Rockport Ramblings
Jonathan L'Ecuyer
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David Hershey-Webb, grandson of Rockport painter Samuel Hershey, this month is releasing a new CD of original country-rock-folk-pop, titled "Welcome to the World."
Hershey-Webb, who born in Gloucester on June 28, 1960, et his mind on releasing his CD in time for his 50th birthday. The release also coincides with an exhibit featuring some of his grandfather's paintings at the Cape Ann Museum, "Art is Long, Life is Short, Rockport Artists of the 1930s," which opens July 10.
"I hope people are listening to my music in 80 years, as they are appreciating my grandfather's paintings 80 years after they were painted," Hershey-Webb said.
Hershey-Webb's mother, Susan Hershey, is a potter living on Pigeon Hill. His cousin, Caleb Rulli, runs the Hershey Frame Shop in town.
The music on the new CD is an eclectic blend of country rock, rhythm and blues, and Latin-influenced folk, and the album ends with an enchanting version of Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack" sung as a duet with his 9-year-old daughter, Lilly.
The collection features world-class musicians and recording artists. Pedal steel player Jay Dee Maness played on the classic Byrds album "Sweethearts of the Rodeo." Violinist Lorenza Ponce records and tours with Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks and Bon Jovi. Childhood friend Paul Trudeau, who sang harmonies, played guitar and produced the album, has recorded with Meredith Brooks and recently toured with Melissa Etheridge and Lighthouse. Bassist John Troy has toured with Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt and Jonathan Edwards, among others. Drummer Rodger Carter is currently on tour with Rick Springfield.
The album also features horns by members of Big Voodoo Daddy; Grammy Award-winner Neil Citron engineered.
Hershey-Webb's professional music career began at age 13 when his song "That's a Woman," was recorded by the Pousette-Dart Band for Capital Records. On his new CD, Hershey-Webb is joined by two members of the Pousette-Dart Band, Troy and Jon Pousette-Dart.
"I grew up listening to the Pousette-Dart Band, one of the great country rock bands of all time, and now it is like a dream come true to have them singing and playing on my album," Hershey-Webb said.
In 1996, Hershey-Webb released his first album, "Blue Heart." One of Hershey-Webb's songs, co-written with Trudeau, was featured in the WB Network series "Charmed."
He resides in New York City with his wife Amy and daughter Lilly. The album debuts July 24 on Blue Heart Records and will be available at davidhershey-webb.com, cdbaby.com, and on i-Tunes.
Library holiday schedule released
Rockport Public Library will be open Saturday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday, July 4 and 5. Full service will resume Tuesday, July 6, from 1 to 5 p.m.
When the library is closed, printed items may be returned to the book drop at the School Street entrance.
However, residents can go to www.rockportlibrary.org to search the catalog, place requests, renew items, do research, and download e-books. The library's wireless service is also accessible 24Ñ7 from the porches and steps of the building.
Quick hits
To encourage resident input, the Rockport Planning Board has established a new e-mail address, planningboardinfo@townofrockport.com, exclusively for correspondence with the public about community issues. Newsletter updates will be sent to those who would like to join an e-mail mailing list, Planning Board Chairman Barbara Sparks said.
With the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Sunday this year, the Transfer Station will be open from 7 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. on Monday, July 5. The remainder of the weekly schedule remains the same.
Rockport Friends of the Library will be hosting its annual summer book sale in the library's Peggy Brenner Room from July 8 to 11, beginning with a "Friends of the Library Members Only" preview evening on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Current "Friends" members are invited to enjoy punch and co`okies during this advance browsing/buying opportunity, with memberships available at the door that evening for newcomers. Regular book sale hours are July 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. Choose from hardcovers for $1.50, paperbacks for 50 cents or 3/$1, tradebacks for $1, and individually priced specialty items, with selections available for all ages and all interests.
All proceeds from the book sale support library programming and infrastructure.
People in the news
The following participated in the Rockport observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Five Corners on June 15: Police Chief John McCarthy and Officer Roger Lesch; Diane Bertolino, Rockport Council on Aging director; Faye Anderson, vice-Chairman, COA; Maren Quinn, nurse and member of Friends of the COA; Selectman Ellen Canavan; Town Administrator Linda Sanders; Rockport Ambulance Department head Rosemary Lesch; Fire Chief James Doyle; Timothy Riley, executive director, Action; Laurene Wessel, social service advocate, Action; Christine Marek, executive director, Den Mar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Steven Corbett, protective service supervisor, SeniorCare; and Deborah Schwendiman, care support specialist, SeniorCare.
Gillian Hurst received a scholarship as a finalist at the Bacardi Fallon National Performing Arts Scholarship Competition held recently in Attleboro.
A recent high honors graduate of Rockport High School, this year Hurst represented Rcokport High School by performing for the third straight year as a "Symphony Hall Scholar" in the Honors Choir at the Massachusetts Music Educators All-State Festival in Boston and in the American Choral Director Association's All Eastern Conference Women's Honors Choir in Philadelphia. Hurst will pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J.
Bridge club
Saturday, June 26: First, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 341/2; second, Sid and Charlotte Goldman, 331/2; third, Pat Sylvia and Elaine Luongo, 33.
Tuesday, June 29: First, Sylvia and Brenda Gran, 44; second, Maureen Sheehan and Virginia Widmer, 41; third, Bill and Kate Holloway, 401/2; fourth, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 381/2.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000 x3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
