North of Boston

Cape Ann Jazz Workshop Student Showcase
2026-07-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Cape Ann Jazz Workshop students take the stage for a lively final concert, showcasing the improvisation, ensemble playing, and jazz skills they developed throughout the week.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
CAJW is a vibrant musical community where students grow through hands-on ensemble work, creative exploration, and inspiring mentorship. Each morning blends warm-ups, small-group combo rehearsals, and instrument masterclasses that strengthen listening, rhythmic awareness, and expressive playing. In the afternoons, students choose from electives—Jazz Theory & Composition, Improvisation, Jazz History, and Style Studies—and come together for experiences such as our New Orleans–style second line parade and improvisation circle. Together, these elements help students build confidence, collaboration skills, and musical independence.

After Hours Sip & Cut 🥂
2026-07-31 17:30 - 19:30 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Gather for a relaxed summer evening at Cider Hill Farm. Sip seasonal hard cider, enjoy live music, cut your own farmhouse bouquets, and unwind at a reserved picnic table. This adults-only event is the perfect way to experience the farm after hours.

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-07-31 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-08 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-14 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-15 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Enjoy the weekend in style at Sunset Sessions. An evening of vibrant energy, coastal glamour, and unforgettable harbor front views at Beauport Hotel’s Birdseye Rooftop.
Join us during our 10th year by the sea, every Friday and Saturday evening for a lively celebration featuring DJ entertainment from The 617 Event Group. Dance as the sun sets over Gloucester Harbor, sip handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the atmosphere high above the water. Feeling bold? Bring your suit and take a dip in the pool or hot tub. This event is for guests 21+.
General Admission starts at $30 and does not include food or beverage.
VIP Premium Lounge Tables are $300 and include entry and premium seating for four. For a more elevated experience, reserve one of our VIP Premium Lounge Tables on the Harbor View side of the rooftop. These exclusive tables include a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (inclusive of tax and gratuity)—perfect for toasting the night in style.
Tickets are non-refundable. This event is rain or shine unless the rooftop is closed due to inclement weather, as determined by Beauport management by 2PM on the day of the event. Guests will be notified via email.

Sullivan Fortner
2026-08-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Kayvon Gordon, drums | Tyrone Allen, bass
For more than a decade, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Sullivan Fortner has garnered international praise as a leader and a fierce collaborator. Recipient of the 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award, he earned the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance on Samara Joy’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” and the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album alongside Cécile McLorin Salvant for her acclaimed album The Window.
His fundamentals as a player could hardly be stronger, and his instincts as a composer and bandleader are almost startlingly mature.” — The New York Times
Fortner also has earned GRAMMY nods for his 2023 release Solo Game and his provocative arrangement of “Optimistic Voices/No Love Dying” from Salvant’s 2022 release Ghost Song. As a solo leader he has issued Aria (2015); Moments Preserved (2018); Solo Game (2024), which earned 4-star reviews in DownBeat and France’s Telerama Magazine; and Southern Nights (2025) which landed Fortner on the February cover of DownBeat. Winner of the 2024 DownBeat Critics Poll for Rising Star Jazz Group: Sullivan Fortner Trio, the prolific artist has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves, Etienne Charles and John Scofield; frequent collaborators have included Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Kassa Overall, Tivon Pennicott, Peter Bernstein, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, Chief Adjuah and the late Roy Hargrove. He earned his Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and Master of Music in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music (MSM) and has taught at MSM, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), Purdue University, Lafayette Summer Music Workshop, Belmont University and Oberlin Conservatory. Fortner has performed at Snug Harbor, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Sweet Lorraine’s and The Jazz Playhouse in New Orleans, and The Village Vanguard, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Standard and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. He’s appeared at Newport, Monterey, Discover, Tri-C and Gillmore Keyboard jazz festivals. Both his works and his insights have been featured in culture drivers from The New York Times to The Root. Further accolades include the Cole Porter Fellowship awarded by the American Pianists Association, Leonore Annenberg Arts Fellowship, the Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, the Shifting Foundation Grant and the Western Jazz Presenters Grant.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-08-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-20 16:00 - 19:00 | M
Gloucester, MA – Thursday nights come alive on Rocky Neck as Culture Splash returns for its sixth season, transforming Gloucester’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community.
Running every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, Culture Splash invites residents and visitors alike to experience the Rocky Neck Cultural District in its most festive form. Galleries throw open their doors, artists welcome visitors into their studios, musicians fill the harbor air with live performances, and creative energy spills onto the streets along Gloucester’s iconic working waterfront.
Recognized as one of Cape Ann’s signature summer traditions, Culture Splash offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy gallery openings, artist demonstrations, poetry readings, live music, signature cocktails, waterfront dining, and opportunities to meet the artists who make Rocky Neck one of New England’s most celebrated creative communities.
Adding to the experience, a free water shuttle will once again connect stops at Solomon’s Landing and St. Peter’s Square to Rocky Neck, delivering guests directly to the heart of the festivities at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.
“Culture Splash captures everything that makes Rocky Neck special,” said Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of Rocky Neck Art Colony. “It’s an evening where art, music, food, history, and community come together against the backdrop of Gloucester Harbor. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer evening in America’s Oldest Seaport.”
Presented by Rocky Neck Cultural District and its many community partners, Culture Splash continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while welcoming new audiences to explore galleries, discover local artists, and experience the unique character of Gloucester’s waterfront arts district.
Some highlights include: Ocean Alliance Drive-in Movie night July 9; Ristuben Jazz Trio on July 16 at Rocky Neck Cultural Center; Betrayal by Harold Pinter at Gloucester Stage Company on July 23; Coco Haze at Gallery RAG on July 30; Kevin Gallagher on August 6 at Gloucester Writers Center and Susan Lynn Demo at North Shore Art Association on August 20.
For a complete schedule of events, participating venues, featured artists, and shuttle information, visit the rockyneckartcolony.org or discovergloucester.com
Photographs available upon request.
About Rocky Neck Art Colony
Founded in 1850, Rocky Neck Art Colony is the oldest continuously operating art colony in America. Located in Gloucester’s historic Rocky Neck Cultural District, RNAC supports artists and enriches the community through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-08-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Neck
Gloucester, MA – Thursday nights come alive on Rocky Neck as Culture Splash returns for its sixth season, transforming Gloucester’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community.
Running every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, Culture Splash invites residents and visitors alike to experience the Rocky Neck Cultural District in its most festive form. Galleries throw open their doors, artists welcome visitors into their studios, musicians fill the harbor air with live performances, and creative energy spills onto the streets along Gloucester’s iconic working waterfront.
Recognized as one of Cape Ann’s signature summer traditions, Culture Splash offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy gallery openings, artist demonstrations, poetry readings, live music, signature cocktails, waterfront dining, and opportunities to meet the artists who make Rocky Neck one of New England’s most celebrated creative communities.
Adding to the experience, a free water shuttle will once again connect stops at Solomon’s Landing and St. Peter’s Square to Rocky Neck, delivering guests directly to the heart of the festivities at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.
“Culture Splash captures everything that makes Rocky Neck special,” said Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of Rocky Neck Art Colony. “It’s an evening where art, music, food, history, and community come together against the backdrop of Gloucester Harbor. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer evening in America’s Oldest Seaport.”
Presented by Rocky Neck Cultural District and its many community partners, Culture Splash continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while welcoming new audiences to explore galleries, discover local artists, and experience the unique character of Gloucester’s waterfront arts district.
Some highlights include: Ocean Alliance Drive-in Movie night July 2; Ristuben Jazz Trio on July 16 at Rocky Neck Cultural Center; Betrayal by Harold Pinter at Gloucester Stage Company on July 23; Coco Haze at Gallery RAG on July 30; Kevin Gallagher on August 6 at Gloucester Writers Center and Susan Lynn Demo at North Shore Art Association on August 20.
For a complete schedule of events, participating venues, featured artists, and shuttle information, visit the rockyneckartcolony.org or discovergloucester.com.

Peach & Sunflower Festival
2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Cider Hill Farm is celebrating all things sunshine, flowers and peaches on August 8-9 and August 15-16! The multi-weekend event features cut-your-own farmhouse bouquets, free live music, local makers, hard cider bar, activities, hayrides, tastings, food trucks, peach treats, sunflower walk, and pick-your-own peaches. **RSVP & Tickets** RSVP now and buy PYO tix when they open closer to event time! We open online PYO tickets approx. 48 hours in advance of each weekend. But you may purchase picking tickets when you arrive on the farm, too!

Beverly400+ Garden Party
2026-08-08 12:00 - 17:00 | Beverly Common, 31 Dane Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Join us at Beverly Common for our first-ever Garden Party to celebrate our namesake, the Garden City! This family-friendly event will transform our Common into a living art space, and will feature live music all day, local art installations, food, entertainment, local makers, and a Champagne Chateau! Your finest garden party attire is encouraged. We hope to see you there!

Manchester Summer Chamber Music at the Barn at Crane Estate
2026-08-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | The Crane Estate, 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Manchester Summer Chamber Music (“MSCM”) celebrates its 15th season with four stunning programs and six performances of world class chamber music this summer between August 8-22.
Combining the magic of warm summer nights with dynamic interpretations of chamber music gems and vibrant new music, MSCM offers performances that welcome audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
Founded in 2009 by Manchester native Sage Cole and Andover native Lorna Tsai, MSCM is dedicated to sharing classical music of the highest caliber with the communities of the North Shore. Seventeen musicians from around the world will come together throughout August to create the joyful, engaging concerts that audiences have come to expect from MSCM.
As the resident chamber music series of the Barn at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, MSCM will present three Saturday night concerts. In addition, MSCM will present its annual house concerts with pianist Dr. Ryo Yanagitani at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates in Manchester, MA, and will also perform the house concert program at Gathr Work in downtown Ipswich, MA.
August 8, 7 PM: Treblemakers is the first of the three concerts at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. The concert features two Four Seasons: Antonio Vivaldi’s magnum opus as well as Astor Piazzolla’s inventive tribute to Vivaldi.
August 12 and 13, 7 PM: Café Music will be performed at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates, 2 Masconomo Street, Manchester, MA. Dr. Ryo Yanagitani will lead a narrative performance centering on Paul Schoenfield’s delightful Café Music.
August 14, 7 PM: Café Music will be presented at Gathr Work, 42 Market Street, Ipswich, MA.
August 15, 7 PM: Red Sky is the second concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. This evening of movements from beloved string quartets begins with the storm of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet, finds its way to calmer waters with the tranquility of Caroline Shaw’s “Orangery”, and then heads back into the tempest of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet Op. 80.
August 22, 7 PM: Starry Night is the last concert of the season and the third concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. A celebration of the beauty of late summer with music that wraps us in the warm, nostalgic embrace of an August night, Starry Night features the complete Brahms String Sextet No. 1 as well as movements from Borodin, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Paul Wiancko string quartets.
Before each concert at the Barn at Crane Estate, audience members are invited to arrive early with a picnic and relax in the walled garden in front of the Barn. Please note that our liquor license permits only alcohol purchased from our vendor, Harbor Tap Trailer, while on the premises.
All concerts are $50 at the door and $45 in advance. Members of the Trustees pay $45 at any time for all Barn concerts. Tickets online and at the door are subject to availability; advance purchase is highly recommended as our venues have limited capacity. Youth under 18 are free at all three Barn at Crane Estate concerts.
For directions, tickets, and more information, please visit: www.manchestersummerchambermusic.org or call (978) 312-2062.

King Yellowman
2026-08-08 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Jamaica’s first dancehall superstar, Yellowman ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley’s death. His early-’80s success brought the popularity of toasting — the reggae equivalent of rapping — to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future. For better or for worse, he also epitomized dancehall’s penchant for “slack” lyrics — that is, casual violence, sexism, homophobia, and general rudeness. Graphic sexuality was his particular forte, reaching levels of explicitness previously unheard in Jamaica. It brought him numerous detractors, but it was also a big reason for his early popularity. There was more to it than that, though; Yellowman was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay. Plus, all the boasting about his prowess on the mic or in the bedroom had to be over the top to be convincing: true to his stage name, Yellowman is an albino, which carries a tremendous social stigma in Jamaica. His rise to stardom was unlikely enough, but his transformation from untouchable outcast into sex symbol was staggering — and may not even have taken place without his trademark lewdness. Shocking though it could be, it affirmed him as a sexual being just like his listeners, and was delivered with enough humor to let the audience know that he didn’t take himself too seriously. Bouts with cancer pushed him into more thoughtful, socially conscious territory in the 1990s, but his initial style remains the most influential, paving the way for countless dancehall toasters to follow. He remained quiet through most of the 2000s before mounting a comeback with 2019’s
No More War.

Ray Chen, violin Chelsea Wang, piano
2026-08-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Violinist Ray Chen redefines the classical artist for the 21st century, combining extraordinary musicianship with global digital reach. A major international soloist and prizewinner, Chen connects millions worldwide through performances marked by virtuosity, warmth, and a deep commitment to engaging new audiences.
PROGRAM
MOZART: Violin Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 454
GRIEG: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45
Intermission
J.S. BACH: Preludio – Loure – Gavotte en Rondeau from Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006
SARASATE: Playera, Op. 23 No. 1
SARASATE: Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25
“Ray Chen can do pretty much anything he wants on the violin.” — The Washington Post
Chelsea Wang, piano
Praised by The New York Times as an “excellent young pianist,” Chelsea Wang has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, Europe, and Asia, performing at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner.
A prizewinner in numerous international competitions, she made her orchestral debut at age six and has since performed with orchestras including the Fort Worth Symphony and Des Moines Symphony.
An active chamber musician, Wang has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and at festivals such as Music@Menlo, Ravinia, and Music Academy of the West. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she studied with Meng-Chieh Liu and Ignat Solzhenitsyn and received the Sergei Rachmaninoff Award. She also holds degrees from Peabody Conservatory and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Northwestern University.

Family Concert: Mister G
2026-08-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Get ready for a high-energy, feel-good concert the whole family will love! **Ben Gundersheimer—known onstage as MISTER G—**is a Latin GRAMMY Award–winning artist, author, and educator whose joyful, interactive performances invite kids and grown-ups alike to sing, dance, and laugh together. Called “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, MISTER G creates concerts that feel like a celebration—full of music, movement, and connection.
MISTER G’s journey began in the classroom, where he earned his nickname from his own students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. Inspired by his 4th-grade class, he began writing songs that blended learning, storytelling, and fun—music that eventually launched a career now spanning more than fifteen years. A graduate of Amherst College and the first recipient of a songwriting scholarship from Berklee College of Music, Ben’s work is rooted in creativity, curiosity, and heart.
Today, MISTER G has released 14 albums of original, multicultural music and earned numerous honors, including a Latin GRAMMY Award and five Parents’ Choice Gold Awards. He performs for families around the world at theaters, festivals, and performing arts centers, with concerts that move effortlessly between English and Spanish and feature a wide range of musical styles.
Families may also recognize MISTER G as the author of four bilingual picture books with Penguin Random House, including the beloved Señorita Mariposa, now in its 18th printing. His songs and stories often draw inspiration from nature, kindness, and community, encouraging children to care for the world and one another.
Whether singing in English, Spanish, Hebrew, or Yiddish, MISTER G creates a welcoming space where everyone belongs—making each concert a joyful, unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Bella Rayne Band
2026-08-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition—creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear—unlocking a voice and style entirely her own. She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop. Their sets are explosive and ever- evolving—blending soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisational jam with bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead classics alongside Bella’s own originals. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, often described as the next generation of Tedeschi Trucks Band with an alternative edge and a 70s vibe. With demand building nationwide, the band recently completed recording singles for an upcoming EP slated for release in 2026—marking the next step in a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her young age, Bella has already shared the stage with seasoned artists and respected bands: appearances alongside Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family have all added to her early résumé and she was touted as “one to watch” by her idol, Susan Tedeschi in a 2025 Guitar World Magazine interview. In addition, she has been invited to iconic stages nationwide including The Fillmore SF, The Orpheum LA, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and even celebrated her 18th birthday with a set on the Prudential stage at Bottlerock Napa festival. One of the most iconic moments of her rising career: she was entrusted to play the legendary guitar known as “Alligator” — once wielded by Jerry Garcia. That honor, courtesy of Grateful Guitars Foundation, has become a defining chapter in Bella’s journey and Guitar Player magazine recently recognized her as one of the players “keeping the Dead alive” alongside Jeff Mason (Dark Star Orchestra) and Tom Hamilton (JRAD) in an article from May 2025.

Dead to the Core - August Show
2026-08-14 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Premium Seating with cocktail service: $34.50 + $6.95 service fee
Standard Seating with cocktail service: $29.50 + $6.95 service fee
GA Standing: $15 + $6.95 service fee
+ $5 Day of Show
Dead to the Core is Sam Bouve (Bass), Sean Galbraith (Guitar), John Spurr (Drums), Phil Todisco (Guitar), and Scotty King (Keys). This collective of North Shore original artists, songwriters, and producers came together in 2020 to honor the timeless catalog of the Grateful Dead with a fresh and innovative approach. Dead to the Core celebrates the Dead’s spirit with inspired playing, infused with unrestrained improvisations, and a real good time.
Dead To The Core is The Cut’s 2026 Resident Band – they will play a show every month in 2026, culminating with a New Years Eve show on 12/31/26. Don’t forget to bring your punch card and get a stamp for each show you attend. Collect them all (Feb-Nov) and get free tickets to the NYE show!

HEADLANDS - Free Show - Third Thursday (music) Therapy at The Cut
2026-08-20 07:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
With their exciting three-part vocals that put their stamp on whichever musical genre they choose, HEADLANDS has been playing at clubs, restaurants, outdoor festivals and private events since 2017. Whether an acoustic trio or a full-blown rock band with percussion, fiddle and horns, you can be sure HEADLANDS treat their audiences to thrilling harmonies, tight arrangements, and humor!​

Haus of Monsters - America's #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga
2026-08-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Haus of Monsters is the ultimate Lady Gaga tribute experience – an electrifying celebration of one of the most iconic pop stars of our time. Based in New York City, the birthplace of Gaga herself, the band is made up of some of the city’s top session musicians and lifelong Little Monsters who live and breathe her music.
More than just a tribute band, Haus of Monsters delivers the full Gaga experience: a powerhouse live band, dazzling backup dancers, stunning costumes, and all the theatrical flair fans expect. Every performance is a journey through Gaga’s greatest hits, from the dance floor anthems to the show-stopping ballads, honoring her artistry, creativity, and fearless spirit.
Recognized as the premier Lady Gaga tribute band in the USA, Haus of Monsters brings fans together to celebrate the music, message, and magic of Mother Monster herself.
