Countdown to NYRE 2012!
2012 New Years Rockport Eve Event information to rock in 2013 is here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Can I buy buttons on the 31st?
Buttons are sold up to and including the 31st at six locations in Rockport & Gloucester ’til 4pm. and also on December 31st at Spiran Hall (our headquarters) on the corner of Broadway & School Street from noon ’til 11pm.
• Plenty of on street parking downtown Rockport, no meters! •
Click to download Adobe Acrobat .pdf file of 2012 events map.
Click to download Adobe Acrobat .pdf file of the 2012 schedule of events.
Donations to help NYRE may be made at any time.
Events for 2012 to rock in 2013:
7:00 to 10:00 T-Wharf Outside
Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will have telescopes set up
Weather permitting, on New Year’s Eve the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will have telescopes set up at T Wharf from 7:00 to 10:00, for public viewing of our moon, Jupiter and its moons, and some objects far, far outside our solar system as well. There will be guided tours of the constellations, NASA educational activities and handouts for all ages; you can learn how to read a sky map, and see different types of telescopes and learn how they work. Come appreciate the wonders of the night sky, and start the new year with a new appreciation of how enormous and spectacular the universe is.
1. Community House Upstairs 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Eddie Gardner – Magician
Eddie is the president of Diamond’s Magic Supply Company, Peabody, Mass, and is a member of the Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians, Invisible Lodge, advisor for the Society of Young Magicians and has received numerous citations and awards. . For 32 years he has been performing for audiences of all ages. In addition to an immense inventory of magic tricks, he also guarantees laughter. Appropriate for Adults as well as children. Eddie has been performing for New Year’s Rockport Eve for all fifteen years!
1. Community House Downstairs 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
DORA TEVAN, ETHNIC ARTS CENTER – WORLD PUPPETRY
A FAMILY SHOW including children with 30 minute attention span
BABA YAGA and VASALISSA THE BEAUTIFUL (Finland) – Experience a Cinderella tale from Rockport’s greatest ethnicity. Amidst the scary but sometimes nice witch, Baba Yaga, and the mischievous trolls of the forest, see how Vasalissa’s goodness, wisdom, effort, and loyalty-along with her magical wooden doll- bring her the respect and eventual love of the Tsar. This interactive Family Puppet Show will be staged in 2 acts, with Troll Dancing during the Intermission.
Dora (the International Explorer!) Tevan of the Ethnic Arts Center presents World Puppetry. Step into an enchanted world as delightful characters come to life through folktales. Puppeteer Dora Tevan, Founder and Director of the Ethnic Arts Center has brought cultures alive since 1978 with thousands of programs including Workshops, Birthday Parties, Puppet Shows, Teacher Trainings, and International Festivals. . Dora received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for her brotherhood programs to children the past 33 years. She lives here in Rockport in a 1740 Saltbox with her husband Corey, Owner/Artist of the Corey Tevan Gallery at 60 Bearskin Neck and their daughter, Angelraven, who has created HERB and STONE, herbal skincare and stone creations, for the Cape Ann community.
1. Community House Upstairs 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Honky-Tonk Women of Gloucester- Doo Wop 50s & 60s Classic Hits
Caroline Haines, Barbara Jansson, Sheila Schrank and Elaine Persons take the stage to create a four part harmony only heard in the 50’s and 60’s eras when “girl groups” like the Ronnettes, the Supremes, the Crystals, and the Shirelles captured Motown. It’s a musical journey back to the style of acapella and Doo Wop as you enjoy singing along to “classic hits” & chart busting songs of the females groups who powered up the stage back then and now again. Fingerstyle guitarist, Sheila Schrank will accompany the group whose songs also include those of the legendary Patsy Cline, The McGuire Sisters, Johnny Rivers, the Everly Brothers, The Paris Sisters, Leslie Gore, Little Peggy March, the Chiffons and so many more. It’s a blending of four vocal talents on a sentimental journey as they perform under the name of “The Honky-Tonk Women of Gloucester.”
Fingerstyle & acoustic guitarist, Sheila Jones Schrank, sings lead melody and alto harmony.
Sheila founded and arranges the music for the Honky Tonk Women. She started singing in bands at age 15, moving on to instruct guitar classes at North Shore Community College for over twelve years and now teaches privately at home. Sheila and her husband, Ron, another fingerstyle guitarist, perform as a duet named, Second Wind.
Barbara Jansson sings lead and harmony often infusing a song or two with harmonica and tambourine. The songs of the Supremes, Leslie Gore & Brenda Lee are her favorites.
Barbara began her musical career starting at age 11. She continues to solo, duet and has played in bands and rock groups too numerous to mention. She also has a variety of cd’s to her merit.
Caroline Haines sings both lead and soprano harmony and carries a song in her heart and to work everyday. She has more theatrical experience than anyone in the group and that becomes an obvious asset on stage. Caroline currently performs with the Gloucester based acapella group, Leven, where theatrics and eclectic song selections are both entertaining and cutting edge.
Elaine Persons is the Patsy Cline voice for the group, singing songs titled, Walking After Midnight, Crazy and I Fall to Pieces and well, we do have to save a few surprise songs !
Her keen ear for harmony changes helped the group revive songs from the Roy Orbison and Connie Francis archives as well.
Sheila concludes “the walks of life we take and the memories we create are all surrounded by music. Each song we sing brings us back to a magic time, a “first” time, where and when we experienced something never before felt or imagined.” We are hoping our songs will revive these “remember when….” feelings within you, too
This is our “mini” mission statement.
2. Methodist Church 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Backwoods Ramblers – Folk – Rock – Country – Bluegrass
The Backwoods Ramblers are a group of multi-talented musicians featuring lead and harmony vocals with guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica in a memorable blend of folk-rock, country, and bluegrass. You may have seen them in summer at the Millbrook Meadow or the Essex Musicfest concerts, in winter playing at the New Year’s Rockport Eve Celebration, and in local clubs. You’ll be sure to sing along and tap your feet listening to this very enjoyable band.
Barry Michaud, vocalist/guitarist, moved from Maine to the Boston area music scene in the 1970′s to play with Orphan, Jonathan Edwards, and longtime friend, Allen Estes. Barry has a relaxed stage presence that serves him well. He now performs solo and with the Backwoods Ramblers at coffeehouses and festivals around northern New England. Jack Schwartz, banjo, vocals, and electric bass, has been singing, playing, and recording bluegrass, folk, jazz, and old timey from New England to Alaska. His skill on the banjo and acoustic bass has been heard with Mike Seeger, John McCutcheon, and Jethro Burns. Locally, Jack has been heard with his own bluegrass groups, the Piranhas and Blue Horizon, and on WGBH Radio’s “Says You” playing with Pick Three, and live with Old Cold Tater, Pick Three, Daisy Nell & Captain Stan, Fozzie Hill, and Ryan “Captain Fiddle” Thompson. Jack has recorded with singer/songwriter Chuck Hall, and Daisy Nell & Captain Stan. Pat Conlon, mandolin, harmonica, & vocals, has been a performer on the local Cape Ann music scene for over thirty years. He has performed a wide variety of musical genres and styles including blues and rock with the local favorites, The Gumby Bros. and Megawatt Blues Crushers, swing music with Backyard Swing as well as bluegrass with Blue Horizon, Pick Three, and Old Cold Tater, of which he was a founding member. He has been featured as a guest performer with local luminaries Chick Marston and Ellen Ford, Daisy Nell and Capt. Stan, Fozzie Hill, Fly Amero, and many others.
2. Methodist Church 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
DAISY NELL & CAPT STAN with the CRABGRASS BAND
Although we try to take our listeners to far away places with our music, we often find universal themes right in our own lives, our own roots. The sea around us often dominates our music, but family life and ties to the shore are very strong for both of us.
“Daisy Nell”, native of Essex, MA, mainstay of the shipbuilding industry for over 300 years, brings New England’s maritime history alive through traditional and contemporary songs of the sea. A familiar voice on the North Shore music scene, she is known for her broad repertoire of traditional folk, chanteys, and contemporary songs. Her husband, “Capt. Stan”, adds his guitar to Daisy’s banjo and guitar. Together they cover a lot of territory, from the foc’s’le to the farm! Daisy has been associated with school programming for many years as a free-lance in-school artist, nursery school music teacher, and museum educator. She also has written and implemented on board interpretative programs on various vessels, including the Mimi and the schooner Adventure. She has written the signature song for Adventure, among others, and even takes a crack at advertising jingles on local cable TV. Stan Collinson started out in high school folk groups and moved on to a performing duo in college with mandolin titan Taylor Armerding of Northern Lights fame. When not tuning his guitar, he might be found tuning up an engine at his business, Gaybrook Garage in Essex. Stan was also at the helm of his free-range turkey farm for many years, back when he was “Farmer Stan”. Sadly, Boundary Farm is no longer raising birds, but the occasional off course sea gull roosts on the roof. Their music is a shared love, and they hope to share it with you. Their band Crabgrass consists adds the talents of Pat Conlon on mandolin and Jack Schwartz on bass. Pat is a veteran of the Cape Ann music scene, and plays with the band Pick Three, and sometimes the Backwoods Ramblers, as does Jack Schwartz. Should you see a blur resembling a human with an instrument case anytime during this evening, it’s probably either Jack or Pat trying to get from one site to another on time! www.daisynell.com
2. Methodist Church 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Tom Eaton & Pick 3 – Bluegrass, Country, Blues, Country Music
Pick 3 is a group of acoustic “pickers” and singers, all with a passion for American roots music. They play a lively mix of Bluegrass, Country, Blues and Celtic music. Delivering fine picking combined with strong vocals, they weave through a diverse and entertaining program sharing a genuine warmth, enthusiasm, and sensitivity.
Tom Eaton (guitar & vocals) has brought his music to more than fifteen foreign countries, traveling through Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. He toured extensively with bluegrass and country bands from the Rocky Mountain region; performed with Tim O’Brian, Country Gazette, Newgrass Revival among many others. After moving east, Tom was a founding member of two well known acoustic string bands in the New York tri-state area. Tom’s prowess on the fretboard has brought him into a wide variety of performance venues including television, radio, festivals, concerts, and recording projects.
Pat Conlon (mandolin, harmonica, & vocals) has been a performer on the local Cape Ann music scene for over thirty years. He has performed a wide variety of musical genres and styles including blues and rock with the local favorites, The Gumby Bros. and Megawatt Blues Crushers, swing music with Backyard Swing as well as bluegrass with Blue Horizon and Old Cold Tater, of which he was a founding member. He has been featured as a guest performer with local luminaries Chick Marston and Ellen Ford, Daisy Nell and Capt. Stan, Fozzie Hill, Fly Amero, and many others.
Ken Steiner (bass) has been playing upright bass for over forty years in the Boston area. In addition to playing with Pick 3, Ken has been active in several genres, having performed with jazz artists Gray Sargent, Dave Whitney, Kenny Davern, blues artists Ron Levy, Bob Margolin, Lisa Marie, Barrett Anderson, Dave B & the HotShots, country acts Twilight Ranchers, Truckdrivin Neighbors Downstairs, as well as Gloucester favorites Ric St. Germain, Greg Tower, Linda Amero and Phil Doucet. Ken has also served as principal bassist for the Newton Symphony Orchestra.
3. Fire Station Upstairs 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Baggywrinkle – Men’s Sea Chantey Quartet
Alexander Thompson, drawn by the camaraderie of the group’s rehearsals around his father, George Thompson’s kitchen table, brings his formal training in an a cappella barbershop singing to create a refined version of the organic chantey style. Both men believe this music is best as “kitchen music”: sung with a glass in your hand and among dear friends. Father and son both live in Gloucester and spend much of their time close by the seashore.
Born and raised as a “Son of Gloucester,” Gardner Winchester II has crewed and skippered many vessels and sailed the entire New England Coast, from New York to Canada and beyond. He was a charter member of Sea Scout Ship 256 and Sea Explorer Ship 56 and sailed aboard the schooner Truant. He has also owned two beautiful sailing vessels, a Columbia 22, Olde Blue, and a 30-foot wooden Herreshoff cutter, Jesse Boyce. Gardi is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Formerly known as the Singing Sergeant of the Rockport Police Department (as profiled on WCVB TV’s Chronicle), Tony Hilliard’s song “Hammers on Stone,” about the Rockport granite industry, appears on the CD North Shore Music Project. He has opened for Tom Rush and Jonathan Edwards and performed extensively at benefits and festivals, on radio, and at Celtic music sessions.
All three men have sung with the chantey group Three Sheets to the Wind, which promotes the schooner Adventure.
3. Fire Station Upstairs 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Tony & Nick Hilliard with Janet Ruth Young – Irish, Folk, Songs of the Sea
Formerly known as the Singing Sergeant of the Rockport Police Department (as profiled on WCVB TV’s Chronicle), Tony currently works as a certified emergency dispatcher and EMT for Beauport Ambulance. A member of Three Sheets to the Wind, Tony frequently performs on Tuesday nights at Cameron’s in Gloucester and at Celtic nights at The Landing in Manchester and Elliott’s in Gloucester. Tony’s song “Hammers on Stone,” about the Rockport granite industry, appears on the CD North Shore Music Project. He has performed at several benefit concerts including Music in the Meadow, to support art programs in public schools, and Rockport Sunday at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, at which he opened for Tom Rush and Jonathan Edwards and which supported the North Shore Health Project. As a solo performer or with Three Sheets he has appeared in the Portsmouth Maritime Music Festival, the Gloucester Schooner Festival, the Seaport Festival, and the Rockport Acoustic Festival. He has also given solo concerts of maritime music at Halibut Point State Park and the Peabody Essex Museum and appeared on The Morning Show with Kendall Buell on WBOQ radio. Tony’s father, George T. Hilliard, was an artist and framer, and Tony worked in the family business, Hilliard Frame Shop in Rockport, for 30 years, the last five as owner. His mother, Nancy Hilliard, was a native of Tonragee, County Mayo, in the Republic of Ireland and met her husband in Belfast in 1944 when he was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Tony inherited an artist’s eye from his father and a love of Celtic music from his mother. This is Tony’s thirteenth year with New Year’s Rockport Eve.
Nick Hilliard
The son of Tony Hilliard and Kathleen Hilliard, Nick is a graduate of Rockport High School and is pursuing his studies in animal sciences and animal grooming. He frequently performs as a duo with his father and is a summertime busker on Bearskin Neck. Nick is also at work on several movie screenplays.
Janet Ruth Young
Janet Ruth Young, a Gloucester resident, sings backup for Tony Hilliard and is a member of the swing trio Sparkle Motion with Diane Young and John Hicks. She is the only female member of the Marblehead Men’s Singing Club. A novelist and memoirist, Janet’s first book, The Opposite of Music, was published by Simon and Schuster in paperback in 2008.
3. Fire Station Upstairs 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Three Sheets to the Wind – A chantey/sea music group
Three Sheets to the Wind is a chantey and sea music group out of Gloucester, MA. Weekly sings on Monday evenings at the Dog Bar in Gloucester from 6 to 8:30 pm have been ongoing now for almost nine years. The group has performed in venues such as The Gloucester’s Mayor’s Cup schooner races, Essex Music Festival, Mystic Sea Music Festival 2006, Essex Shipbuilding Museum Basin Fest, Essex Clamfest, Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festivals, Lowell’s Boat Shop events, Salem Antique and Wooden Boat Show, Press Room Shanty sings, American Schooner Association annual meetings, Rocky Neck Nights on the Neck, Gloucester Reads Literacy events, Gloucester Block Parties and Middle Street Walks, shipboard events, museum events and weekly chantey sings at Cameron’s in Gloucester at 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. The singers and players that make it all possible include the following: Peter Souza, Audi Lane, Tim Perkins, George Thompson, Alex Thompson, Liz Duff, Gardi Winchester, Barry O’ Brien, Martha Bowen, Carol Karlson, Roger Hussey, Leslie Wind, Tony Hilliard, Janet Young, Graham and Jan Walker, Gary Foreman, Kevin Quinn, Steve Willard, Ray Spiecker, Judy Keith, John Hicks, Marty Stock, Ernie Pigeon, Pamela Owen and many other voices who often join in with the crew. Many who participate have years of established song and sea history to offer as we roar up a storm of song and good cheer for our audiences. Good power vocals and terrific harmonies arise wherever we go….we also have a good time and enjoy what we do….as will be seen. Good cheer abounds. Audience participation is a must!!!!
4. Unitarian Universalist Church 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
“What Time is it, Mr. Fox?” – Brian King & Nathan Cohan
On December 31, 2001, singer-songwriter, Brian King and violinist, trumpeter, Nathan Cohen performed together for the first time at New Year’s Rockport Eve at the Unitarian Universalist Church. While Cohen was spending 2002 traveling through Italy and Turkey, a recording of the performance began circulating in his hometown, and more and more people wanted copies.
Upon his return to the states, Cohen promptly formed the band What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? with King, and over the last decade the band has grown to include cello, upright bass, drums, singing saw, accordion, and 5 back-up singers. The band now has dedicated following in Boston, NYC, and throughout the world, and are currently working on their 2nd full length CD.
Violinist and trumpet player Nathan Cohen runs the orchestra and chamber music program in the Rockport Public Schools. Cohen recently spent a year studying music pedagogy in New York City. While there, he co-composed and performed music in Matchbook Production’ off-Broadway run of Shakespeare’s “Richard II”…on trapeze.
Singer-songwriter, Brian King is known for his powerful, soulful vocals and lyrical imagery. His song “Cold Rain” was recorded by soul legend, Irma Thomas on her Grammy-nominated CD “Simply Grand,” with high praise for the song in Rolling Stone and the Village Voice.
“Mr. Fox deserves your attention. When I listen to their album, I feel like I’m hearing a soundtrack of musical theater. Clever, outre, cool strings, hot vocals…” – Michele Kort, music reviewer for The Advocate, editor for Ms. Magazine, and author of “Soul Picnic: The Music and Passion of Laura Nyro” http://www.whattimeisitmrfox.com
4. Unitarian Universalist Church 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Michael O’Leary and Friends – traditional Celtic music
The ‘January Man’ is coming and we’re so glad to be back for another New Year’s in Rockport! Please join us as we send out the old year and bring in the new with a selection of traditional songs and tunes from the Celtic countries. Michael is joined by friends David de la Barre, Linda Shields Swicker and Steve Levy. MICHAEL is a traditional singer of Irish, Scottish and English songs and ballads. A native of South Dakota who has soaked up songs and the sea air of Cape Ann for the past twenty years, he has performed at the Boston Celtic Music Festival, the Irish Connections Festival and the New England Folk Festival and is a chantey singer on the Gloucester schooner Thomas E. Lannon, for which he organizes Celtic music cruises during sailing season (come sail with us next summer!). DAVID DE LA BARRE is a musician who has been performing Celtic music since 1985. Formerly with the quartet “Cáirde” in the Pioneer Valley area of western Massachusetts, he now resides in Gloucester. Until moving away from western Massachusetts he performed in the annual production of “Welcome Yule: a Mid-Winter Celebration” for over 10 years. Besides harmony vocals, his main instruments are tin whistles, Scottish smallpipe, Anglo concertina and bodhrán. STEVE LEVY has been a musician since age 11 and fell in love with Irish music in the 1970′s. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays tenor banjo, mandolin, bouzouki and guitar and has been a student of Peter Maguire, Matt Heaton and the late Tony Cuffe. He’s performed in clubs and concerts throughout the Eastern US and Canada and has played for The Orion Longsword dance team here and in Britain. Recently he’s become part of the Celtic trio Corvus. LINDA SHIELDS SWICKER, the one Cape Ann native in the group, plays a lively mix of traditional Irish/Celtic jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, airs and songs on guitar and tenor banjo. Formerly a member of the Corner House Band, she has run sessions in Beverly, Salem, Essex, Newburyport and Gloucester and has performed at local festivals, venues and school performances. Speaking of sessions, Michael and Friends host a bi-weekly Celtic music session on the 2nd & 4th Sundays from 5:30-8:30 at the Dog Bar in Gloucester – come enjoy the ‘craic’ (that’s Irish for fun!) www.gimmesound.com/MichaelOLeary
4. Unitarian Universalist Church 10-10:45 PM
New Year’s Eve Peace Service
The Rockport Unitarian Universalist Church will hold its’ fifteenth New Year’s Eve Peace Service. There will be music, readings and meditation.
4. Unitarian Universalist Church 11-11:45 PM
Jennifer Ober – Pianist playing the music of Jazz greats Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and others
After a long career of her love for playing classical music, Pianist Jennifer Ober has fully embraced Jazz. Jennifer is currently the Music Director at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport.
5. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Amy Seabrook – Puppeteer – Aesop’s Fables
This year’s puppet shows are based on the insightful short stories handed down from generation to generation known as “Aesop’s Fables.” They aim to provide alternative ideas to reacting in naughty, greedy, and otherwise angry ways to the various social situations in which we sometimes find ourselves. Amy Seabrook is a Rockport resident living with her husband, John. Their daughter, Lucretia, is a student at Massachusetts College of Art.
Amy Seabrook lives in Rockport with her husband, John. She loves puppetry and children and is available for children’s puppet birthday parties. Amy’s year round work includes time spent as nanny, as fine artist, and as dancer.
5. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Janice & Will, Formerly TheTerrestrials – Contemporary Folk, Pop, Rock Gems, Rhythm & Blues & Originals
Janice Fullman and Will Hunt bring their tight harmonies and eclectic repertoire of originals, rock, folk, R&B classics, and forgotten gems to First Night. Performing on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, sax, and flute, the duo has established a five-year residency at The Landing in Manchester, hosting a popular open mic night on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Both musicians play regularly around Cape Ann with numerous musical friends, often teaching or collaborating with younger musicians…some of whom may appear in guest spots at the First Night show.
You’ll be sure to leave humming an old favorite…or rushing to the Internet to find out just what that great song was you just heard…a deep cut by Zevon? or Lowell George? or Lucinda Williams? or Richard Thompson? Possibilities abound…. Extra Terrestrials may appear as well. They’ll be singing, playing, and hopping around!
Be there and see!
5. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Peter Ward & Amarillo – Tribute to Country Western and Western Swing
Raised in Maine, Peter Ward moved to Greater Boston where he played guitar with blues artists such as Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush and Junior Wells. He toured with the Legendary Blues Band starring Pinetop Perkins. He married the late blues radio host Mai Cramer. Amarillo is dedicated to playing traditional country music and western swing. In 2010, Peter produced “Goodbye Liza Jane: Hello Western Swing!” a CD featuring Herb Remington, who played steel guitar for Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Robert Martino is Amarillo’s drummer and Damian Purro its bassist.
6. Library-Peggy Brenner Room 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Bumbly & Abyss Phinn – Medieval, Renaissance Story Tellers
Traditional Stories and songs for both young and old. An old friend once said to me, “A good story takes away the troubles for awhile and leaves a smile in their place”. So please come and listen to a story or two and maybe you’ll find a smile to chase away your troubles for a time. Bumbly Phinn and his wife, Abyss Phinn are colorful Medieval, Renaissance style characters who tell stories in word and song. They are the directors and coordinators of the Abbadia Mare Festival at Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA.
For more information please visit their website www.abbadiamarefestival.com.
6. Library-Peggy Brenner Room 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Lorraine and Bennett Hammond – Peace on Earth
Lorraine and Bennett Hammond play and sing in perfect complement: blending their instruments with consummate skill, they create a new voice for music that ranges in style from classical through Celtic, blues and contemporary.
The joy they take in their music is contagious, and their flair for tailoring their selection of songs and tunes for individual audiences lends a lively freshness to each performance.
Lorraine renowned master of the Appalachian dulcimer, also plays banjo, mandolin and Celtic harp and is an expressive singer and songwriter. Bennett, a superb finger-style guiterist and recent convert to the five string banjo, names “the three Bs”, Bach, the blues and Buddy Holly, as major influences.
Together, The Hammonds are versatile musicians and engaging entertainers. Their warm stage presence is punctuated with wry humor and their command of their instruments and musical genres is without flaw. The Boston Globe calls them “a dazzling, witty, eclectic, delightful duo.”
The duo’s repertoire ranges in style from classical through Celtic, blues and contemporary. They sing both traditional and original songs and can be heard on over thirty recordings as featured artists, or enhancing the work of performers including Archie Fisher, Lui Collins and Bob Franke. Christine Lavin and Heidi Mueller are among the artists who have covered Hammond originals.
The Hammonds are folk missionaries of the first order, devoted cultural activists, teachers, event organizers, and performers who love to introduce people to the joys of traditional music.
6. Library-Peggy Brenner Room 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Chick & Ellen – Oldtimey & Newfangled Country Blues & Folksy Swing
CHICK & ELLEN are a married couple who perform regularly as an acoustic duo in and around Cape Ann. Their repertoire is an amalgam of acoustic styles, including traditional & contemporary folk music; delta & ragtime blues; classic & old-time country; and, of course, sea songs. With their instruments, voices, and hearts, they weave through a diverse and entertaining program with warmth, enthusiasm, and humor. Their love for music – and each other – clearly shows!
CHICK MARSTON (guitar, National Steel slide guitar, clawhammer-style banjo & vocals) Chick was born and raised in Rockport (his first gig was at the 1964 Rockport 4th of July bonfire!), and is a master delta blues finger style guitarist. As commercial fisherman in the 1970s and 1980s, he played many a night in waterfront bar rooms from the Maritimes to Miami. He has also performed in and around the Cape off and on for many years, and long-time locals will remember seeing him at the King’s Rook, the old Blackburn Tavern, the Winds of Change, and the Harbor Café.
ELLEN FORD (guitar & vocals) Ellen is a singer’s singer whose parents tell her that she sang before she could speak. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ellen is happiest when singing for a live audience, whether it be swing tunes from the 1930s, Patsy Cline torch songs, or traditional ballads. She has performed professionally for over 20 years, solo as well as with many duos, trios, and a few larger bands. In addition to playing in countless restaurants, bar rooms, private events, and festivals, Ellen did a three-month stint performing on a cruise ship to the Bahamas.
7. Spiran Hall Downstairs 5-11:30 PM
“HEADQUARTERS” – BUY YOUR BUTTONS HERE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE (ALL DAY & NIGHT 12/31/2012 from noon ‘til midnight) Adults: $15.00, Children 3 – 12: $6.00 under 3: FREE (no button needed) PICK UP A PROGRAM TO HELP FIND YOUR WAY AROUND OUR CELEBRATION
Buy your button ahead of time – Great Christmas presents!
IN ROCKPORT: Smith hardware & Lumber at the Lumber Desk, 3 Station Square; John Tarr Store, Main St.; Toad Hall Bookstore, Main St.
IN GLOUCESTER: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Commercial St.; House of Raven, Main St.; Gloucester Music, Main St.
7. Spiran Hall Downstairs 5-11:30 PM
GIFT SHOP – Souvenirs, Noise Makers, Raffles, Novelties & Admission Buttons
7. Spiran Hall Downstairs 6-11:30 PM
COFFEE HOUSE – Hot Dogs, Chowder, Chili, Pulled Pork sliders, Snacks, Popcorn, Soda, Coffee, Tea & Hot Chocolate for sale
7. Spiran Hall Downstairs 6:00-9:00 PM
Clowns – Face Painting & Balloon Making
More fun than anyone has a right to!!! For children of all ages. Let one of our clowns paint your face while you wait for your animal balloon to be created.
7. Spiran Hall Downstairs 6-11:30 PM
Psychic, Tarot, Stone & Past Life and Medium Readings – For Amusement Only
A psychic reading with either Terry Milton, Gail Wall and a few more psychic readers is not a “fortune-telling experience”, but rather an ethical, professional reading done with integrity, sensitivity and sincerity.
Stone Readings: Drawing on her psychic talents, her kinship with the earth, her knowledge of similarities between human nature and Mother Nature, and her love and appreciation for the “Mineral Kingdom”, Terry Milton, a.k.a. “The Stone Lady”, provides an up-beat, down to earth reading that is suitable for children as well as adults.
Discover the similarities that exist between stones and people as you select from a wide assortment of stones, crystals, gems, and fossils! Start the New Year off with the realization that you, too, are a gem!
Tarot Readings: Gail Wall has over 15 years experience as a professional, working with Tarot, Psychometry, PhoPhotometry and Mediumship. Certified Tarot Reader with the American Tarot Certification Board.
Intuitive Studies Certification completed at Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA.
A typical reading starts with the Tarot Waite Deck followed Fairy Elemental Cards and finishing with the Twelve Houses of the Astrology Spread.
Mediumship is bridging the gap between the Spirit world and our Earth Plane. The medium links the energy of the sitter connecting Spirit on the otherside of life. Gail provides Photometry Mediumship using a photograph that you provide to facilitate the connection.
Gail works in these methods to bring you validation from the person in Spirit. Often they want to relay to you messages of guidance, love and messages about something that only you would know. Often Spirit (your loved one) comes in to communicate unfinished business. These communications are sacred and as such deserve that respect during a “sitting”. www.channel-your-energies.com
7. Spiran Hall Upstairs 6-6:45, 7-7:45
Melodeego – Bike Powered Rock
MELODEEGO IS POWERED BY THE PEOPLE!!
Revolutionary music for a new generation of world changers. The show is a blast of raw energy waking up crowds to the moment we’re living in. Audiences dance their feet off, sing their hearts out, and then fight with passion for JUSTICE, the ENVIRONMENT, and human life.
BIKE POWERED MUSIC!
Melodeego is truly powered by the people, using a bike powered sound system to harness the energy of the audience at every show. This innovative approach has recently attracted the attention of major media organizations including CNN and NPR.
The band has brought bike powered concerts to countless venues like Occupy Wall St, Boston, DC, and VT; State House rallies, major clubs like Johnny D’s and the Middle East, colleges, churches, middle school assemblies, the back of a moving truck, and recently Bill McKibben’s nation-wide Do The Math Tour, proving each time that clean energy is not only possible, but limitless and ours to create.
Melodeego’s new video is spreading rapidly getting thousands of hits in the first week after release: http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=rswFWRCB3Vk&feature=youtu.be
The band is preparing to embark on a national tour this spring. Visit Melodeego.com for more info.
7. Spiran Hall Upstairs 8-8:45PM
No performance – set up time for ’60s Invasion
7. Spiran Hall Upstairs 9-9:45, 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
‘60s Invasion – 60s Rock ‘N Roll Band
‘60s Invasion is a show band featuring music of the 1960’s. You will see tributes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan or Roy Orbison in costume. You may also experience the band performing ten to fifteen minute segments as follows:
TV of the Sixties. Music and trivia from television shows of the sixties.
‘60s Invasion plays popular hits of the Four Seasons. The band plays hits from the sixties that had connection with the seasons; fall, winter, spring and summer.
The History of Rock. Information, trivia and music from 1910 to 1960.
Although this band mostly performs in concerts, ‘60s Invasion is also available for almost any other kind of event including anniversary parties, reunions, weddings, corporate events, etc.
NEWS: ‘60s invasion’s new Christmas CD, Incense and Chia Pets, is now available! There are 13 tracks including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree featuring blue grass star, Sierra Hull. Check out www.sixtiesinvasion.com for more information.
8. Baptist Church 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
The Fabulous Bullock Brothers – Gospel
The Fabulous Bullock Brothers is a gospel group of brothers, fathers and sons, led by the Rev. George Bullock. They formed in 1950 and continue a Gospel singing tradition passed on to them from their father, known as “Singing Walter”, as he traveled the Revival Circle in their home state of North Carolina. The group combines traditional and contemporary gospel music, which celebrates Christianity. Their harmonies and vocal styles preserve Southern Black church traditions, such as leader response and congregation. The group’s stage presentation is very joyful, and reminiscent of revival music. They perform such old time favorites as “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”, and “Go Down Moses.” They combine their traditional Gospel style with contemporary accompaniment, which includes guitars keyboard and percussion. The Fabulous Bullock Brothers have performed at Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Cambridge Multicultural Arts and at festivals and First Night celebrations throughout New England. The group has recently toured Spain to very enthusiastic audiences and was awarded “Living Legends Award” by the House of Blues.
8. Baptist Church 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
The Jolly Rogues – Seafaring Songs
This talented band of musicians and singers has a varied, intriguing repertoire of 18th and 19th Century material from period commemorative, tavern/drinking, romantic ballads, sea shanties, children’s ditties, songs of revolt. Included among the songs are those which invite listening (instrumentals), clapping and foot tapping or singing along with a solo or harmonic melody. Others may invoke a melancholy mood. Among the titles will be found “Rosin the Bow”, “Lizzie Lindsay”, “Captain Kidd”, “All for Me Grog”, “Yankee Doodle”, “Star of the County Down”, “The Parting Glass”, “Rattlin Bog”, “Boston Harbor Shanty” plus “Harvest Home”, “Mermaid”, “Boys of Blue Hill”, “Johnny has Gone for A Soldier”, “Three Jolly Coachmen”, “Maid of Amsterdam”, “Greenland Whale Fishery”. Depending on the programs purpose and musical selection, The Rogues appear attired in either 18th or 19th Century clothing or a combination of the two periods, adding to the color and charm of the performance. Each musical selection has a prelude explanation of the songs history, folklore and meaning. A myriad of emotions is expected to be experienced by the audience. You can tell that these gentlemen are into history, and you don’t need to look too far for an affirmation of that fact–they are members of The Guild of Historic Interpreters. They stay pretty true to olde times as well, and if you see them perform you’ll probably find them dressing in three-cornered hats and knickers and using traditional instruments. We play on the Schooner Fame out of Salem MA sunset cruises and at George’s Island as part of Boston’s 4th of July Celebration. We have played in Germany,England and were special guests of Beijing China in 2006. We have a 4th CD coming out soon Hick’s the Pirate that we hope to have available for your event. The Rogues are carving out a unique niche in local musical entertainment. Why not make them a part of your experience? www.jollyrogues.com
8. Baptist Church 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Stämbandet – The Scandinavian Vocal Ensemble
Founded in 1978, Stämbandet is thirteen singers from Scandinavia with a reputation for excellence both as an a cappella ensemble and a World Music vocal group. Presenting songs rarely heard outside of Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, this captivating vocal band often breaks into six- and seven- part harmonies sung in six languages. Led by Allen LeVines, musical director since 1985, Stämbandet performs a wide range of a cappella folk traditions unique to Scandinavia, including “trall” – singers imitating fiddlers playing dance music – a practice that has been compared to scat singing.
Stämbandet’s cultural contributions have rarely been placed in perspective, for even within Scandinavia there are few vocal ensembles solely dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional Nordic song. American-influenced “pop” styles have taken over and continue to dominate not just Scandinavia, but virtually the world. So it is especially significant that in the United States Stämbandet exists at all, where it is the only group of its kind — not only striving for performances of high artistic merit, but carefully researching the music’s origin and history, thereby introducing to the public many other facets of Scandinavian culture.
The long term committment of the singers has helped ensure Stämbandet’s cohesiveness of sound and cultural identity. Almost all of the vocalists were born in Scandinavia.
“…the singer’s voices are pure and clear, and the songs are of a folk tradition that sounds fresh and new to American ears.” - Guy Van Duser, Rounder Records
“Stämbandet moved in sparkling harmonies from soft to loud, brightly busy to darkly elegiac.” - Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe
9. Scout Hall 6-6:45, 7-7:45 & 8-8:45 PM
T & E Sound System DJs – Disc Jockeys Playing all Kinds of Music for Dancing
T&E Sound Systems DJs was started by two friends last year who wanted to make some extra money and have a little fun doing it. They play all kinds of music for any type of crowd. Since they started in October 2011, they’ve done about 15 private parties, the downtown Gloucester Block Party, and now New Year’s Rockport Eve.
T&E Sound Systems Dj’s is owned and operated by Thomas Beaton and Eli Irvin. Both are Rockport residents and have lived there their entire life. They both enjoy all kinds of music. Thomas enjoys fishing, boating, and messing around with engines in his spare time. Eli enjoys hanging out with his friends, hunting, camping, and being outdoors.
9. Scout Hall 8-8:45PM
No performance – set up time for Jah Spirit
9. Scout Hall 9-9:46, 10:00-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Jah Spirit – Reggae Band
Since 1984, Jah Spirit’ music has sent a message of peace and freedom while celebrating social consciousness and universality among all peoples. Under the dynamic leadership of writer, composer, singer Ras Michael I, the group blends an African-Reggae beat with elements of calypso jazz, blues and rock. Ras Michael, a native of Trinidad, captivates his audiences with spellbinding lyrics and a stage presence that has been described as charismatic, highly energetic and spirited. Interaction between the audience and the musicians is a recognized trademark of Jah Spirit. This band presents an unforgettable stage show – not just a concert. The band’s accomplishments include nomination for the prestigious Boston Music Awards outstanding reggae band, repeat performances at Boston’s celebrated “First Night” extravaganza and several opening shows for Jimmy Cliff and Toots and the Maytals. Jah Spirit was the first reggae band to be placed on the New England Foundation for the Arts Roster of recommended and endorsed performers. Jah Spirit’s appeal reaches across the many boundaries of music appreciation as exhibited by the wide variety of venues where they have been invited to perform. These include nightclubs, schools, weddings, celebrations, hotels, museums and parties.
10. Old Firehouse Trust BLDG 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Lorelei Ruben – Cream No Sugar Theater – Puppeteer
Cream no Sugar Theater Has been offering quality shows for over 44 years with excellence in writing, music and puppetry. This New Year’s Rockport Eve performance we have imaginative, fun, kindness and some scary stuff – real stories with real messages! That is what I intend to give my very special audiences! So come, be entertained and learn about each other. One skit was written just new for this show!
~~~ The show is for all ages ~~~
10. Old Firehouse Trust BLDG 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM Scott Hitchcock, David Pykosz & Friends – Lobster Pie Reunion – Jimmy Buffet Style Music
Scott Hitchcock has been a soloist on the North Shore for years. Scott works on the Horizon’s Edge Casino Boat in the summer out of Lynn. Bands include Lobster Pie, Alter Ego and Fish out of water. Scott was founder of Lobster Pie, and Alter Ego. Mike McIver is a guitarist for many North Shore Bands including Fish out of Water and Dirty Water Dogs. Dana Finnemore has played bass with many North Shore bands along with Mike in Dirty Water Dogs and Fish Out of Water.
10. Old Firehouse Trust BLDG 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Alek Razdan and Willie “Loco” Alexander – Jazz & Punk
ALEK RAZDAN AND WILLIE “LOCO” ALEXANDER: BRINGING THE “ROCK” TO NEW YEAR’S ROCKPORT EVE! Ring in 2013 with the audacious double bill of Rockport’s own sax and clarinet teen phenom Alek Razdan and Gloucester’s Willie “Loco” Alexander, the renowned godfather of punk rock. Joined by Rik Razdan on sax, Dave “Doc” Vincent on drums, Dan Whalen on guitar, and Ken Demaine on bass, they’ll produce two sets of toe-tapping, hair-raising, hip-shaking music guaranteed to get you up on your feet and dancing right on into the New Year!
11. Fish Shack Restaurant 6-6:45, 7-7:45, 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Drum Jam & Parade – Jon Holland & Dragon Company
We have added another session for our parade this year so hopefully if the first sessions are filled up, you can come and enjoy the fourth session!
Our Drum Jam & Parade is for Kids of ALLLL ages. Children AND Adults are welcomed. No experience required. Our group will bring a colorful array of drums and percussion instruments as well as a large green dancing dragon. Join us for the New Years Celebration as we parade down the street with you and Dragon Company. You are welcome but not required to bring your own instruments and costumes.
12. Rockport Art Association 6-6:45, 7-7:45 & 8-8:45PM
Wildest Dreams – Afro Pop – Reggae – Calypso – Funky Soul
Wildest Dreams members hail from Caribbean, South America, Japan & the US, melding their diverse music and cultural experiences into a dynamically fresh sound. The group has created an exciting, world beat style featuring powerful vocals, contagious rhythms and a message of harmony that blends elements of Afro-pop, reggae, calypso and funky soul. Fronted by the spirited vocals of Alice Johnson, (described by the late maestro Leonard Bernstein as “Superb”), Boston-based Wildest Dreams has performed at festivals, theatres, clubs, colleges and special events throughout the Northeastern U. S. since 1989. The band’s first CD, “One Voice!” garnered excellent reviews, airplay throughout New England and a concert tour of Aruba. Their latest CD is a musical journey entitled “Peace Planet”. Featuring soaring harmonies, compelling rhythms and imaginative arrangements, it continues their passion for blending together music from different cultures. After 21 years and more than 900 shows, Wildest Dreams has earned their reputation for extremely dynamic performances and an undeniable spirit; easily cutting across generational and cultural divides.
12. Rockport Art Association 9-11:45PM
No Performances
13. Shalin Liu Performance Center 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
The Cape Ann Big Band
The Cape Ann Big Band will celebrate the close of its Second Season with a double performance at the Shalin Liu Performance Center as part of New Year’s Rockport Eve Celebration . Formed in December 2010, director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potentials of starting up a 17-piece big band. What was once a dream, quickly became reality when Menezes found the roster full in just a week’s time. Driven by the talents of Cape Ann musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with it’s local community. For Menezes, one of the great joys of the ensemble is the generational diversity among its members. Music is a worldwide language that connects people with community and penetrates the soul of both listener and performer. This is the very experience that the band strives to deliver through its powerhouse performances. Although it is not a community band in the sense of membership, it strives to connect the community through open rehearsals and public performance. For Menezes and many of his peers, the experience of music performance is something that need not cease after high school or college. For a musician, the experience of music reflects a lifelong journey of learning. Beyond the aspect of performance, the band hopes to connect with local musicians of all ages and backgrounds to inspire, challenge, and educate. Inspired by the sounds of jazz, swing, New Orleans street bands, soul, and rock n’ roll, the band prides itself in a repertoire without horizon. This season’s repertoire will feature a number of vocal and instrumental standards from the “Golden era” of swing, pop tunes, and a number of show-tunes derived from popular films. “Orange Colored Sky”, “Minnie the Moocher”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “Take the A Train”, Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood”, “Begin the Beguine”, and a medley from The Blues Brothers are just a few of the charts in this season’s repertoire. As one quickly learns, the organization, success, and mobility of any ensemble is only made possible by the efforts of its participants. This is a group that truly operates as a family. Members include: Saxophones; Mike Lentini, Nick Capello, Ed Biggs, Steve Silva, Carlos Menezes Jr., Trumpets: Shawn Lowe, Arthur Adamson, Al Delisi, John Pearson, Trombones; Paula Burns, Tom Madore, Dana Cohen, Tim Klopotoski, Drums; Rick Geraghty, Piano; Chris Bodek, Bass; Gary Wolsieffer, Guitar; Michael Thomas Doyle, Christian Towler.
13. Shalin Liu Performance Center 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Overboard - Boston vocal band – A Cappella Group
Begun in 2006, Overboard has grown far beyond its beginnings. Overboard is a pop/rock a cappella group based in Boston, MA. Since its inception, the band has been featured for the likes of American Idol, PUMA and Mitsubishi, as well as on The CBS Early Show. Overboard’s energetic live show, 6 albums and “Free Track Tuesday” single of the week program have caught the attention of the global a cappella community, as well as Boston’s discerning local music scene. Since 2009, Overboard has been nominated for 10 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards and 18 A Cappella Community Awards, among other accolades. Winners of the Boston Regional Harmony Sweepstakes Festival, Overboard provided music for NBC’s hit reality show “The Sing-Off.” Also, For our winter show we are featuring a female vocalist, Johanna Vinson, from NBC’s “The Sing-Off.”
13. Shalin Liu Performance Center 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Henri Smith New Orleans Friends & Flavours – New Orleans Jazz, Blues & Cajun flavored music
Henri Smith was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the birthplace of Jazz. His career started in his hometown where he polished his sophisticated and dramatic vocal delivery. Then he took it on the road and thrilled audiences with his New Orleans Jazz, Blues and Cajun flavored music while touring the United States and Europe. For over 14 years Henri was a FM Radio personality on the New Orleans Jazz station WWOZ 90.7 FM. He frequently performed and served as the emcee at “The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival”, which is the LARGEST Jazz Fest in the world. Come out and see him live because every show is a New Orleans Mardi Gras Party!
Henri released his debut CD totled “New Orleans Friends and Flavours”.
Hurricane Katrina wiped out his home in New Orleans and he ended up moving north to the Sea Coast of Cape Ann where ho now lives and shares his heritage with the kind people of New England.
Henri’s band consists of Henri Smith on vocals; Amadee Castenell, sax; Ben on piano, Stanton Davis on trumpet, Tucker Lindquist on harmonica and guitar, Herman Hampton on bass, David Hurst on drums, and Less Lumley on percussion.
14. Congregational Church 6-6:45 & 7-7:45 PM
Sorellanza – Women’s A Cappella Group
Sorellanza, the 18-member women’s a cappella group, is based in Gloucester and Rockport. Lovingly directed by Rockport resident, Patti Pike, Sorellanza was formed in 2006 and continues to draw enthusiastic audiences. Pike’s relaxed teaching style and wide-ranging repertoire choices keep the singers coming back season after season. Pike chooses songs from every genre, including jazz, sacred, madrigals, rounds, gospel, renaissance, Broadway and Beatles, to name a few. Pike challenges her singers to memorize all the songs, which increases their ability to respond to her directing. The singers’ level of experience varies from some who were musically talented but singing in public for the first time, to some who have sung in choirs all their lives.
Their commonality is their love of choral music. The level of musicianship increases with each season, as the singers gain experience under Pike’s direction. In turn, their audiences are treated to an eclectic and wonderful musical experience in which the members of Sorellanza share their great love of music. Sorellanza Members are: Patti Pike, Carol Carlson, Andrea Coates-Vinson, Peggy Duff, Jen Fuller, Nancy Goodman, Karen Koerth, Linda Kelly, Ruth Maassen, Bernadette Orr, Theresa Orr, Donna Prezzano, Andree Robert, Inga Soderberg-King, Jenny Sonia, Lee Steele, Anne Stevens, Kate Stevens & Susan Taormina.
14. Congregational Church 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
‘leven – A Cappella Woman’s Ensemble
A Cape Ann women’s a cappella ensemble that performs dynamic songs of various times and cultural traditions. This ever-evolving and flavorful ensemble was formed in 1991, when a group of eleven enlightened ladies met at 111 Washington Street in the eleventh month of the year, under the leavening influence of founder, Dawn Pratson.
Currently under the direction of Kristina Martin, two founding members, Pat Maloney-Brown and Caroline Haines, carry on in harmony with Mary Black, Anne Hyde and Sheryl Reed in the group’s original spirit of light, life and oo-la-la!
14. Congregational Church 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Bagpipes & Drums – Members of the Stuart Highlanders Pipe Band
A Proud Tradition
Matthew Phelps began piping at the age of eight under the instruction of Pipe Major Thomas Shearer, a graduate of the pipe major’s course at Edinburgh Castle taught by the legendary Willie Ross. He later attended the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. There he studied under Ed Neigh, Bob Worrall, Bruce Gandy, John Walsh, Fred Morrison, and R. S. Macdonald among other influential pipers of our time. Matthew also attended Saint Andrews Presbyterian College on scholarship for piping and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Matthew has competed throughout the Eastern United States as well as in Canada and Scotland. In 1998 he placed first in the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association rankings for grade 1 and was promoted to open or professional competitive status in 1999. Phelps has played with the Trumbull and District Pipe Band of Connecticut, The Gaelic College Pipe Band of Nova Scotia, the Saint Andrews College Pipe Band of North Carolina, the Tulach Ard Pipe Band of Massachusetts, and the Halifax Regional Police Pipes & Drums of Nova Scotia. He also was a member of the Pipes & Drums of the 78^th Highlanders when he worked as a re-enactor at the Citadel National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Phelps is currently the Pipe Major of the Stuart Highlanders (grade IV) of Wilmington, Massachusetts. Phelps has played at hundreds of events including weddings, funerals, birthday parties, trade shows, Burns Suppers, bachelor parties, summer camp festivities, clam bakes, graduations, grand openings, and political campaign marches. He has opened concerts for Niamh Parsons, John Whelan, J. P. Cormier, and the Norwalk Youth Symphony. He has played in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and at Brunnenburg Castle in Italy. This Summer, Matt led the Stuart Highlanders for 2 weeks of performances at the Basel Military Tattoo in Switzerland. Phelps has taught students to play the pipes in New England, North Carolina, Alaska, and in Canada. http://www.massbagpiper.com/massbagpiper.com/Home.html
John Whittaker began drumming in Rockport in 1978, where High School Band director Jim Davidson was kind enough to let him bash away on the school set. Schoolmate and Elvis impersonator Paige Poole gave him his first drum lesson there as well. Two years later, he took formal snare lessons in Oakland, ME from Harold Breen, a rudimental expert and percussionist. In 1982 he studied with the late renowned drum set player, author and teacher Alan Dawson. In the mid-eighties, John was the house drummer for Green Street Station’s Blues jam in Jamaica Plain. He played in various groups around Boston and Cambridge including: Just Visiting, Milo Jones, Kenny Highland’s country project and Fred Long’s Spacemen, exploring “the transducer family of instruments”. The latter culminated in a joint performance with Dorothy Carter and Robert Rutman’s US Steel Cello ensemble. Another notable gig was with the Geoff Pango Band, sharing billing with Ritchie Havens, Don McLean and Bilbo the Singing Dog. He also played with The Drywall Screw, a band described by his father as, “The worst crap I have ever heard in my life! It’s not even music!” Shifting gears, he studied North Indian Classical Drumming (tabla) for 4 years with the late Pandit Shashi Nayak. In 1992 John settled into the art of Highland snare drumming, joining the Stuart Highlanders for 5 years and studying under champion drummer Donald MacLeod. Since then he has competed successfully in Grade 3, and has played with several bands, notably the Rhode Island Highlanders. From 2002 to 2008 he has been with the Stuarts as they’ve grown successful outfits in Grades 5, 4 and 3 under drum Sgt. Ken MacLeod. For the 2009 season, John was interim drum Sgt. of the Grade 4 band with P.M. Matt Phelps. He now plays under Stewart Marshall in the Grade 4 band, where they had recently taken 4th place in drumming at the North American Championships. This Summer, John traveled with the Stuart Highlanders to Switzerland to take part in 2 weeks of performances at the Basel Military Tattoo. For more information visit: www.stuarthighlandpipeband.com
15. Congregational Church Hall 6-6:45 PM
Silver Leaf Jazz Band – Dixieland Style Jazz
You might remember these musicians who played with Bill Crowell when we first started New Year’s Rockport Eve. The Silver Leaf Jazz Band is a group of five talented musicians who specialize in Dixieland tunes (with a sprinkling of vocals) some familar, some obscure, but all lively and entertaining.
The players are Pierre Le Mieux, Tuba; Tom McAllister, Trombone, “Gid” Loring, Cornet; Ben Goldstein, Clarinet and Tom Ruggles, Banjo. They have been playing in the New England area for many, many years and each have played in other bands such as Dave Whitney’s Band at Angelica’s in Wilmington and “The Golden Echos” of Peabody. We bring a unique happy style and relate to our audience (and even get them involved).
Some of the tunes we play are “Five Foot Two”, “Tin Roof Blues” , “When You Wore a Tulip” and other traditional Dixieland numbers that we hope will make our audience get up and “shake a leg” – our stuff is generally “UP” not too much of that slow stuff for us.
We promise 45 minutes of toe tapping, song singing happy times.
15. Congregational Church Hall 7-7:45, 8-8:45 & 9-9:45 PM
Cape Ann Jazz Band – Don Thrasher
The Cape Ann Jazz Band, under the direction of local resident, Don Thrasher has been with New Year’s Rockport Eve since the beginning and is making its sixteenth appearance this year. Since 1980 when Thrasher formed the band, they have been entertaining groups for special occasions and public events all over New England.
The group is composed of six men from the greater Boston area: Thrasher on clarinet, Dan Murphy on keyboard, Bob Landoni on saxaphone, Mel Deveau on trumpet, Mark French on guitar and Al Robinson on trombone.
The group plays jazz and Dixieland, and is well known in the local area for performing at weddings and functions. The group thoroughly enjoys playing, and loves it when the audience dances to its music.
15. Congregational Church Hall 10-10:45 & 11-11:45 PM
Street Magic – Male a cappella Group – 50s & 60s Doo Wop
Street Magic is a male vocal quintet that performs a cappella style, without any musical accompaniment. The majority of their material consists of 50s & 60s covers offered in a contemporary inviting style. Their group has been performing together since 1980. During this time they have enjoyed steady work in the Boston area,as well as entertaining in many public, private, political and corporate events. Street magic has shared the stage with John Maestro, The Brooklyn Bridge, Ben E. King, The Spinners, The Temptations, The Harptones, The Jive Five, The Channels, The Teenagers, The Drifters, The Rob Roys, Bobby Vee, The Platters, Michael Amante, Angelo Picard and Tavares. We look forward to your hearing us.
Don’t Go Home Yet!
DOCK SQUARE MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION
Watch the ball drop & count down the last few seconds of 2012
Join in as everyone sings Auld Lang Syne!
Happy New Year – See You Next Year!!!
Visitors checking out the events for 2012
