North of Boston

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-08-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Château Minuty Wine Dinner at Davio's Lynnfield
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Davio’s Lynnfield, 1250 Market Street, Lynnfield, United States
Join Davio’s Lynnfield and Moët Hennessy on Tuesday, August 18th at 6 pm for a 5 course wine dinner (doors open at 530 PM).
Welcome Wine
2025 Château Minuty M Rosé, Cotes de Provence
Benvenuto
Duxbury Oysters, Basil Granita
Mini Tuna Tartare Taco
Truffle Burrata, Crostini
2023 Château Minuty, ‘Prestige’, Blanc, Cotes de Provence
Antipasto
Hamachi Crudo, Passion Fruit Citrus, Cucumbers, Mint, Calabrian Chilies
2025 Château Minuty, ‘Prestige’, Rosé, Cotes de Provence
Farinaceo
Sweet Corn-Ricotta Tortelloni, Truffle Butter
2025 Château Minuty, ‘Rose et Or’, Cotes de Provence
Carne del Giorno
55 Day Prime Aged Strip Steak, Crispy Potatoes, Summer Squash, Horseradish Crema
2022 Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dolce
Strawberry, Basil Crème Brulee, Meringue, Macerated Strawberries
$198 per person (excluding tax & gratuity)

Zootopia 2
2026-08-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Zootopia 2 reunites officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a brand-new case that takes them deeper into the diverse and ever-surprising city of Zootopia. As they navigate new districts and unexpected challenges, the duo must rely on trust, teamwork, and their evolving partnership to keep the peace.

Last Fling: The Silver Circus
2026-08-18 10:00 - 15:30 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
For the full schedule of all the End of Summer Last Fling at the Museum, please visit this link >>.
Celebrate the end of summer with a week of family fun at the Last Fling! From August 17th – August 22nd Wenham Museum will host a variety of activities and programing.
On August 18th at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM Step right up for an unforgettable circus performance featuring comedy, juggling, balancing, and plenty of audience participation.
Register for the 10 AM session here >>
Register for the 2 PM session here >>

Last Fling: Bubble Party
2026-08-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
For the full schedule of all the End of Summer Last Fling at the Museum, please visit this link >>.
Celebrate the end of summer with a week of family fun at the Last Fling! From August 17th – August 22nd Wenham Museum will host a variety of activities and programing.
On August 17th at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM Kick off the week with bubbles of every shape and size! Children can move, play, and marvel at a high-energy program filled with shimmering, floating fun.
Register for the 10 AM session here >>
Register for the 2 PM session here >>
Happens on the following Dates:
Aug 17, 2026, 10:00am to 11:00am Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Aug 17, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Marc-André Hamelin & Charles Richard-Hamelin
2026-08-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Pianists Marc-André Hamelin and Charles Richard-Hamelin come together for a duo piano performance featuring works by Mozart, Chopin, Gershwin, and others. Uniting near-superhuman virtuosity with poetic insight, this collaboration brings brilliance, breadth, and extraordinary musical dialogue to the concert stage.
PROGRAM
MOZART: Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448
CHOPIN: Rondo in C Major for Two Pianos, Op. 73
Intermission
CHAMINADE: Pas des Cymbales, Op. 36, No. 2
NIKOLAY MEDTNER: Two Pieces for Two Pianos Op. 58
G. GERSHWIN/P. GRAINGER: Fantasy on Porgy and Bess
MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN, piano
Pianist Marc-André Hamelin is celebrated worldwide for his rare combination of profound musicianship and dazzling technique. Described by The New York Times as a “performer of near-superhuman technical prowess,” he is equally admired for his interpretations of the core repertoire and for his fearless exploration of lesser-known works from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. He performs regularly with leading orchestras and conductors and appears in recital at major concert halls and festivals around the globe.
“A performer of near-superhuman technical prowess.” — The New York Times
CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN, piano
Silver Medalist and winner of the Krystian Zimerman Prize at the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin has emerged as one of the most significant artists of his generation. A recipient of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Career Development Award from the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto, he was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier in November 2022, becoming the youngest recipient in the history of the Prix du Québec.
An active and sought-after chamber musician, Richard-Hamelin has performed with artists including James Ehnes, Andrew Wan, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Marc-André Hamelin, and with ensembles such as the Dover Quartet, Apollon Musagète Quartet, New Orford Quartet, and Meccore Quartet.
Richard-Hamelin has recorded eleven albums, all released on the Analekta label. Five are devoted primarily to the solo piano music of Frédéric Chopin, and additional recordings include collaborations with Andrew Wan and concerto recordings of both Chopin piano concertos with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under Kent Nagano, as well as Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 22 and 24 with Les Violons du Roy conducted by Jonathan Cohen. His recordings have earned six Félix Awards (ADISQ) and a JUNO Award in 2022.

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

Marblehead Free Days at the North Shore Children's Museum!
2026-08-16 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-15 09:00 - 16:00 | North Shore Children’s Museum, 10 Main Street, Peabody, M, 01960, United States
Marblehead residents can enjoy free admission to the North Shore Children’s Museum on August 8-9 and August 15-16!
With the generous support of Marblehead Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council, we are excited to offer free admission days for Marblehead Residents. Tickets may be reserved online in advance or in person. Get your tickets at nschildrensmuseum.org/visit/buy-tickets/
Guests must be prepared to show proof of Marblehead residency at the door.
**Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last
Dates:
Saturday, August 8: 9am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, & 2pm-4pm
Sunday, August 9: 12pm-2pm & 2pm-4pm
Saturday, August 15: 9am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, & 2pm-4pm
Sunday, August 16: 12pm-2pm & 2pm-4pm

Vintage Base Ball
2026-08-16 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.

Marblehead Art Crawl & Open Studios
2026-08-16 11:00 - 16:00 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Enjoy a scenic, summer stroll around beautiful Marblehead visiting many of our artist studios on Sunday August 16th between 11am-4pm. Just download the map of participating artists and take your self-guided tour around town, stopping off to visit local art studios, meet the artists and learn more about their craft.
With 25 Marblehead art studios opening their doors to the public, take advantage of this special opportunity to view and purchase local art where it’s being created. Inspiring studio offerings include everything from hand-crafted jewelry and ceramics to fine art and photography, cyanotype and sculpture, printmaking and woodworking. There may even be the chance for some hands-on activities.
The Marblehead Art Crawl & Open Studios is hosted by the Marblehead Arts Association. It’s free for visitors to participate and will take place rain or shine. Maps can be downloaded one week prior to the event for a great afternoon of meeting local artists, shopping for art, and supporting your local arts community. Maps and info at https://marbleheadarts.org/mhd-art-crawl

45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival
2026-08-16 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
The historic Stage Fort Park along Gloucester Harbor will blossom into color and flavor for the 45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival on Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th, 2026.
This event features over 150 Booths of American made arts, crafts, foods and live music. Admission is free, handicap accessible, held rain or shine and friendly pets are welcome on leash at this seaside New England event. For more information visit: www.castleberryfairs.com
Note: There is a fee to Park at beach parking. https://gloucester.blinkay.app/login
The Gloucester Waterfront Festival is Sponsored by Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Peach & Sunflower Festival
2026-08-16 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Cider Hill Farm is celebrating all things sunshine, flowers and peaches on August 8-9 and August 15-16! The multi-weekend event features cut-your-own farmhouse bouquets, free live music, local makers, hard cider bar, activities, hayrides, tastings, food trucks, peach treats, sunflower walk, and pick-your-own peaches. **RSVP & Tickets** RSVP now and buy PYO tix when they open closer to event time! We open online PYO tickets approx. 48 hours in advance of each weekend. But you may purchase picking tickets when you arrive on the farm, too!

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-08-15 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-14 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.

Manchester Summer Chamber Music at the Barn at Crane Estate
2026-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | The Crane Estate, 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Manchester Summer Chamber Music (“MSCM”) celebrates its 15th season with four stunning programs and six performances of world class chamber music this summer between August 8-22.
Combining the magic of warm summer nights with dynamic interpretations of chamber music gems and vibrant new music, MSCM offers performances that welcome audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
Founded in 2009 by Manchester native Sage Cole and Andover native Lorna Tsai, MSCM is dedicated to sharing classical music of the highest caliber with the communities of the North Shore. Seventeen musicians from around the world will come together throughout August to create the joyful, engaging concerts that audiences have come to expect from MSCM.
As the resident chamber music series of the Barn at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, MSCM will present three Saturday night concerts. In addition, MSCM will present its annual house concerts with pianist Dr. Ryo Yanagitani at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates in Manchester, MA, and will also perform the house concert program at Gathr Work in downtown Ipswich, MA.
August 8, 7 PM: Treblemakers is the first of the three concerts at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. The concert features two Four Seasons: Antonio Vivaldi’s magnum opus as well as Astor Piazzolla’s inventive tribute to Vivaldi.
August 12 and 13, 7 PM: Café Music will be performed at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates, 2 Masconomo Street, Manchester, MA. Dr. Ryo Yanagitani will lead a narrative performance centering on Paul Schoenfield’s delightful Café Music.
August 14, 7 PM: Café Music will be presented at Gathr Work, 42 Market Street, Ipswich, MA.
August 15, 7 PM: Red Sky is the second concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. This evening of movements from beloved string quartets begins with the storm of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet, finds its way to calmer waters with the tranquility of Caroline Shaw’s “Orangery”, and then heads back into the tempest of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet Op. 80.
August 22, 7 PM: Starry Night is the last concert of the season and the third concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. A celebration of the beauty of late summer with music that wraps us in the warm, nostalgic embrace of an August night, Starry Night features the complete Brahms String Sextet No. 1 as well as movements from Borodin, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Paul Wiancko string quartets.
Before each concert at the Barn at Crane Estate, audience members are invited to arrive early with a picnic and relax in the walled garden in front of the Barn. Please note that our liquor license permits only alcohol purchased from our vendor, Harbor Tap Trailer, while on the premises.
All concerts are $50 at the door and $45 in advance. Members of the Trustees pay $45 at any time for all Barn concerts. Tickets online and at the door are subject to availability; advance purchase is highly recommended as our venues have limited capacity. Youth under 18 are free at all three Barn at Crane Estate concerts.
For directions, tickets, and more information, please visit: www.manchestersummerchambermusic.org or call (978) 312-2062.

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts Presents the Limón Dance Company
2026-08-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents the world-renowned Limón Dance Company on its outdoor stage in August. The storied Company will perform repertory favorites choreographed by company founder José Limón, as well as a new work by Aszure Barton. This rare opportunity for North Shore audiences includes live musical accompaniment by violinist Scott Moore.

Grace Kelly
2026-08-15 17:00 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Saxophonist, singer, and composer Grace Kelly has performed more than 1,000 shows in 35 countries, released 15 acclaimed albums, and appeared at the Hollywood Bowl and on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In this special concert, she returns to her jazz roots with the virtuosity and flair that made her a DownBeat Critics Poll winner.
“[A] jazz innovator… Making jazz young” — Billboard
For this performance, Grace refocuses on her deep jazz foundation—swing, groove, and fearless improvisation—bringing the spotlight back to the traditions and mentors that shaped her sound. A multiple-time DownBeat “Rising Star” honoree, she has shared the stage with jazz legends including Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, and Lee Konitz. Expect a vibrant, high-energy evening of soulful saxophone, expressive vocals, and spontaneous musical conversation, as Grace reconnects with her roots in one of her most personal and dynamic jazz performances yet.
Happens on the following Dates:
Aug 15, 2026, 5:00pm to 6:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Aug 15, 2026, 8:00pm to 9:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival
2026-08-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Celebrate 45 years of handmade, heritage, and harbor views at the Gloucester Waterfront Festival!
Join us August 15 & 16 at historic Stage Fort Park for the 45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival, a beloved summer tradition set along the stunning Gloucester Harbor.
One of New England’s longest-running waterfront festivals, this iconic event brings together an exceptional mix of American-made arts, crafts, specialty foods, live entertainment, and seaside fun — all in a spectacular coastal setting.
What you’ll find:
• Over 175 juried artisans featuring American-made arts, crafts, and specialty foods
• A wide variety of handmade work including fine art, woodworking, jewelry, leather goods, coastal décor, functional art, gifts, and more
• An exciting blend of longtime festival favorites and new artisans to explore
• An incredible selection of specialty foods, sweet treats, and classic festival fare
More than just shopping:
• Live music throughout the weekend
• Roaming pirates adding a little adventure along the waterfront
• Saturday morning: Gloucester Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast (7:30am–11am)
• Sunday morning: Antique automobile display hosted by the North Shore Car Club
Pet-friendly! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome
Rain or shine | Free admission
Please note: The City charges a fee for parking at the beach lot across the street.
Festival Hours
Saturday, August 15: 9am – 6pm
Sunday, August 16: 9am – 5pm
Location
Stage Fort Park
24 Hough Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
Directions & Parking
Take Exit 53 off Route 128.
• Limited free parking available along Stacy Boulevard and at Gloucester High School
• Additional paid parking available at the beach lot across the street (city fee applies)
For more parking details, please visit the City of Gloucester website.
Learn more, explore the exhibitor list, and plan your visit at CastleberryFairs.com
Bring the family, enjoy the harbor views, and spend the weekend celebrating handmade at one of New England’s most cherished summer festivals

Dead to the Core - August Show
2026-08-14 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Premium Seating with cocktail service: $34.50 + $6.95 service fee
Standard Seating with cocktail service: $29.50 + $6.95 service fee
GA Standing: $15 + $6.95 service fee
+ $5 Day of Show
Dead to the Core is Sam Bouve (Bass), Sean Galbraith (Guitar), John Spurr (Drums), Phil Todisco (Guitar), and Scotty King (Keys). This collective of North Shore original artists, songwriters, and producers came together in 2020 to honor the timeless catalog of the Grateful Dead with a fresh and innovative approach. Dead to the Core celebrates the Dead’s spirit with inspired playing, infused with unrestrained improvisations, and a real good time.
Dead To The Core is The Cut’s 2026 Resident Band – they will play a show every month in 2026, culminating with a New Years Eve show on 12/31/26. Don’t forget to bring your punch card and get a stamp for each show you attend. Collect them all (Feb-Nov) and get free tickets to the NYE show!

Dan Tyminski Band
2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Fourteen-time GRAMMY Award winner Dan Tyminski brings the power and passion of modern bluegrass to the stage with a voice that has become iconic across genres. From his unforgettable performance of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” in O Brother, Where Art Thou? to his billion-streaming global hit “Hey Brother” with Avicii, Tyminski has left an indelible mark on contemporary music while remaining deeply rooted in bluegrass tradition.
A longtime member of Alison Krauss and Union Station, Tyminski has spent more than three decades shaping the sound of modern acoustic music. His solo career has produced acclaimed albums including Carry Me Across the Mountain, Wheels, the genre-bending Southern Gothic, the Tony Rice tribute One More Time Before You Go, and the Billboard #1 bluegrass release God Fearing Heathen. His Grammy-nominated live album, Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman, captures the electricity and heart of his performances.
With the Dan Tyminski Band, he delivers high-energy shows marked by masterful musicianship, tight harmonies, and deeply felt songwriting. Blending tradition with innovation, Tyminski continues to honor bluegrass roots while pushing the music forward—bringing authenticity, soul, and unmistakable vocal power to every performance.

Bella Rayne Band
2026-08-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition—creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear—unlocking a voice and style entirely her own. She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop. Their sets are explosive and ever- evolving—blending soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisational jam with bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead classics alongside Bella’s own originals. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, often described as the next generation of Tedeschi Trucks Band with an alternative edge and a 70s vibe. With demand building nationwide, the band recently completed recording singles for an upcoming EP slated for release in 2026—marking the next step in a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her young age, Bella has already shared the stage with seasoned artists and respected bands: appearances alongside Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family have all added to her early résumé and she was touted as “one to watch” by her idol, Susan Tedeschi in a 2025 Guitar World Magazine interview. In addition, she has been invited to iconic stages nationwide including The Fillmore SF, The Orpheum LA, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and even celebrated her 18th birthday with a set on the Prudential stage at Bottlerock Napa festival. One of the most iconic moments of her rising career: she was entrusted to play the legendary guitar known as “Alligator” — once wielded by Jerry Garcia. That honor, courtesy of Grateful Guitars Foundation, has become a defining chapter in Bella’s journey and Guitar Player magazine recently recognized her as one of the players “keeping the Dead alive” alongside Jeff Mason (Dark Star Orchestra) and Tom Hamilton (JRAD) in an article from May 2025.

Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan
2026-08-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Banjo virtuoso Noam Pikelny joins forces with master fiddler Stuart Duncan for a dazzling evening of bluegrass and acoustic music, blending jaw-dropping technique, inventive arrangements, and deep roots tradition from two of the genre’s most celebrated artists.
NOAM PIKELNY
NOAM PIKELNY is widely recognized as the preeminent banjoist of his generation. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “pros’ top banjo picker,” Noam is a founding member of Punch Brothers, a string ensemble which The Boston Globe calls “a virtuosic revelation” and The New Yorker describes as “wide-ranging and restlessly imaginative.” Pikelny was awarded the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass and is a two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year. In 2019, Noam was awarded the “Best Folk Album” Grammy for the Punch Brothers’ release, All Ashore. Noam also performs with the GRAMMY nominated bluegrass band, Mighty Poplar, and co-hosts The Energy Curfew Music Hour, a Chris Thile and Punch Brothers musical variety podcast released by Audible in Fall of 2024. Season 1 was nominated for a Webby Award in the Podcast: Features, Experimental & Innovation category; it also won Most Innovative Audio Experience, Best Live Podcast Recording, and Best Sound Design in the Listener’s Choice category of the 2025 Signal Awards. Also in2025, Pikelny was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame under the Five-String Performance category.
STUART DUNCAN
Stuart Duncan could easily be called America’s favorite fiddler. Raised in Southern California, Stuart took up the fiddle at age seven. Since then, he has chalked up a career that includes four Grammys, a slew of Academy of Country Music Awards, and nine titles as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year. Now a multi-instrumentalist with a staggering command of not only the fiddle but also the banjo, the guitar, and the mandolin, Stuart Duncan has built upon his bluegrass roots to become an artist that defies categorization and surpasses the limits of any specific genre.
The consummate sideman, Duncan has lent his taste and tone to countless artists and projects. Whether trading dizzying instrumental licks with the likes of Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas or adding complimentary fills for vocalists Alan Jackson and Barbara Streisand, Duncan is known for his astute, improvisational style that sparkles without upstaging. He’s performed with Plant Krauss, Diana Krall, Lyle Lovett, Béla Fleck, Steven Tyler, and Elvis Costello. Though no one has a true count of how many recordings feature Stuart Duncan, the current estimate nears 900. Notable recordings include his collaboration with Dolly Parton on her bluegrass albums The Grass is Blue and Little Sparrow, Bela Fleck’s Bluegrass Heart, and the Grammy-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. The most provocative evidence of Duncan’s cross-genre expansion may be his collaboration with Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer and Yo-Yo Ma on Grammy-winning The Goat Rodeo Sessions and Not Our First Goat Rodeo.
Despite the awards and accolades, Stuart Duncan remains one of the humblest men in the music business. A father of three, he spends his time off rebuilding rare instruments and making music with his wife of 35 years, Dieta.
