North of Boston

Jazz at Marblehead Arts – Donna Byrne
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Come enjoy an evening of exceptional jazz music, presented by the Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould as part of the Jazz at the Arts Concert series!
Acclaimed jazz singer, Donna Byrne returns to the ballroom at the Hooper Mansion for a relaxing evening of great music and good company. Concert starts at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm. Cash bar. Tickets $35 on sale now at Marblehead Arts Association and Arnould Gallery, Marblehead or online.

Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From John Hays Hammond Jr.’s attempts to communicate with supernatural entities using a Faraday Cage to Irene Fenton Hammond’s extensive astrological writings under a mysterious pen name, this 55-minute, fully-guided specialty tour sets the stage for a fun and informative seasonal experience unlike any other. The dramatic, Gothic-inspired architecture of the Museum and the twilight atmosphere are enhanced by the light of handheld electronic lanterns throughout your tour.
New in 2026: Extended Hours and Midnight Tours
For the first time, Hammond Castle Museum is offering its popular Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight during extended late-night hours–including a midnight tour–on October 22nd and 29th—a one-of-a-kind experience for those celebrating the Halloween season on the North Shore!
Admission:
July, August, & September: $27.50.
October: $35.
Museum Member savings apply.
Please be mindful when processing your reservation to select the correct reservation date and corresponding admission price.

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-15 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-14 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-13 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-12 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.

Essex Shipbuilding Museum Adult Workshops
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Story Shipyard, 66 MAIN ST, ESSEX, MA, 01929, United States
Learn something you can’t learn on the internet.
This season, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum is offering a full lineup of hands on workshops for adults, from traditional maritime crafts and woodworking to citizen science and folk art.
Stitch a ditty bag. Carve a bird. Explore the marsh during Crab Lab. Make something with your hands and spend time in one of the most unique classrooms around: a working shipyard on the Essex River.
To make participation easier, many workshops are being offered twice, with both Monday morning and Thursday evening sessions available.
No experience necessary. Just curiosity.
Registration is now open.
#EssexShipbuilding #AdultEducation #MaritimeHeritage #HandsOnLearning #EssexMA

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Neck
Gloucester, MA – Thursday nights come alive on Rocky Neck as Culture Splash returns for its sixth season, transforming Gloucester’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community.
Running every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, Culture Splash invites residents and visitors alike to experience the Rocky Neck Cultural District in its most festive form. Galleries throw open their doors, artists welcome visitors into their studios, musicians fill the harbor air with live performances, and creative energy spills onto the streets along Gloucester’s iconic working waterfront.
Recognized as one of Cape Ann’s signature summer traditions, Culture Splash offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy gallery openings, artist demonstrations, poetry readings, live music, signature cocktails, waterfront dining, and opportunities to meet the artists who make Rocky Neck one of New England’s most celebrated creative communities.
Adding to the experience, a free water shuttle will once again connect stops at Solomon’s Landing and St. Peter’s Square to Rocky Neck, delivering guests directly to the heart of the festivities at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.
“Culture Splash captures everything that makes Rocky Neck special,” said Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of Rocky Neck Art Colony. “It’s an evening where art, music, food, history, and community come together against the backdrop of Gloucester Harbor. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer evening in America’s Oldest Seaport.”
Presented by Rocky Neck Cultural District and its many community partners, Culture Splash continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while welcoming new audiences to explore galleries, discover local artists, and experience the unique character of Gloucester’s waterfront arts district.
Some highlights include: Ocean Alliance Drive-in Movie night July 2; Ristuben Jazz Trio on July 16 at Rocky Neck Cultural Center; Betrayal by Harold Pinter at Gloucester Stage Company on July 23; Coco Haze at Gallery RAG on July 30; Kevin Gallagher on August 6 at Gloucester Writers Center and Susan Lynn Demo at North Shore Art Association on August 20.
For a complete schedule of events, participating venues, featured artists, and shuttle information, visit the rockyneckartcolony.org or discovergloucester.com.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-16 16:00 - 19:00 | MA
Gloucester, MA – Thursday nights come alive on Rocky Neck as Culture Splash returns for its sixth season, transforming Gloucester’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community.
Running every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, Culture Splash invites residents and visitors alike to experience the Rocky Neck Cultural District in its most festive form. Galleries throw open their doors, artists welcome visitors into their studios, musicians fill the harbor air with live performances, and creative energy spills onto the streets along Gloucester’s iconic working waterfront.
Recognized as one of Cape Ann’s signature summer traditions, Culture Splash offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy gallery openings, artist demonstrations, poetry readings, live music, signature cocktails, waterfront dining, and opportunities to meet the artists who make Rocky Neck one of New England’s most celebrated creative communities.
Adding to the experience, a free water shuttle will once again connect stops at Solomon’s Landing and St. Peter’s Square to Rocky Neck, delivering guests directly to the heart of the festivities at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.
“Culture Splash captures everything that makes Rocky Neck special,” said Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of Rocky Neck Art Colony. “It’s an evening where art, music, food, history, and community come together against the backdrop of Gloucester Harbor. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer evening in America’s Oldest Seaport.”
Presented by Rocky Neck Cultural District and its many community partners, Culture Splash continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while welcoming new audiences to explore galleries, discover local artists, and experience the unique character of Gloucester’s waterfront arts district.
Some highlights include: Ocean Alliance Drive-in Movie night July 9; Ristuben Jazz Trio on July 16 at Rocky Neck Cultural Center; Betrayal by Harold Pinter at Gloucester Stage Company on July 23; Coco Haze at Gallery RAG on July 30; Kevin Gallagher on August 6 at Gloucester Writers Center and Susan Lynn Demo at North Shore Art Association on August 20.
For a complete schedule of events, participating venues, featured artists, and shuttle information, visit the rockyneckartcolony.org or discovergloucester.com
Photographs available upon request.
About Rocky Neck Art Colony
Founded in 1850, Rocky Neck Art Colony is the oldest continuously operating art colony in America. Located in Gloucester’s historic Rocky Neck Cultural District, RNAC supports artists and enriches the community through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

Craig Finn & Patterson Hood
2026-07-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Catch Craig Finn & Patterson Hood this summer on The Devils in the Details tour. Craig and Patterson will be performing on stage together at the same time, sharing songs and stories. You don’t want to miss this special evening of music.
Craig Finn
Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. Finn spent the ’90’s leading Minneapolis indie band Lifter Puller, which released 3 albums and an EP. After relocating to New York, he joined with Lifter Puller member Tad Kubler to form The Hold Steady in 2003. The Hold Steady quickly achieved critical acclaim and a worldwide fanbase with their unique pairing of dense lyrical narratives with big rock guitars. The Hold Steady’s ninth album, The Price Of Progress, was released in March 2023, commemorating the band’s 20th Anniversary.
Craig Finn released his 6th solo album Always Been on April 4. Produced by Adam Granduciel (The War On Drugs), the album features musical performances by Granduciel and members of The War on Drugs, Kathleen Edwards, Sam Fender, and more.
Always Been tells the story of a man who becomes a clergyman despite a lack of faith. The songs detail his rise, fall, and eventual redemption, while also shining a light to sharply reveal the other characters that populate the world he moves through. A limited edition, 92-page companion book Lousy With Ghosts accompanies the album and features 11 works of fiction by Craig Finn. These stories take place in the same universe as the record, giving deeper looks at the characters within.
Finn released his first solo album in 2012 with three additional solo LPs put forth from 2015 – 2019: Faith in the Future, We All Want The Same Things, and 2019’s I Need a New War – which coalesced into a sign-of-the-times musical trilogy. Finn’s fifth album, A Legacy of Rentals was released in 2022 and received universal critical acclaim.
That’s How I Remember It is Craig Finn’s podcast series, launched in 2022. Co-produced and distributed by Talkhouse, the podcast series examines the connection between memory and creativity. Each episode features a discussion between Finn and one creator – including musicians, authors, filmmakers, and more – about the role memory plays in their art. These exclusive conversations reveal the different ways each creator synthesizes their remembered life experience to tell stories about themselves and the world we live in. Podcast guests have included George Saunders, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Lucinda Williams, Johnny Marr, Jason Isbell, Duff McKagan, Adam Duritz, Ben Gibbard, and many more.
Patterson Hood
Patterson Hood is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Hood grew up immersed in the region’s rich musical heritage, with his father, David Hood, being a renowned session bassist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Drawing inspiration from storytelling traditions and a passion for rock, country, and soul, Hood’s music often explores themes of Southern identity, social justice, and personal introspection. While best known as frontman, singer, songwriter, and guitar player for Drive-By Truckers, he is also a writer of essays, columns, and short stories as well as a solo performer and producer.
Since forming Drive-By Truckers in 1996 with Mike Cooley, Hood has been a driving force behind the band’s narrative-driven sound, blending gritty, guitar-heavy arrangements with evocative lyrics. Albums like Southern Rock Opera (2001) and The Dirty South (2004) have solidified their reputation as one of the most influential Southern rock bands of their generation.
Beyond his work with the Truckers, Hood has released solo albums such as Killers and Stars (2004) and Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance (2012), showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. His newest solo album, Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams, produced by Chris Funk (The Decemberists) will be released via ATO Records in February 2025.Whether fronting the Truckers or performing solo, Patterson Hood remains a vital force in modern music, celebrated for his ability to turn life’s raw realities into compelling, soul-stirring art, and continues to be a powerful voice in contemporary Americana and Southern rock.

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-07-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books on our seaside lawn!
Bubbles and Books is so much more than just storytime. It’s a seaside bubble party featuring stories, music, crafts, a light snack & even an outdoor scavenger hunt.
Doors open at 10:00 am, with bubbles and a craft, then the story & snacks begin about 10:20 am. We recommend you bring a cozy blanket for your little one to cuddle on while we enjoy the storybooks on the lawn. After storytime, enjoy more bubbles and end the morning with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt in front of the Museum.
Don’t forget sunscreen, and we encourage little ones to come dressed in their favorite crown, cape, or whatever makes them feel magical!
Tickets for this event are $10 for ages 8 to adults, and kids ages 7 and under are only $5. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply.
We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early to allow enough time for the walk from the parking lot down to the Museum, then for the check-in process and the walk to the lawn. There are many stairs throughout the campus and inside the Museum. Strollers are not allowed in the Museum or on the Museum Grounds, and oversized baby carriers are not permitted in the Museum due to the many narrow passageways.
This ticket grants you access to the Bubbles & Books program, which will be held on the ocean-facing lawn. If you wish to tour the Museum after this program, ticket holders may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount. Little ones 4 and under enjoy FREE admission to guided and self-guided tours!
Rain or Shine. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Museum.

Sing
2026-07-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Sing is an animated musical comedy about a struggling theater owner who stages a high-stakes singing competition to save his beloved venue. Featuring a cast of talented animal performers, the film celebrates courage, second chances, and the power of following your dreams.

Essex Shipbuilding Summer Steam Youth Programs in the Story Shipyard
2026-07-14 08:00 - 12:00 | Story Shipyard, 66 MAIN ST, ESSEX, MA, 01929, United States
What happens when you give kids tools, a shipyard, and a little freedom to experiment?
This summer we’re turning the Essex waterfront into a laboratory for curious minds. Join us for hands on STEAM adventures exploring citizen science, boat design, woodworking, engineering, creativity, and a healthy amount of controlled chaos.
🦀 Crab Lab
🔨 Shipyard Shenanigans: Building Basics
🚤 Will It Float?
⚙️ Shipyard Rube Goldberg Machines
Designed for curious kids who love to build, create, test, and explore.
Space is limited. Registration is now open.
Hands on STEAM programs for youths 11-15 years old.
#EssexShipbuilding #STEAMEducation #HandsOnLearning #NorthShoreKids #EssexMA

Rockport Music: A Beethoven Finale
2026-07-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
with the Rockport Festival Chorus
and Soloists: Erin Wagner, soprano | Emily Marvosh, mezzo-soprano | Daniel McGrew, tenor | Joseph Parrish, baritone
The Festival closes with a dramatic program devoted to Beethoven, culminating in a powerful piano arrangement of the Ninth Symphony performed by Stewart Goodyear with the Rockport Festival Chorus. The evening also features violinist Yura Lee in Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor, uniting intimacy and grandeur in a stirring Festival finale.
PROGRAM
BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata, No. 7 in C minor
Intermission
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 (arr. piano, soloists, & chorus)
STEWART GOODYEAR, piano
Proclaimed “a phenomenon” by the Los Angeles Times and “one of the best pianists of his generation” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stewart Goodyear is an accomplished concert pianist, improviser and composer. Mr. Goodyear has performed with, and has been commissioned by, many of the major orchestras and chamber music organizations around the world.
Last year, Orchid Classics released Mr. Goodyear’s recording of his suite for piano and orchestra, “Callaloo” and his piano sonata. His recent commissions include an orchestral work for the Chineke! Orchestra, his Piano Quintet for the Penderecki String Quartet, and a piano work for the Honens Piano Competition. His suite for solo violin, “Solo” was recorded by violinist Miranda Cuckson on the Urlicht Audiovisual label, and his work for cello and piano, “The Kapak” was recording by cellist Inbal Segev on the Avie Records label.
Mr. Goodyear’s discography includes the complete sonatas and piano concertos of Beethoven, as well as concertos by Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Rachmaninov, an album of Ravel piano works, and an album, entitled “For Glenn Gould”, which combines repertoire from Mr. Gould’s US and Montreal debuts. His Rachmaninov recording received a Juno nomination for Best Classical Album for Soloist and Large Ensemble Accompaniment. Mr. Goodyear’s recording of his own transcription of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet)”, was chosen by the New York Times as one of the best classical music recordings of 2015. His discography is released on the Orchid Classics, Naxos, Analekta, Bright Shiny Things, Marquis Classics, and Steinway and Sons labels.
YURA LEE, violin
Violinist and violist Yura Lee is a multifaceted musician, renowned for her rare virtuosity on both instruments and for a career spanning three decades across the world’s major concert stages. She has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras including those of New York, Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Baltimore, and has given recitals at venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Musikverein, the Mozarteum, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, and the Concertgebouw.
At age twelve, Lee became the youngest recipient of NPR’s Performance Today Debut Artist of the Year award. She has since received numerous international honors, including an Avery Fisher Career Grant and top prizes at the Mozart, Indianapolis, Hannover, Kreisler, Bashmet, Paganini, and ARD Competitions. Her recording Mozart in Paris received the Diapason d’Or Award.
An active chamber musician, Lee appears regularly at festivals including Marlboro, Verbier, Salzburg, and Seattle, and is a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Boston Chamber Music Society. She is Professor of Violin and Viola at USC’s Thornton School of Music.
Daniel McGrew, Tenor
Tenor Daniel McGrew, praised for his “lovely, nuanced tenor” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), performs a wide range of repertoire spanning opera, musical theatre, early music, and contemporary works. A dedicated recitalist, he has appeared with Brooklyn Art Song Society, New York Festival of Song, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and the University Musical Society. His New York and Washington, D.C. recital debuts were presented by Young Concert Artists. McGrew has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Morgan Library, and Marlboro and Tanglewood festivals, and as soloist with ensembles including the Boston Pops and Richmond Symphony. Upcoming appearances include recitals across the U.S. and performances with the Chattanooga and Salina Symphonies.
Joseph Parrish, baritone
Baritone Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, is a recipient of the 2024 Sullivan Grant, a third prize winner in the 2024 Opera Index Voice Competition, and a member of the Salzburg Festival Young Singers Project. Recent highlights include his New York recital debut at Merkin Hall and performances with MasterVoices, the Richmond Symphony, Musica Sacra, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. He has appeared with Cincinnati Opera and made his European debut at the Salzburg Festival. An active concert artist, he performs widely across the U.S. and Europe.
Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner, praised for her “versatility and musical curiosity” (Opera News), is an alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio, where she appeared in productions including The Wreckers, Salome, Madama Butterfly, and Le nozze di Figaro. She has performed with Wolf Trap Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Louisville Orchestra, and Maryland Symphony. A recipient of top honors from the Naumburg, Gerda Lissner, George London, and Young Concert Artists competitions, she is also an acclaimed recitalist, appearing at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and San Francisco Opera. A Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music graduate, she champions innovative and contemporary vocal repertoire.

Midsummer Night's Dream
2026-07-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
The North Shore Players, a community theater in Danvers, invites you to bring a blanket or chair to outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Performances are July 10, in Danvers, July 11, 12 in Beverly, and July 17, 18, 19 in Danvers. Tickets are $15-$20. Tickets, locations, driving directions and show times are at www.northshoreplayersma.org. The North Shore Players is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and has been on the North Shore since 1957.

Vintage Base Ball
2026-07-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Littles Lane, Newbury, M, 01951, United States
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching without gloves. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how “America’s favorite pastime” was played in the 1860s. The teams competing are based on actual nineteenth-century baseball clubs from New England.
The Essex Base Ball Organization is a nonprofit “vintage base ball” group that plays the game as it was played in the 1860s. They are based out of Newbury, Massachusetts, and have four teams. They teach the history of baseball through games and demonstrations, offering youth clinics and lectures on baseball history at historical societies, libraries, and other civic organizations.
See HNE website for first pitch times; triple headers start at 11 AM, doubles at noon.

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-07-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-07-10 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.

Gloucester Block Party #1
2026-07-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
EVENT TIMELINE:
5 PM: Streets closed off to traffic & parking
6 PM: Music Stages Open (See below)
6:15 PM: The Red Trousers
7:10 PM: Cape Ann Dancers at Hancock & Main
8:00 PM: The Red Trousers
Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors, and more! A fun night for young and old alike!
Many of the shops and businesses on Main Street will be open and welcoming partygoers. Other Gloucester businesses and local non-profits also will be represented on the Street. It will be a night full of live music, great food, and fun activities with lots of local flavor!
Entertainment:
Headline Act: The Red Trousers
Captain Jack
Cape Ann Dance
Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
Face Paint by Miss Wendy Food Vendors & Restaurants
Bravo by the Sea
Crepe du Jour
Meat & Sweet Foods
The Lobster Roller
Three Ginger’s Jerky
Whoopie Wagon

¡Fiesta en la Calle!
2026-07-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Essex Art Center, 56 Island Street, Lawrence, MA, 01840, United States
¡Fiesta en la Calle! is a free event where residents from Lawrence and across the Merrimack Valley come together to celebrate the region’s vibrant and diverse artistic talents. This lively event transforms Island Street into a hub of creativity and fun, offering a diverse range of free art activities, live music, dancing, and games for all to enjoy.
Outdoors, tents feature local businesses, nonprofits, and artist vendors selling unique, handmade treasures. Indoors, the Salon Show features 150 artworks created by artists of all ages. Our teaching artists perform demonstrations highlighting our educational offerings in ceramics, animation, laser engraving, and more!

Rockport Music On the Town
2026-07-11 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

Summer 5K & Kid's Donut Dash at Cider Hill Farm
2026-07-11 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Run or walk through fruit filled orchards, lush crop fields and shaded forest! Route includes challenging hills and rough, uneven terrain. All levels welcome and strongly encouraged. Participants receive t-shirt, race bib, souvenir glass, finisher medal, donut and a glass of hard cider at the finish line!

Greg Hawkes & Eddie Japan Performing the Music of The Cars
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
As the keyboardist for the legendary Boston band and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, The Cars, Greg Hawkes forged the sound of rock’s New Wave. Pioneering and pushing the limits of technology and sequencing in the late ’70s and through the ’80s, Greg cemented the synthesizer’s place in rock and pop music, and his contribution has influenced countless artists since. Along with achieving Rock & Roll Hall of Fame status and massive commercial success with The Cars, Greg has been a sought-after session and touring musician, and has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren, and The Turtles.
The Cars were named Best New Artist in the 1978 Rolling Stone Readers’ Poll. The band’s debut album, The Cars, sold six million copies and appeared on the Billboard 200 album chart for 139 weeks. The Cars had four Top 10 hits: “Shake It Up” (1981), “You Might Think,” (1984), “Drive” (1984), and “Tonight She Comes” (1985). The band won Video of the Year for “You Might Think” at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984
In 2016, Greg collaborated with the acclaimed Boston band Eddie Japan to produce their 2017 album Golden Age. This eventually led to Greg and the band joining forces to create a night of music by The Cars featuring a set list curated by Greg. Since 2019, Greg Hawkes with Eddie Japan Performing the Music of The Cars has been thrilling audiences across the Northeast with an energetic show that includes hits and deeper cuts from The Cars songbook, along with special selections relating to Greg’s amazing musical career.

Rockport Music Gala: Yuja Wang, piano
2026-07-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Rockport Music Gala 2026
Midsummer Celebration
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Cocktail Party and Dinner, 5 PM | Millbrook Meadow
Concert, 8 PM | Concert Hall
Shalin Liu Performance Center
Join Rockport Music for our 2026 Rockport Music Gala: Midsummer Celebration on Friday, July 10—a memorable evening featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang.
Our elegant evening begins with cocktails and a gourmet dinner beneath a beautifully-appointed tent in the charming setting of Millbrook Meadow. Guests will then move to the newly refreshed Shalin Liu Performance Center for a special performance by internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang. Renowned for her extraordinary virtuosity, interpretive depth, and commanding stage presence, Wang will deliver a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable night.
We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to celebrating the joy of music with you!
Yuja Wang, piano
Pianist Yuja Wang is internationally acclaimed for her charismatic artistry, emotional honesty, and commanding stage presence. Renowned for both her extraordinary virtuosity and the spontaneity of her performances, she is one of the most compelling classical artists of our time, appearing regularly with the world’s leading orchestras, conductors, and musicians. As she has noted in The New York Times, “I firmly believe every program should have its own life,” a philosophy that shapes her bold and deeply personal approach to music-making.
Born into a musical family in Beijing, Wang began piano studies at an early age before pursuing advanced training in Canada and later at the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Gary Graffman. Her international breakthrough came in 2007, when she stepped in for Martha Argerich as soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, launching a major global career. Two years later, she signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, cementing her position among the leading pianists of her generation.
Wang’s artistic daring was recently showcased in a landmark marathon performance at Carnegie Hall, where she joined Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra to perform all four of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in a single afternoon, celebrating the composer’s 150th anniversary. A passionate advocate for contemporary music, she has also given the world premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Her recordings have earned numerous honors, including Musical America’s Artist of the Year and an Opus Klassik Award. With her fearless programming and vivid musical imagination, Yuja Wang continues to redefine the role of the classical artist in the 21st century.
“Yuja Wang was the brilliant pianist, projecting the solo part to a nicety and getting every note to glitter.” –Financial Times
Gala Table Sponsors
IMPRESARIO — $20,000 (12 VIP tickets)
Invitation to post-concert reception with the artists
Table host will be invited to 2 exclusive chamber music events featuring high profile artists
VIRTUOSO— $10,000 (8 VIP tickets)
Invitation to post-concert reception with the artists
MAESTRO — $5,000 (4 VIP tickets)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Premier concert & VIP dinner table seating
VIP post-concert dessert reception with the artists
Listing in Gala materials
Invitation to the Season Kick-off Party
Gala Tickets
BENEFACTOR — $1,250
Listing in Gala materials
PATRON — $900
Concert tickets will not be mailed.
All Gala tickets will be provided upon arrival at the Gala Check-in table.
Rockport Music is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a love and understanding of music through exceptional live performances and creative learning opportunities.
Please Note: Only the tax-deductible portion of the event can be made through a donor advised fund.
To reserve your seat at Rockport Music’s Summer Gala, please contact Susan Rogers, Senior Development Officer, at 978.546.7391 ext. 106 or srogers@rockportmusic.org.

Afternoon Lecture Series: Amelia Earhart – The Boston Years
2026-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Join us Friday, July 10 at 12:00 PM at Wenham Museum for a fascinating lecture exploring a lesser-known chapter of Amelia Earhart’s life.
Most people know Amelia Earhart as the pioneering aviator who disappeared while attempting to fly around the world. But before that historic journey, she spent time in Medford, Marblehead, and Boston. Why was Amelia on Boston’s T-Wharf at 4:00 AM? Where did she gather around campfires for marshmallow roasts and storytelling? And why did Boston police nearly arrest her for littering?
These surprising stories will be brought to life by Dr. Margie Arnold, a leading Amelia Earhart historian and advocate.
Dr. Arnold is a retired higher education professor and administrator, author of two textbooks, and has delivered more than 100 professional presentations. She has spoken at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, and the International Women’s Pilot Museum, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.
Don’t miss this captivating look at the remarkable woman behind the legend!
📅 Friday, July 10
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Wenham Museum

Rockport Music presents Balourdet & Terra Quartets
2026-07-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
The Balourdet Quartet and Terra String Quartet join forces with Artistic Director Barry Shiffman on viola for an expansive program featuring works by Borodin and Ravel, Shostakovich’s Octet, and the U.S. premiere of a work by Osvaldo Golijov. This collaboration brings together prizewinning ensembles for an evening of intensity, imagination, and bold collective artistry.
Program
BORODIN: String Quartet No 2
GOLIJOV: Tintype (US Premiere)
Intermission
RAVEL : String Quartet in F minor, M35
SHOSTAKOVICH : Two Pieces for Octet, Op. 11
BALOURDET QUARTET
Angela Bae, violin | Justin DeFilippis, violin | Benjamin Zannoni, viola | Russell Houston, cello
The Balourdet Quartet is acclaimed for its vibrant energy, fearless creativity, and masterful blend of technical precision and emotional depth, bringing fresh perspective to both classical masterworks and contemporary repertoire. The ensemble’s close musical rapport and willingness to take risks have earned major recognition, including an Avery Fisher Career Grant and Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award in 2024. Performing more than seventy concerts per season, the Quartet has made notable debuts at Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall, and has premiered new works by Karim Al-Zand, Paul Novak, and Nicky Sohn, supported by grants from Chamber Music America and the Barlow Foundation.
Founded in 2018, the Balourdet Quartet’s roots trace to the Taos School of Music, where founding members bonded over chamber music, shared meals, and friendship—later joined by violist Benjamin Zannoni at Rice University. The ensemble has since earned top prizes at the Concert Artists Guild Competition, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Banff International String Quartet Competition, Premio Paolo Borciani Competition, and Yellow Springs Competition, and trained at the New England Conservatory Professional String Quartet Program under Paul Katz.
TERRA QUARTET
Harriet Langley, violin | Amelia Dietrich, violin | Chih-Ta Chen, viola | Audrey Chen, cello
Winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and recent prizewinners at the Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competitions, the Terra String Quartet (TSQ) is a vibrant international ensemble based in New York City. Formed by graduates of The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and the Curtis Institute of Music, TSQ is recognized for its sincere storytelling, artistic rigor, and versatile approach to repertoire, fostering genuine human connection through both performance and pedagogy.
The Quartet is the 2024–26 Fellowship Ensemble-in-Residence at the Yale School of Music, where its members coach undergraduate chamber music ensembles. Known for performances that balance intellectual depth with emotional immediacy, the Terra String Quartet continues to establish itself as a compelling and distinctive voice in today’s chamber music landscape. Outside the concert hall, the members enjoy playing Mahjong together and deepening their shared curiosity about instruments and bows.
BARRY SHIFFMAN, violin/viola
Violinist and violist Barry Shiffman has enjoyed a distinguished career as a performer, recording artist, teacher, and arts leader. He made his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at age 15 and in 1989 co-founded the St. Lawrence String Quartet. During his 17 years with the ensemble, he performed more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, including appearances at Rockport Music, and recorded several critically acclaimed albums for EMI Classics.
A highly respected teacher and chamber music coach, Shiffman has served as artist-in-residence at Stanford University and as visiting artist at the University of Toronto, and has been involved in the premieres of hundreds of new works. He was recently named Dean of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, following many years of leadership there and at the Banff Centre. Shiffman is the recipient of the Nadia Boulanger Prize for Excellence in Teaching and an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary.
