Nights on the Neck

From June to October, celebrate Nights on the Neck on the first Thursday of every month from 5 to 9 pm. Many galleries host receptions with refreshments, and musicians, dancers, other entertainers, and art and maritime historians give performances and lectures. See photos of past events.

2008 Schedule

Thursday, June 5: Open MIC on the Neck

OPEN MIC ON THE NECK is open to all performers -- musicians, dancers, poets, prose readers, etc. -- to come down to Rocky Neck and do your stuff. Galleries, front porches, and lawns along Rocky Neck Avenue will be available for you to perform (you can sign up in advance for a space by e-mailing NoTeaParty@yahoo.com, or you can just show up and find a space yourself).

All are welcome to participate as either performers or audience! Our only stipulation is no amplified music outside (low amplification inside is okay), and please play well with others!

Confirmed performers:

Janice Fullman, local singer, songwriter, music teacher and photographer, will be playing guitar and singing. Her material includes folk songs, pop and classic rock - the unplugged version! - and her own original songs.

Rick Drost will perform his "timeless romantic ballads; country with a twist." Rick performs his own songs along with covers of songs old and new that have reached him since he started performing out in the late '60s. Rick lists his major influences as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Brahms, Mozart, and Julia Child.

Mike Kirsch and Ed Spillert (guitar, five-string banjo, and vocals) will do a range of country, blues, bluegrass, rock, and standards.

Many more will participate - please come down and take part by performing or spectating! Eclectic acts are encouraged to appear!

Subsequent first Thursdays will continue in the popular Nights on the Neck format (our third year) -- that is, gallery receptions and scheduled performances and lectures. If the Open Mic format works out well, we will add that to the roster as well!

For additional information, please contact Amanda Nash, NoTeaParty@yahoo.com, 617-417-3777.

Thursday, July 10 see photos

Steven Lee Beeber will read from his books, The Heebie Jeebies at CBCB's; A Secret History of Jewish Punk and AWAKE: A reader for the Sleepless.
Willow Flute Ensemble will perform original works and arrangements for flute ensemble, from classical to contemporary including jazz and folk from around the world
The Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band will honk and wail, bringing the sound and spirit of New Orleans to the streets. Come join the parade!
Peter Anasastas will read selections from his recently completed memoir, From Gloucester Out, about Rocky Neck in the 1950s.
Three Sheets to the Wind will perform maritime and work songs.

See signage in the parking lot on Rocky Neck Ave causeway for exact times and locations.

Thursday, August 7, 5-9 pm

Leslie Bartlett will present A Stonecutter's Tale, a live shadow puppet play about the history of quarrying on Cape Ann.
Sarah Dunlap and Stephanie Buck will read from their book, Fitz Henry Lane: Family and Friends, which reveals newly discovered information about the 19th-century painter.
Kathleen Mari performs belly dance as a ritual dance of transformation, weaving elements of tribal fusion, yoga, and Eastern Mysticism into a dance-tapestry.
Rick Drost sings timeless romantic ballads and country with a twist, at Imagine.
Three Sheets to the Wind, local musicians and Schooner Adventure crew members, will sing maritime work songs.