Eight 10-minute plays written by participants in M. Lynda Robinson’s workshop at the Gloucester Writers Center will be presented Saturday at the Cultural Center of Rocky Neck at 6 Wonson St. at 7:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Providing a space in the community for voices to be heard through writing, dialogue, and the artistic process is a large part of the Writers Center’s mission. The writers and local actors are looking forward to feedback from the audience as part of developing their works from page to stage. The playwrights are Shon Baldini, Elizabeth Enfield, Linda Hanley Finigan, Susan Frey, Ann McCardle, Nicolas Neyeloff, Rory O’Connor, and Sara Stotzer. Actors include Michael McNamara, David McCaleb, Sally Nutt, June Lewin and Briana Quinn. The suggested donation is $10, and $5 for students, but no one will be turned away for lack of money. For more information about this event or the next playwriting workshop, contact Robinson at mlyndarob@aol.com, or gloucesterwriters.org.
Artists work outside mediums for exhibit
Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, which is entering its 24th year on Main Street this fall, is celebrating with the exhibit “Anything Goes.” The exhibit is “limited only to the imagination of the current 18 members,” according to a press release. A free public reception takes place Saturday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit is on display through Sept. 29.
The artists were encouraged to work outside their juried medium. Kate Webster created a scarf knit like a piece of giant lace, bullet jewelry, and knit wire bracelets. Virginia Townsend, a
potter, inspired by the sand, salt and sea, created Sea Bauble Button Bracelets. Bonnie Gray created acrylic paintings on tree trunk pieces. Jewelry artist,Ann Schlecht created a necklace called “Gloucester Rocks” with a series of drilled beach stones that was inspired by a piece made by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany. Donna Amero used stained glass to a funky pocketbook which is actually a lamp.
For more information, visit www.local-colors.org.
A one-act opera in Manchester
Historic Manchester Trust brings a one-act opera to the newly renovated Crowell Chapel in Manchester with “334 Bunnies” by Boston-based composer Francine Trester on Saturday at 6 p.m. Earlier this year, the chamber opera was performed at the Longy School. For information and tickets, visit crowellchapel.com.
The work is described as a “lyrical, whimsical, and wickedly funny original opera” that features visual puns, quirky characters and one-liners as it delves into the question of what is the definition of good, the meaning of individual freedom, and the very nature of love. The work
explores questions of right and wrong.
The opera features the rich contralto of Elizabeth Anker in the role of embattled bunny-loving animal hoarder Helen Ringwald. Baritone Donald Wilkinson sings the role of Sergeant O’Hare, who is sent to Ringwald’s home by outraged neighbors tired of her pet rabbits overrunning their gardens. Their verbal sparring reveals two people deeply committed to doing the right thing. Organizers believe this kind of work will charm non-opera fans as well as those who love the genre. The performance also features Francine Trester on violin, Scott Woolweaver on viola and John McDonald on piano.
Experimental artists and juror talk
The North Shore Arts Association is hosting an exhibit of the International Society of Experimental Artists, with a free public opening reception Sunday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. This will be immediately followed by a juror talk led by artist Betty Lou Schlemm about the works from 4 to 5 p.m. She will invite each of the award -winners who are present to speak about the creativity that inspired their works. There are more than 90 works in this show. This group, which has promoted the creation and awareness of experimental art since 1991, is comprised of contemporary experimental artists and is known for its annual art exhibits, held both in the United States and internationally.
Two local artists are in the show: Bea Pappas and Lynn Loscutoff, who has maintained a studio at 84 Langsford St. in Lanseville for 35 years. As an artist, teacher and author, Loscutoff has had the opportunity to travel throughout the world teaching and has written several books. For this exhibition, Loscutoff has submitted “Collage,” which represents bits and pieces of paintings that she has created throughout her travels. The show runs through Oct. 20.
Running concurrently is Members Exhibition V in the first floor gallery, which consists of more than 120 works in a variety of media and styles. A public reception also takes place Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.nsarts.org.
A Peruvian travelog
Next Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m., residents Jackie Ganim-DeFalco and Pat Morss will describe their journeys to Peru with its diverse culture and reveal some of its hidden treasures.
Ganim-DeFalco’s trip last November was planned around a 13-hour train ride on the Ferro Carril Central train, the second highest rail line in the world. Built as a freight line, this rail is open to passengers only once a month, and only half the year. Ganim-DeFalco, an experienced traveler, described her experience as a trip of a lifetime. On the railway, she experienced much local color, such as Latin dance contests and the infamous local drink, the Pisco Sour.
The travelogue also feature the pictures and commentary of Morss, a well-known architect and photographer. Morss’ 30 years of world travel, and his experienced, artistic eye have given him great insight into the beauty and history of diverse cultures. He will describe experiences which include cliffside shopping, three days on the Amazon, and a day spent shopping and cooking with a local chef.
The travelogue will be held in the Friend Room, on the lower floor of the Sawyer Free Library.
Fly Amero at Old Sloop
Fly Amero, recently on tour with Orleans, performs locally on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Sloop Coffeehouse at the First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St. Opening will be Chick Marston and Ellen Ford, a married couple who perform regularly as an acoustic duo around Cape Ann.
Amero traces his musical roots within the vast genres of the ’60s pop revolution. As a teenager, he was already capturing public attention, performing on the hallowed stages of 1967’s Newport Folk Festival with Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. His versatility has seen him work with Foreigner and Meatloaf, write and produce three Twisted Christmas albums and, more recently, perform with Orleans, with whom he appeared at North Shore Music Theatre in August. “I’ve put aside a few special songs exclusively for this event,” said Amero. “I’m thrilled to be doing this intimate show, sharing the stage of such a wonderful venue with the great Chick and Ellen. Many of you of course know that Chick, with his pure, rhythmic “Doc Watson-style” fingerpicking, is perhaps the most important musical influence of my entire life.”
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 from the website at oldsloopcoffeehouse.org, Gloucester Music, and Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport. The suggested donation at the door is $12 for adults, $7 for those 65 and older, $5 for those younger than 18, and $24 for a family.
Marsden Hartley talk at museum
The Cape Ann Museum presents renowned art historian Gail Levin at a lecture Saturday titled “Marsden Hartley: From Maine to Dogtown and Back Again” at 3 p.m. The lecture is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers, and includes museum admission. Reservations are required by calling 978-283-0455 x11 or emailing jeanettesmith@capeannmuseum.org. This event is the last talk in a series of lectures on Marsden Hartley and Dogtown, all sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank.
Levin, who holds a doctorate from Rutgers University, is a professor of art history, American studies, and women studies at Baruch College and the Graduate Center of City University of New York (CUNY). She specializes in 20th and 21st century art, with diverse research interests that include the work of Edward Hopper, Marsden Hartley, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Judy Chicago, contemporary art of the United States, Europe, and Japan, as well as American Studies and the cinema. Levin will give an overview of Marsden Harley’s career, placing his Dogtown paintings in a larger context of what many considered a lonely and complicated existence. The “Marsden Hartley: Soliloquy in Dogtown” exhibit at the museum runs through Oct. 14. For more information, visit ww.capeannmuseum.org.
French film on pregnancy pact
The French film “17 Girls,” which transplants the 2008 Gloucester High School pregnancy saga to a French village, will be screened at Cape Ann Community Cinema with shows on Friday at 5and 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. as well as Tuesday through Thursday at 5 p.m. in its one-week-only engagement. The film was an Official Selection at Cannes, Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, City of Lights, City of Angels, and the San Francisco International film festivals.
For more information, visit capeanncinema.wordpress.com. The cin
ema is at 21 Main St. in Gloucester.
Beach cleanup
The Rockport High School Environmental Action Team is coordinating a beach cleanup on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Front and Back beaches. Students and volunteers will collect and log trash from the beaches and send all data to the Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts Boston. Data is used by the Ocean Conservancy to track waste in oceans and waterways all over the world. Any interested volunteers can just show up, or visit http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu/.
Classical pianist
The Open Goldberg Project presents German-Japanese pianist Kimiko Ishizaka on tour with Bach’s “Well Tempered Clavier, Volume 1” on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Ishizaka believes that music should be accessible to everybody, especially the works of the great masters such as Johann Sebastian Bach. When she decided to record Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,” she bypassed traditional channels for music production and went straight to her fans to help her launch the Open Goldberg Project in 2012. For information, visit rockportmusic.org.
Benefit for MS at brewery
A Dining to Donate event will be held at Cape Ann Brewing Company on Tuesday, Sept. 25, for Cyndi’s Striders, a group of locals raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Diners just need to mention that they are there to support the cause, and 15 percent of their bill goes to the cause. If people want to support the team but can’t make it to the brewery night, they can mail a check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 101A First Avenue Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or donate online at msnewengland.org.
Wine and cheese reception
Rockport artist John Caggiano will display his works this weekend at The Village At West Gloucester from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with a wine and cheese reception. The Village at West Gloucester is at 36 Atlantic St. in Gloucester. For more information, visit www.TheVillageAtWestGloucester.com.
A Peruvian travelog
Next Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m., residents Jackie Ganim-DeFalco and Pat Morss will describe their journeys to Peru with its diverse culture and reveal some of its hidden treasures.
Ganim-DeFalco’s trip last November was planned around a 13-hour train ride on the Ferro Carril Central train, the second highest rail line in the world. Built as a freight line, this rail is open to passengers only once a month, and only half the year. Ganim-DeFalco, an experienced traveler, described her experience as a trip of a lifetime. On the railway, she experienced much local color, such as Latin dance contests and the infamous local drink, the Pisco Sour.
The travelogue also feature the pictures and commentary of Morss, a well-known architect and photographer. Morss’ 30 years of world travel, and his experienced, artistic eye have given him great insight into the beauty and history of diverse cultures. He will describe experiences which include cliffside shopping, three days on the Amazon, and a day spent shopping and cooking with a local chef.
The travelogue will be held in the Friend Room, on the lower floor of the Sawyer Free Library.
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.
ShowBiz Minute: Shelton, King, Lopez
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
ShowBiz Minute: Pickler, Franklin, Potter
ShowBiz Minute: Manzarek, Keith, Bieber
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Beckham to Retire From Soccer at End of Season
ABC Stars React to Jolie News
ShowBiz Minute: Jolie Reax, Dr Dre, Richie
Jolie Genetic Cancer Risk High but Rare
ShowBiz Minute: Jolie, Jackson, 24
Beatles Guitar May Fetch $300,000 at Auction
Raw from 'The View': Barbara Walters to Retire
Cooper's 'Hangover' Is a Career Changer
Raw: Prince Harry in Colo. for Wounded Vet Games
ShowBiz Minute: Jackson, Jackson, PSY
Kris Kross Rapper Chris Kelly Laid to Rest
Broadway's 'Matilda' Cast Chats With Astronaut
"The Office" Forever Linked to Scranton, Pa.
ShowBiz Minute: Hill, Bieber, Clinton
Beyonce Gets Emotional in 'Epic'
