Jul 092014
 

MoP-Graphic-Square

Ten minutes to see a play. No, not 10 minutes to get there. We are talking about a play from start to finish, enter stage right to exit stage left. And not just one play, the Salem Theatre Company is producing seven such plays with its popular Moments of Play (MoP) festival of original ten-minute plays, Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13.

What makes these productions even more admirable is that the words come from New England playwrights. Over 200 plays are submitted each year. The festival also features directorial and STC acting debuts alongside STC “regulars.”

The seven 10-Minute Plays to be performed this year are:

Zeno’s Arrow by David Susman of Saco, ME,
The Accidents of Bread by William Orem of Newton, MA,
Baby, It’s Cold Outside! by Jeana Hackman Grady of Rockport, MA,
Crooked Fork by Jonathan Yukich of Hamden, CT,
Just Your Imagination by Lesley Anne Moreau of Allston, MA,
Triumphs of the Heart (Sphere) by Cassie Seinuk of Somerville, MA,
Video Death Chat by Libby Schap of Chelsea, MA

But that’s not the entire package of the Festival. On Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., three nationally recognized playwrights will gather on the STC stage to discuss and review the seven plays presented this year. The public is invited to this free event featuring Richard Dresser, Ronan Noone and Kate Snodgrass.

The seven selected plays for the Eighth Annual Play Festival will be presented Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.salemtheatre.com. The STC Theater is located 90 Lafayette Street in downtown Salem.

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Dec 152012
 

Happy Holidays from Salem Main Streets Director, Jennifer Bell

Thank you to the many volunteers and members of the Salem Community who have been so supportive of the Salem Main Streets program and my efforts for the last five plus years. Together we took a dormant Main Streets program and seasonal town and developed thriving programs which are enjoyed by thousands; the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival,Visitor Ambassador Program in October, Salem First Fridays and more. Salem has become the Dining Destination on the North Shore and over 80 new businesses have opened in the downtown in those five years. Main Streets took over the management of the Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival, Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl, Mayor’s Night Out, Holiday Happenings and we supported the efforts of new events such as the Salem Film Festival, Salem Literary Festival, Mass Poetry Festival, and Living Green and Renewable Energy Fair which have grown into popular events. We started the reusable tote bag program “In Salem, Green is the New Black” and helped make Salem a greener city with the support of the Downtown Business community.

These programs were only possible through thousands of hours of volunteer time each year donated to Salem Main Streets by hundreds of volunteers and support by the City of Salem, and community partners like the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Salem should be proud of the spirit of volunteerism and can do attitude that prevails. No project is too big, too new to begin. Salem is a unique place which celebrates its history while embracing the present and looking towards the future.

My family and I have enjoyed living in Salem and being able to contribute to the Salem Community. Thank you to the many people who have shared their time and talents to make a difference especially: Matt Caruso, Gary Gill, Judy Kearney, Jeanne Scott, Ben Bouchard, Anthony Scialis, Wendy Davidson, Tom Daniel, Ellen Talkowsky, Ron Malionek, Ann Massey, Cheryl Michaels, Marlene Faust, Alex Southerland, Beth Paquin, Kristin Rogers, Jim Vaughey, Aaron Martin, Christian Haselgrove, Cheryl Michaels, Kelly O’Connor, Dan Faust, Dan Rogers, Gina Flynn, Phil Dwight, Stacey Pappas and too many others to name. 

I wish you all success and great happiness!

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Nov 272012
 

If you missed the Holiday Tree Lighting Friday night there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful tree which graces Lappin Park now through the end of December.

This week enjoy shopping at the Salem Winter Farmers’ Market Thursday, November 29 from 3 – 6 p.m. in Old Town Hall. Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and other speciality food items as well as beautiful holiday greenery. For full details visit www.salemfarmersmarket.org.

This weekend is the popular HSI Christmas in Salem Historic Homes Tour. The Salem Willows historic homes will be featured and the Salem Trolley will shuttle people to and from the downtown. For full details visit www.ChristmasInSalem.org.

The Salem Trolley is offering their annual Trolley Christmas Carol now through December 23 details at www.SalemTrolley.com. Saturdayalso  enjoy a Chocolate Fountain at Maria’s Sweet Somethings and a Hat Making Workshop at the Peabody Essex Museum. On Sunday, enjoy an open house at Ye Olde Pepper Companie.

The House of the Seven Gables will also be offering Christmas Tours at the Gables December 1 – 30 www.7gables.com.

Don’t forget to START your holiday shopping Downtown Salem this weekend. Shopping Local Matters!

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Nov 032012
 

Salem Main Streets is looking for donations for Downtown Holiday Decorations. Every year Salem Main Streests collects donations to be able to hang live green wreaths throughout the downtown. Salem Main Streets also looks for donations to purchase and decorate a large holiday tree which is placed in Lappin Park. These programs would not be possible without donations from downtown businesses and the community. Please donate now! To donate or for more information contact Jennifer Bell, Salem Main Streets, 265 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970 or (978)744-0004 or Jennifer@salemmainstreets.org.

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Nov 022012
 

Downtown Salem is bustling with activity tonight – live music throughout the downtown, cooking demonstrations, free antique appraisals are just a few of the fantastic events for First Friday tonight, November 2. First Friday activities run until at least 8 p.m. with stores staying open late. For updates visit www.salemfirstfriday.com or friend us on Facebook. First Friday Activities include:

Activities/Events

Salem YMCA– One Sewall Street-Enjoy Salem First Friday and leave the kids’ at the Y! From 6:00-9:00pm leave your 5-12 year old at the Salem Y and while you enjoy First Friday events your kids will enjoy well supervised gym activities, gymnastics, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and dancing! Pizza & drinks included. Mention Salem First Friday and save $5.00 off the $15.00 fee. Space is limited and you must call ahead to save a spot- 978-740-9622.
Avalanche Company Store-24 Front St. –Sports Massage Therapy, Tips appreciated
Boston Bead Company-10 Front St. –Fall Gemstone and Pearl Bead Trunk Show
Coldwell Banker-7 1/2 Church St. –Antiques Appraisal, Gallery by Patricia Dunbar
Glass & ETC-1 East India Square Mall -Hosting the Phillips Househistoric glass and china collections
The Happy Sunflower-78 Wharf St. –Arts and Crafts for the little ones
Marias Sweet Something-26 Front Street- Author and Salem resident Roberta Chadis will be reading from her book Good Boy Jesse, a story narrated by her Golden Retriever
Pamplemousse-185 Essex St. –Organic Wine Tasting
Picklepot-75 Wharf St. – Live cooking spice demonstration with Katelyn Madden
re-Find womens-72 Washington St. –Eyelash extensions, with Rosalyn Englehardt from Beautiful Me with goodie bags and refreshments
RJ Coins and Jewelry-68 Wharf St. –Timothy Kendall creator of the 2013 Salem Witch Trials Calendar Salem Arts Association-Artists’ Row –Featuring watercolor artist Paula Beaulieu
Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians-Artist Row– Collective art project, Contribute to a work of art, help them finish their 6-foot long paper mache dinosaur!
Seed Stitch Fine Yarn-21 Front St. – Fabulous Fashion Inspired Hats from Fiber Fashion Show
Victoria Station/Vic’s Boathouse-86 Wharf Street –Complimentary Wine and Cheese, Art show featuring Dave Serighelli,  music and more
Witch DR-109 Lafayette St. –Glass blowing demo & discounts, Benjamin Stebbings Gallery opening

Music

Brodie’s Seaport Cafe-215 Derby St. -35 cent wings, (Cool Change performance at 8:30)
Cafe Polonia-118 Washington St. –Live Accordion performance 7-9 p.m.
Finz Seafood and Grill-76 Wharf St. $1 oysters 5-7 PM, & The Soul review project performance at 8:30
Front Street Coffeehouse-20 Front St. –  Dj Radio Skotvoid spins some chill coffee house vinyl
Gulu-Gulu Cafe-247 Essex St. –Underwater Airport, Ambient Folk Jazz 8:00 PM
The Lobster Shanty-Artists Row Vein Performs at 7:30 and $1.00 pretzels
Treasures Over Time-139 Washington St. –Performance by North Shore Acoustic Project

Special Offerings

  Beehive/Roost- 38 Front St. – serving up refreshments
3 Potato 4-East India Mall –Mention First Friday Freebie for free space sauce
A Beautiful Corset/J’Adore Romantic Gifts-10 Derby Square- Open Fragrance Bar, refreshments and goodie bags
Every Occasion Boutique-96 Wharf St. – Free bracelet or earrings with purchase
Hair Express-34 Front St. –Open House with samples and complimentary refreshments
Mud Puddle Toys-217 Essex St. –Games with Blue Orange Games, 10% off games, game play and demos
re-Find mens-244 Essex St. –New business goodie bag featuring discounts from over 15 businesses
Rouge Cosmetics-322 Derby St. –Complimentary refreshments, Make up tips, 5% off
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