unmistakably alive punk-rocker.

Willie Alexander

The performance is at 8 PM on Saturday, June 13
Admission: $10. For reservations, please call 978 281 0680

Gloucester legends: Willie Alexander’s latest CD focuses on poetry and life of Vincent Ferrini

Posted on by Sharon

By William Routhier/Beacon Correspondent

Gloucester – First thought, best thought, always. Write free-flowing, spontaneous prose. Give birth to artistic creation in the heartbeat of the moment, the now, the ever-present now.

Sharon Lowe photo
Sharon Lowe photo

These were credos of Beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, and that spirit of unbridled creativity is alive and well in Gloucester musician Willie Alexander.

Alexander, who played with The Lost, the last version of the Velvet Underground, his own Boom Boom Band and The Persistence of Memory Orchestra, is a Boston music legend. Stephen King put Alexander’s song “Mass Ave.” at number 13 on his list of top 25 best rock songs of all time.

Thin and fit at 66, Alexander displays the buoyant energy of an edgy young rocker, but also carries with him the calm wisdom of a man who’s learned what is valuable and lasting. For Alexander, a major part of what is valuable and lasting is the city where he was born and now lives, Gloucester.

Alexander spent the first five years of his life in Gloucester, where his father was the minister of the Baptist Church, then moved to East Providence, R.I., and later to Newtonville, Mass. Just a subway ride away from Boston and Cambridge, Alexander would travel in to hear music at various music joints, like Club 47, which later became the famous Club Passim. It was just before the folk music boom, and Club 47 was a jazz club, home to hipsters and beatniks. To read more, click here…