Fresh on the heels of the region's Independence Day festivities, there is a lot more happening around Cape Ann this weekend, starting with the Rocky Neck Art Colony in East Gloucester hosting its monthly Nights on the Neck tonight.
It is a free and all ages event, which runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a variety of music, open galleries and much more. There also is an opening for the exhibit "Horses and Other Abstract Notions," with paintings by Judy Wilburn and Miss Lyn Cardinal at Khan Studio at 77 Rocky Neck Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m.
The first performance begins with African drumming with Mamadou at 5 p.m. at Keith Trefry Memorial Park, across from the public parking lot.
Other performers are Ernie Pigeon; Mike Cangemi, a Gloucester singer-songwriter with a mixed media presentation and reading; Bird Mancini, an accordion-guitar rock duo; Rick Drost, a singer-songwiter; The Tony Gallo Band; and Rocky Neck's own Karen Ristuben, a jazz singer and guitarist.
Stop by The Center at 6 Wonson St. upon arriving to pick up a Scavenger Hunt card. For times and locations of performers, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org.
TV singing stars open season
North Shore Acappella, fresh from the NBC hit show "The Sing Off," performs Sunday, July 8, at 7 p.m., in the opening concert of the 2012 Antonio Gentile Bandstand Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park.
Rain date is Wednesday, July 11. The eight-week series ends with the Cape Ann Big Band on Aug. 26.
Concert series director David Benjamin has organized three new groups this season with the Good Old Salty Jazz Band in a tandem concert with Honky Tonk Women on Aug. 12. Allen Estes will perform with Old Cold Tater on Aug. 5. The series includes the jazz sounds of the 20-piece Compaq Big Band on July 15 at 7 p.m.
Concertgoers are urged to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.davidlbenjamin.com.
The free series is funded by corporate and individual donations. Benjamin said donations are needed. Anyone wanting to contribute can mail a donation to Cape Ann Community Band, care of David Benjamin, 32 Revere St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
Art installations at historic house
The historic White-Ellery House (1710) is once again serving as the backdrop for a series of one-day installations by local artists.
These programs are free to the public as part of Escapes North: 17th Century Saturdays. The house is open the first Saturday of each month through October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This Saturday's exhibit features work by Ila Prouty, an artist working with several media.
Also scheduled:
Aug. 4, Elizabeth Alexander's "Still Life: A Fabricator's Banquet."
Sept. 1 , Shep Abbott's "It's All About Dogtown!"
Oct. 6, Ana Alakija's "Interconnections (Brazil/Africa, Portugal/New England)."
Restored by the Cape Ann Museum in 2009, the White-Ellery House is one of a handful of First Period (c. 1620-1725) houses in eastern Massachusetts. There are always "greeters" on hand to welcome visitors. If someone wants to help out, shifts are from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the museum for more information.
Oscar winner and other 'silents'
The Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main St. in Gloucester presents "The Artist" through July 8 as part of its "Celebration Of Silents," featuring a week of films and special events.
"The Artist" plays daily at 7:30, except Friday. Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" plays daily at 5 p.m., except Friday.
On Friday the Alloy Orchestra presents its original score to Buster Keaton's 1926 silent comedy classic "The General" in a special appearance at 8 p.m.
Alloy is making a rare, small-venue appearance, with only 100 tickets available. Tickets are $20, $17.50 for cinema members, and are available at the box office or online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com.
For more information, call 978-309-8448 or visit www.CapeAnnCinema.com.
Children's arts workshops at NSAA
The North Shore Arts Association has an expanded program of youth workshops, with two-day workshops for children ages 8 to 12 beginning July 10.
The curriculum includes projects inspired by the nearby Smith Cove. Painting, wood sculpture, printmaking, drawing and illustration are included. The fee for each two-day session is $25.
Oil painting classes are offered on Tuesdays for teens 13 to 19 beginning July 10. Plein air and self-portrait lessons are offered. The fee for each class is $15.
For more information or to register, call 978-283-1857 or visit www.nsarts.org.
Jewelry show in Gloucester
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is featuring a new collection of jewelry by Ann Schlecht, titled "Everyone Has a Story to Tell."
Schlecht has created jewelry in which the customer may tell their story with handmade silver and, or bronze charms cast from wax seal stamps or from Victorian seals with mottos, beach and nautical themes, words of inspiration, or vintage signs and symbols.
The show runs from July 7 through 28 at the gallery at 121 Main St. in Gloucester. For information, visit www.local-colors.org.
Local artist in new show
Local artist Patricia Doherty is having a one-woman show at the Newburyport Art Association.
The artist has a passion for painting sunrises and sunsets. The show runs through July 14 with an artist reception this Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be refreshments and live music, There is no charge.
Art show opening
George Martin, president of the North Shore Arts Association and a Rockprt Art Association member, will hold a summer exhibit at Beverly Farms Library through July 31.
An artist reception takes place tonight from 6 to 8 at 24 Vine St. in Beverly Farms. For more information, call 978-921-6066 or visit www.gsmartinfineart.com.
Around Cape Ann is a column devoted to events happening on Cape Ann and artists from Cape Ann performing elsewhere. If you would like to submit an item, contact reporter Gail McCarthy at 978-283-7000 x3445, or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com. I
tems should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the event.
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