Month: August 2026

THIS SEPTEMBER: Rockin’ 4 Vets brings Guitar Monsters to The Cut Live on Thursday Sept 24 in a fundraiser concert for The Open Door

~ todtheopendoor

Net proceeds will help support hunger-relief programs for local people.

GUITAR MONSTERS featuring Johnny A., Jon Butcher, and special guest Dave Amato, former longtime lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon, comes to The Cut LIVE in Gloucester, MA, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for a special benefit concert supporting The Open Door and its mission of helping advocate on behalf of those in the community facing the impact of hunger.

Presented by Rockin’ 4 Vets, Guitar Monsters brings together three acclaimed guitarists for an unforgettable evening of rock, blues, and high-energy live performance. Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher, whose career spans Johanna Wild, Jon Butcher Axis, Barefoot Servants, and Experience Hendrix tours. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Butcher has shared stages with major acts including the J. Geils Band, Rush, Def Leppard, and the Scorpions

Joining him is Johnny A. is renowned for his distinctive style, solo recordings, and work with Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band). A Boston Music Hall of Fame inductee, he remains one of New England’s most respected musicians.

Special guest “Monster” Dave Amato spent more than three decades as the lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon. Throughout his career he has performed and recorded with artists including Rick Springfield, Cher, Richie Sambora, and Michael Bolton. Following REO Speedwagon’s retirement, he continues touring and performing nationwide; this summer with former Eagle guitarist, Don Felder.

More than a concert, net proceeds from Guitar Monsters will benefit The Open Door, a nonprofit local resource center whose mission is to alleviate the impact of hunger in the community. The level of services they provide to the local community is too grand in scale to be able to describe here, learn more at FOODPANTRY.org. Produced by Rockin’ 4 Vets/Alive & Kicking Productions, the event combines world-class musicianship with a commitment to helping veterans throughout New England.

Tickets are available now through Rockin’ 4 Vets at https://rockin4vets.com/tickets

OR through The Cut ticketing site at https://thecutlive.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=424

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Early purchase is recommended as seating is limited.

###

Rockport Harvest Fest

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back Rockport’s Harvest Fest, a cherished community event! We invite you to join us by the shore for a unique blend of fall festivities and coastal charm, where the crisp sea breeze meets the warmth of community spirit. Come enjoy Rockport’s local charm and bountiful harvest while you explore the scenic downtown and immerse yourself in festive seasonal activities. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to experience the magic of autumn by the sea. So, grab your sweater and your loved ones, and join us for a day of seaside celebration!

Looking for what’s next? Gloucester Biotechnology Academy is accepting applications!

~ Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute

This innovative, hands-on training program prepares young adults for professional careers as life sciences laboratory technicians in less than a year! Students spend six months of hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art teaching facility in Gloucester’s Blackburn Center, followed by a three-month paid co-op at a North Shore or Greater Boston biotech company.

Why apply to the Academy? Here are just a few reasons:

🔹 There’s no science experience needed; come as you are!
🔹 Free tuition for all students
🔹 Paid co-ops in a professional lab after only six months
🔹 Professional career skills curriculum
🔹 Hands-on training on industry-standard equipment
🔹 Small class size fosters one-on-one coaching

Did we mention free tuition?! Tuition and fees will be waived — in their entirety — for the Academy’s class of 2027. In addition, qualifying students can receive a stipend of $1,000 per month to help support their living expenses while training. GMGI is committed to providing STEM education opportunities to all, regardless of financial background.

Applications are still being accepted for the Class of 2027, which begins on August 31! The program is open to students ages 18-30 with a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Please visit the Apply page on the GMGI website for more information on the program, and to submit your application. Space is limited so don’t miss this amazing opportunity! Reach out to Laura Richane — laura.richane@gmgi.org — Director of Enrollment & Partnerships, with any questions or to request a tour

Pins for Pets Fundraiser

~ trixy546 ~ 1 Comment

Get ready to roll for a great cause!
Pins for Pets Fundraiser
Sun, Sept 13, 2026, 4-6pm
Cape Ann Lanes, Gloucester
$25/bowler (includes bowling & shoes)

Join us for Pins for Pets, a fun-filled bowling fundraiser benefiting STAY Pet Services—a program dedicated to helping older adults keep their beloved pets.
Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just in it for laughter, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Start a team, cheer on your friends, enter to win exciting raffle prizes, and help ensure that no older adult must choose between caring for themselves and caring for a beloved pet.

Every strike, spare, and gutter ball helps support services that provide cat care, dog walking, pet transportation, as well as other resources that keep people and pets together.

Bring your family, friends, or coworkers and make memories while supporting a cause that changes lives, one pet at a time.

🐶 Bowl.
🐱 Have Fun.
❤️ Keep Pets and Their People Together.

More information and registration to be found at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pinfopet202/event/pinsforpets2026/, we can’t wait to see you at the lanes!

STAY Pet Services is a program of SeniorCare Inc.