events

Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration – a festive community event!

~ chasnaz

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

Monday, January 21st 2019, 2:00-6:00pm

In the historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse (Unitarian Universalist Church)

Corner of Middle and Church Street

This is a free community event and all are welcome!

Free-will contributions to the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation towards the ongoing preservation of the building are requested.   Memberships, mugs, caps, totes, shirts and refreshments available.

Gloucester’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration: an afternoon of presentations honoring Dr. King about African-American History including Sandra Ronan, Stephanie Buck, live music by Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, and Keynote Speaker award-winning  filmmaker/journalist Clennon L. King on MLK’s Boston years, followed by audio of Martin Luther King, Jr. accompanied by a slide show.  Audience invited to ring the Paul Revere bell at the conclusion for freedom.

More info at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

SCHEDULE

2:00-2:15     Introduction: ‘Why Are We Here?                    Sandra Ronan

2:15-2:45     ‘Shadowed Lives,’ Effects of Slavery on Cape Ann                                                                                                            Stephanie Buck

2:45-3:00     Break with Refreshments

3:00-3:45     Alvin Foster and his band Soul Eclectic, music that underpinned Black people’s courage to be happy and celebrate life, love, spirituality and growth in the face of racism

3:45-4:00     Break with Refreshments

4:00-5:00     Keynote Speaker: Clennon L. King, ‘MLK’S Boston Years’ The award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King will present a slideshow, focusing on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954, to be followed by Q&A with the audience

5:00-5:15     Break with Refreshments

5:15-6:00     Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” accompanied by a slide show of period and present-day images

Conclusion:   Audience invited to join in ringing the Paul Revere Bell for freedom

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CLENNON L. KING ON ‘MLK’S BOSTON YEARS’

A Filmmaker’s Granular Look at Dr. & Mrs. King’s New England Years a lasered look at the little-known years Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott spent in Boston and New England.  Award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Clennon L. King, will present a slideshow, focusing on the Kings’ movements in Boston and New England, from the fall of 1951 to the spring of 1954.

Filmmaker Clennon L. King headshot.png

“Americans know all about Dr. King relative to places like Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, Washington, D.C. and Memphis, but virtually nothing about his time in Boston,” said Clennon L. King, (no relation) whose father was a lawyer for Dr. King in the Historic Albany Movement. “This slideshow seeks to fill in the blanks.”  Clennon L. King will present the compelling PowerPoint® slideshow to audience, before leading a spirited conversation and Q&A with the audience.

Clennon L. King writes, “In a city as historic as Boston, there are few signs that Martin Luther King, Jr. lived, worked and played here before heading to Montgomery to the world stage,” said the Boston-based filmmaker. “My goal was to reconstruct his time here before it is lost to history forever.”

Clennon L. King’s 45-minute slideshow and discussion program is entitled “MLK’s Boston Years”, and was presented to MLK Boston, which plans to build a $5 million monument to Dr. and Mrs. King on the Boston Common.  Boston’s NPR affiliate, WGBH 89.7 FM has twice interviewed King around his research on the Kings’ time in Boston. In April 2018, the filmmaker was featured on the Boston Edition of All Things Considered® with Barbara Howard, and in November 2018, he again was featured on ‘Under the Radar’ with Callie Crossley.

STEPHANIE BUCK: ‘SHADOWED LIVES’

Born and educated in England – degree from London University – married an American and moved to Gloucester in 1970 – became interested in local history through research on her house – which is just across the road from the Unitarian Universalist Church.  She retired as Archivist/Librarian of the Cape Ann Museum last May after 14 years.  The title of her presentation is “Shadowed Lives” – just skimming the surface of slavery on Cape Ann.

LOCATION, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY

The Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Unitarian Universalist Church) is located on the green at the corner of Church and Middle Street.  Event parking is allowed on the green and is available at other parking lots and on-street nearby in the Historic District.   An elevator up to the Sanctuary level is available from the side entrance at 10 Church Street.

More info at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

 

The Musicians of the Old Post Road ‘Christmas with the Bach Family’

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents The Musicians of the Old Post Road concert ‘Christmas with the Bach Family’ on Friday, December 14, 7:30pm

The Musicians of the Old Post Road, a renowned New England chamber music ensemble consisting of violin, viola, cello, flute and harpsichord, will perform seasonal works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of the Bach family with distinguished vocal soloists in the historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Middle and Church Street.  The ensemble is joined in this concert by soprano Jessica Petrus, mezzo-soprano Catherine Hedberg, tenor Jonas Budris, and baritone Bradford Gleim.

For their 3rd season in the Meetinghouse they will present a banquet of Bach works for the holidays including Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach’s rarely-performed and delightful oratorio Die Kindheit Jesu, along with a sumptuous sampling of arias from Christmas cantatas by Bach brothers Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann, cousin Johann Ludwig, and of course, Johann Sebastian Bach.

Founded by Artistic Directors Suzanne Stumpf and Daniel Ryan, the ensemble takes its name from its acclaimed concert series, originally entitled Old Post Road Historic Concerts, begun in 1989. The concert series brings period instrument performances to historical buildings like the Gloucester Meetinghouse.

oldpost1                                                                                 photo: Cynthia Smith

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT THE DOOR – cash, check or credit card

Preferred                  $45 (orchestra first 3 rows & gallery first 2 rows)

General                     $30 (open seating, come early for best locations)

Students                   $10 with ID

12 & Under              Free

LOCATION AND MORE INFORMATION

The Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Unitarian Universalist Church) is located on the green at the corner of Church and Middle Street.  Event parking is allowed on the green, entered between the stone pillars on Middle Street, and is available on-street and at other parking lots nearby in the Historic District.

For persons who are mobility impaired an elevator up to the Sanctuary level is available from the side entrance at 10 Church Street.  If unable to pay, limited free tickets are available; email requests to info@gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Read the feature article about this concert by Gail McCarthy in the Gloucester Daily Times:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/special-bach-concert-benefits-meetinghouse/article_c9ed790f-66ba-59d5-be73-a5dcd7a7578f.html

For advance ticket purchases and more information please visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

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GRAND FINALE, MOTOWN, SOUL, BLUES & JAZZ: ‘MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN,’ TONIGHT!

~ chasnaz

Berklee School of Music Teacher and Vocalist: Alvin Foster and ‘Soul Eclectic’ will rock the Meetinghouse!

Free outdoor concert tonight, Friday, September 7th, 2018, 6:00pm, with food service by the Willow Rest for your picnicking pleasure, on the Green at the corner of Middle & Church Street.

Donations requested to benefit the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation.  Bring beach chairs, a blanket, a fleece or a sweater and maybe your favorite libation for this last summer festival concert.

Alvin’s band, Soul Eclectic, will take you on journey back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s with the soul music that underpinned Black people’s courage to be happy and celebrate life, love, spirituality and growth in the face of racism. While centered in Motown’s indelible catalog of music, Soul Eclectic also features and celebrates the artists that grew up alongside and after Motown.

Comprising of Alvin Foster on vocals, Tricia Reed on vocals, Oscar Brown III on guitar, Briana Washington on keyboard, Min Jae Yim on bass, and Jarrell Campbell on drums, the Soul Eclectic uses the timeless gems to deliver a fun and thoughtful musical experience.

In the greeting at 6:00pm Sponsors from the past 3 years will be recognized, whose gifts paid all expenses in advance, enabling 100% of your contributions go to our non-profit community partners.  We will also recognize the festival Staff.  Please be on hand to give them your applause and personal thanks.

As always, the 9th and last event is a benefit for your host organization, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation.  Our mission is to preserve the treasured 1806 historic building as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community center.  Our goal is to complete the full building restoration in time for Gloucester’s 400th anniversary in 2023.  Visit gloucestermeetinghouse.org for more details on our programs.

If the weather turns wet we dim the lights in the downstairs Vestry for a coffeehouse atmosphere with its fine stage and hold the event indoors.  Thanks for your support and enthusiasm all through this summer.

This was the best year yet…we are already planning Music on Meetinghouse Green 2019…but don’t miss out on the grande finale of our 2018 festival season tonight!

MMG, 8-24-18

PMC Kids Ride

~ Dot Sieradzki

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         CONTACT: Pat Morris @ 978-815-2170 or Jennifer Doane @ 617-997-3772

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Register Today for PMC Kids Ride

It’s time to register your kids for this year’s Cape Ann Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Ride!  Registration fee is $10 through September 22nd ($30 walk-on) with a fundraising minimum of $30, 100% of which will support cancer treatment and research efforts at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).   Visit www.kids.pmc.org/capeann to sign up online.

This rain or shine event will take place at Masconomo Park in Manchester on Saturday, September 29th from 9am – 12 noon and will offer five different ride routes for kids ages 2-15. Routes range from the perimeter of the park for tykes on tricycles to a 10-mile mountain trail or an 11-mile road ride.

Kids are encouraged to register for a route that best suits their riding ability. All ride routes are posted online and every child who registers will receive a T-shirt and goody bag.

Last year’s PMC Kids Ride raised over $10,800 for DFCI!  As one of over 30 PMC Kids Rides throughout New England, this event is truly a family-friendly event with fun for everyone including games and music, face painting, bouncy houses, raffle and more!

Volunteers are needed both in advance and on–site day of. Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance in order to ensure proper coverage across all aspects of the event. To learn more, visit www.kids.pmc.org/capeann and click on “Register to Volunteer”.

Residents who live along ride routes are encouraged to cheer on riders with posters, pom-poms, cowbells and more!  Questions regarding sponsorships and donations can be directed to the event co-chairs: Pat Morris (pat@scrawney-morgan.org) or Jen Doane (jendoane2014@gmail.com).

 

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Harold Rotenberg: An American Impressionist. A special exhibition features 90 years of painter’s work at Cape Ann Museum On view April 14 – June 17, 2018.

~ teakmediacasey

pic.pngHarold Rotenberg: An American Impressionist, a special exhibition exploring the career of artist Harold Rotenberg (1905-2011), will open at the Cape Ann Museum on Saturday, April 14 and remain on display through June 17.

For 90 years, Rotenberg devoted himself to painting, creating a remarkable body of work. “Paintings are adventures,” he once observed, adding each one is “a new experience.” Visitors to the Museum will be able to share in this remarkable artist’s adventures as they explore a selection of 40 works created on Cape Ann and around the world.

A native of Attleboro, Massachusetts, beginning in the early 1920s, Rotenberg embarked on a life of creating art and inspiring others to do the same. Through his work at a settlement house in Boston, at the Boston Museum School, the School of Practical Art in Boston and from his own studio, Rotenberg provided instruction to an entire generation of artists, including Jack Levine, Reed Kay, Jason Berger, Barbara Swan and David Aronson.

Rotenberg created a large body of his own work, experimenting with a variety of mediums and moving easily between traditional compositions and abstraction. His mature style was influenced by impressionism and effectively uses color and brushwork as a mean of expressing the uniqueness of place and time. He lived and painted around the world but Rockport held a special place in his heart and the paintings he created on Cape Ann dominate this exhibition.

Harold Rotenberg: An American Impressionist was organized with the assistance of the artist’s daughter, Judi Rotenberg who will present a gallery talk on her father’s work on Saturday, April 28 at 9:30 a.m. A noted artist herself, it is Judi’s hope that this special exhibition will introduce new audiences of art lovers to her father’s work and inspire artists to view their work as “adventures.”

Judith Curtis, a freelance arts writer for publications like American Art Review and author of several books on artists including “H. Rotenberg: an Artist’s Journey,” will speak about his work on Saturday, June 9 at 3 p.m. Curtis is also the curator of the Rockport Art Association, and she lives on Cape Ann.

For more information about the exhibition and related programming, please visit the Museum’s website http://www.capeannmuseum.org.

 

CHILDREN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL IN GLOUCESTER!

~ chasnaz

Children’s Choir Festival Makes First Gloucester Appearance on Sunday

Nearly three dozen young voices will be joined in song on Sunday, February 11th  beginning at 4 p.m. in the 10th annual Children’s Choir Festival.  It will be held in the Sanctuary of the historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Street.  This is a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy!

The singers, ages 5 through 18, are from three Episcopal churches, St. John’s of Gloucester, Christ Church in Andover, and All Saints Church in Chelmsford, assembled to give them an opportunity to sing as part of a larger ensemble in a grand space with a bigger audience than their home choir situations permit.

The works will range from the famous Shaker Tune, “Simple Gifts,” through religious melodies, spirituals, and a work, ‘The Call of Wisdom,” written in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

The audience will be invited to join the combined choirs in singing “All Creatures of Our God and King and Beethoven’s “Hymn to Joy.” Prayers and scripture readings will be interspersed throughout the hour-long program. A reception will follow.

The Choir Festival dates back to 2009 but this is its first appearance in Gloucester. Mark Nelson, music director at St. John’s Church, said the Meetinghouse was chosen as the venue for its ample seating for over 300 persons, as well as its fine acoustics.  Nelson will be joined in conducting by Barbara Bruns of the Andover church and Maggie Marshall of the Chelmsford Church.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse is located at the intersection of Middle and Church Street. Parking is available on the green in front of the Meetinghouse, in the St. John’s Church lot at 33 Washington St., and in the municipal lot at nearby St. Peter’s Square, on Rogers Street.   Access for persons with disabilities is from the side door at 10 Church St.

The event is being hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. Admission is free (donations gratefully accepted).  More information is available at:

http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

http://www.facebook.com/gloucestermeetinghouse/

 

 

 

SECOND ANNUAL GLOUCESTER MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION

~ chasnaz

MLKPoster2018

WHAT: AN AFTERNOON OF PRESENTATIONS ON THE MLK HOLIDAY hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018, 2:00-5:30pm

WHERE: The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church) on Meetinghouse Green at the corner of Middle and Church Street.  Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.  Parking on the Green or next door at St. John’s Church.

PROGRAM:

Mary Ellen Lepionka, Cape Ann Algonquians’ fate after European colonization

Lise Breen, history of black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement

GWC Fish Tales, first-hand stories from refugees about the promise of America

Reverend Janet Parsons, accountability and where do we go from here?

Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken, commentary on cultural diversity

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his final Christmas Sermon on interconnectedness

Closing, tolling of the Meetinghouse Paul Revere bell for freedom

WHAT’S SPECIAL?  A rare opportunity to gather in community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, learn about historical and present-day persons of color with diverse identities, initiatives to study the history of slavery on Cape Ann as well as the black leaders of the Abolitionist Movement and rededicate ourselves to the American creed that all persons are created equal.  This is the 50th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. King, whose message on non-violence, opposition to war, drive to lift people of any ethnicity, country of origin or racial background out of poverty, and belief in the care of our natural environment is as relevant today as it was in the 60’s.

COST:  FREE with voluntary donations, all welcome.  Refreshments will be available.

MORE INFORMATION:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION:  The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the 1806 landmark building, Gloucester’s last-surviving historic Meetinghouse, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community action center.

RELATED MORNING EVENT:  The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport holds its annual Peace March commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in which members and friends gather at 9:30 am for sign making, followed by a march through downtown Rockport at 10:00 am, and gather after the march for hot cider and goodies, followed by a short worship service.  For more information see:  http://rockportuu.org/

Symposium at the Meetinghouse: ‘PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY?’

~ chasnaz

This is a community Symposium presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation and its clean energy initiative TownGreen/2025 on Saturday afternoon November 11th, 2-6:00pm.

The event will explore whether preservation of our older homes and historic civic buildings is compatible the goal of becoming “green” through expert presentations, responses from a distinguished panel, and Q&A with the audience.

Cape Ann is actively pursuing two goals that are sometimes viewed as separate or opposed.  One is for the preservation of Cape Ann’s historic buildings and homes, especially as Gloucester’s 400th anniversary approaches in 2023.  The other is to seek alternate sources of clean energy, minimize consumption, and reduce our overall carbon footprint to counter the global forces of climate change.

We explore many aspects of the basic question:  Can preservation and sustainability can be complementary rather than competitive goals?

Some of the issues emerged recently in the controversy about whether the Sawyer Free Library should build an all-new structure or work within an existing building envelope that was purposely designed to complement the landmark buildings of the Historic District.

In a sequence of four 50 minute sessions with 10 minute breaks, the Symposium will provide a friendly and informative forum in which residents may interact with professionals to discuss how these two worthy goals sometimes conflict or may go together.

LOCATION:  The historic (1806) Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the green at the corner of Church & Middle Street.  Parking is available on the green, next door at St. John’s Church, and at the Sawyer Free Library.  Accessible side entrance with an elevator is at 10 Church Street.

ADMISSION:  Free (offerings gratefully accepted), refreshments available all afternoon

More information is available at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

TODAy OCTOBER 12th: Raising Urban Chickens, a workshop at Backyard Growers

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

Raising Urban Chickens

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Thursday, October 12th, 6:00-7:30PM

Join Backyard Growers and local chicken farmer Jess Araneo as we discuss these fine birds. From getting started, to meeting city standards, to choosing the right ladies for your flock- we’re excited to answer all your burning questions and leave you ready to start, improve or expand your backyard flock! We’ll spend just over an hour discussing the ins and outs of chicken raising, then leave time to meet a bird or two and answer all your questions. Join us!

Jess is resident in Rowley, MA where she raises over 40 chickens and 20 ducks on less than an acre. She sells eggs from her chickens and ducks out of a farm stand at her house.

Hosted at Backyard Grower Office: 127 Main St, Gloucester

Tickets: $10 Purchase tickets here

Contact: community@backyardgrowers.org

chicken blurb

THE GREAT KRASINSKI, MAESTRO OF THE PIPE ORGAN, IN ‘THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME’ AT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!

~ chasnaz

Peter Krasinski, organist extraordinaire, performs ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ on Friday, October the 13th at 7:30pm

World-famous pipe-organ maestro Peter Krasinski accompanies the silent horror film classic ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ starring Lon Chaney and the comedy short ‘The Haunted House with Buster Keaton on the pipe-organ in the Gloucester Meetinghouse.

Krasinski begins the program with a thrilling organ prelude followed by the hilarious film “The Haunted House” starring Buster Keaton.  The Maestro will play the grand 1893 Hutchings-Fisk pipe-organ in the darkened Sanctuary, improvising the accompaniment to the 2 great silent film classics.

ADMISSION:  $20 General, $15 Students & Seniors (65+), kids under 12 free.

Proceeds benefit the ongoing Fire-Sprinkler & Deterrence Project in the Meetinghouse.  Special thanks to our sole corporate Sponsor for this family-friendly, community event: the Cape Ann Savings Bank

Located on the green at the intersection of Church & Middle Street, the historic (1806) Meetinghouse is the home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.  Parking is available on the green and next door at St. John’s Church; a side entrance for persons with disabilities is at #10 Church Street.

Maestro Krasinski is presented by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Our mission is to preserve this treasured building as a civic hub, cultural venue and community action center.  For more information about how you can help or about our events please visit: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit Massachusetts corporation qualified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With this designation, contributions to the GMF are tax-exempt to the extent of the law with no goods or services received in exchange.