North of Boston

Community Program: Documentary Screening, A Sense of Place
2026-08-28 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
In celebration of beloved author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton—and in honor of the upcoming anniversary of her August 31st birthday—the Cape Ann Museum is pleased to partner with the Sawyer Free Library and 1623 Studios on a special screening of the award‑winning documentary Virginia Lee Burton: A Sense of Place, produced by Christine Lundberg.
The screening will take place on August 28th at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Sawyer Free Library. Martha Oaks, CAM’s Chief Curator, will offer introductory remarks, reflecting on Burton’s enduring legacy and her deep connections to Cape Ann’s artistic and cultural landscape.

The Baylor Project
2026-08-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community. These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor. This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. As the children of Pastors, Marcus’ and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul to make its mark.
“Jean and Marcus Baylor are a married couple whose buoyant, convivial music unites gospel, jazz and R&B.” -The New York Times
Their debut CD The Journey, released on their own label, Be A Light LLC, topped the Billboard Jazz Chart at Number 8 in 2017 and a year later garnered 2 GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Two years later during one of the most challenging years in recent history, The Baylors released their single, “Sit On Down” in 2020 which earned a 3rd GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, solidifying The Baylor Project as an undeniable force. Their second album, Generations, released in 2021 earned the duo its first NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Jazz Album-Vocal and its 4th GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. And their first live album, The Evening: Live At APPARATUS earned The Baylors their 5th and 6th GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Improvised Jazz Solo. A collaboration with Adam Blackstone and Russell Ferrante earned them a 7th GRAMMY® Nomination for the original song “Vulnerable (Live)”, from the live recording, Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn. Most recently, in partnership with APOGEE Electronics, The Baylor Project received their 8th GRAMMY® Nomination for an impromptu live, in-studio performance of the age-old spiritual, “Walk With Me, Lord.”
Marcus and Jean also expanded into television, writing, producing and performing the new theme song, “GOOD LIFE” for Season 6 of the Tamron Hall Show!
The Baylor Project pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in doing so generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel-good music. Soulful. Melodic. Authentic. The Baylor Project.

Gloucester Stage Company presents DALLOWAY: FIRST LOVE by Lindsay Joelle
2026-08-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-26 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-23 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-22 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.

Jazz at Marblehead Arts
2026-08-27 19:00 - 21:30 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Relax and enjoy a great night of music as acclaimed jazz musicians, Yoron Israel and High Standards play at the Marblehead Arts Association as part of the “Jazz at the Arts” series.
Yoron Israel currently serves as Chair & Professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music, and with his band, High Standards, is committed to forging ahead new standards in jazz performance, composition and arrangements for the 21st century. This superb group comprises tenor/soprano saxophones, piano, bass and drums.
Savor this exceptional jazz concert upstairs in the ballroom at the historic Hooper Mansion, with cabaret-style seating and cash bar. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets $35 at Marblehead Arts Association and Arnould Gallery, Marblehead or online.

Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2026-08-27 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
2026-08-27 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-26 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-25 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-24 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-23 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.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-08-27 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
2026-08-27 16:00 - 19:00 | M
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.

Rocky Neck Art Colony presents Making an Impression: Traditional Techniques, Contemporary Vision
2026-08-27 12:00 - 17:00 | M
Gloucester, MA — Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is pleased to present Making an Impression: Traditional Techniques, Contemporary Vision, an exhibition featuring the work of 19 artists from Cape Ann and beyond exploring the rich and varied language of printmaking. Through both traditional and contemporary approaches, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of techniques, offering a thoughtfully curated selection that reflects the vitality and creative possibilities of the medium today.
For centuries, artists have developed innovative methods for creating multiple original impressions from a single matrix. In Making an Impression, participating artists employ a variety of printmaking processes, often combining techniques or incorporating additional materials to expand the expressive potential of their work. Together, these prints highlight the versatility, craftsmanship, and enduring relevance of printmaking as a contemporary art form.
The exhibition invites visitors to discover the many ways artists continue to push the boundaries of this historic medium while honoring its rich traditions.
The public is warmly invited to attend the Artists’ Reception on Sunday, August 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to view the exhibition, meet the participating artists, and enjoy light refreshments in the gallery.
Exhibiting Artists: Lisa Barthelson (Boston area), Christine Beneman (Portland, ME), CoCo Berkman (Gloucester), David Brown (Rockport), Sandra Cardillo (Boston area), David Covert (Gloucester), David Curcio (Salem), Leslie Ann Eliet (Gloucester), Deborah Epstein (Cape Ann/Boston), Nina Fletcher (Cape Ann), Don Gorvett (Cape Ann), Barbara Grad (Boston area), Jane Keddy (Cape Ann), Catherine Kernan (Boston area), Denise Manseau (New Hampshire), Mary Rhinelander (Cape Ann), Julia Talcott (Cape Ann), Dorothea Van Camp (Boston area), Constance Vallis (Cape Ann).
About the Rocky Neck Art Colony
Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally in the former gallery of local artists Gordon and Judith Goetemann. Check the website www.rockyneckartcolony.org for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004.

Introduction to Soft Pastel Painting with Annette Sykes
2026-08-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
During this welcoming, hands-on workshop at the Marblehead Arts Association, you’ll be introduced to the unique qualities of soft pastels, exploring value, light and color as you create your own pastel painting. You’ll be guided in composition & observation, and learn the fundamental techniques of mark-making, layering, blending, depth and form.
The workshop is designed to build confidence and teach the knowledge for you to paint independently. Class runs 9am-2pm. Bring a bag lunch. MAA Members: $50. Non-members: $60. Registration at marbleheadarts.org/calendar

The Meditations
2026-08-26 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
The Meditations – Ansel Cridland, Danny Clarke and Winston Watson collectively known asThe Meditations, recorded their first hit single Woman is Like a Shadow in 1974 at Channel One Recording Studio. The group made it’s mark and sealed their place as reggae legends withthe release of the first two albums Message From The Meditations and Wake up produced by Dobby Dobson. Soon after came the third album Guidance produced by Ansel Cridland.
Known the world over as Jamaica’s legendary harmony trio, The Meditations captured the hearts of reggae fans around the world. This led to collaborations with Lee Scratch Perry. Scratch, who produced for Bob Marley and the Wailers, asked them to do back up vocals for Punky Reggae Party, featuring Bob on led vocals. Bob Marley was so pleased with their harmony that he went in search for the group to do more back up vocals for him. It is said by many that “The Meditation is Bob Marley’s favorite group,” which led to Bob requesting harmony and background vocals on songs like Rastaman Live Up and Blackman Redemption. The Meditations harmonic vocals can be heard on some of your favorite track such as, Bongo Man Youths Them A Cry by Jimmy Cliffs, Mr. Cop by Gregory Isaacs, to name a few. In 1983 Linval Thompson produced The Meditations fourth album No More Friends. On this album all the lead vocals were sung by Ansel Cridland. Meanwhile Danny Clarke and Winston Watson later released For The Good Of Man. After some time separated Ansel begin to put the group back together with the release of Return Of The Meditations produced by Ansel in 1993 on Heartbeat record label.
Ansel followed up producing and releasing Ghetto Knowledge on the Easy Star label in 1999, then Stand In Love on his own label Meditations Music in 2004. As of late he as gone on to collaborate with yet another great Philip Smart for his latest album Dangerous Society, which was released jointly by Meditations Music and Philip Smart in 2011. Ansel is a dedicated musician writing, producing and releasing albums, and still touring with the addition of DaddyLion Chandell and Toussaint Webb on harmony.

Make It and Take It! Sea Glass Art Workshop
2026-08-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Join MAA artist member and owner of Marblehead Sea Glass, Amy Goldfarb, for an informal, hands-on workshop for all levels to guide you in the creation of a beautiful piece of framed sea glass art.
You’ll be able to choose one of three different templates, or create a unique design of your own. Basic supplies will be provided to create an 8”x 8” piece of art, including a mat. Beach-procured sea glass will be available to use at the workshop, and you’re also welcome to bring your own washed, sea glass. Frames and other home accessories will be available at an extra cost.
Cost for MAA Members $30, non-members $35. Places are limited, so reserve your spot to come along and get creative!

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-08-26 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.

The Clements Brothers
2026-08-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
The Clements Brothers are George and Charles Clements, identical twins from New England. They’ve been playing and writing music together for as long as they can remember and ‘The Clements Brothers’ marks their first project together since playing in the internationally touring grass-roots band, ‘The Lonely Heartstring Band’ with whom they put out two albums on Rounder Records. “Dandelion Breeze is an album that unassumingly and softly seeps into your soul and stakes its claim as one of the year’s best debuts.” – Mike Davies, KLOF Magazine With roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) aim to capture their singer-songwriter sensibilities in a unique blended voice, at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene. Their first album ‘Dandelion Breeze’ was released in 2023 on Plow Man Records and their sophomore record is set to be released in the Fall of 2026. The duo is a fusion of each brother’s unique musical journey, and the result is music all its own, filled with vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of song.

Rodney Crowell
2026-08-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
On his vibrant 20th studio album, Airline Highway, Rodney Crowell explores love, memory, and musical kinship with a new generation of roots artists. Produced with Tyler Bryant and recorded live at Dockside Studio in Louisiana, the album captures a spontaneous spirit—blending Crowell’s storytelling prowess with contributions from Lukas Nelson, Ashley McBryde, Charlie Starr, and Larkin Poe. Inspired by the swamp-pop sounds of his youth and recorded in the heart of Cajun country, Airline Highway reflects on the past while celebrating the present. From the rollicking homage “The Twenty-One Song Salute” to the haunting closer “Somewhere Down the Road,” Crowell delivers a wise, joyful meditation on legacy and letting go.
Two-time GRAMMY Award Winner
Two-Time Grammy Winner – Including Best Country Song for “After All This Time”
Songwriting Legend – Penned hits for Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Rosanne Cash, Keith Urban, and more
Over 40 Years of Acclaimed Releases – From his 1978 debut Ain’t Living Long Like This to his vibrant 2025 release Airline Highway
Chart-Topping Success – 1988’s Diamonds & Dirt produced an unprecedented five consecutive #1 singles on the country charts
Member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (inducted 2003)
Critically Acclaimed Collaborations – Including Old Yellow Moon and The Traveling Kind with Emmylou Harris (Grammy-winning & Grammy-nominated respectively)
Airline Highway features Ashley McBryde, Lukas Nelson, Larkin Poe, and Charlie Starr
Published Author – Chinaberry Sidewalks (memoir, 2011) earned praise from The New York Times
Genre-Spanning Influence – A bridge between classic outlaw country, Americana, and contemporary songwriting craft
Still Breaking Ground – Celebrating his 20th studio album in 2025 with Airline Highway, described as “a document of falling in love with music all over again”

Story Songs of the 70s - Summer Show
2026-08-23 19:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Story Songs of the 70s is a seasonal concert series by Maine-based singer/songwriter, Tom DiMenna, and features songs by 3 legendary songwriters of the vinyl era — Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. This folk-rock act blends lush vocals, intricate guitar playing and iconic story songs into a sound that’s both intimate and powerful. This special Summer edition features songs like “Ghosts of Cape Horn” by Gordon Lightfoot, “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens, and “30,000 Pounds of Bananas” by Harry Chapin. It’s a carefully crafted presentation of the timeless songs that shaped a generation — performed with heart, humor, and resonance.
In addition: Tom is now officially endorsed by Gibson Guitars and John Pearse Strings, legendary names in acoustic tone.

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
2026-08-23 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Born and raised in Gloucester MA before cutting his teeth as the manager of the iconic Saratoga Springs listening room Caffe Lena, Reese Fulmer has emerged “with a poet’s sensibility rich with great storytelling and a healthy dose of irony.” (Viv Nesbitt, Art of the Song) The 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Music Awards, Reese and his band have become one of the fastest-rising groups in upstate NY with expansive live albums highlighting a reputation for compelling performances. With a rotating cast of talented players, a broad and dynamic body of work, and a refusal to set anything in stone, their shows are always fresh, full of joy, and hard to describe. Think Wilco with hints of Prine and Zappa: “smart, emotionally tuned arrangements and a stage presence that balanced earnestness with unpredictability.
Their live performance thrives in the liminal space between genres folk, Americana, jazz and the result is a sound that’s complex without being convoluted.” (NYSMusic) Fresh off a sold out performance at Old Sloop Coffeehouse in November, where the band performed as a quartet, they will return to Cape Ann for the first time with the entire ensemble.

Steep Canyon Rangers
2026-08-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
GRAMMY-winning Steep Canyon Rangers return to their bluegrass roots with Next Act, reaffirming the tradition that shaped them while showcasing the seasoned songwriting, rich harmonies, and ensemble interplay that have made them leaders in modern American roots music.
Steep Canyon Rangers arrive at a moment of renewal and reaffirmation with Next Act, their 15th studio album set to be released May 22, 2026. The record represents a conscious tightening of focus: a return to the bluegrass foundations that first bound the band together, approached with the confidence and emotional range earned through years of collective evolution. It is an affirmation that bluegrass still contains endless expressive possibility. Next Act finds the Rangers sounding deeply at home in their own musical language, drawing strength from tradition while continuing to write new chapters within it.
Formed in North Carolina and shaped equally by the Appalachian Mountains and the Piedmont, Steep Canyon Rangers have long occupied a singular space in American roots music. From their earliest recordings, the band demonstrated an unusual ability to honor traditional bluegrass forms while allowing contemporary songwriting, literary influence, and regional storytelling to seep naturally into the music. Over time, this balance earned them both bluegrass credibility and broader Americana acclaim, culminating in a Best Bluegrass Album GRAMMY Award for 2013’s Nobody Knows You, additional nominations for Rare Bird Alert (2012) and North Carolina Songbook (2020), and an induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
In recent years, as their audience expanded and their songwriting reach grew wider, the Rangers began to feel a pull back toward the elemental forces that shaped them: acoustic instruments speaking clearly, songs built for ensemble interplay, and stories grounded in lived experience and regional memory. Next Act emerges from that impulse.
Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums, dobro, percussion and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals.

Vintage Base Ball
2026-08-23 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.

Corn Festival at Cider Hill Farm
2026-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
We’re celebrating all things summer, corn, fruit n’ flowers! Take a hayride. Grab corn food specials. Visit food trucks and artisans, sip cider n’ beer, pick berries, summer apples n’ peaches, cut bouquets and wiggle through the farm’s mini corn maze. RSVP now. Buy pick-your-own + maze tickets later!

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-08-22 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
2026-08-22 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.
