music – Page 12 – Salem Main Streets

By Day or Night, Hawthorne Hotel Shines; Celebrates 90th Year with Big Bash

Jul 212015

“Salem would be a very different community without an asset like the Hawthorne,” responds Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director, Salem Main Streets when asked to describe the Hawthorne Hotel in 25 words or less. No doubt those words & feelings will be echoed a lot this Thursday evening when the Hotel celebrates 90 years of service with a party overflowing with live ragtime music (it was after all built in 1925) in the Grand Ballroom, professional dancers in period dress, free hors d’oeurves, raffle items, and more.

The public had been invited; reservations went quickly. It is sold out. But there is still a way to attend, which we will get to later.

In a Creative Salem post, Alyssa Grace AlKhowaiter for the Salem Historical Society recounted the history of the Hawthorne quite succinctly:

In 1923, Hygrade/Sylvania Lighting Company founder Frank Poor decided that Salem needed a high-end hotel to accommodate visiting businessmen. With support from the Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Poor helped create the Salem Hotel Company to sell stock in the creation of a new hotel. 230 volunteers recruited by the Company sold $750,000 in stock to over a thousand area residents and businessmen, while daily sales were posted on a billboard in Town House Square. A celebratory parade was held in Salem on July 21, 1925, and on July 23rd, the Hawthorne Hotel opened for business.

And the Hotel has never forgotten where it came from: the neighborhoods and people of Salem.

Kylie Sullivan points out, “The really phenomenal thing about the Hawthorne is that it’s more than just a hotel; it’s not just offering a service for our visitors. It’s an integral part of our community for local businesses and residents. It’s where we host fundraisers, celebrations, and board meetings. We hang around outside hoping to catch a glimpse of a new bride and groom, or check out the incredible costumes for the Halloween ball, or wait for Santa to descend from the roof. It’s always the first to offer a donation for an event, or a space for a festival, or a discount for locals during a snow emergency.”

In fact, a portion of the proceeds of the evening will go to benefit the Salem Education Foundation (limited edition commemorative items will be available for purchase, a cash bar will be on hand, and of course donations would be appreciated).

As for how you can see the festivities, no matter whether you are in the USA, Europe or anywhere else in the world, we are going to do another Periscope live streaming broadcast. Simply sign up for the free Periscope app for Android or iOS devices and follow @SalemAMB on Twitter for the automatic notification of the camera going live.

Otherwise, after the streaming ends, we will upload the URL to both the @SalemAMB and @SalemMainStreet Twitter accounts so you can watch it on any device connected to the Internet. (It will be available for 24 hours.)

Send your personal congratulations to the Hawthorne’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Happy Birthday Hawthorne Hotel. And, many, many more!

(Pictures courtesy of John Andrews of Social Palates Photography)

Weekend Culture Fest Draws Upon Diversity of Salem Area Talent

Contests, History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, Volunteer Opportunities, Workshops No Responses »

Jul 172015

CULTURE: The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group — The Oxford Dictionaries

If you want to not only see but experience those words being put into action, come to the Salem Common on July 18th and/or 19th for the 9th Annual Salem CultureFest!

This free admission festival invites, encourages and gives opportunity to the many cultures of the area (the Salem community alone has over 15 different cultures) to come together in celebration of their diversity and unity through drumming, dancing, crafts, art, food, and entertainment. Click here for the full schedule

Each year the Salem CultureFest, produced by A3D, Inc., a non-profit organization of musicians, volunteers, and activists, draws around 2,000 people from all over New England.

This year they will have one central location for stage performers by the Salem Common Gazebo, plus a family-friendly parade each day of the weekend. And, especially for the kids: moon bounce, face painting, pony rides, and more.

Festival organizers indicate that they will also have “over 50 vendors participating with wares ranging from framed art and photos, several types of jewelry, pottery, balloons, toys, carvings, candles, hand-loomed scarves, food, shirts, hats, and more. Most of what you will find at this festival is handmade, available directly from the artists who crafted them.”

Salem CultureFest proceeds support education & medical supplies in Senegal, West Africa; A3D has thus far raised over $30,000 to provide new sewing machines, desks, and computers to Senegalese women and school children. This year a special goal has been set to raise $3,000 to specifically address medical supply needs for early 2016.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Salem Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Come to the Salem Common and let your five senses each experience the diversity that the Salem CultureFest has to offer, 10am – 8pm on July 18th and 10am – 6 pm on July 18th.

Patriotic Celebration of Fun & Games at Salem Athenaeum

History, Salem Event, Workshops No Responses »

Jul 012015

What does Red, White & Blue mean to you? Inspirational speeches from our Founding Fathers? Or something lighter like strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries? Or something in between? The Salem Athenaeum Night Owls invite you to an evening of lively conversation, party games and fun in celebration of all that is Red, White and Blue, July 3rd from 7:30 – 10:30 pm .

A party at The Salem Athenaeum? If your impression of the Athenaeum has been that it is only a historic library that lends, preserves and acquires collection of books and documents, or that its sole outreach is offering cultural and educational programs, then be prepared to be set free of that misconception by this next gathering of the Night Owls!

Carolyn McGuire, Athenaeum Marketing Coordinator explains, “Night Owls is a program we started last year. Each evening has had a different theme.”

On occasional First Fridays, the Night Owls convene with an open invitation to the general public to bring games to share, a topic to discuss, or to just show up and join the fun.

“Given the date of this event, the theme presented itself to me. This is our third time hosting Night Owls, and most people enjoyed the free-form format in contrast to our more traditional events (with a set program and start time). This is my first time hosting Night Owls—it was originally a member suggestion that was well received and continued to grow.”

For this pre-4th of July evening, you are invited to bring something specific to share: a Patriotic Song, a Radical Idea, your best Card Trick or favorite Party Game. Color-appropriate sweets or savories. Dress as you wish (if you’ve got a costume and are so inclined…)

One other thing to note, you may arrive and depart as you like.

Night Owls has always had an informal schedule. They do not want you to feel obliged to arrive at a certain time, and you are more than welcome to stay for the entire event if you so choose.

McGuire adds, “The Athenaeum’s mission is ‘To preserve and excite the literary and cultural passions of the North Shore.’ We’re a community of people with a wide variety of interests. This event is simply an entertaining evening guided by the creativity of the participants—an opportunity for us to share our interests, appreciate what each of us has to contribute.”

One other thing to note is that although the Night Owls will have a CD and MP3 player available, if someone has a musical instrument and wants to perform a song, you are encouraged to do so!

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 978-744-2540 or go to www.salemathenaeum.net . The Athenaeum is located at 337 Essex Street, Salem Ma.

(Athenaeum cover photo: Nightlife — Scott Booth Photo )

Salem— Filled with History, Overflows for Celebration on the 4th of July

History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jun 282015

Salem Ma is as patriotic as any other community, with many extras as a backdrop to the history that helped make America the free nation it is today.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem,” points out Mayor Kimberly Driscoll. “Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the day visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities.”

If you’re not locked into spending Independence Day in Boston, Washington DC or Philadelphia, then why not Salem Ma? We’ve tried to make it very convenient. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, from which you can see the fireworks, is just a 10-15 minute walk through downtown Salem from the Salem MBTA station, or any of the parking facilities.

Did you know that the Salem Maritime National Historic Site was designated as the first National Historic Site in the National Park System? It consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures. These include the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and Derby Wharf, which was used by America’s first millionaire, Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby.
Did you know that when the United States was young, ships from Salem, MA helped to build the new nation’s economy by carrying cargo back and forth from the West to Asia? With historic Salem Harbor, including hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700’s sailing vessel, the “Friendship,” as a backdrop, Independence Day in Salem is overflowing with historical references.

“This year we are very excited to have a flyover by the 104th Fighter Wing from Barnes Air National Guard Unit,” states Mayor Driscoll. The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, located in Westfield, MA, proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth.

“As the birthplace of the National Guard, it is especially meaningful for Salem to have a flyover by the 104^th,” adds Mayor Driscoll. Salem Common was the site of the first muster in 1637 and continues to host the annual National Guard muster to this day.

(Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation designating the city of Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard during a ceremony held in city hall here, Aug. 19, 2010. Then on Jan. 10, 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill that designated Salem, Mass., as the birthplace of the National Guard.)

Convinced of our historical credentials? Then you are cordially invited to join Mayor Driscoll on Salem Common at 9 am for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The special program begins with the Star Spangled Banner, sung by members of the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Dann Anthony Maurno, a Salem resident, actor and author. Musical selections will be performed by Robert Kendall on keyboard. and Salem resident John Howard will lead the audience in singing America the Beautiful. (And, coffee will be provided by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association through the generosity of Starbucks.)

Free children’s activities begin at 4 pm with the opening of the Kids’ Space, where kids can play games and get their faces painted, all thanks to the generosity of the REMIX Church in Salem and the Salem YMCA. Food tents on site also open at 4 pm with (what else?!!) hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 5 pm with LUX, a band capable of seamlessly going between genres from an all-out up-tempo funky number to a traditional jazz band tune. Band members include Todd Clancy on his 8-string guitar, PJ Holaday on drums, Jared Holaday on saxophone, and singer Blair Leavitt.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 pm when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club Select, which includes Marena Anderson, Sam Bigus, Emma Lipinski, Chloe Panico, and Jacob Pini, directed by YMCA Music Director Samantha Gambaccini.

Immediately following opening ceremonies, Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra will be offering another top-notch Pops experience. “We don’t want to give the whole program away,” states Hillyer, “but you can be assured that we have another year of great music selections from Carousel to The Prayer with special guest soloists Erin Smith, soprano, and Ben DiScipio, tenor. They will blow your socks off! Set your blanket down early to get a good spot!”

At 9:15 pm Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

And then it’s time to go home. But what a time we hope you had!

As with every year, we wish to extend a big thank you, in advance, to City employees and volunteers who worked on this project.

Adds Mayor Driscoll “I’d like to express a special thank you to our Skyrocket Sponsors: Footprint Power – Salem Harbor Station, Salem Five, and Walmart, along with our Star Spangled Sponsors: Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and KV Associates, and our new sponsor this year, Tropical Products Inc. Salem is fortunate to have such a generous business community that continues to support this celebration.”

(Cover photo is a moment in time from video scenes photographed and produced by the National Park Service as part of the July 4th, 2013 “Celebrate the 4th” event held by the City of Salem)

Just Another Jam-Packed Salem Ma Weekend

Salem Event No Responses »

Jun 262015

For those who might think the weekend before the 4th of July would be a quiet one in Salem, think again! Normally the Salem Main Streets blog focuses on single events to give you extra insights. But every so often we dip into the calendars of Creative Salem and Destination Salem to give you a flat out “Column A” of events to pick from when you visit. Here are just SOME of the options for Saturday:

8am-6pm Peabody Essex Museum has commissioned its first major outdoor installation, a Stickwork by internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty. This temporary site-specific installation is made entirely of saplings and constructed on the lawn of PEM’s historic Crowninshield-Bentley House, at the corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Essex Street in downtown Salem

10am-4pm Join Salem 1630: Pioneer Village for the first Shakespeare Festival at Pioneer Village. Performances scheduled throughout the day. Performers include Rebel Shakespeare Company, Upstart Crows, Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe and more!

10am-5pm The Witch House is hosting its exhibit, “An Anatomy of Puck: Fairy Beliefs among Shakespeare and his Contemporaries”. Exhibit is included in cost of museum admission.

10am-5pm The House of the Seven Gables presents A Gracious Host: Visiting the Gables through the Years, an engaging exhibition showcasing the vibrant history of visitation at The House of the Seven Gables. Journey through the past, and experience the history of one of America’s most famous homes as it transformed from a residence into a cultural icon.

Noon-2pm The Derby Square Summer Series hosted by Creative Salem and Front Street Coffeehouse, continues this Saturday with local singer-songwriter Aspen Ridge. Come on down to Derby Square from 12-2 for some lunch and great music.

4-7pm, The Acoustic Series at Village Tavern presents DITTO which features the mainstream classic music of James Taylor, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Beatles, and many others, showcases by the perfect blend of acoustic instruments and voices. Upright bass, cello, and acoustic guitar lend appealing visual interest while creating a big sound, often compared to that of a full band.

7:30-10pm Salem Theatre presents Larry Kramer’s award-winning social drama, The Normal Heart. The narrative follows one man’s fight to awaken the world to the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s in New York City.

9-11pm The Merj at Broadie’s Seaport, Eclectic, awesome club cover band on the North Shore of Boston!

What will you do? What will you do? Come to Salem Ma and have a good time no matter which you select. (And remember, this is only a partial list. Go to Creative Salem or Destination Salem for complete listings.)

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