party – Page 24 – Salem Main Streets

Anything Happening Before Halloween?

Sep 272013

Spotlights are about to be switched on. While it may not be the Greatest Show on Earth, Salem’s “Haunted Happenings” October month-long festival will give most other Halloween festivals a run for their money. But before we turn the page to all that is dark and gloomy and fun, September has one more week.

And what a week it has been and will still be.

Another great Farmers Market took place on Thursday, followed by a lively PEM/PM after-hours gathering of the Steampunk followers (as evidenced by the lively Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band pictured here). Feed the stomach and the mind.

Speaking of feeding oneself, Billy Costa of NECN’s “TV Diner” will serve (could not resist) as the emcee of the 4th Annual Mystery Dine Around Salem Waterfront Hotel, Friday from 5:30-11pm. The menu? “Be transported to one of 15 designated restaurants for a fabulous dinner; then following dinner, guests return to the hotel to enjoy the Decadent Dessert Buffet, dancing, live DJ, and the opportunity to bid on an assortment of auction items.” There may be tickets still available, call 978.740.8788. Proceeds to benefit The Lifebridge Campus.

Then looking ahead to Saturday, well you can’t beat the drums loud enough to support the special fundraiser for the Boys/Girls Club of Salem music program taking place at Wynott’s Wands, 127 Essex St.

Salem musician Aaron Katz from The Dejas plans to drum 30 hours straight in an effort to set a new World-Record for Drumming in a Retail Store. And spurring him on will hopefully be you and other community members making donations.

Children, tourists, artists and residents are invited to get involved and bring their own instruments to participate and show solidarity for the music program’s initiative— as well as give Aaron some musical changes of pace for his drumming.

Survival of another kind manifests itself later in the day, as The Running Dead- Zombie 5K run is unleashed. Runners will try to stay the course while besieged by “zombies” who have the lone goal of eliminating you. The choice is yours. Proceeds will benefit the NSMC Cancer Center. Info and registration at www.runningdeadz5k.com

And then the weekend ends with a full Sunday.

Cruise the historic waters of Salem Sound aboard a full-scale replica of the 1812 privateer schooner FAME! From 11am to 12:45pm passengers will learn about the fishermen, pirates, privateers, traders and men of war who shaped our North Shore. Limited Availability! No reservations. Booth opens at 10:30AM. First come, first served. 80 Pickering Wharf. More info available at www.trailsandsails.org.

Enjoy Spiritual Middens: The Archaeology of Folklore – an exhibit and artifacts on display at the Witch House, 310 1/2 Essex St. You will find featured deliberately concealed items designed to protect a home’s vulnerable places, the threshold and the hearth. Entrance to the exhibit is free to Trails & Sails event attendees from 1-3pm only. For more info go to www.trailsandsails.org.

Learn about Salem and the Abolitionist Movement. A walking tour will begin at Old Town Hall in Derby Square; examine the history and impact of local and national abolitionists in Salem. This 90 minute tour will move around downtown Salem on city sidewalks. For more info go to www.trailsandsails.org. Runs from 1-3 pm.

Share an experience as you observe The 3rd Annual Gimme Shelter Birdhouse Auction, 1-3 pm at Artist’s Row, 24 New Derby St. Featured birdhouses were designed, built, and donated by local folks of all ages and abilities. Proceeds to benefit the Northeast Animal Shelter. Hosted by Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians, Serendipitish, and Social Palates. For more info go to salemcollective@gmail.com. or www.facebook.com/salemcollective/events

Drive over to Winter Island Pavilion for the 4 Paws Fundraiser Charity Cookout for Service Dogs, from 1-5 pm. Food, games, a bounce house, and music are all included for the price of admission! Plus raffle prizes. All proceeds will go to the Charity 4PawsforAbility towards Gabriel Lacerda’s goal to help him receive an Autism Service Dog! Fun for the whole family and a great cause! For more details go to www.paws4gabe.com

Taste the Gables. Join local chefs for an elegant evening of fun, food, and camaraderie under the tent on The Gables’ oceanfront lawn. Proceeds will benefit the preservation of eight historic houses. Caterers and chefs, vintners and brewers will offer their specialties and compete for your vote. It runs from 4-8 pm at 115 Derby St. For more info go to www.7gables.org.

Many of these events are benefits. Salem may be famous for Halloween as a tourist destination, but we are that and so much more.

80 Days: Steampunk Celebration at PEM

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Sep 212013

That which the world could have been, and yet can still be to some, fills the air at the next PEM/PM open late monthly evening party. Steampunk will flavor this month’s Peabody Essex Museum event which celebrates time travel and globetrotting through PEM’s extensive riveting collection of art from around the world, Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

The museum’s after-hours program with music and dance performances, food tastings, lectures, art demonstrations and activities kicked off in the summer of 2011, and has grown in popularity ever since. Besides the fantastic art collection as an attraction, this month’s theme will also draw special visitors.

For the uninitiated, Steampunk embraces the social and/or technological aspects of the 19th century (think steam engines) at the expense of (quoting from Steampunk.com) “some deconstruction of, reimagining of, or rebellion against” parts (think punk) of the 19th Century. At least that was the launching point of this science fiction & fantasy subgenre.

It soon took on a life of its own; Steampunk burst forth onto the gaming scene, then into movies and TV. Steampunk clothing and accessories soon appeared. And then came the sub-culture of followers to the philosophy which melds ideals of creativity & self-reliance with a Victorian optimistic view of the future.

All this extra information is to prepare regular PEM/PM attendees because the PEM is inviting guests to wear their favorite Steampunk fashion and come, as the featured Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band requests, “to dance at the edge of reason, sing the song of society’s fringe and drum out whatever rhythm you are called to march to.”

Then take a Victorian-themed global quest via the PEM galleries to seek answers to art-related trivia questions. The evening includes cocktails & conversation, art making, and games, plus a tasting & demonstration by Brown Butter Bakery in Cambridge. And in attendance, a lot of costumed people celebrating a way of life.

No reservations are required. Members and Salem residents will be admitted free of charge; $10 for nonmembers. For more info call 866‐745‐1876 or visit the website at www.pem.org.

And if you really get into the swing of the Steampunk mode, there will be an after-party party at Opus Restaurant, 87 Washington St. Call 978-744-9600 or go to their website for more info.

September means Oktober-fest in Salem

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Sep 102013

Raised mugs will be the order of the day at Salem’s Old Town Hall this Saturday, 9/14/13 from 7-11pm as Pamplemousse and Social Palates are joining forces to host the third annual Salem Ma Oktoberfest.

The German-themed event will feature beer from local breweries as well as traditional fare from Salem businesses including Polonus Deli, the Flying Saucer Pizza Company and the Lobster Shanty. A continuous line up of entertainment includes local acts The Nick Consone Band, Qwill, and Freevolt.

“Everyone had such a good time last year, there were games, contests and many showed up in traditional costume,” says Pamplemousse’s Diane Manahan. “We knew right away that this would become an annual tradition.”

Featured highlights for this year will be the Bratwurst eating contest, the Apple Challenge, Kazoo-kioki, and the German costume contest with prizes in each category. The host this year is Erik Rodenheiser of the Griffin Theater as Olga, the Angry German Beer Wench.

All proceeds will benefit the Salem YMCA. Last year’s event raised over $5,000 to support the Y for All Campaign.

Manahan adds that “Local politicians are donating their time and dressing up in traditional German costumes to help with the cause. Look for State Senator Joan Lovely, Councillor at Large William Legault, Councillors Josh Turiel and Tom Furey as well as David Eppley and Beth Gerard who are running for Ward 4 and 6.”

Tickets are $20 per person (21 and older, please) and include admission, German hats and kazoos, a souvenir mug. Beer from Blue Hills Brewing, Narragansett, Cody Brewing and Notch will be available for $2 and $3 as well as German wine. A variety of German faire will be available for purchase.Tickets can be purchased at Pamplemousse, Salem Cycle, The YMCA (all located in downtown Salem) and at the door. This event has been sold out each of the past 2 years, so get your tickets early!

PEM: Dirt Is Welcome Subject at Party

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May 062013

Leave it to the creative minds at Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum to unearth a really ground breaking topic for their next PEM/PM party event: DIRT!

Or more accurately, things you can do with what grows out of well-tended dirt.

On May 16 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, you will be able to sip specialty cocktails made with fresh basil and thyme and dig right into this fabulous party that celebrates growing gardens and eating local.

The event is part of the 3rd Thursday of every month series that PEM established in 2011. Facilities stay open until 9:30pm to accommodate the varied activities. Last month the event showcased the Nick Cave experience. Over 800 people attended.

Healthy dirt

In the midst of this night’s party atmosphere, new ways to use seasonal and locally grown food will be presented. Members of both Salem Community Gard ens and Salem Farmers’ Market will be on hand to share tips for gardening and local, healthy eating.

Meanwhile, environmental artist Kyle Browne demonstrates how to create a seedbomb, a little ball made of compost, clay and seeds that can be launched into inaccessible areas such as wasteland or railways.

Want to make a work of art at PEM? Since sketching is becoming a popular pastime. PEM encourages you to grab a sketchpad to draw a costumed, live model from Modern Millie Vintage and Consignments of Salem and Newburyport.

Word is that Modern Millie is providing a styled model and this one will be appropriate to the theme DIRT.

And music will be provided by the rootsy sound of Dan & The Wildfire. These Boston-based boys from Berklee College of Music are cultivating crowds as they perform up and down the East Coast.

PEM/PM is an fun opportunity for people to explore the galleries after dark and a way to engage the community in art-making, music and stimulating conversation.

Admission is free to Salem residents (with ID), $10 for non-members. There will be a cash bar. For more info call 866-745-1876.

Get your tickets now for the 80’s Dance Party

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Sep 062012

Don’t miss the 8O’s Dance Party! This event is on Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Salem Waterfront Hotel. There is a contest for the best 8O’s outfit, as well as raffles, and a cash bar. There will be free appetizers and 8O’s music which will be provided by the popular Sound City Entertainment. Dance the night away to popular hits of the 80’s while supporting the efforts of Salem Main Streets and downtown revitalization. There will be a special appearance by Scary Mary.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call (978) 744-0004 to reserve your ticket now, or you may purchase your ticket in person at the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 265 Essex St. or at Eastern Bank on 125 Washington St.

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