North of Boston

Simone Dinnerstein, piano
2026-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Simone Dinnerstein, renowned for her distinctive musical voice and celebrated Bach interpretations, performs works by Bach, Rameau, and others in a program combining clarity, imagination, and expressive depth.
PROGRAM : REFLECTIONS
RAMEAU : Gavotte et six doubles
PHILIP LASSER: Twelve Variations on Chorale by J.S. Bach
Intermission
J.S. BACH: 15 Sinfonias, BWV 787-801
KEITH JARRET: Encore from “Tokyo”
“lean, knowing, and unpretentious elegance” — The New Yorker
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Simone Dinnerstein is an American pianist celebrated for her distinctive musical voice and deeply personal artistry. The Washington Post has called her “an artist of strikingly original ideas and irrefutable integrity,” while The New York Times has described her as “a unique voice in the forest of Bach interpretation.” She first came to wide public attention in 2007 with her recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, an interpretation praised for being both rigorously faithful to the score and profoundly individual.
Since then, Dinnerstein has enjoyed an international performing career, appearing with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale Rai. She has performed in major venues worldwide, among them Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Seoul Arts Center, and the Sydney Opera House.
Dinnerstein has released fifteen albums, all of which have topped the Billboard classical charts. Her recordings span a wide range of repertoire, from Couperin to Philip Glass. Notable recent projects include a trilogy of pandemic-era recordings made in her Brooklyn home, and Complicité (2025), her first all-Bach album in over a decade, featuring mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, oboist Peggy Pearson, and Baroklyn, the string ensemble she founded and directs.
Equally known for her creative projects and collaborations, Dinnerstein has premiered works by Philip Glass, Richard Danielpour, André Previn, Philip Lasser, and others, and has conceived and directed multimedia productions combining music and visual art. She is deeply committed to bringing classical music to nontraditional venues and underserved audiences, working for decades with the Piatigorsky Foundation and founding the Neighborhood Classics concert series in New York City.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dinnerstein serves on the piano faculty of the Mannes School of Music and is a frequent competition juror. She studied with Solomon Mikowsky, Maria Curcio, and Peter Serkin, and believes passionately in music’s power to transform listeners and communities alike.

Gloucester Stage presents BAD BOOKS by Sharyn Rothstein
2026-06-13 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-12 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-11 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-10 19:30 - 21:00 | 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.

Salem as Muse: Harriet Low with Karina Corrigan at Peabody Essex Museum
2026-06-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join Karina Corrigan, Deputy Chief Curator, The H.A. Crosby Forbes Curator of Asian Export Art, for the next installment in our Salem as Muse curator talk series. Hear the fascinating story of Harriet Low, an adventurous Salem woman who lived in China from 1828 to 1833. Her vivacious portrait is on display in PEM’s Asian Export Art gallery.
Salem as Muse programs explore a diverse range of subjects that connect to the unique history and character of Salem through the PEM collection. This program is part of Salem 400+ celebrations. Explore all of PEM’s Salem 400+ activities at pem.org/salem400.
About the presenter
Karina Corrigan, Deputy Chief Curator, The H.A. Crosby Forbes Curator of Asian Export Art
Karina Corrigan’s interests center on the material culture of global connections. She supports PEM’s Chief Curator in leading the curatorial program and supervises a cohort of curators to advance PEM’s exhibitions and collection initiatives. In her curatorial practice she oversees the largest, most comprehensive public collection of art made in China, Japan and South Asia for export to other cultures. Corrigan lectures and publishes on many aspects of Asian Export art and has organized numerous exhibitions at PEM, including Power and Perspective: Early Photography in China and Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global. She served as the coordinating curator at PEM for Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks. Corrigan received a BA in Art History and Medieval Renaissance Studies from Wellesley College, an MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture. Corrigan received a 2019 Award of Excellence from the Association of Art Museum Curators for her work on PEM’s Asian Export Art gallery. Follow @asianexportart on Instagram.

Ropes Mansion Self-Guided Tour
2026-06-13 11:15 - 15:15 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Built in 1727 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ropes Mansion is recognized as one of New England’s most significant historic structures. Fans of the 1993 movie Hocus Pocus will also recognize it as “Allison’s house” – though the inside of the home did not appear in the film. Instead, its decorations and furnishings reflect a renovation by sisters Sarah, Mary and Eliza Ropes in the 1890s. Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace with PEM Guides on hand to answer questions.
Visits inside the mansion are $15 per person, or $5 with the purchase of museum admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the Admissions desk inside the museum (161 Essex Street). Timed entries are at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, with only a limited number of people allowed in the house at a time. Visitors are requested to arrive 10 minutes before their entry time. The last entry of the day is at 3:15 pm.
The Ropes Mansion Garden is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk and is free to visit. Learn more about the house with PEM Walks.
In-person, self-guided tour. Available Saturdays and Sundays
Location: Ropes Mansion and Garden | 318 Essex St, Salem
$15 or $5 with purchase of museum admission
Free for members
Timed tickets required. If you have already purchased your museum tickets, please call 978-745-9500 to arrange your Ropes Mansion tickets.
Ropes Mansion is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors must enter and exit using a set of stone steps; parts of the tour are only accessible via a staircase.

Mira Kardan, cello
2026-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
This concert showcases cellist Mira Kardan in a one-hour program featuring works by Beethoven, Schumann, Dvořák, and Rossini, highlighting the cello’s lyrical voice across four distinctive musical worlds.
PROGRAM
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata No. 3
SCHUMANN: Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70
DVORAK: Silent Woods
ROSSINI: Barber of Seville (arr. by Tedesco)
Mira Kardan, cello
Cellist Mira Kardan is an emerging artist recognized for her expressive musicianship and accomplishments as a soloist and chamber musician. She attends the Glenn Gould School as a recipient of the Renette and David Berman Scholarships, studying with Hans Jørgen Jensen and Andrés Díaz. Previously, she was a member of the Colburn Music Academy, where she studied with Clive Greensmith and served as principal cellist of the Colburn Academy Virtuosi chamber orchestra.
An avid chamber musician, Mira performed as a member of the Olive Piano Trio, which won the Gold Medal at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and First Grand Prize at the 2022 Chicago International Music Competition. In 2023, the trio participated in an international exchange with the Sibelius Academy in Finland. Her current string trio won first prize in the 2025 Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition, and she is an Artist-in-Residence at Off Centre Music Salon in Toronto.
As a soloist, Mira won first prize in the 2025 Shean Strings Competition and will appear with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Additional honors include prizes at the International Young Artist Concerto Competition, Bellflower Symphony Competition, and Sound Espressivo Competition. She has been featured twice on NPR’s From the Top.
Mira has participated in master classes with Gautier Capuçon, Steven Isserlis, the Calidore Quartet, and the Takács Quartet, and has attended the Heifetz Institute, Meadowmount, and Yellowbarn. She performs on a Grubaugh & Seifert Montagnana-model cello (2019).
Micah Yui, piano
Canadian pianist Micah Yui enjoys an international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist, with appearances on three continents. She has performed for dignitaries of Japan and Canada and is the recipient of three Canada Council Grants, the Edmonton Civic Award, and the Alberta Achievement Award. A prizewinner in numerous competitions, her acclaimed recording of Bloch’s Concerto Symphonique with the London Symphony Orchestra was named Record of the Year by Stereophile magazine.
Ms. Yui has presented recitals in major cities including Zurich, Tokyo, New York, and Copenhagen, and has collaborated with distinguished artists such as Matt Haimovitz, Daniel Heifetz, James Buswell, Paul Coletti, and the St. Lawrence String Quartet. She has also appeared frequently in piano trio performances with Haimovitz and violinist Andy Simionescu, including presentations of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
Ms. Yui earned her Bachelor of Music degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Bella Davidovich, and completed advanced studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, the University of Toronto, and the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with Leon Fleisher. Her early training included work with Boris and Inna Zarankin, Marietta Orlov, Giovanni Valentini, and Menahem Pressler.
A dedicated educator, Ms. Yui has served on the faculties of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Peabody Preparatory, the Heifetz Institute, and the Music Institute of Chicago. She currently teaches at the Colburn School’s Community School of Performing Arts and Music Academy.

Newburyport Art offers Plein Air Painting (Oils or Acrylic) with Todd Bonita
2026-06-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Plein air painting is the practice of painting outside, or as the French term, “en plein air”, literally translates to, “in the open air”.
Join us with your paint box for a full day of outdoor painting, convening with nature and learning to see like an artist. I will begin with a lecture and demonstration on capturing light, color and atmosphere on canvas using a simple Impressionistic approach. We will discuss choosing a motif, composing a harmonized design, seeing value shapes, accurate drawing, and infusing visual poetry into your motif. Students will spend the rest of the day painting while I provide artistic guidance with side-by-side easel assistance. This one day workshop is packed with valuable information that has been passed down from the masters on how to simplify the outdoor painting process.

47th Annual Old Newbury Garden Tour
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Enjoy two days of exclusive access to stunning gardens in greater Newburyport and Amesbury.
The Museum of Old Newbury invites you to enjoy this year’s Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14, 2026. This year’s theme is 250 Years of Growth, an homage to the originality and innovation of American gardens, and our featured gardens in particular. You’ll enjoy access to the best we have to offer, from urban pocket gardens to larger, more formal landscapes.
The 47th Old Newbury Garden Tour occurs rain or shine. It is an inspiration for those ranging from professionals seriously interested in garden design and horticulture to enthusiasts who simply love beautiful gardens.
Tickets are $25 members, $40 non-members; your ticket is good for one or both days.

Hamilton-Wenham Free Days at the North Shore Children's Museum!
2026-06-13 09:00 - 16:00 | North Shore Children’s Museum, 10 Main Street, Peabody, M, 01960, United States
Hamilton-Wenham residents can enjoy free admission to the North Shore Children’s Museum on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14!
With the generous support of Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council, we are excited to offer free admission days for Hamilton-Wenham Residents. Tickets may be reserved online in advance or in person. Get your tickets now at nschildrensmuseum.org/visit/buy-tickets/
Guests must be prepared to show proof of Hamilton-Wenham residency at the door.
**Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last
Sessions Available:
Saturday, June 13: 9am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, & 2pm-4pm
Sunday, June 14: 12pm-2pm & 2pm-4pm

Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm (June 13-14 & 20-21)
2026-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Mark your calendar for all things strawberries! The multi-weekend event features free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food trucks, treats and PYO strawberries. Dates may be shift per weather & fruit readiness. For schedule, pricing, happenings and menus, visit: https://www.ciderhill.com/strawberry-festival-2026

The Midtown Horns at The Cut
2026-06-12 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
The Midtown Horns are a unique, entertaining, high energy show band with a big sound that has performed in all the New England States. Featuring four lead vocalists and a dynamic horn and rhythm section, The Midtown Horns cover multiple genres of music including: Contemporary to 60s, 70s, 80, 90s, Motown to Classic Rock, Disco, Swing, Funk and Soul. Simply put, The Midtown Horns band do it all.

A Brahms Celebration
2026-06-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Jon Kimura Parker, piano | Chee-Yun Kim, violin | Barry Shiffman, viola | Colin Carr, cello | Mira Kardan, cello
The Festival’s Opening Night features the music of Brahms, brought to life by a distinguished ensemble of celebrated soloists whose collective artistry promises an evening of richness, intimacy, and expressive power.
PROGRAM
BRAHMS: 3 Intermezzi, Op. 117
ARENSKY: Quartet No. 2 in A minor
Intermission
BRAHMS: Piano Quartet in C minor
Jon Kimura Parker, piano
Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is renowned for his charisma, enthusiasm, and dynamic performances. A veteran of the international concert stage, he has appeared at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Sydney Opera House, and London’s South Bank Centre. He is Creative Partner of the Minnesota Orchestra and serves as Artistic Director of the Honens International Piano Competition and Artistic Advisor to the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.
Equally at home as a soloist and chamber musician, Parker performs with leading orchestras worldwide. A founding member of the Montrose Trio, he has collaborated with artists including Doc Severinsen, Audra McDonald, and Bobby McFerrin. He is Professor of Piano at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Chee-Yun Kim, violin
Violinist Chee-Yun is an internationally acclaimed soloist and winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and an Avery Fisher Career Grant. She has performed with leading orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, NHK Symphony Orchestra of Japan, Seoul Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, and National Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Jaap van Zweden, and Manfred Honeck.
A champion of contemporary music, Chee-Yun has given acclaimed performances of violin concertos by Christopher Theofanidis and Kevin Puts, while remaining deeply committed to chamber music. She appears regularly at major festivals in the United States and abroad and has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the United Nations. She has held faculty positions at SMU, Indiana University, and the University of Cincinnati CCM.
Colin Carr, cello
Cellist Colin Carr enjoys an international career as a soloist and chamber musician, appearing with leading orchestras worldwide. His orchestral engagements include the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and major U.S. ensembles such as the Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, Philadelphia, and Montréal orchestras, as well as all the principal orchestras of Australia and New Zealand.
A highly sought-after chamber musician, Carr was a member of the Golub–Kaplan–Carr Trio for two decades and has collaborated with ensembles including the Guarneri and Emerson String Quartets and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. His acclaimed discography includes the complete Bach Cello Suites and the complete Beethoven Sonatas and Variations with pianist Thomas Sauer. He is Professor of Cello at the Royal Academy of Music and Stony Brook University.
Mira Kardan, cello
Cellist Mira Kardan is an emerging artist recognized for her expressive musicianship as a soloist and chamber musician. She attends the Glenn Gould School as a recipient of the Renette and David Berman Scholarships, studying with Hans Jørgen Jensen and Andrés Díaz, and is a former member of the Colburn Music Academy, where she served as principal cellist of the Colburn Academy Virtuosi.
An avid chamber musician, Kardan performed with the Olive Piano Trio, winner of the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Gold Medal, and her current string trio won first prize in the 2025 Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition. As a soloist, she won first prize in the 2025 Shean Strings Competition and will appear with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. She has been featured twice on NPR’s From the Top.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
2026-06-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, 356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Salem State theatre celebrates 50 years of theatrical excellence with its production of Stephen Sondheim’s dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge.
Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony’s, (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere. Stephen Sondheim’s and Hugh Wheeler’s (A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures) tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world.
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!
FOR MATURE AUDIENCES
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Directed by Peter Sampieri
April 17, 7:30 pm
April 18, 7:30 pm
April 19, 2 pm
April 24, 7:30 pm
April 25, 7:30 pm
April 26, 2 pm
TICKETS
$15 general/$10 seniors/free for all students with student ID and under 18.
Friday, April 24 is SALEM NIGHT. Free admission for Salem residents. This event takes place in our mainstage theater, no advance reservation required.
Tickets are available at: https://salemstatetickets.universitytickets.com/w/
For access and accommodation information, visit https://www.salemstate.edu/access or email access@salemstate.edu.

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-06-12 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.

FIRST PUBLIC SAIL OF THE CENTENNIAL SEASON
2026-06-12 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Schooner Adventure, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, M, 01931, United States
FIRST PUBLIC SAIL OF THE CENTENNIAL SEASON
Join us aboard Schooner Adventure as we kick off our 100th season on the water with our very first public sail of the summer!
Step aboard Gloucester’s National Historic Landmark schooner and experience the beauty, history, and spirit of the working waterfront from the deck of an authentic Grand Banks fishing schooner. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or sailing with us for the first time, this is your chance to be part of an unforgettable Centennial Season.
Help raise sail with the crew
Hear stories from Adventure’s remarkable history
Take in sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor and Cape Ann
Celebrate a century of preservation, education, and community aboard America’s oldest dory fishing schooner
Bring your friends, family, and camera — there’s nothing quite like Adventure under sail.

En Plein Air Summer Sketch Class Series
2026-06-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for a seaside, Plein Air sketch class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! The three-class series offers a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson with an hour and a half of independent sketching time. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils, a ruler, and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Attendees who wish to tour the Hammond Castle Museum after any of the classes class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-
guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 2:30 pm on the day of this class.
Fridays Summer Sketch Series
En Plein Air classes:
9:30 am- 11:30 am.
June 12, 19 & 26.
These classes are weather-dependent; in the event of inclement weather, this class will be rescheduled with Sue.
This series is $75. Registration closes on the morning of the first class.
Museum Member savings apply.
About Sue Wheeler:
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well.
Sue graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in business with a focus on hospitality management and earned an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Following her tenure as a pastry chef in New Hampshire, Sue returned to school for a certificate in graphic design and put her talents to use as a designer in the book publishing and art publishing industries in Vermont. In early 2019, Sue opened her own gallery and studio, Arts Abound in Magnolia Village, MA, as an artistic haven for local artists. Through the gallery, over 30 artists featured their creative works, ranging from paintings, hand-painted silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more. Sue also ran many workshops and classes featuring many of the artists. Often, Sue would work late into the night, painting in her Arts Abound studio. After closing the gallery in 2022, Sue continued to offer the often sold-out painting classes, taught by some of the Arts Abound artists.
Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for the Hammond Castle Museum sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be less concerned about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!

Gregory Porter
2026-06-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Two-time GRAMMY winner Gregory Porter brings his powerhouse baritone, deep soul, and irresistible groove to the stage in an electrifying evening of jazz and R&B. With hits from Liquid Spirit and beyond, Porter delivers music that is heartfelt, uplifting, and unforgettable.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Gregory Porter was raised in Bakersfield, California, and he cites the Bakersfield Southern Gospel sound, as well as his mother’s Nat King Cole record collection, as fundamental influences on his own sound.
Porter began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship. Eventually Porter moved to New York City to pursue music full-time and his career began to ascend with the release of his first two albums—Water (2010) and Be Good (2012)—both of which received GRAMMY nominations.
In 2013, he released his breakout Blue Note debut Liquid Spirit which quickly grew into a global phenomenon, selling more than a million albums and earning Porter his first GRAMMY Award with NPR declaring him “America’s Next Great Jazz Singer.”
His 2016 follow-up Take Me To The Alley won Porter his second GRAMMY for Best Vocal Jazz Album and firmly established him as his generation’s most soulful jazz singer-songwriter. In 2017, Porter released the heartfelt tribute album Nat King Cole & Me, and in 2020 returned to his original songwriting on the uplifting ALL RISE, both of which received GRAMMY nominations.
His 2021 release Still Rising collected new songs, covers, duets, and a selection of his much-loved favorite songs.
Porter has hosted the podcast The Hang, a conversation series featuring his famous friends, as well as his own cooking show The PorterHouse, in which the singer shared recipes inspired by his local community, experiences from touring the globe, and family cooking traditions from growing up with his mother and seven siblings.

"'The Spirit of Privateering Prevails Here': Essex County's Revolutionary War at Sea" Lecture
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join Dr. Emily Murphy as she discusses Essex County’s Revolutionary War at Sea
We all learn about the land battles that began the American Revolution but less is known about the merchants and mariners who risked their livelihoods and lives to take the battle to the British on the high seas. This lecture will explore the world of the privateersmen and navy sailors who supplied one of Essex County’s major contributions to the Revolutionary War effort. On the home front, we will examine how privateering changed the economy and daily life in North Shore port communities.
While admission is free, space is limited; registration is strongly encouraged. For registration, please go to: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=20ACF68D-B596-080A-1D0C86936775B94E or find the event in our official webpage calendar and click on “Register”.

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-06-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Bringing live music every Sunday-Thursday on the Birdseye Rooftop at Beauport Hotel with craft cocktails and unbeatable views.
Elevate your weeknight above Gloucester Harbor. Join us on the Birdseye Rooftop for live music by Dis N Dat Band, handcrafted cocktails, and golden hour views stretching from the working waterfront to downtown Gloucester, all paired with relaxed rooftop vibes and a sunset soundtrack to carry you into the evening. Slip into the pool or unwind in the hot tub as the sun sets and the evening settles in. This is your midweek moment, six stories above it all.
Rooftop Evening Pass begins at 6:00PM. Swimsuits encouraged.
This event is 21+ adults only. General Admission starts at $20 and does not include food and beverage. *Complimentary to hotel guests
Tickets are non-refundable. Events are rain or shine unless the rooftop closes due to inclement weather. Any closure decisions are made by Beauport management at 2:00PM the day of the event; guests will be notified by email.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for a seaside, En Plein Air sketch class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! This two-hour session includes a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils, a ruler, and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Attendees who wish to tour the Hammond Castle Museum after this class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 2:30 pm on the day of this class.
Class Schedule:
Thursday Plein Air Sketch classes: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
May:14
June: 11
July 23: (6 – 8 pm)
August: 6
September: 10
October: 8
Saturday En Plein Air Sketch classes: 9:30 am- 11:30 am.
May: 9
June: 20
July:18
August: 1
September: 5
October: 3
All classes are $25 each. Museum Member savings apply.
Weather-dependent; classes may be canceled, and reservations will be refunded if necessary.
About Sue Wheeler:
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well.
Sue graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in business with a focus on hospitality management and earned an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Following her tenure as a pastry chef in New Hampshire, Sue returned to school for a certificate in graphic design and put her talents to use as a designer in the book publishing and art publishing industries in Vermont. In early 2019, Sue opened her own gallery and studio, Arts Abound in Magnolia Village, MA, as an artistic haven for local artists. Through the gallery, over 30 artists featured their creative works, ranging from paintings, hand-painted silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more. Sue also ran many workshops and classes featuring many of the artists. Often, Sue would work late into the night, painting in her Arts Abound studio. After closing the gallery in 2022, Sue continued to offer the often sold-out painting classes, taught by some of the Arts Abound artists.
Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for the Hammond Castle Museum sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be less concerned about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2026-06-11 12:00 - 20:00 | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it.
Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book.
These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

Rockport Music On the Town
2026-06-11 11:00 - 17:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Saturday, July 11, 2026 On the Town transforms Rockport into a day full of live music, contemporary circus, and fun from Harvey Park and Bearskin Neck to Front Beach and Millbrook Meadow. The Shalin Liu Performance Center will host tours and concerts, and Millbrook Meadow will serve as the day’s hub with a tented performance space for music, circus, and hands-on activities for all ages. There are many ways you can be “On the Town”. We are looking for performers across genres who are excited to share their work, volunteers who want to support a free day of family fun, and of course audience members for all the shows happening throughout the day! Discover What’s Happening A full schedule of performers and map of community stage locations will be released in mid-June. Across Town Live music pops up throughout Rockport all day long, beginning at the farmers’ market in Harvey Park and continuing through downtown, Bearskin Neck, and Front Beach. Community stages feature rotating performances by musicians from across Cape Ann and beyond. 9am music starts at the Rockport Exchange Farmers’ Market 10-12pm community stage performances 3-6pm community stage performances Shalin Liu Performance Center The concert hall and third-floor reception room will be open for tours, hands-on activities, and a collage-style concert featuring short performances by community artists. 11am doors open for docent-led tours and kids craft activities on the third floor. 2-5pm collage concert of community stages artists Millbrook Meadow A tented performance space blends contemporary circus and live music, from an afternoon picnic-style performance to an evening spectacle. Visitors can also try circus activities throughout the day with teaching artists from Seaside Circus Cape Ann. Feature performances 12pm Circus 617 Mixtape featuring the Balourdet Quartet and Mile Wilder 6:30pm Circus Extravaganza finale featuring the Boston Circus Guild and Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band Find Yourself On the Town Musicians Calling musicians from the North Shore and beyond! We’re looking for performers across genres who are excited to share their work in an open, community-centered setting while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and engagement. Apply to perform here: On the Town Musician Application. Applications are due Friday, June 5. There will be rotating performances on the hour at 5 outdoor Community Stage locations throughout Rockport, from 10am-12pm and 3pm-6pm. Each selected applicant will also have the opportunity to be assigned a 10 minute slot to perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center stage. Each group will receive an honorarium, dependent on number of performers and number of performances. Volunteers Interested in supporting Rockport Music On the Town as a volunteer? With music all over town and events happening throughout the day at the Shalin Liu Performance Center and our big tent on Millbrook Meadow, we almost certainly have a place for you to help out! Volunteers will be scheduled in 2 to 3 hour shifts and will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of assignments including: Setup, Community Stage Monitor, Millbrook Meadow Activity Support, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Artist Liaison, and Breakdown/Cleanup. Read more to find what fits your interests and sign up here: On the Town Volunteer Sign Up. Families Rockport Music On the Town is for everyone–families, too! Millbrook Meadow will be a vibrant hub of activities include opportunities to try out circus skills with Seaside Circus Cape Ann, instrument exploration with Johnson Strings, and tours and nature activities from volunteers with the Millbrook Meadow Conservancy. The third floor of the Shalin Liu Performance Center will be an air-conditioned escape with crafting activities for kids. Inquiries If you are a member of the press, social media corps, or a business interested in learning more about On the Town, please reach out to Rockport Music Creative Content Strategist, Julian Mendoza: jmendoza@RockportMusic.org

Rockport Music Masterclass: Colin Carr, cello
2026-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Observe a master musician working with cello students to provide insights on their performance. Free, reservations encouraged.

Tea Tasting with Diehl Marcus & Company at PEM
2026-06-11 11:00 - 11:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Celebrate the rich and global history of tea with a tasting of five custom tea blends!
Salem’s favorite tea blenders Diehl Marcus and Company will lead participants through a guided tasting of five custom loose-leaf blends from around the world. Learn about the ingredients, benefits and origins of these brews from the team who curate them for their Salem store. Tea novices and experts are welcome! After your tasting, explore a PEM gallery based on origins of the tea blends you tasted.
All participants will take home a sample of their favorite blend to enjoy at home.

Baroque to Classical
2026-06-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Sharpen your musical perception to hear structure, stylistic nuances, and expressive detail.
Kick off the Rockport Chamber Music Festival with an engaging musical journey through the Baroque and Classical time periods. In this opening lecture, audiences will explore the evolution of chamber music using selections from works featured throughout the Festival. Dr. Shyrock will help uncover the historical forces and cultural shifts that shaped these masterpieces, and study the prominent composers in these eras. This interactive and insightful event offers the perfect gateway into the Festival – providing context, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the music you’ll hear all summer long.
ABOUT DR. ANDREW SHRYOCK
Andrew Shryock joined the Conservatory in 2013. He is an associate professor of core studies specializing in music history.
As an instructor, Shryock teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music history, with an emphasis on topics in 18th-century music, as well as graduate courses in academic and professional writing. He has also served as an instructor at Boston University, Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, and University of Massachusetts Boston.
As a writing advisor, Shryock runs the website Write in Tune(Opens in a new window), where he works with musicians to achieve their goals with clear and engaging professional writing. He works with Conservatory students on subjects in academic and professional writing through his department’s writing center. He also wrote and maintains the department’s internal research and writing manual, Writing Guide for Musicians. Through his work as an officer with the faculty union, Andrew assists faculty colleagues with applications for promotion and strategies for career advancement, and he wrote and maintains the union’s guide to wage renegotiation. He also serves as a reader for the Rising Voices Awards at WriteBoston, a non-profit that fosters learning and literacy through writing.
As a public speaker and writer, Shryock draws on his knowledge from the lecture hall to enrich audience experiences in the concert hall. He regularly gives pre-concert talks and writes program notes. He has worked with Rockport Music, New England Classical Singers, Back Bay Chorale, Emmanuel Music, Georgia Tech Chamber Choir, and Music at Marsh Chapel.
As a music historian, Shryock’s academic research—on intersections of music, literature, and aesthetics—has appeared in the Newsletter for the American Handel Society, This Is the Sound of Irony: Music, Politics, and Popular Culture, and Notes. He has given papers at national meetings of the American Musicological Society, Handel Institute (United Kingdom), Society for Eighteenth-Century Music, and Society for Textual Scholarship.
Before joining the Conservatory, Shryock served as general manager for the early music ensemble the Boston Camerata. He holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Boston University and an M.M. in musicology and B.M. in vocal performance from the Peabody Conservatory.
