Every year or so, Megan Burtt comes to Gloucester to visit her good friend and Berklee chum, Chelsea Berry — and to treat us to her thoughtful, moving, gorgeous music at local venues. This time she’s at Old Sloop on Saturday, April 5th with Boston singer/songwriter Danielle Miraglia. This will be an excellent show!
Woke up to a dusting of new snow that was gone by noon. Only a few dirty-gray-white winter leftovers remain as the sun burns a bright spot behind the clouds — too shy to show its full face. Does this presage one of those jolting seasons when Mother Nature forgets about spring and jumps into summer without warning?
That’s what seems to happen in Gloucester’s music scene. Before you know it your choices for live music double, but don’t worry. We’ll continue to help you sort it all out with Cape Ann’s only complete live music listing here.
If you think about it, there really are two kinds of music venues: restaurants/clubs and what musicians call “listening venues”. (That is, until the weather gets nice enough to add a third: boats with music cruises.) For now, suffice it to say that we’re extremely lucky to live in an area with an abundance of good restaurants and clubs who offer live music for free because they’re able to make a living on the food and drink they serve.
A good club can make for a great experience (both for artist and fan) but sometimes you end up in a singer vs. crowd competition like the one I wrote about here.
Chelsea Berry wrote an excellent song about this very issue:
And now there’s even a facebook page dedicated to promoting listening venues in MA. See it here.
Free from the distractions of TV, clanging silver & dishware, people talking, wait staff running around and kitchen noise, the concert milieu connects you with the artist through an intimate, intense bond that’s simply impossible to maintain in a restaurant or bar. And when you’re on stage you can feel that energy, soak it in and give back something more powerful that seems to arise spontaneously out of the ether.
Luckily, we live in an area with several excellent listening venues. Good coffee houses: Old Sloop in Rockport. One World in Essex and Crosswinds in Gloucester. Cape Ann’s crown jewel, the Shalin Liu performance Center and the Larcom Theatre down the road in Beverly.
With your help, Gloucester’s iconic UU Meetinghouse is working to restore their balcony so it can become another major listening venue and we’re helping them by presenting concerts in the church to raise money for that effort. Cape Ann Winter Solstice started this project off by packing the house on December 21. We’re doing it again on April 25 with The Number Nines featuring top Cape Ann talent 3rian King, Chelsea Berry, Renee Dupuis and Dennis Monagle together with Boston stars Meff and Brendan Burns. If you want to be sure to get a seat, you probably shouldn’t wait until the last minute to buy your tickets. Get them now here:
Every year or so, Megan Burtt comes to Gloucester to visit her good friend and Berklee chum, Chelsea Berry — and to treat us to her thoughtful, moving, gorgeous music at local venues. This time she’s at Old Sloop next Saturday, April 5th with Boston singer/songwriter Danielle Miraglia. This will be an excellent show!
In celebration of Megan’s return, we’re reprising her show on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes this week starting tomorrow (WED) at 6:30 and again on Friday at 1:30pm and Sunday at 6pm on Cape Ann TV Channel 12. Here’s a taste of that show:
A few weeks ago (in this post), we told you to watch these guys based on their being featured in last months Noise Magazine. Well, guess what? Last week at the New England Music Awards they won “Pop Act of the Year”. And their video “Terrible Things” is featured in this month’s Noise Magazine (see video reviews here). And as usual, The Noise is right. Check out the video below:
So keep you’re eyes on them while you go out and party this weekend. Tons of great music — see full weekend schedule here.
Over the past few years, we’ve profiled a number of rising stars from Cape Ann. Here’s our latest pick for whom to watch: James & Jake these kids are in high school and already making a name for themselves. Watch the show tomorrow (Wednesday 2/26/14) on Cape Ann TV Channel 12 at 6:30 and watch their stars rise over the next couple of years.
If you miss Wednesday they will be on again Friday (2/28/14) at 1:30 & Sunday (3/2/14) at 6:00
Recent events should make it fairly clear that the war on drugs is a dismal failure. Debate rages (as it should) about what might work and today it seems fitting to look at how creative people help in profound and very personal ways.
Now, you might assume that creative people tend to be more susceptible to addiction than the rest of us — think Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Philip Seymour Hoffman … the list goes on. But creative people may also offer the best solution to the problem by expressing their personal experiences through their art in a way that touches us deeply and gives those of us who might fall into addiction something to hold on to.
One of my favorite young artists, Tristen, who’s appearing at Brighton Music Hall tonight with Jeremy Messersmith, has a wonderful song with a catchy tune and simple, profound lyrics that express, through pop music bliss, her resolve not to feed her friend’s habit while continuing to love and care for him — Here’s the chorus.
I will never falter, I will never fear
For I’ve seen the demons love can conquer disappear
Watch her video
Closer to home, local rising star, Chelsea Berry’s song You Me and Mary shows us how drugs can ruin a relationship. Listen here:
Oliver Stone, in his cautionary movie The Doors, demonstrates how drugs and excess killed one of rock music’s most creative geniuses. This is the best anti-drug experience you could ever give your kids. Make them sit through the whole thing before they’re 12.
If recent events aren’t enough to convince you the war on drugs is folly, watch Steven Soderbergh’s brilliant film Traffic. As Roger Ebert says in his 4-star praise of this extraordinarily creative film, “This war is not winnable on the present terms, and takes a greater toll in human lives than the drugs themselves.” Watch this trailer:
Clockwise from top- left: Mike Dawes, Pino Forastiere, Quique Sinesi, Brian Gore
Earlier this afternoon I interviewed Brian Gore, who is bringing his International Guitar Night to Shalin Liu next Friday, Feb 7.
Four extraordinary guitarists: Brian Gore from San Francisco, Pino Forastiere from Italy, Quique Sinesi from Argentina and Mike Dawes from England will each perform solo and then all together creating a sound like nothing you’ve ever heard before on guitar.
In this interview Brian talks about his music, various guitar tunings and genres — and he gives us a hint of what we can expect next Friday.
If you’re still not sure you want to go, watch this video of Brian on Guitar:
You probably already know that it’s Grammy night, tonight – 8pm on CBS. You’ve got plenty of time to bop down to Giuseppe’s to see Renee & Joe at 6pm, before the show starts. When you watch the show, look for one of our favorite young artists, Gary Clark, Jr., who is up for 2 awards:
Best Rock Song
and Best Traditional R&B Performance (for a very different sounding song)
Gary is extremely talented and great live. Watch his star rise over the next year or two.
Wow, these guys can swing! Here’s a great way to help support student musicians and have fun doing it. From their concert page:
Award-winning conductor Kendrick Oliver and his youthful, vibrant and energetic 15+ piece orchestra (including a vocalist) will light up the stage for a night of infectious sound. New Life Jazz Orchestra has been selling out concert halls and turning heads throughout the jazz scene since its inception in 1995 while Oliver was a student at Berklee College of Music. Respected throughout the jazz community, New Life Jazz Orchestra has appeared at a host of high profile events including the Boston Beantown Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Tanglewood Jazz Festival, and opened JVC’s prestigious Newport Jazz Festival.
This evening will be nothing less than a swing, sing, stomp, and shout experience!
Don’t take their word for it. Check out the videos, below. (Tickets & info here)
This just in from Gordo!
Come and see what all the talk was about this fall with the return of CRAZY MOON, Gordon Baird’s original musical, also starring John Hyde and Kathleen Brown. 8 Shows Thurs. Jan. 30 ~ Sun. Feb. 9.
The show is very exciting and fun and runs only an hour and fifteen minutes – (so even a guy can enjoy it.) Curtain is at 8 pm (thu-fri-sat) and 5 pm (Sun) at The Rocky Neck Cultural Center on 6 Wonson St..
All opening night ticket proceeds (1/30) go to benefit the Gloucester Writer’s Center.
CRAZY MOON RUNS 8 nights Jan.30 through Feb 9. – Thurs-Fri-Sat shows at 8 pm – Sunday at 5 pm at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center – 6 Wonson St.
Tickets can be bought at the door at showtime. 978-283-0390 for info.
Sold out Larcom Theatre crowd cheers Henri Smith & Charles Neville April 2013 – photo Thom Falzarano
FOBs find out first!
If you haven’t been down the road to Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom Theatre, this would be a good time to get tickets to see two top local bands in one of the best listening venues north of Boston.
With superb acoustics, world-class stage lighting, comfortable seats, and excellent sight lines, this gorgeous theatre is a perfect place to experience the area’s best live music — and it’s only about 20 minutes away with plenty of free parking. (Here’s some info on previous shows.)
Cape Ann Big Band’s Larcom Theatre Debut is Saturday May 3, 2014. 17 top players led by Gloucester’s Carlos Menezes (one of the area’s most talented young musicians) this big band will feature guest vocalists for a special spring concert. GET TICKETS HERE.
Back for two shows on the heels of their April 2013 sell-out, Grammy-winner Charles Neville joins Gloucester’s Henri Smith and his band New Orleans Friends and Flavours on Friday, March 7 at 8pm and again on Sunday, March 9 for a 3pm matinee. Take advantage of this early announcement and get your tickets now: Friday night tickets here, and Sunday Matinee tickets here.
If you were at the Cape Ann Solstice concert, you heard Charlee Bianchini’s gorgeous version of Mark Erelli’s soulful “Snowed In.” You may also remember Charlee say she was lucky enough to see him live — not many people are so lucky. But you could be if you get your tix now to see him with Barnstar! at Old Sloop before they sell out!
Check out this video to see what I mean . . .
Those of you who missed the Cape Ann Solstice Concert at the UU Church Meetinghouse on Saturday will be able to catch much of it on Cape Ann TV in the next week or two.
And to get you in the mood, Cape Ann TV is reprising the original Local Music Seen Christmas special, that originally aired in 2011, tomorrow at 8AM and 11PM and on Christmas day at 5AM, 6PM and 10PM. You’ll see many top local performers, some of whom were at the Cape Ann Solstice Concert — others who were not. Here’s a taste:
Every once in a while you get a rare opportunity to experience an intimate evening with a unique talent that you may not be able to see again within driving distance. That’s what you’ve got this Friday at Gloucester’s wonderfully intimate Cape Ann Community Cinema when 80s electronic music pioneer Thomas Dolby makes a live appearance at the Cape Ann Film Festival. Get Tickets here. Check out this tremendously creative trailer:
Calvin Cooke – the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar
Calvin Cooke, leader of The Slide Brothers and known as the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar, will be Aurelia Nelson’s guest on her North Shore 104.9 FM show Curtain Up tomorrow (SUN) at 9am. Calvin calls in from the road where he and his band are touring the U.S. in support of their new CD Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers.
Guitar Worlds says, “The Slide Brothers … tackle rock, funk and blues with a ferocity that will startle fans of Duane Allman, Derek Trucks and Muddy Waters.” Listen to this amazing version of the Allman Brothers’ classic Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ from their new CD.
The Slide Brothers’ only New England concert is next Saturday, Nov 2 (after the Red Sox will have won the World Series) just down the road at Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom Theatre. There are still some good seats left (especially in the gorgeous horseshoe Balcony — see here).
Local virtuoso and recent Berklee grad, Michael Thomas Doyle opens the show with his band — Cody Nilsen on guitar/vocals, Bill Spencer on bass, and Steve Russo (of Runaround and Mile 21) on drums . This will be your only chance to catch the greatest living masters of Slide Guitar so close to home — and support one of our local rising stars at the same time. Get tickets now. Watch them play the Hendrix Classic, Foxy Lady!
As Fly Amero said (in this post) to all of you who didn’t get tickets to see Allen Estes at the Larcom Theatre on October 5: “too bad for you!”. But wait … now you’ve got a second chance. Allen is playing one of Cape Ann’s best listening venues, The Old Sloop Coffeehouse on Saturday, November 2 — and he’s sharing the stage with award-winning singer/songwriter Claudia Nygaard. So don’t screw this up. Get tickets now.
Not sure? Watch these 2 videos
Local singer/songwriter Michael Thomas Doyle will open for legendary pedal steel masters, The Slide Brothers on Saturday, November 2 at Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom Theatre.
Mike Doyle has been compared to John Mayer, with the Noise Magazine proclaiming his “talent by the boatload,” and likening his live guitar skills to those of Keith Richards. Mike is one of those young musicians you want to watch over the next few years. See a short bio of Michael Thomas Doyle here and get tickets here. It won’t be long before you’ll have to pay over a hundred bucks for a crappy seat in a huge venue far away with expensive parking if you want to see him. Check out the video to see what we mean:
Robert Randolph Presents … The Slide Brothers — ONLY New England Appearance on November 2nd at Larcom Theatre.
“The Slide Brothers … tackle rock, funk and blues with a ferocity that will startle fans of Duane Allman, Derek Trucks and Muddy Waters.” —Guitar World
This will be an experience you won’t have a chance to repeat for a very long time! The best seats are going fast, so GET TICKETS NOW. Check out this video of The Slide Brothers covering the Allman Brothers’ hit “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin'”
PETER WOLF unplugged
Get Tickets NOW
Bluesy Rock ‘n’ Roller Peter Wolf is best known for his stretch as the front man with the J. Geils Blues Band, where he was known for his stage antics and quick wit. After seeing the J. Geils Band in concert for the first time, Wolf immediately joined the band where he became not only the leader of the group, but also handled much of the group’s business affairs. The band soon became well known for their vivacious and exciting live performances. After gaining recognition in New England, they caught the attention of Bill Graham, a well-known promoter who continued to book them, helping them gain fans in every city they visited.
After the band parted ways in 1983 due to creative differences, Wolf took on a solo career releasing seven solo albums and collaborating with countless musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. His sixth solo album Sleepless was listed as one of the 500 “Greatest Albums of All Time” by Rolling Stonemagazine in 2002, and his most recent release, 2010’s Midnight Souvenirs, won best album at the Boston Music Awards Some of his best solo hits include “Come as You Are”, “Lights Out”, “99 Worlds” and “Nothing But the Wheel”.
Wolf will be joining us at the Shalin Liu Performance Center with a special acoustic show to share some of his new music, old favorites, and that hugely charismatic stage presence for which he is so well known.
Check out all the great music coming to Shalin Liu here
There’s a very good reason James Keeleghan holds this title. Watch the video:
Get tickets now before they sell out.
Last night Allen Estes performed his hit, “Not With Ya Hands” about Gloucester’s hero Howard Blackburn at the Alchemy Bistro Wicked Tuna Challenge, which was filmed for next season’s Wicked Tuna by the Nat Geo crew. And our own intrepid Lisa Smith caught all the action for Cape Ann TV. We can’t show you everything we shot until early next year when Wicked Tuna Season 3 premieres, but we can show you Allen’s performance right now and you can catch a glimpse of the film crew at the end.
Best of all, you can see Allen Estes live with a new six-piece, all-star band on October 5th at the historic Larcom Theatre in Beverly. You’ll hear old favorites along with new music he hasn’t yet recorded. Allen — with his new band featuring multi-platinum guitarist David Brown with Fairport Convention founder Dave Mattacks on drums, Matt Leavenworth on fiddle, Steve Burke on keyboards and Wolf Ginandes on Bass — will have you on your feet!
This will be a night you won’t soon forget. Good seats are still available. Get them here.
To get you in the mood, watch Allen’s Souls of the Sea special tonight at 6:30 on Cape Ann TV Channel 12.
