North of Boston

Gloucester Stage presents BAD BOOKS by Sharyn Rothstein
2026-06-25 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-26 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-27 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
When a concerned mother finds her son with an “inappropriate” book, an attempt to reason with the local librarian erupts into an explosive, town-wide confrontation. As tensions rise and consequences escalate, we learn that these women have more that connects them than what meets the eye. Bad Books explores the first impressions and raucous debates that divide us while forcing audiences to consider what it really means to care for our children.
Sharyn Rothstein’s poignant drama opens the 2026 Season with cunning humor and heartfelt dialogue in this regional-premiere directed by M. Bevin O’Garaº. Running from June 4 to 27, all performances are at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 2:00pm.

Joshua Bell & Larisa Martinez
2026-07-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Husband-and-wife duo Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez present The Voice and the Violin, a genre-spanning program exploring art song, opera, musical theater, and works by Puerto Rican and Spanish composers—an acclaimed collaboration presented at major festivals and concert halls nationwide.
“Bell and Martínez’s musical sensibilities were evenly matched, the soprano’s delicate voice fitting well with the violinist’s effortless playing… the program retained the feel of an intimate, 19th-century salon, yet didn’t pass up the chance for big, impressive moments.” — Cleveland Classical
JOSHUA BELL, violin
With a career spanning nearly four decades, GRAMMY® Award–winning violinist Joshua Bell CBE is one of the most celebrated and influential artists of his era. He has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world and maintains an extraordinarily active career as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, conductor, and Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. In 2025, Bell was awarded an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III for services to music.
Highlights of Bell’s 2024–25 season include the release of two new albums: Thomas De Hartmann Rediscovered, featuring the world premiere recording of De Hartmann’s Violin Concerto with the INSO-Lviv Orchestra, and an album of Mendelssohn piano trios recorded with longtime collaborators Jeremy Denk and Steven Isserlis. An avid recitalist, Bell tours internationally and performs his popular Voice and the Violin program with soprano Larisa Martínez throughout North America. As a guest soloist, he appears with leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, while also conducting and performing with major ensembles across Europe and the U.S.
Bell has served as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields since 2011, following a relationship with the orchestra that dates back to 1986. His recordings with the Academy include GRAMMY®-nominated and chart-topping releases, and his contract has been extended through the 2027–28 season.
A champion of new music, Bell has commissioned and premiered works by John Corigliano, Edgar Meyer, Jessie Montgomery, Jennifer Higdon, Kevin Puts, and others. His GRAMMY®-winning recording of Nicholas Maw’s Violin Concerto is among many acclaimed releases for Sony Classical, with whom he has recorded more than forty albums.
Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Bell studied with Josef Gingold, debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 14, and made his Carnegie Hall debut at 17. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through performances, recordings, education initiatives, and innovative collaborations across musical genres.
LARISA MARTINEZ, soprano
Internationally acclaimed soprano Larisa Martínez is widely recognized as one of the most compelling vocal artists of her generation. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she is praised for her warm lyric coloratura voice, expressive musicianship, and captivating stage presence. Opera News lauded her portrayal of Rossini’s Corinna (Il viaggio a Reims), writing that “Ms. Martínez cut an elegant figure, her deportment on stage matching that of her singing.”
Ms. Martínez has appeared in leading operatic roles including Violetta (La Traviata) with Wichita Grand Opera, Sophie (Werther) alongside Piotr Beczala, and Maria (West Side Story) conducted by Lawrence Foster at Festival Napa Valley, sharing the stage with tenor Michael Fabiano. Her concert appearances include Mahler’s Symphonies Nos. 2 and 4, Mozart’s Requiem, Villa-Lobos’ Floresta do Amazonas, and performances presented by Renata Scotto in Rome, recorded for Euroclassics.
In 2019, Martínez made her Kennedy Center recital debut and her Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium debut singing Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. She created the role of Isaura in the world premiere of Mercadante’s Francesca da Rimini in Italy under Fabio Luisi and Pier Luigi Pizzi. That same year, she was invited to Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s artistic delegation, appearing in the Emmy®-nominated PBS special Live from Lincoln Center: Seasons of Cuba.
For the past three years, Ms. Martínez has toured internationally with Andrea Bocelli, performing at venues including Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. She also collaborates frequently with violinist Joshua Bell, including PBS broadcasts and an upcoming Voice and the Violin tour. A winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Puerto Rico), Martínez holds degrees from the Music Conservatory of San Juan, the University of Puerto Rico, and Mannes School of Music. She is a proud artistic resident of Turnaround Arts, championing arts education nationwide.
PETER DUGAN, piano
Pianist Peter Dugan is celebrated for performances that combine virtuosity, versatility, and bold musical imagination. His debut appearances with Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony were described by the Los Angeles Times as “stunning” and by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fearlessly athletic.” Heard nationwide as the host of NPR’s From the Top, Dugan maintains an active career as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across North America and abroad.
A sought-after multi-genre artist, Dugan has collaborated with musicians and artists ranging from Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming, and Joshua Bell to Jesse Colin Young and Glenn Close. The Wall Street Journal has described his partnership with violinist Charles Yang as a “classical-meets-rockstar duo.” He has appeared in chamber music recitals presented by Carnegie Hall, Music@Menlo, and the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach, and has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the San Francisco, Houston, and Kansas City Symphonies.
Dugan’s recordings include a release of Ives’ Fourth Symphony with Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, named one of the New York Times’ top classical albums of 2019, and A Silent Night: A WWI Memorial in Song with baritone John Brancy. A Juilliard graduate, he serves on the Juilliard Evening Division faculty and is a Yamaha Artist.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-09 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-16 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-30 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-20 16:00 - 19:00 | MA
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
2026-07-09 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-16 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-30 16:00 - 19:00, 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.

RED: A Gloucester Stage Benefit
2026-08-07 17:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
You know Mark Rothko’s artwork; now witness a pivotal moment in his career in this exclusive staged reading of John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play RED at Gloucester Stage. Directed by internationally acclaimed theatre and opera director Kate Cherry, RED is set in Rothko’s studio in the late 1950’s as the artist grapples with a commission to create a series of murals for NYC’s Four Seasons restaurant. Conflicted by the commission and at odds with his conscience, Rothko makes a decision that is still discussed in art circles today.
Gourmet Offerings and Complimentary Bar
Reading will take place Friday, August 7th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester.

Gloucester Stage Company presents DALLOWAY: FIRST LOVE by Lindsay Joelle
2026-08-13 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-15 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-16 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-19 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-22 14:00 - 15:30 and 2 more dates | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
From the playwright behind last season’s The Garbologists comes an unlikely world premiere of feminine proportions. Clarissa Perry is a tree climbing, combat boot wearing goth with no interest in entertaining the slew of suitors found by her money-strapped father. The pressure is on Clarissa to find a husband and save her family’s estate when she receives a visit from an unapologetic, care-free suffragette who could convince Clarissa that she might want to forge a new path for herself. Experience a modern, coming-of-age story in this stand-alone prequel to Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway.
Written by Lindsay Joelle and directed by Rebecca Bradshawº, this world premiere production runs August 13 to August 29. All performances are at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 2:00pm.
