North of Boston

Blueberry & Flower Festival (July 18-19 & 25-26)
2026-07-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Mark your calendars for Cider Hill’s celebration of all things berries and blooms! The multi-weekend event will feature free live music, hard cider bars, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food truck, blueberry treats, pop-ups & cut-your-own flowers and berry picking. General admission is free. RSVP now and buy pick-your-own tickets upon arrival at the farm or online at www.ciderhill.com/tickets.

11th Annual Military Service Day at Patton Homestead
2026-07-18 | Patton Family Archives – Patton Homestead, 650 Asbury Street, Hamilton, M, 01982, United States
The 2026 Military Service Day celebrates its on July 18th from 10 am to 4 pm at the historic Patton Homestead in Hamilton, MA. The 11th anniversary event is a free and family-friendly and will be held this year in conjunction with the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the birthday of the United States Army.
The event features military exhibits, military reenactors, helicopters, vintage military vehicles, tributes to veterans and educational programming for families. The day promotes education and awareness of American military history while bringing the community together in celebration of service and sacrifice. Click here for more information: https://apgardnerposthamilton.org/military-day/

Black Picnic
2026-07-18 | Salem Willows Bandstand, 165 Fort Avenue, Robert Hayes Band Stand at Salem Willows, M, 01970, United States
Please join us for the 2026 Annual Historic Black Picnic. Full day of music and fun, cookout kid games and tournaments.. DJs and live performances.

Dead to the Core - July Show
2026-07-17 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
21+, Positive I.D. Required
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!

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-07-17 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-07-11 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.

As You Like it Live Performance at Windhover
2026-07-17 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
As You Like It, a play by William Shakespeare, directed & adapted by M. Graham Smith
July 10–August 2, 2026
Windhover Performing Arts Center
257R Granite St, Rockport, MA 01966

“Rosalind and her cousin escape into the forest and find Orlando, Rosalind’s love. Disguised as a boy shepherd, Rosalind has Orlando woo her under the guise of “curing” him of his love for Rosalind. Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group wedding at the end of the play.”
– Shakespeare birthplace trust

Midsummer Night's Dream
2026-07-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-11 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.

The High Kings
2026-07-17 16:00 - 22:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Ireland’s leading folk group, The High Kings, are set to excite fans once again with the announcement of their Rocky Road Tour 2026. As global ambassadors of Irish heritage and storytelling, The High Kings have consistently brought the timeless tradition of folk music to audiences worldwide, earning them chart-topping success and widespread acclaim.
“A Folk Juggernaut” – The New York Times
With their signature blend of classic tradition and modern edge, The Rocky Road Tour promises to be a vibrant showcase of Irish culture, energy, and musicality.
Following a record-breaking 2024 – including a sold-out world tour, a feature on Disney’s critically acclaimed Only Murders in The Building, and over 5 million weekly streams – the band are showing no signs of slowing down. Their momentum continued in 2025 with a string of sold-out U.S. tour dates, culminating in a headline performance at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles on March 23rd, after stops in Kansas, Nashville, St. Paul, St. Louis, New York, New Hampton, Glen Ellen, Ridgefield, Alexandria, and more.
But it was their inclusion on the soundtrack of Sinners—the current #1 movie worldwide, starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Ryan Coogler—that marked a defining moment in their global recognition. The film’s soundtrack, already topping international streaming charts, was curated by Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Ludwig Göransson (Oppenheimer, The Mandalorian, Black Panther), a long-time admirer of The High Kings’ distinctive vocal blend and musicianship. After attending their sold-out show at The Troubadour in Los Angeles earlier this year, Göransson selected two tracks—“The Rocky Road to Dublin” and “Go Lassie Go”—to feature prominently in the film’s score.
The Rocky Road Tour 2026 will build on this global success, offering audiences a high-energy live show that reinforces The High Kings’ place at the forefront of Irish folk. With a renewed focus on storytelling, musicianship, and connection, the tour reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to honouring Ireland’s folk legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
As well as their recorded music triumphs, The High Kings have performed for hundreds of thousands across the globe and graced prestigious stages including Glastonbury Festival, The Isle of Wight Festival, Times Square, NYC, Trafalgar Square, London (St. Patrick’s Day) and many more/ Their live television appearances have spanned the U.S., with performances on Good Morning America, Good Morning LA, The View, and The Today Show.
“Reinventing the Wheel” – Chicago Tribune
The past years also marked a series of standout collaborations, including:
• A stirring duet with Steve Perry (Journey) on The Streets of Kinsale
• A powerful stadium performance of their anthem Glorio For Notre Dame with Jon Batiste, in front of 30,000 fans
“The High Kings continue to set the bar for Irish folk bands worldwide” – Hot Press Magazine Tickets and dates for The Rocky Road Tour 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow The High Kings on social media for immediate updates.
Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 17, 2026, 4:00pm to 6:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Jul 17, 2026, 8:00pm to 10:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Chasing Liberty: Black Newburyporters and Privateers in Highland Cemetery
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Highland Cemetery, 21 Hill Street, Newburyport, 01950, United States
Join Ghlee Woodworth for a walking tour focused on the memorials of Newburyport’s Black community and Revolutionary privateers.
Wander through Newburyport’s historic Highland Cemetery with a special guide – noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native. During this special event, Woodworth will focus on the memorials of Newburyport’s once-thriving Black community, and the graves of Newburyport’s legendary privateers. Hear the story of “Guinea village”, the slang term for the Black neighborhood nearby and learn more about efforts to commemorate and celebrate Black lives and experiences. Learn about the remarkable life of Captain Offin Boardman, chasing liberty in a different way.

Jazz at Marblehead Arts – Donna Byrne
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:30 | 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.

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.

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
