Live tonight, Radio tomorrow: Gracie Curran LIVE with Victor Wainwrignt @ Larocm tonight & Jon Butcher on 104.9 tomorrow AM

Two great chances to connect with local stars — Tonight Boston Music Award nominee Gracie Curran and her hot band are live on stage with Blues Music Award winner Victor Wainwright and his smokin’ band from Savanna GA right down the road at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre.  Doors @ 7pm Concert @ 8.  Let’s show these two young, rising stars that a little rain & wind won’t stop us from having fun.  Good seats still left (especially in the balcony).  Get them here.

Then, tomorrow morning you can hear Gloucester’s own Jon Butcher on Aurelia Nelson’s North Shore 104.9 radio show Curtain Up at 9AM (don’t forget to set your clocks back or you’ll be listening in at 8am instead).  Jon will fill you in on his new CD, “Experienced!”, his film project “Kiss the Sky” and his concert at the Larcom Theatre next Saturday.  Tickets are selling fast, so you’d better get yours soon.  Get them here.

It’s the perfect weekend for an extra hour sleep.  You’re gonna need it with all this excitement!

Here’s a taste of these two stars:

These young women are worth going over the bridge for

When I say Jazz, people often reply, “Oh, I don’t like jazz.”  But they like Henri Smith and Cape Ann Big Band and Henley Douglas, Jr. and Henry Allen and Karen Ristuben and Mark Earley and Miranda Russell and Linda Amero and The Docksiders — all jazz.  If you like any or all of these people OR you like blues, funk, or a new genre called “atmospheric pop”, you’ll LOVE 22-year-old Grace Kelly, who’s been performing since she was 8.  Another young rising star Yoko Miwa opens the show. You can get Tickets here.

On Thursday (Sept 25), you can see these two rising stars at Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom people are calling Grace Kelly a “jazz phenom.”  Check out her latest video and see what top stars say about her:

“I’ve heard the future of jazz and it is Grace Kelly.” – David Was, NPR’s Day to Day

“Grace Kelly writes great songs, sings beautifully, is a world class saxophonist, and is going to be a big big star” – Huey Lewis

“Grace Kelly plays with intelligence, wit and feeling. She has a great amount of natural ability and the ability to adapt. That is the hallmark of a first-class jazz musician.” – Wynton Marsalis

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, John Sebastian, Plays Gloucester Tonight — has a rock star this big ever played Gloucester before?

When’s the last time a rock star this big played in Gloucester?  In fact, other than Billy Joel, who jumped on the piano a few times at the Studio many years ago, has any Rock & Roll Hall of Famer ever played Gloucester?  Has anyone else who played at Woodstock ever played Gloucester?  If you know these answers, please comment.

You can still get tickets (here) to tonight’s show at Gloucester’s UU Meetinghouse featuring Lovin’ Spoonful founder and writer of some of our generation’s most enduring #1 hits, like “Do You Believe In Magic?” “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice.” “Daydream.” “Younger Girl.” “Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?” “Summer In The City.” “Rain On The Roof.” “Nashville Cats.” “Six O’Clock.” “Darling Be Home Soon.” “Younger Generation.”

After the show, John will hold a meet & greet and sign records, CDs, posters, Woodstock tickets … what ever memorabilia you bring — and you can get his new CD with David Grisman.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience music that defined a generation up close and personal!

Rock n Roll Hall of Famer John Sebastian comes to Gloucester Next Saturday 9/13

It’s not often that a rock star this big performs in downtown Gloucester.  Remember The Lovin’ Spoonful?

How about Woodstock, which was 45 years ago this August?

When John Sebastian performs next Saturday at Gloucester’s UU Meetinghouse, he won’t be wearing the tie-dye jacket he’s got on in this video, because it’s now on display at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. He will, however, sing some of his most enduring #1 hits like “Do You Believe In Magic?”, “Daydream”, “Summer In The City” and “Welcome Back” the theme song from Welcome Back Kotter.

And he’ll tell some wonderful, fascinating stories rooted in the major role he played in the mid-’60s rock revolution.  Don’t miss this rare chance to experience music that defined a generation up close and personal.  Get your tickets now (right here).

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

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)!

 

Local Star Chelsea Berry on Curtain Up Tomorrow (SUN) @ 9am 104.9FM

Following her trend of interviewing local and national rock stars, Aurelia Nelson is hosting Chelsea Berry on her “Curtain Up” show tomorrow (Sunday) at 9am on North Shore 104.9FM.

Chelsea is back from a her national tour and will be performing Friday (7/25) at Cape Ann Marina’s Waterfront Pavilion (the BIG tent).  There are still seats available and you can get tickets here.

We know we live in a very special music community when someone who made her name in Gloucester comes back from a national tour and remembers where she got her start by appearing on local radio and performing in local venues.

Aren’t you glad you live here?

Just in case you don’t know who Chelsea Berry is, check out this video of her at Shalin Liu:

Which of these national touring blues artists do you want to see the most?

WOW!  Good news is you don’t have to choose because they’ll ALL be at the Gloucester Blues Festival in 3 1/2 weeks.  And if you get your tickets now (right here), you’ll save $12.  You really don’t want to miss this one  . . .

It’s all about the music – Video from July 3 Free Concert on the Boulevard

Last night, July 3, 2014, was the 7th anniversary of the annual Runaround Sound Extravaganza, a free concert on the Boulevard after the Horribles parade.  Last night we had the biggest crowd of the past 7 years even though there were no fireworks.  It really is all about the music.  Check out the finale.

All I can say is that I’m honored to live in the City that brought us the tremendously talented Carlos Menezes, Jr., who, along with some of Gloucester’s best musicians perform this show for free every year — and Ringo Tarr, who, along with his team, do more work behind the scenes in one day than many people do in a month.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Henri Smith @ The Studio on Saturday featuring Grammy-Winner Amadee Castenell

Henri Smith at the Larcom Theatre   March 2014

This is a big coup for the new Studio — and it’ll be your last chance to see Henri Smith anywhere around here without buying a ticket for quite some time.

Joining Henri will be many of the guys who were on stage with him at The Larcom Theatre in March, including Grammy-Award winning Amadee Castenell on sax and a big surprise!

Don’t expect there to be any tables left on Saturday, so you’d better call (978) 879-4896 to make a reservation.  Do it now!

Henri will be back at the Larcom Theatre in December for a very special Christmas show.  If you’ve signed up for our free Concert Club, you’ll be able to get tickets before they go on sale to the public (click here if you haven’t signed up).  More details on this concert coming in a few days . . .

Here’s a taste of what you can expect this Saturday — check out Amadee’s sax and flute solos!

 

SELL-OUT WARNING: THE TOASTERS on Beauport Princess Cruise Ship with the MILE 21 Reunion Next Friday

If you’ve been following our recent posts (like this one) you know we’ve been warning you of potential sell-outs, so you don’t lose out.

Last weekend’s James Cotton/Jay Geils show at The Larcom in Beverly sold out by Wednesday.

Next Friday’s (6/13) Concert Cruise featuring The Toasters with a special reunion of local favorites Mile 21 aboard Gloucester’s very own cruise ship, Beauport Princess is likely to sell out too.

The Toasters (called Ska “Pioneers” by Billboard Magazine) will bring their infections brand of Ska, Reggae, Jazz, Punk & Soul to Gloucester as part of their 2014 world tour.

Mile 21’s 2014 reunion features Lead Vocalist Mike Francis, Carlos Menezes, Jr. on trombone, Keith Amero on Bass, Steve Russo on Drums, Mike Lentini on saxophone, and Mike Goulart on lead guitar.  These guys alone are worth the price of admission.

Tickets are only $35 in advance and include this very special Concert PLUS a Gloucester Harbor Cruise and Party Buffet featuring Seafood Grille’s world famous Lobster Rolls!

As you might expect, seating is limited (this is a cruise ship, remember) so if you want to get aboard, you’re going to have to act quickly and get your tickets here.

You don’t want to be one of those losers who waits until it’s sold out and then tries to convince Homeland Security to let you aboard, do you?

Just in case you’re not sure what I mean by infections, watch this video:

You have until noon tomorrow to save $10

Just because tomorrow’s Entrain concert will help raise money for Gloucester’s UU Meetinghouse Restoration Fund doesn’t mean you should pay more than you have to.

Yesterday we told you the minute a few good seats were released for John Sebastian (they were gone within an hour of our post).  Today we’re giving you fair warning that $20 advance tickets for Entrain will be gone by noon tomorrow.

So get down to the Liquor Locker tonight or when they open tomorrow at 8am.  Or get advance tickets online here.

Folk Charts Top Artist, ELLIS, Comes to Old Sloop This Friday ~ Marina Evans opens

Check out Ellis’ performance on A Prairie Home Companion last Summer.

Now, you all know Marina Evans, right?  Just in case you don’t, check out this video shot at Shalin Liu.  These two will make for an excellent show.  Don’t miss it.  Get your tix now.

 

More music to benefit Gloucester’s UU Church Meetinghouse

Thanks, to everyone who came out to support Gloucester’s UU Church Meetinghouse Restoration last Saturday — and especially to 3rian King, Chelsea Berry, Renee Dupuis, Joe Cardoza, Brendan Burns, Meff & Dennis Monagle, who delivered a stellar performance that had the crowd swaying and singing to “All You Need Is Love!”

Next Saturday we change it up a bit and ROCK THE MEETINGHOUSE with Martha’s Vineyard-based, six-piece ENTRAIN, featuring founder/drummer Tom Major and lead singer/guitar wiz Brian Alex, for their only North Shore concert this spring.  As Entrain’s conga/djembe/trombonist Sam Holmstock says, “The most important thing that we try to do with our music is bring everybody together in the spirit of peace, love, fun and a ton of drums!”  Nothing more to say, really.  Just watch the video (get tickets here) 

Last chance to save money on tomorrow’s Beatles Benefit for UU Meetinghouse Restoration

Just because it’s a benefit doesn’t mean you can’t save a little money by getting your tickets on-line.  Go for it.

You’ll recognize the songs, but experience them in a wonderfully new way as they are interpreted by some of Cape Ann’s finest singer/songwriters. And you’ll continue to help restore one of Gloucester’s best-loved landmarks.

As quoted in today’s Gloucester Daily Times, “It’s such a historical landmark for religious freedom and freedom of thought,” said King. “This is a place we need to preserve.”  We agree.  Please join us.  And save a bit of money by getting your tickets now, right here.

More fun with Radio Ads & Adobe Premiere

Some of you may remember the last time I added visuals to a radio ad and made a video.  Well I’ve done it again for our UU Meetinghouse benefit next Friday, April 25 featuring local stars 3rian King, Chelsea Berry, Renee Dupuis, Joe Cardoza and Dennis Monagle with Boston-based Meff and Brendan Burns, all of whom “come together” as The Number Nines for a fresh take on The Beatles.  

CREDITS: Music by The Number Nines; radio ad produced by Jay Foss of Northshore 104.9;  most of the photos by Louise Welch & Philip Doyle;  the Number Nines logo by 3rian King.  Poster design by Vickie Van Ness.

Megan Burtt @ Old Sloop on Saturday April 5th

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!

 

Music venues abound — and a new one is on the way!

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:

 

Megan Burtt is Back

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:

What did we tell you about Darlingside? Watch this video and see for yourself …

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.

Young, rising stars James & Jake premieres on Local Music Seen tomorrow

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

GloucesterCast 201 with Israel Horovitz, Heidi Dallin, Kim Smith, Big T and Host @Joey_C Taped 9/25/16

  GloucesterCast 201 with Israel Horovitz, Heidi Dallin, Kim Smith, Big T and Host @Joey_C Taped 9/25/16 Topics Include: Man In Snow Israel Horovitz Opens