North of Boston

Yacouba Sissoko, kora & Mike Block, cello
2025-01-17 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
In this Global Journeys series concert, master kora player Yacouba Sissoko and cellist Mike Block bring a musical collaboration ranging from traditional West African songs and stories to Appalachian tunes.
YACOUBA SISSOKO
Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.
His flexible virtuosity, which enables him to move seamlessly from one musical genre to another, has attracted the attention of an array of musicians who have sought him out as a collaborator. All the while, Yacoba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora—a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa.
Yacouba steadily performs with music festivals across North America. He has performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC; the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles; the New York Family Arts Festival; the Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park, Chicago; the Portland Jazz Festival; the Detroit Jazz Festival; and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Rooted to give back to the community, Yacouba regularly performs cultural programs and benefit concerts. He works in partnership with La Maison d’Art Gallery in Harlem as a collaborator inviting other world musicians to take part in the gallery’s events. He regularly performs for the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial, Educational, and Cultural Center. He also provides workshops and presentations to primary school and university students. Recognizing his educational contributions, in 2007 he was selected as a Teaching Artist by the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall and Carnegie’s Musical Explorers program.
Yacouba continues to blend his virtuosity effortlessly with other musical styles, whether in Indian ragas or Appalachian tunes. Currently, Yacouba can be seen performing regularly with Regina Carter and his own band, SIYA.
MIKE BLOCK
Mike Block is a multi-style cello player, composer, singer, and educator, with a passion for cross-cultural collaborations. Hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene.” (Gramophone), he was acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and “a true artist… a sight to behold” by Salt Lake City Desert News. In addition to solo performances, Mike touring bands include Biribá Union, Mike Block Trio, duo with Indian tabla player Sandeep Das, and a West-African fusion band with Balla Kouyaté. Since 2005, Mike has been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he earned a 2017 Grammy® Award.
As an innovator, Mike is among the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap to stand and move while performing using his own patented design, The Block Strap, and is the Musical Instrument Consultant for Forte3D, the world’s first 3D-Printed carbon fiber cello. In 2020, Mike founded Play For The Vote , which organizes musical performances at polling locations across the country on Election Days, with the goal of creating a more positive voting experience.
As an educator, Mike is dedicated to creating transformative experiences, and is the Founder/Director of the Mike Block String Camp in Vero Beach, FL, Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop in Boston, MA and Hangzhou, China, and teaches over 400 cello students online through his Multi-Style Cello School at ArtistWorks.com. Since 2018 he has been on faculty at the New England Conservatory.

Portrait of a Sculptor: Walker Hancock & Michael Lafferty
2025-01-17 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-16 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-12 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Walker Hancock was one of the premier American sculptors of the 20th century and a highly engaged and respected member of the Cape Ann community. Michael Lafferty is a skilled photographer who spent hours photographing Hancock in his Lanesville studio, creating a series of intimate portraits of the sculptor at work. This exhibit will combine the work of Lafferty and Hancock.
The CAM Green offers free general admission, vehicle reservations are recommended .
Image: Michael Lafferty, Walker Hancock recasting Arion, 1995, digital print from 35mm film. Gift of the artist, 2022 [2022.074].

A View From the Bridge
2025-01-17 08:00 - 19:00 | Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945, United States
A View From The Bridge is the story about longshoreman Eddie Carbone, his wife Beatrice, and his seventeen-year-old niece, Catherine.
Beatrice invites her two illegal immigrant cousins to live with them until better accommodations can be arranged. Their impact on the household is felt immediately.
The play asks, how do we find commonality between different people? What is the experience of immigrating to the United States? How do you cope with being part of a larger society, but still hold on to your roots? In our current political climate, A View From The Bridge is as topical and relevant as it was when it first opened in 1956.

Wintertide Piano Bar at Beauport Hotel Lobby
2025-01-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Drift away with every note.
Join us at our Wintertide Piano Bar in the lively Beauport Hotel Lobby every Thursday evening this winter from 6:00PM-9:00PM beginning Thursday, January 9th.
Let the evening unfold with style and charm at our exclusive piano bar, where the ambiance transforms as the sun sets. Join us for an unforgettable night of live music by talented pianists, featuring Ricky Lauria, setting the perfect mood in our cozy, nautical-inspired lobby.
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and delicious bites from 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar, available for purchase throughout the evening.
Whether you’re enjoying a signature cocktail or savoring a seasonal bite while soaking in the music, the vibrant melodies and warm atmosphere make this weekly event a true highlight of the winter season.
Reservations are encouraged with arrival between 6:00PM-6:30PM. Reserve your spot now at the following link, or by calling 978-491-5090. Please notify restaurant should you be arriving past 6:30PM.
Learn More & Book Now: https://bit.ly/3ZYL61a

Event: Curator Conversation: Conjuring the Spirit World with George Schwartz
2025-01-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: Morse Auditorium
Included with admission; preregistration required.
Tickets available at the Admissions or Information desks.
Join us for a captivating conversation with George Schwartz, the curator of Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Mediums, and Magic, and explore the exhibition’s origins and its connections to local North Shore stories. The discussion will illuminate the significance of some fascinating objects from PEM’s collection that bring the themes of spirit communication and magic to life. Discover how this exhibition intertwines with other works at PEM to create a rich narrative that resonates with our community’s history.

Story-Time & Craft Wednesday
2025-01-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
NEW PROGRAM ALERT!! Summer is the PERFECT time for outdoor story time and craft making! This BRAND NEW family event is an extension of our Newburyport Arts and Culture Shanties Program and will take place each Wednesday in the Pop Up Park on Merrimac Street – where the Shanties are currently located. Come join the fun this Wednesday and see what it’s all about!
Running each Wednesday until August 21st from 10 AM-12 PM
Free of charge, but donations are welcome

Multi-date event: PEM Reads: Moby-Dick Read-a-Thon
2025-01-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual, MA, United States
Know before you go
Virtual event hosted on Zoom
Free
This event series is a part of PEM Reads.
Content warning: This book depicts violence, gore, animal killing, cannibalism, racism, xenophobia and death.
Join us on select Wednesday evenings over Zoom for an amazing, year-long PEM Reads journey through Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick! Set sail with Dan Lipcan, the Ann C. Pingree Director of the Phillips Library and curator of our current exhibition Draw Me Ishmael: The Book Arts of Moby Dick, and David Snider, Director of Learning and Community Engagement.
Each session of our voyage will feature a brief special presentation by Dan on the day’s reading and its connections to the exhibition, followed by a lively discussion facilitated by David. By June 18, 2025, we will finish the book together, exhausted but invigorated with new perspectives on this classic tale — and with the bragging rights that we have completed a Moby-Dick marathon! Participants who complete the book and attend all five sessions will win a special Moby-Dick-related prize from PEM. Join us for this free, fun, public event!
We will be using the Norton Critical Edition (3rd edition, 2018) of Moby-Dick, edited by Hershel Parker. Attendees are welcome to use their own copy or a library copy to participate in the reading, but please be advised that the page numbers will not match.
Series schedule:
Wednesday evenings, 6:30–8:00 pm ET
July 24, 2024 | Session 1: Introduction to the book, process and exhibition
October 9, 2024 | Session 2: Chapters 1–28, p. 1–104
January 15, 2025 | Session 3: Chapters 29–54, p. 104–204
March 12, 2025 | Session 4: Chapters 55–96, p. 205–314
June 18, 2025 | Session 5: Chapters 97–Epilogue, p. 314–410
Curious about the tradition of Moby-Dick marathons? Read about the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s annual event.

Off Cabot Cabaret - A Burlesque Open Stage
2025-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Off Cabot Cabaret is a NEW submission based, bi-monthly burlesque open stage brought to you by The Betsi Feathers & Siren of the Circle. A space on the North Shore for veterans and amateurs alike to test out new acts, perfect ones already in their repertoire, and/or get some stage experience! Sure to be a night full of surprises!

Metropolis w/ The Anvil Orchestra
2025-01-12 18:00 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
Join us at The Cabot for a silent film featuring a live score – 1927’s Metropolis with music by The Anvil Orchestra!

Children's Broom Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2025-01-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 01970, United States
Children’s Broom Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel 10/6
Workshop Time: 9am-12pm Sunday October 6, 2024
Activity Length: 20 minutes
Location: The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square West, Salem MA 01970
Hosted By: This is a self-guided activity overseen by Good Witch Apprentices
Decorate a magical broom with craft tape, stickers, ribbon, tulle and a charm.
Under age 4 may participate with the help of a supervising adult.
Ticket purchase only admits one (1) participating child.
Please note: Event ticket purchases are non-refundable at this time.

Children's Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2025-01-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 01970, United States
Children’s Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
Activity Length: 30 minutes
Location: The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square West, Salem MA 01970 Second Floor, Pickman Room
Hosted By: This is a self-guided activity overseen by Good Witch Apprentices
Decorate a magical witch hat in the color of your choice with craft gems, stickers, ribbon, tulle and a charm.
Under age 4 may participate with the help of a supervising adult.
Ticket purchase only admits one (1) participating child.
Please note: Event ticket purchases are non-refundable at this time.

Corey Rodrigues
2025-01-11 20:00 - 21:30 | Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Corey is a highly sought after national touring college, club and corporate performer. He was the winner of The Catch a New Rising Star, The Funniest Comic in New England and the 2017 Big Sky Comedy Festivals. Rodrigues has been featured on the hilarious Gotham Live, Laughs on Fox and True Tv’s Laff Mobbs Laff Tracks. In 2018 he released his Dry Bar comedy special, was voted “best of the fest” at the Big Pine Comedy Festival and was picked as one of TBS’s Comics to Watch at the New York Comedy Fest. In 2019 Rodrigues made his late-night TV debut on the Conan O’Brien show. In 2020 he released another 30-minute Comedy Special for the EPIX series “Unprotected Sets.” His comedy is honest and fun, constantly peppering in stories from his life and the lives of those around him. Mix that with a hilarious point of view and he’s able to talk about just about anything. He has been entertaining since childhood. Growing up in Milton – a small suburb in Massachusetts – and spending a lot of time in the city at his family’s barbershop businesses allowed Corey to bring a diverse voice to the stage. Since a very early age he’s had the ability to impersonate many different voices. He often left family members in tears at gatherings. It wasn’t rare for him to startle his childhood classmates by imitating a teacher or principal’s voice in the hallways. Corey made a quick transition from class clown to professional headliner. in the early years he honed and developed those skills on the stage of Bostons beloved Improv Asylum. Rodrigues has been seen in multiple commercials and in the 2022 streaming Film Salesman. He played a major role in the Independent film Business is War, directed by the late Kemal Gordon, “Corey Rodrigues plays ‘Black,’ a financially challenged individual whose erratic funny cameos bring random laughter at a moment’s notice.” – Entertainment Source 617 “The rest of the cast stands out as well; especially Corey Rodrigues as the comedy relief character Black.” – The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. Additionally, Corey has been able to use his comedic gift to impact the community by raising money for Dana Farber, The Pan Mass Challenge, The American Cancer Society, Rebuilding Boston Together, The Jimmy Fund, The Blue Angels of Manchester, CT and countless other charities.

Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC Experience
2025-01-11 20:00 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
Let there be rock!
Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC experience celebrates the thunderous energy of the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson era delivering a power-packed performance that takes the audience on a journey through the story that is AC/DC.
Reminiscent of the legendary Australian rockers, Dirty Deeds, captures the essence of the band that defined a genre.
Channeling the electrifying guitar riffs of Angus and Malcolm Young, Dirty Deeds, recreates their chemistry and signature stage moves paying a fitting tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll band who ignited a global musical revolution.
Unlike most tribute acts, Dirty Deeds uniquely creates an immersive, authentic, and interactive AC/DC experience, transporting fans back to the glory days of classic Rock N Roll all while paying tribute to the unique history that is AC/DC.
Their attention to detail and dedication to capturing the spirit of the original songs makes every performance an unforgettable celebration of AC/DC’s legacy.
Dirty Deeds has set stages ablaze at sold-out venues and festivals all across the US, earning a reputation for their explosive live shows and unwavering commitment to delivering an adrenaline-fueled performance that honors the history and legacy of the rock gods themselves.
So, if you’re seeking an electrifying journey through the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll, let Dirty Deeds be your guide as they pay homage to the unrivaled legends that are AC/DC.
Prepare yourself to be taken on a sonic and visual adventure that will leave you chanting for more.

Reckoners with Delta Generators
2025-01-11 19:30 - 23:30 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
1/11/25
Reserved Rail Seats and G.A Standing. 7:30pm Doors / 8:00pm Show. 21+
$27-22
A little bit of soul and a whole lotta’ rock ‘n’ roll! Reckoners is an all-star music group featuring some of the top players in the Boston music scene who have worked with and along side some of the best in the business. Fronting the group is the great Tim Gearan on vocals & guitar. Assembled and leading the band is the extraordinary guitarist Johnny Trama. Holding down the rhythm section on drums is the masterful Tom Arey. On bass is the one and only Marc Hickox , and on keyboards, the very talented Darby Wolf. Paying homage to the roots of early soul and classic rock, their songs and vibe make you experience something new and original yet completely familiar.
Winning awards and playing to sold-out shows across New England and beyond, the Boston-based Delta Generators have made quite a name for themselves since hitting the scene in 2008. Their music brings together their diverse musical influences, drawing on the traditions of Blues, Roots, R&B, Americana and Rock to create a sound uniquely their own.

Kids at The Cabot: DJ Willy Wow Pajama Party
2025-01-11 10:30 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
Pajama Party Mode ON! Don’t miss this super-duper dance party with Celebrity DJ Willy WOW! A GRAMMY®-nominated children’s songwriter, music producer, voice-over artist, and radio personality, Dj Willy WOW’s signature high-energy performance will have you on your feet and wide awake in no time!

New England's Funniest Comics!
2025-01-10 20:00 - 21:30 | Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Join us at Off Cabot for a weekend with some of New England’s funniest comedians! Featuring Al Park, Big D, Katie Arroyo, and Liam McGurk

Songwriter's Circle: Roots-Rock & Soul
2025-01-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Get up close and personal with incredible local talent at our Upstairs on Main concert series! Grab a beer (or wine) at the bar, sit with friends and enjoy the intimate, lounge-like atmosphere on the third floor of the hall.
Join Cape Ann’s own Dan King as he goes back to his roots in Rockport to host a classic Song Circle. Enjoy a relaxed, café-style evening where four experienced songwriters share songs and stories, offering a unique and engaging musical experience.
A Songwriter’s Circle

Brown Bag Lunch Series: Karin Gertsch
2025-01-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Karin Gertsch is a published author of non-fiction, fiction and children’s literature. How does one write a travel book about historic Cape Ann, an adventure for a chicken named Flora, and more? Join us Friday, January 10th at noon to hear from the author herself how to navigate writing and publishing across genres.
Register here>>
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The Brown Bag Lunch series is a free program for adults held the 2nd Friday of each month at noon (October to June). Join us for speakers who share presentations about local history and other topics of interest.
Please bring your own lunch, beverages and dessert will be provided.
Thank You to Our Sponsor:
This program series is sponsored by the Institution for Savings

M is for Museum & P is for Playdate
2025-01-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Join us the 2nd Friday of the month for our M is for Museum/P is for Playdate program! Each month, we read a story, then do a related craft or activity.
These programs have been designed to address MA curriculum standards for Pre-K in Reading and Literature, Science, Personal and Social Development and Peer Relationships.
PROGRAM DETAILS
2nd Friday of the Month
9:30 a.m. ages 18 months-2.9 years
10:30 a.m. ages 2.9 years+
Included with Admission
Free for Members
Free for Residents of Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester & Essex with advanced registration through Early Childhood Partners >>
Sponsored by Early Childhood Partners via Mass. Department of Early Education & Care and the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.

Soggy Po Boys
2025-01-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Stu Dias, vocals/guitar | Eric Klaxton- clarinet/soprano sax | Josh Gagnon, trombone | Nick Mainella, tenor sax | Mike Effenberger, piano | Brian Waterhouse, drums | Scott Kiefner, bass
The Soggy Po Boys spread the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque festivals; bars and libraries; wherever the party requires.
The Soggy Po Boys, native to New England, have quickly become an institution. They are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque festivals; bars and libraries; wherever the party requires. Part of the beauty of New Orleans music is that it’s celebrated and appreciated wherever it goes, from the street to the theater.
The Po Boys formed in 2012 to shake the walls of a local club on a Fat Tuesday but have honed their sound and become more than a Mardi Gras centerpiece. Exploring the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and expanding their repertoire to look beyond NOLA jazz, the band includes traditional Caribbean tunes (it’s been said that New Orleans is the northernmost city in the Caribbean), as well as Meters funk, soul, and brass band / street beat music.
There are a myriad of traditions that flow into New Orleans culture just as there are tributaries that feed the Mississippi, and the Po Boys are eager to explore what makes the music of New Orleans so damn special. You’ll hear the heavy influence of the New Orleans sound across the band and in the stories told by their original tunes. Despite the scope of its sound, the outfit is only seven people, and thrives on the interplay and group dynamics that bring this music to life.

Trustees Camp Registration Launch
2025-01-09 | Massachusetts
Trustees summer camp registration launches Thursday, January 9th at 12pm for Trustees members. If you are not a member, you can become a member while registering to receive the member discount, or wait until January 15th for non-member registration. Our North Shore camps at Appleton Farms and The Crane Estate serve kiddos ages 4-13. Your camper is sure to make friends and lasting memories, while forming their own unique relationship with nature, during a week or more of outdoor exploration, crafts, and games, at the coast, farm, and forest. https://thetrustees.org/program/massachusetts-summer-camps/

Abigale Reisman
2025-01-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
BEYOND THE MUSIC TALK SERIES
Have you ever wondered what paths a musician might take outside of performing? In this new interactive talk series, you’ll meet several musicians who speak about their own unique creative space.
Abigale Reisman is a member of the International Jewish Music Festival award-winning Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band, as well as a co-founder of Thread Ensemble, an experimental trio that creates music out of interactions with their audiences. In this talk, Abigale discusses the musical threads that connect classical and klezmer music.
Abigale Reisman is a violinist, composer, improviser, and educator. She is a co-founder of Thread Ensemble, an experimental trio that creates music out of interactions with their audiences. She is a member of Tredici Bacci, which was featured in Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need to Know: November 2016”. She is also a composer, arranger, and performer in the International Jewish Music Festival award-winning band, Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band. Abigale earned her Bachelor’s degree at The Manhattan School of Music in Classical Violin Performance and went on to receive her Master’s degree at The New England Conservatory in Contemporary Improvisation. She has toured the world performing klezmer, classical, pop, and experimental music. Abigale has had the privilege to share the stage with great musicians such as Father John Misty, David Krakauer, Amanda Palmer, Jeffery Zeigler, Sarah Jarosz, Hankus Netsky, The Ballroom Thieves, and Anthony Coleman.

DenCITY Soulcase & Open Mic
2025-01-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Exchange Street 25, Lynn, M, 01901, United States
🎤 DENCITY Soulcase + Open Mic
Step into a space where creativity flows freely and community thrives. DENCITY brings you an evening of authentic artistic expression, smooth vibes, and genuine connection at the historic Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre in Lynn’s Central Square.
📍 WHEN: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday
🕖 TIME: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💫 FREE ADMISSION
Whether you’re a poet, musician, storyteller, or dancer, DENCITY welcomes all artists to share their craft in our judgment-free zone. Each performer gets a 5-minute spotlight, chosen randomly from our “Lighthouse” to keep the energy spontaneous and fresh.
🎵 VIBE WITH US:
Spoken Word & Poetry
R&B & Neo-Soul
Live Music & Dance
Storytelling & More
✨ EVENING HIGHLIGHTS:
Soul Writers Workshop
Featured Performer
Professional Photography Available
Vendor Marketplace
Community Resources
Sober, Inclusive Space
📍 LOCATION: Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA
Easy parking
Near MBTA/Commuter Rail
Fully accessible venue
Produced by Michelle La Poetica, DENCITY isn’t just an open mic—it’s a movement celebrating diversity, creativity, and community connection. Come early to secure your performance slot and stay for the phenomenal vibes!
📱 CONTACT: Michelle La Poetica (662) 799-1916 DencityVibes@gmail.com
