By All Hands
Morgan Huke's patronage in the rich history of the New England music community is legendary.
Now, in honor of his endless support for local musicians and the venues that feature live music in Gloucester, a surprise party was recently held at which Huke was awarded a Mayoral Citation of Excellence for his efforts.
The event featured an appearance by Mayor Carolyn Kirk and was hosted by Bradley Royds. A healthy crowd packed The Rhumb Line and chanted "Morgan, Morgan, Morgan" as the pleasantly astounded man-of-the-evening entered the room.
Following a heartfelt introduction and the mayor's presentation of the official citation, Royds read personal accolades from the likes of Live Nation CEO Don Law, Jay Geils Band bassist Danny Klein, and some of Huke's many other close friends and partners in the music business.
The night was spirited and included speeches and musical performances by Royds, Cape Ann's own Fly Amero, James Good Eye, Lisa Landy, Lisa Marie, Eric Brown, Ian McColl, Paula Karahalis, longtime Globe rock music writer Steve Morse, blues DJ Holly Harris and Huke.
Huke founded the Harbor Loop Concert Series in 1973. In cooperation with the City of Gloucester and Cape Ann Concerts, he has devoted countless hours to graciously organizing and hosting over 125 summer shows.
Every summer Thursday, 1,000 to 1,500 people of all ages pack the hillside in Fitz Hugh Lane Park to hear bands and solo artists while enjoying a perfect view of Gloucester's Inner Harbor. The shows have always been free to the public.
Huke has been an active participant in the music business since the 1960s. He was the lighting designer at the Boston Tea Party, Don Law's renowned club that featured acts such as The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Faces and Gloucester's very own punk rock star, Willie Alexander.
Huke has served as program director at WMFO 91.5 FM for over 15 years and reports to national trade and music panels including AAA and AOR. In addition to producing shows and promoting talent, he attends over 300 shows a year.
The mayoral citation included the following statement: "On behalf of all the residents of the City of Gloucester, I extend sincere thanks to you for your dedication to providing quality entertainment in a family friendly environment.
Our community is better off today because of you and your significant contribution to the rich music history of the City of Gloucester and Cape Ann."
Smoke-Out Day at GHS
Gloucester High School students joined thousands across the state supporting friends and family members affected by tobacco use on Nov. 19, the annual Great American Smoke-Out Day which encourages smokers to quit and brings attention to the dangers of persistent tobacco use.
The teens engaged about 300 of their fellow students to learn about the dangers of tobacco use as part of a statewide movement called "The 84."
The movement raises awareness of a Web site, www.supportaquitter.com, containing teen's personal success stories of helping loved ones quit smoking.
More than 35 high schools and community-based organizations across Massachusetts took part in the day's activities.
Honored veteran
The flag at the Veterans' Center will fly this week in honor of veteran Stanley Manning Viator.
Born Aug. 18, 1917, in Gloucester, to Leopold and Estelle Bower, he entered the U.S. Navy on Dec. 30, 1941. In November of 1942, Seaman First Class Viator was waiting for orders to ship overseas when he was was one of 492 people who lost their lives in Boston's infamous Cocoanut Grove fire.
Exactly 67 years to this day, Seaman First Class Viator was among 1,000 patrons in the notoriously overcrowded night club.
A happy guy who liked to imitate Bing Crosby, Viator was playing cards with his friends when the fire first flared in the lounge. Many of the club's exits were blocked due to renovations. Seaman Viator was one of the lucky patrons who managed to escape with his life despite the dire circumstances.
He lost his life, however, after repeatedly rushing back into the flaming building to save the lives of several trapped patrons. On his fourth heroic attempt, Seaman Viator was caught in a faulty door with many others, and died.
He was survived by his sisters Ruth, Ann, and Lillian and his brothers Charles and Arnold. He was also survived by his fiancé Rena Christopher.
Seaman First Class Stanley Manning Viator is buried in his family lot at Cherry Hill Cemetery.
The flag was requested to fly in his honor by his nephew, Earl Worthley.
Anyone wishing to fly a flag in honor of a deceased veteran can call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.
