North of Boston

In Bloom Listening Series featuring Stace Brandt | The Venture | The Rupert Selection
2024-12-19 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
12/19/24
GA Seats $12
6:30pm doors / 7:00pm show
18+, anyone under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult
STACE BRANDT: Stace Brandt is a queer musician, songwriter, and poet based in Boston and formerly in Burlington, Vermont. Over the years they have honed intuitive songwriting into minimal yet lush sonic worlds, telling stories of love and loss. Brandt’s current sound leans into grunge while keeping a sturdy backbone of indie, folk and r&b influences. Their 2019 EP, Lucky Ones, was awarded the Club Passim Iguana Fund Grant, and was followed by multimedia singles “Still Around” (2020) and “Whale Song” (2022). In 2024, Brandt dropped “Miami Beach” and “Anniversary”, the first two tracks of a new album to be released in song pairs. Brandt’s music has appeared on New England Indie, Boston Songwriters to Know, and the Best of Boston Spotify playlists.
THE VENTURE: The Venture is a Boston-based alternative rock band comprised of singer Sophia Wulsin, guitarist Philip Chau, and drummer Anna Moore. The band formed during their time at a Catholic high school, and have since gone on to play both professional venues and Boston’s DIY circuit. According to The Suffolk Journal, “The band’s deep friendship allows them to really connect when performing together” (Buckley). They released their first EP “Eden” on November first of this year, which blends alt rock with jazz harmony.
THE RUPERT SELECTION: The Rupert Selection is an American psychedelic grunge band from Boston, Massachusetts.
Comprising Reilly Somach (guitar/vocals), Sam Bouve (bass/vocals), Zak Brown (drums), Peter Crofton (guitar), the band has created a loyal following throughout New England with their “original voice” and “sound anchored in hard rock” (the Boston Globe). The band was nominated for “Rock Artist of The Year” back to back in 2018 and 2019 and again in 2023 by the Boston Music Awards, was a finalist in the WZLX Rock and Roll Rumble, and named one of the “10 Acts On The Rise In Boston” by WGBH.⁠ ⁠ Improper Magazine had this to say about the band’s live shows: “The Rupert Selection sparked the loudest crowd interaction, with fans shouting to fill the pauses in the trio’s deft, dynamic mash of Nirvana-Esque blasts and math-prog rhythm shifts.” ⁠ ⁠
Embodying everything you love about 90s grunge but with a modern twist, the band has released 3 EPs and two full-length albums (2019’s “Priors” & 2023’s “Crumbs For The Sun”).

Deck The Halls by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Every Thursday evening in December. Tours run at 6, 7, & 8pm.
Join us for our 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out.
Begin your evening as you come upon our holiday illumination where holiday lights set the Castle and our iconic arches aglow. Then, enter the Museum and delight in the enchanting ambiance of White Birch and Christmas trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of candlelight that will envelop you throughout your tour of the Hammond Castle Museum. Immerse yourself in a bygone era of opulent tranquility and holiday grandeur that promises to be unlike any other experience on the North Shore.
Following the advice of his mentor Alexander Graham Bell, John Hays Hammond Jr. conducted the majority of his work in the evening. While this put Hammond at odds with the rest of the inhabitants of the castle – including his wife Irene – he concluded that working throughout the night and sleeping during the day positively impacted his work as an inventor. With this in mind, “Candlelight tours” are offered on Thursday evenings throughout December. Guides will escort visitors through the Museum’s many rooms placing an emphasis on the Hammonds themselves and the time that they spent in their castle home. Electronic candles will be provided for optional use during the Candlelight Tours.

Newburyport Art presents Featured Artist: Christine Molitor Johnson
2024-12-19 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-18 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-17 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-15 11:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) presents a featured artist exhibition by Christine Molitor Johnson, on view in the Hills Gallery. Christine has been painting for over 30 years and works in oils and pastels. Christine earned a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA., an M.Ed Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, and has studied art under the guidance of various artists.
Christine’s art is inspired by “the beauty of the moment.” She writes that, “painting in the ‘plein aire’ is the idyllic creative environment for me. I enjoy capturing the nuances of nature and the luminosity of the landscapes, water and skies that surround me. Continually I am striving for an expressive and textured nature in my brushwork. Painting has become one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences in my life.”
Christine’s paintings can be found in private collections nationally in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, Washington D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida, and throughout Massachusetts. She is also in private collections internationally in Bermuda, Ireland and England. When not at the easel, Christine enjoys time with her husband on the water and traveling to Europe and Maine. Christine is a retired Master Teacher from Kelley School in Newburyport. She also has been a board member of Community Service of Newburyport for 14 years, volunteers for OPArt in Newburyport, and is a member of the Newburyport Garden Club.
Running concurrently in the galleries is the Members’ Holiday Show, and Holiday Gift Shop. Join Christine for an opening reception on Friday, December 6th, form 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.
Founded in 1948, Newburyport Art is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting members’ work and to providing art education and access to the visual arts for the entire community.

Newburyport Art presents the Members' Holiday Show
2024-12-19 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-18 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-17 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-15 11:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) is thrilled to introduce the 2024 Members’ Holiday Show, featuring just over 100 works by Newburyport Art members. The exhibition is on view in the Sargent and Harston Galleries, running concurrently with the Holiday Gift Shop and Then & Now, a featured artist exhibition by Lance Hidy.
The Members Holiday Show is a highly-anticipated and much-loved exhibition by the Newbuyrport Art Members. Each artist could submit a maximum of one work to this exhibit, allowing the NAA to feature a large variety of member artwork! Artwork includes printmaking, sculpture, glass, mixed media, collage, oils, acrylic, photography and more.
In this exhibit you will find breathtaking landscapes, colorful abstracts, and a mix of winter, summer and fall scenes. With the work of over 100 contributing artists, visitors will find an impressive variety of media, styles, and techniques. Join artists and the community for an opening reception on Saturday, November 23rd from 4:00-6:00 PM.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.

Deck The Halls Holiday Celebration at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-16 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for the 2024 Holiday Season as we proudly present our sixth annual “Deck The Halls” holiday celebration! Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of candlelight that will envelop you throughout your tour of the Hammond Castle Museum. Immerse yourself in a bygone era of opulent tranquility and holiday grandeur that promises to be unlike any other experience on the North Shore.

Sketch Class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Classes are offered from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm on:
-Thursday, December 5
-Thursday, December 19
Classes are $25 each.
Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply.
Sketch the halls during our Deck the Halls Holiday Celebration! Delight in the enchanting ambiance of White Birch & Christmas trees, meticulously arranged garlands, and festive wreaths, and lose yourself in your artistic flair as you sketch the interior of the Museum with Sue! Immerse yourself in a bygone era of opulent tranquility and holiday grandeur that promises to be unlike any other experience on the North Shore in this unique opportunity.
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for 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 and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted inside the Museum or anywhere on the grounds.

Alchemy: Magic in the Grand Salon
2024-12-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Alchemy is an unforgettable night out featuring performances from some of Boston’s best magicians. Sleight of hand, mental dexterity, and unexpected antics are all on the menu at this new experience in the heart of downtown Beverly. Your hosts have crafted up a production that’s equal parts amazement, hilarity, and innovation; and you are not going to want to miss it!

The Reverie Sessions Presents: The Cutup: Open Mic Comedy Night with host Billy Baker
2024-12-18 19:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Open mic comedy night at the Cut! Come perform, come watch and come laugh!
21+ / $5 cover at the door

Beauport Hotel Jingle Bar
2024-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Jingle and mingle with us this holiday season, our holiday pop-up bar is back! Join us from 6-9 PM on December 4th, December 11th, December 18th, and December 23rd for our annual Jingle Bar with General Admission passes starting at $10. Sip on champagne and holiday seasonal cocktails, relax by the fireplaces, savor light bites, and enjoy our festive trees and décor to the sounds of live musical entertainment. For an elevated Jingle Bar experience, we are offering reserved premiere table seating this year with two different seating areas available: Prime seating in our Main Jingle Bar Room and a more intimate experience in our Pavilion Room, adjacent to the Main Room. Learn More & Book Now: https://bit.ly/3AF6Oyq

Wenham Wednesdays
2024-12-18 13:15 - 16:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Early release drop-off program for Hamilton-Wenham elementary students
October 2, 2024: LEGO Club
October 9: Origami & Papercrafts
October 16: Board Game Club
October 23: Seasonal Craft – Pumpkin Decorating
October 30: Drawing League (One time only!)
November 6, 2024: LEGO Club
November 13: Board Game Club
November 20: Seasonal Craft – Turkey Draw-a-long and Gratitude Craft
December 4, 2024: LEGO Club
December 11: Board Game Club
December 18: Seasonal Craft – Holiday Ornament / Winter Craft
Enjoy an afternoon at the museum with friends
Bring a snack
Free build with LEGO or take on a building challenge prompt
Explore the museum galleries until it is time to go home
Every Wednesday during the school year, Wenham Wednesdays will feature activities such as craft projects, board games, LEGO building, paper crafts, and more – plus time for students to explore the museum galleries with friends.
Sign up for one Wednesday, or every Wednesday!
Learn more: www.wenhammuseum.org/wenham-wednesdays

Story-Time & Craft Wednesday
2024-12-18 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

Love For The Holidays with Darlene Love
2024-12-15 19:00 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
One of The Cabot’s beloved holiday traditions returns
Since the early sixties, Darlene has appeared on numerous television programs and on Broadway, running the gamut from her weekly appearances on Shindig to a recent guest spot on the PBS special entitled Women Who Rock. An autobiographical film is currently on the drawing board with a development deal from Oprah Winfrey based on the book My Name is Love, written by Darlene.Her Billboard hits include: He’s A Rebel, The Boy I’m Gonna Marry, Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home, He’s Sure the Boy I Love and the #1 holiday classic Christmas Baby Please Come Home, a song that she performed annually with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Symphony Orchestra on The Late Show With David Letterman for some 29 years before David retired.
To continue this long standing tradition, Darlene performs a number of special Christmas shows every year and continues to enchant her fans with Christmas spirit.

Third Baptist Church 11th Annual Christmas Concert
2024-12-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Broadway 192, Methuen, M, 01844, United States
Third Baptist Church 11th Annual Christmas Concert – Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 5:30 – 7 PM EST at the historical Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen MA 01844. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com. Featuring musical performances by…TBC Community Chorale with Myran Parker-Brass – The New England Tenors – Bagpipist Brian Quirk – The Higher Praise Gospel Choir – Oboist Reginald Hunt & Pianist Aaron Jensen – Pianist & Composer Dan Alan Levine – The Gospel Duet – The Choral Majority – Organist Shawn McCann!

A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | North Shore Music Theatre, Dunham Road 54, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
New England’s brightest holiday tradition is celebrating its 35th Anniversary! An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Played by David Coffee, joined once again by Cheryl McMahon as Mrs Dilber/Mrs. Fezziwig for their 30th production) through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. Featuring dazzling special effects and traditional songs like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “The Boar’s Head Carol,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” this award-winning production was created specifically for North Shore Music Theatre and has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989.

Event: No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | 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
Content warnings: Suicide; illness and death of a parent.
Join us for an exciting PEM Reads event with author Joan Wickersham, in conversation about her new book of poetry No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck.
This event will include a 90-minute discussion with the author, followed by a book signing. Copies are available at the PEM Shop.
About the Book
“No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck is a poetic and philosophical meditation ignited by a beautiful, frightening, mysterious object: the 17th-century Swedish warship Vasa, which sank only minutes into its maiden voyage and lay forgotten underwater until it was found and raised more than three hundred years later.
Beginning with Joan Wickersham’s first sight of the ship in its Stockholm museum, her pieces – intimate, irreverent, urgent – weave together the Vasa’s story and the associations it evokes. She addresses the shipbuilders, the divers and restorers, the men and women who drowned in the wreck, and the objects they left behind: shoes and cooking pots, game boards and bones. She interrogates…the ship itself — an emblem of death and rebirth, a monumental failure whose flaws made it an enduring success, a vessel both destroyed and preserved by catastrophe.”
PEM Reads celebrates the art of literature and the creative act of writing through a year-round series of collaborative book club readings and author events, both in person and online. By gathering to read and discuss world-class literature and meet authors, PEM Reads seeks to deepen our sense of community and celebrate great storytelling. We hope you’ll join us!

Back Bay Ringers
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Get in the holiday spirit with the Boston-based Back Bay Ringers! Under the direction of Griff Gall, BBR has quickly developed a reputation for excellence, regularly performing at Boston-area landmarks such as Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall, the Boston Children’s Museum and the Prudential Center.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Back Bay Ringers (BBR) is an advanced, auditioned, handbell ensemble. Under the direction of Griff Gall, BBR has quickly developed a reputation for excellence, regularly performing at Boston-area landmarks such as Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall, the Boston Children’s Museum and the Prudential Center. Back Bay Ringers has also performed in festivities associated with the Democratic National Convention as well as the Boston Marathon. In 2016, BBR was honored to perform at the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Rochester, NY, and also made its debut with the Boston Pops.
BBR was founded in 2004 as the nation’s first handbell ensemble dedicated to members and friends of the LGBT community, and it remains open and affirming for the membership, board, and community. BBR performs both as a large ensemble and in smaller quartets throughout the year in both public settings and for private bookings, and annually sponsors the Boston Handbell Festival. They have released three recordings: Merry and Bright, Perpetual Motion and Comfort and Joy. For more information, visit http://www.backbayringers.org/.
Griff Gall, artistic director
Griff Gall is the founding artistic director of the Back Bay Ringers. He earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree in music education from Westminster Choir College and completed his Level III Orff Schulwerk training through Boston University while attaining his Masters of Music in Education. He has presented workshops in handbell pedagogy, conducting and Orff Schulwerk at local and national handbell and music education conferences, and is co-author of Ring, Dance Play, First Experiences with Choirchimes and Orff Schulwerk, published by GIA. Mr. Gall is an elementary music and movement specialist in Danvers, MA.
Happens on the following Dates:
Dec 15, 2024, 2:00pm to 3:30pm Timezone: EST
Dec 15, 2024, 5:00pm to 6:30pm Timezone: EST

A Christmas Carol
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Massachusetts
North Shore Players (www.northshoreplayersma.org) invite you to Christmas Eve, 1939. You will be in the audience as the cast portrays Orson Welles, Lionel Barrymore and the Mercury Players in a live radio version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Dress in 1930s attire and join in singing carols. Show times are 7 p.m., Dec. 14 and 2 p.m., Dec. 15, at Maple Street Congregational Church, 90 Maple St., Danvers. Parking on Charles St. Tickets at the door, $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students.

Winter Market Series with Cape Ann Makers Market
2024-12-15 11:00 - 16:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us at The Cut on Sunday, December 15th for one of our exciting winter markets, organized by Cape Ann Makers Market! Discover a unique selection of handmade products from around 30 talented artisans and find the perfect gifts to celebrate the season. Don’t miss out on this chance to support local creators and enjoy a festive atmosphere!
Market open 11AM-4PM – Learn more about Cape Ann Makers Market at www.capeannmakersmarket.com

Children's Broom Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2024-12-15 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.

Santa Returns To The Castle at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
December 14th & 15th
Timed admission: 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Experience the magic as Santa Returns to the Castle, now in its 6th year! Our Great Hall transforms into a winter wonderland where children’s dreams come true. Meet Santa in a magical setting, share wishes, and receive a wrapped present, a North Pole letter, and milk and cookies. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers add to the festive spirit.
Guests will also enjoy the Holiday Illumination and a portion of the Deck The Halls celebration. Starting with the steps leading from the parking lot, attendees will enjoy the Holiday Illumination lights illuminating the castle’s exterior, including the iconic arches, bell tower, front towers, and drawbridge. Inside the Museum, from the Museum Shop to the Great Hall, you’ll catch a glimpse of the annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration where the Museum is dressed for the season.
This event is recommended for children aged 2 to 8 years old. Please note: Strollers and oversized baby carriers are not allowed within the Museum.
Santa’s Toys are generously sponsored by Gorton’s.
