Salem Spring Fling is a fun event that we look forward to every year.  Like the ancient Bacchanalia this celebration of spring abounds with wine, women and song. It’s also the largest sanctioned Toga Party around!

Third Annual Salem Spring Fling

The low down on Salem’s Spring Fling

Where: Old Town Hall, Derby Square on Front Street in beautiful Salem MA
When: Saturday, March 27th from 6 – 9 pm
What: Join us for our annual Bacchanalia ! A celebration of spring with culinary delights, fine wine and craft beer, music and art! Food and wine/beer sampling included in ticket. Collectable glass to all attendees.

The Beer: Magic Hat, Ipswich, Stone Cat, Cape Ann Brewing, Harpoon, Dogfish Head, Wachusett, Mayflower, Oscar Blues, Cody Brewing and more!

The Wine: A fine selection of wines from around the world hand picked by the Pamplemousse

The Food: Salem Restaurants such as Capts, Finz, Sixty2 on Wharf, Passage to India, Rockafellas, The Lobster Shanty, AJ King Artisan Bakers, Victoria Station, The Upper Crust Pizzeria and great coffee from Cafe Valverde!

The Music: Local favorite, Machine 475 will be performing live.

Other great stuff: Free chair massages provided by Living Well & Laura Lanes Skincare, readings with Lady June (fee) and lots of great art from local artists such as Jeff Bowie, Chris Dowgin, Sue Grillo, Sarah Ashodian, John Viens, Elise
Mankes, Ken Goldstrom, Dirty Witch Soaps, Jack Walsh, & Scott Lanes.

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the “Garden of Earthly Delights“. Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Roman attire is encouraged! Great costumes available at Samantha’s just one block from the event!

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at Pamplemousse, threiverboston.com, pmousse.com, localwineevents.com or by calling 978-745-2900.

Wednesday October 28th, 2009

SYNTH: 80′s party with Darq

Synth: an 80's Halloween party

Tonight from 8:30-12:30 at Bangkok Paradise we get a special treat and get enjoy a decade with a DARQ twist! DJ Alvis, DJ Zombi and VuDu DJ will spin your 80′s favorites only spookier! And the 2nd annual Halloween Thriller Costume Contest will be held. Cash & prizes for best 80s costume, best non-80s costume & a grand prize for best in show! And best of all: NO COVER CHARGE. More info at myspace.com/decade80snight

Thursday October 29th, 2009

The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead

Dumb Supper

The Hawthorne Hotel plays host to one of the most interesting events of the Halloween season, the Dumb Supper.  This dining event presented by the Salem Witches honors the dead with a “sumptuous dinner” observed in silence as touching music plays. The concept behind the Dumb Supper is great, by remaining quiet, you will open your heart and mind to those who have crossed over.  However the $100 a head price tag behind this vegetarian only meal will leave foodies an people concerned with the recession perplexed.

For more info about the night including the menu and to buy tickets check out FestivalOfTheDead.com.

Friday October 30th, 2009

The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball

The official Salem Witches Ball

Join DJ Addambombb (you may remember him from last weeks Vampyre Ball)  as he spins a mix of pop, rock and goth at the Hawthorne Hotel from 7:30pm – 12:30am.  Unlike many Salem events during the Halloween season Witches’ Halloween Ball is an 18+  party.  Tickets are an exorbitant $150 but for many this is the best Halloween party out there and only event they will attend.  You can also win a $1,000 prize in the mythical monsters themed costume contest.

The 3rd annual SALEM HARVEST FEST

Salem Harvest Fest presented by Pamplemousse & Magic Hat Brewing takes place this Saturday, October 24th from 2 – 6 pm at 294 Essex (Salem Y Ballroom) is a grand tasting of over 100 fine wines, craft beers and delicious mead.  Local breweries Cape Ann, Ipswich & Stone Cat Brewing, Wachusett Brewing and Magic Hat will be on hand as well as an assortment of international beers from Atlantic and Seaboard Imports.  This year, they have local wineries Turtle Creek and Still River Winery participating, as well as a fantastic array of wines from around the world.

Tickets are a well spent $20 in advance and $25 for more info head over to salemharvestfest.com

The DARQ Gala

2009 DARQ Gala

Coming in on the top of the “unique and affordable  Halloween evening events” list is the DARQ Gala.  When it comes to Salem Balls, Gala’s and Hootenannys, this event always brings out the the well dressed locals and imports from the greater Boston area who enjoy the darker more gothic side of Salem.

This year’s DARQ Gala feature’s live performances by Angels on Acid and Boston’s Ground to Dust. (Bands that Vudu:DJ’s been playing, and Salem has been dancing to…) AND! DJ Cypherpunk will be keeping the aural flow in the times between sets. Tickets are $20 at the door, and $15 in advance, via the link on darqsalem.com.

Bikers Redux

21st Annual Halloween Ride

They were rained out last week but they are rolling in to town this Sunday. The Boston/Salem Harley Davidson MDA motorcycle Ride is coming to town.

Bruce Rossmeyer might be dead but the giving spirit of Boston area bikers is alive and well. For the past 21 years motorcyclists from all around New England have come to Boston and ridden up to Salem for the day.  The ride with a $20 entry fee per rider benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thousands of bikers come to enjoy the sights and sounds of pre-Halloween Salem.

Traffic Warning: Derby and Lafayette streets will be blocked off to bikes only for a few hours (usually 1-3pm) so traffic will be more tight than normal. Also, all those bikes tend to be a bit noisy so if you are near the self appointed “Salem Sound Police” and hear them bitching ask them how much good they have done for the underprivileged today.

Fridays event options are as plentiful as the Witch Hat vendors on Essex Street.

Nosferatu with Devil Music Ensemble

Nosferatu the Vampyre

6:30pm – 9pm Friday October 23, 2009 at the PEM
For anyone who is a fan of scary movies the original Nosferatu is one of the best pieces of film ever shot.  The Peabody Essex Museum knows that and is hosting an evening event for adults and family’s.  Get there by 7 to hear some scary storys and then at 8 the Devil Music Ensemble returns to PEM to perform live music for a screening of the 1922 classic silent film Nosferatu. The original score — composed and performed live alongside the film — features percussion, synthesizer, electric violin, vibraphone, guitar and lap steel.

This spooky treat is a bargain at $10 with museum members and kids getting in for free! More info and 0nline ticket purchase available on the PEM website.

The Vampires’ Masquerade Ball

Vampire Masquerade Ball

8pm – 12:30am at the Hawthorne Hotel
One of the most celebrated events of Salem’s Halloween season is the Vampires’ Masquerade Ball. Each year people come from all over the country to sStep through the mists of insanity and hearken to the foreboding call of gothic music. Salem’s favorite witch son Christian Day (owner of HEX) along with the alluring Empress Akima will show the world that there is wonder working power in the blood!  Sponsored in part by WAAF (yes there are still radio stations outside of the internet) this Ball features a $500 costume prize!

Vampires’ Masquerade Ball isn’t for the faint of heart or the thin walleted but, this $95 a head party is sure to make a lasting impression.  Tickets are still available on FestivalOfTheDead.com

Today Show in Salem… almost

Today Show Cast in bad pose

You may have heard the rumors that NBC’s Today Show is coming to Salem.  Well – sort of… The  cast of the Today Show will not be here but crew will be filming a segment here in town and our friends over at Rockafellas are throwing a premature costume party. The Today Show Costume Party, featuring the Open Bar Band, on Friday October 17. Dress as Hoda or Kathie Lee (apparently they are on the late segment), and you may be featured in the segment they are filming.

Rocky Horrible’s?

Rocky Horror and Dr. Horrible

Cinema Salem is blending two cult classics (ok, one cult classic and one internet cult phenomenon) into one night of fun.  Tonight Friday October 16th at 11pm they will be showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show which most people are well aware of and Joss Whedon’s (the guy behind Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and most recently Dollhouse)  Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. This is sure to be a great night of campy fun and cinematic intergration as you and your fellow movie goers dress up, shout out and sing along with the cast and film in one of Salem’s best bargains, Cinema Salem.

Fun for Kids and plenty of pumpkins

If you have kids you’re going to have a hard time determining what to do this weekend because there are just so many options.

Halloween at Hogwarts
Saturday 9am – 12Noon
Phoenix School 89 Margin Street
Grab your robe, pack your imagination in your trunk, put your owl on your shoulder and head for Track 9 3/4. Using art materials and science experiements, help Harry and his friends solve the mystery of the horcruxes and save the world. Ages 6-11 Admission is $25 with pre-registration required. Free Parking
www.phoenixschool.org

Pumpkin Festival & Food Court
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Salem Common
See a display of pumpkins decorated by Salem and area school children and see if your little ones can find their way through the hay bale maze!
www.HauntedHappenings.org

Family Fun Day at Salem Maritime
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Derby Wharf Area Derby Street
Come in costume or as you are! Join Salem Maritime for a day of free family fun on Derby Wharf! Children of all ages can dance to live musicians, get their faces painted, sail model boats, and earn Junior Ranger badges among many other activities.
www.nps.gov/sama

National Park Service Jr. Ranger Costume Day
Saturday 10:30am – 4pm
Salem Maritime 160 Derby Street St. Joseph Hall 2nd Flr.
Come dressed in costume representing a Person, animal or object connected to a National Park. Do Jr. Ranger activities and prepare to build a ship!Children in costume will also be given Free admission to the shipwright program. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 8-12. Adult Admission $5 Children 6-16 $3.00 Children under 6 Free! For ideas on your costume visit www.nps.gov
www.nps.gov/sma

Salem Youth Hockey Pumpkin Festival
Saturday 11am – 5pm
Salem Common
Come decorate a pumpkin and play some games

The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest
Saturday 11am – 4pm
Pickering Wharf
Children from 5-99 may carve/decorate their pumpkin for first, second and third places in age grouped judging.
www.HalloWharf.com

Kids Fun Run
Saturday 11am
Salem Common
Enjoy a fun run with your kids! Prizes awarded for the scariest costume, funniest costume & the most creative costume. Pre-Entry (by October 10): $7.00/child with t-shirt guaranteed. Post-entry/race day: $10.00/child (t-shirt not guaranteed). Ages 2 & under (50 yard dash on grass); Ages 3-4 (100 yard dash on grass), Ages 5-9 (1/4 mile on path around the Common), Ages 10-12 (1/2 mile on path around the Common).

The Bikers are Coming!

21st Annual Halloween Ride

Bruce Rossmeyer might be dead but the giving spirit of Boston area bikers is alive and well. For the past 21 years motorcyclists from all around New England have come to Boston and ridden up to Salem for the day.  The ride with a $20 entry fee per rider benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thousands of bikers come to enjoy the sights and sounds of pre-Halloween Salem.

Traffic Warning: Derby and Lafayette streets will be blocked off to bikes only for a few hours (usually 1-3pm) so traffic will be more tight than normal. Also, all those bikes tend to be a bit noisy so if you are near the self appointed “Salem Sound Police” and hear them bitching ask them how much good they have done for the underprivileged today.

Darq does the Shanty

Local wax spinner / master of the steel wheels, Voodoo:DJ spins tunes from your favorite rock music to spooky goth industrial and Halloween jams. This is a rare opportunity to catch one of Salem’s finest DJs at a free show from 7-11.  Plus the Lobster Shanty on Artists Row off of Front Street has a great selection of fall & Halloween beers for your consumption.

Halloween Carnival

Carnival

Carnival is back in town as of Friday the 16th and will be open noon to 9pm.  The tall grass has been mowed over at the vacant lot on Derby St. next to the Hess station and the carnies, booths and rides are all loading in.

Witch City Show and Glow Car Show

For the past few years the area on Essex street from Hawthorne Blvd to Liberty St. (in front of Crow Haven, Fools Mansion down to the PEM) has been blocked off for a small car show. The focus of this show will be newer Chrysler’s.  Think PT Cruisers, 300′s and the like.  If you like cars, neon and fun paint jobs this is a cute oasis in an otherwise commercially spooky desert.

Coming this weekend, “Eeek I’m on lockdown” and “Are we being invaded by bikers?”

The Burning Dream by Pyropainter

One of the cool things about many of the funky shops in Salem Mass is that they are not mired down in corporate bullpoop and will do things you would never find in mainstream shops.  A great example of that is a new show at the Fools Mansion from artists PyroPainter & Feightner which claims to “incinerate the boundaries of Post Modern perceptions”.

Pyropainter is a digital artist who uses fire and computer effects to create unique and emotionally charged art. Feightner is also a visual artist with a unique dark style.

The artist reception will be held Saturday October 3, 2009, 8:00-11:00PM at Fool’s Mansion, 127 Essex Street, Salem, MA. In addition to some great art you will be treated to some great music. Local DJs Vudu:DJ, DJ Alvis, DJ Zombi and Peter Lee will be spinning a unique mix of music throughout the night.

For questions, contact Fool’s Mansion at 978.740.9595 and follow them on twitter @foolsmansion for updates, specials and insights.

The Zombie Walk, a relatively new tradition in Salem is open to everyone and fun for both participants and onlookers.  This event is not run by the city so you wont find it on the official Haunted Happenings website but Salem Zombie Walk has myspace page and a facebook page with info and updates.

Salem MA Zombie Walk

Zombie Walk Salem October 10th 2009

Last year the Zombie Walk was hurried through town by their police escort, it was the fastest moving contingent of zombies I’ve ever seen.  This year things will be different (hopefully), one major change is during the middle of the walk, the zombies will break out into Michael Jackson’s ubiquitous Thriller dance.

From their facebook page:

Zombie Day Salem 2009!!! The entire day of 10.10.09 will be zombie day! All zombies meet at Collin’s Cove Field for zombie games like Kickbrain, Capture the Hand, etc…. First, Second, and Third best zombie costume contest, with prizes, so please dress your finest and goriest! Lobster Shanty will be serving actual brains on the menu this day! We will march through the streets of Salem.. Please stay in zombie character the entire time! Sometime during the walk, a group will break out into the Thriller Dance.. please see this seperate event page for details on that http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138862999291&ref=mf
Zombie after-parties and zombie-like bands at local bars throughout the city!!! Complete zombie day here throughout the entire day, everywhere in Salem. All local businesses will be participating in character, so feel free to disperse throughout the city and experience the eeriness! You must be there. You must experience!!!!

The organizers of the Zombie Walk are scheduling a few dance classes to help you learn the Thriller dance but if you can’t make those thankfully ThrillTheWorld.com has instructional videos. You will find instruction on the different aspects of the Thriller dance, how to walk like a zombie, the shuffle, stomp and a full walk through so you will be prepared for the walk.

Dress up, join in and have fun.

Because Salemites have such a “unique” fashion sense Stacy and Clinton from TLC’s What Not To Wear came to town to pay one lucky person a visit.  In addition to shutting down some streets, and towing some cars, they filmed some of our Puritans and Witches.

People gathered to watch as variety of shots were filmed around Derby Square and the Old Town Hall. The show hosts then filmed the initial interview with the person getting a makeover inside Old Town Hall.

Keep an eye out for the big reveal being filmed next week and the episode to air on TLC some time in February.

Special thanks to Forrest Frazier for supplying the photos for this post.

Action

assembly in the town square

working hard or hardly working

Stacy and Clinton with the townspeople

being chased by the angy mob

Special Events / Festivals

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival
2 days of free music this weekend!
Saturday, August 15, 10:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 16, Noon – 6:00 p.m.
(Events will be held Rain or Shine)
Free outdoor concerts at the Salem Willows!  Check out free performances, music education classes, kids tent, arts & crafts and more.

Gulu-Gulu presents:

Gulu Anime Month: Serial Experiments Lain!
Every Tuesday in August @ 8PM!
August 4 – Part 1 – Navi
August 11 – Part 2 – Knights
August 18 – Part 3 – Dues
August 25 – Part 4 – Reset

Ongoing Events

The Gulu-Gulu Cafe Open Mic Shindig!
Every Wednesday @ 8PM!

The Gulu-Gulu Café is hosting an Open Mic for all the wild and crazy musicians out there! Every Wednesday night starting at 8PM. Sign up at 7:30.
Hosted by local superstars Jeff Savlon and Brian Donnelly

O’Neill’s

Monday      Monday Night Football -free appetizers-  4 plasmas & big screen
Tuesday      Pub Trivia  8pm  win great prizes
Wednesday  Open Mic with Delvis. Perform for a chance to win $500
Thursday      **DJ LostDaze  10pm

Rockafellas
Wednesday  Northshore latin dance party 8pm Dance lessons & dance to Latin beats until midnight
Thursday      Country Music with 102.5 Dj’s 9pm

Music

Friday, Aug 14

• Phunksion @ Dodge Street
• Lush Puppies @Bangkok Paradise
• Otis Grove 8 pm @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• New Life @ Rockafellas
• The Runaround 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Sunday Aug 16

• Salem Cigarette Machine (hip-hop/techno) @ Dodge Street
• Will Bozarth @ Bangkok Paradise
• Jenne Hayden, Hilary Emerson Lay art hanging @ Gulu Gulu
• Peter Fedele and friends @ In a Pig’s Eye
• Live Irish music 4 – 6 pm. Karaoke at 9pm @ O’Neills

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing the following.

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG 13)
Fri & Sat: 11:45 2:10 4:45 7:20 9:50
Sun: 11:45 2:10 4:45 7:20

Funny People (R)
Fri & Sat: 12:00 3:00 6:45 9:40
Sun: 2:00 3:00 6:45

G-Force (PG)
Fri & Sat: 11:30 1:30 4:00 6:30 8:15

Examined Life (NR)
Fri & Sat: 12:15 2:30 4:30 7:10 9:10
Sun: 12:15 2:30 4:30 7:10

Teseracte Players of Boston present Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog
Saturday 10pm $10

Insider Picks

A no-brainer for us to say, but the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival down at the Willows is the place to be. It is one of the largest, musical events in Salem with lots of talent on deck and the weather should be great.

I happened upon a production last year of Romeo & Juliette done by the RSC which was quite entertaining and different from most Shakespeare I had seen in the past. The young actors a preform in contemporary attire with a very “now” feel. If you are looking for Shakespeare with short pants and floppy hats you are in the wrong place.

From their email:

Our high school aged actors, known as the Teen Intensive Program, are traveling all over the North Shore and Boston, with 4 appearances in Salem. Mia Rossi and Frazier Jones, both of Marblehead (Mia is a senior at Phillips Andover, Frazier is a senior  at Marblehead High School) are sharing duties of Hamlet, taking turns playing the lead during the tour.

All the shows are free to the public, and they suggest you bring a blanket or folding chair.

July 17, 1pm: Salem Senior Center 5 Broad Street, Salem MA (Indoors — no chair
or blanket needed).

July 17, 5pm: Salem Athenaeum  337 Essex Street, Salem MA
http://www.salemathenaeum.net/

July 22, 11am  Mary Jane Lee Park,  Prince & Prospect Streets, (off Congress
Street Near Shetland Properties) Salem MA… Featuring a theatre workshop for
neighborhood kids before the show.

July 22, 3pm  Salem Common

In addition to the four Salem Shows, they have a few performances scheduled in other towns around the north shore (if you really have a desire to leave Salem for a few hours).

The kick-off for summer has reinvigorated us and now that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, there is LOTS of great stuff to do! PLUS, we have an extra night to go out and have some fun.

Special Events / Festivals

The Salem Ferry
A welcome site to see, the Salem Ferry will resume operations on Friday, May 22, 2009. Round trip service to and from Boston – a scenic 45-minute trip of New England coastline on a high speed catamaran with 6-8 round trips daily, 7 days a week. (978) 741-0220

Rockmore Floating Restaurant Opens For Season
Season opening of The Rockmore Floating Restaurant (May 22 – September 7, 2009). Hope to see you there! Catch a launch at The Congress Street Bridge. Launches board from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm daily. 781-639-0600 (seasonal)

Griffen Theatre is hosting comedy shows
Griffen Theatre will host several comedy events at its location at 7 Lynde St. in Salem. For tickets or information call 978-317-1169 or e-mail griffentheatre@gmail.com. Seating is limited in most cases, so reserve tickets early. Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, 8 p.m. Stand-up with New York comic Mike Reardon. Hosted by Erik Rodenhiser. This is a night of stand up with headliner Mike Reardon and other comics from the Boston comedy scene. Tickets are $20 and include complimentary beverages.

Young-adult author event
Steve Kluger, author of “My Most Excellent Year,” will speak on Saturday, May 23, 7:30 p.m., at Cornerstone Books, 45 Lafayette St. Admission is free.

Last spring’s No. 1 Book Sense young-adult pick is now in paperback. Romance, real life challenges and frequent hilarity follow three Boston-area teens in “My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins and Fenway Park.” Written in a series of school essays, diary entries, e-mails and instant messages, this novel about family, friendships, politics, baseball and musical theater is a heartwarming book for people who hate heartwarming books. For more information, call 978-744-1831 or visit cornerstonebooks-salem.com.

Memorial Day Events:

Sunday, May 24
There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a Memorial Day Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 28 St. Peter’s St.

Immediately following the Mass, there will be a Ceremony of Remembrance for those Lost at Sea on the Winter Island Pier. After this service, there will be a collation at the Stefan Starzynski Polish Legion of American Veterans Post No. 55, 9 Daniels St.

Monday, May 25
The annual Salem Memorial Day Parade will kick off from in front of North River Cycles, 83 North St., at 10:30 a.m., then will proceed down North Street to Orne Street and into Greenlawn Cemetery.

At the Civil War Monument will be held the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance beginning at 11 a.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be Major Martha L. Ryan, Nurse Corps, U.S. Army Reserves, who has been in the service for 22 years, most recently being assigned to the 323rd Combat Support Hospital in Iraq.

Also expected are state Rep. John D. Keenan and U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney.

Following the ceremonies, there will be a collation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Witch City Post 1524, 95 Derby St.

Music

Friday, May 22

• The Intermission, Metavari 9:30pm @ Bangkok Paradise
• Neurological Damage & The Force @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 @ Gulu Gulu
• Afternoon Blues Jam @ In a Pig’s Eye
  
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Moonglow @ Rockafellas
• Phat Maxx 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Saturday May 23

• DARQ (goth/industrial) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Sour D @ Dodge Street
• Standing Wave @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Spinz @ Rockafellas
• Reggae Vision 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Sunday May 24

John Singer Sargent

The Salem Anthenaeum is presenting renowned art historian and Sargent scholar Mary Crawford-Volk in a talk entitled “Sargent and Boston: Love at First (and Second!) Sight.” The lecture on Friday May 1st discusses the painters love with Boston.  The presentation will begin with a wine-and-cheese reception at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, or $15 for members of the Salem Athenæum.

From the Salem Anthenaeum:

Sargent made his first professional visit to America in 1887 and spent the winter in Boston, launching a  lifelong affinity for the city and its cultural community that decisively marked his career. Mary Crawford-Volk explores how Boston patrons inspired some of the artist’s most exciting work, from portraits to landscapes to public murals.

As a student of the Arts, I can tell you this should be a great event and the price is well worth it.  It’s always fascinating to get some more insight on familiar imagery and well known artists.  It’s even better when that info is available to us in our own back yard.

Salem Literature Festival

The Salem Literature Festival

From March 27th through March 29, Salem, Massachusetts will take the weekend to celebrate the literary arts with author readings, writing workshops, open mics, word-game tournaments, parties, and more.

Events are being held all over town including: Hamilton Hall, the Salem Athenaeum, Cornerstone Books, Front Street Cafe, The Old Town Hall and an handful of other places. You can meet authors, learn how to hone your skills, see plays, read, write or listen to poetry, attend a tribute, play Scrabble, even make your own paper.

One of the best parts of this lit-fest is that most of the events are free.  Hopefully my writing will improve a bit so you will keep reading this site faithfully

For more great info on the Salem Literature Festival check out their site at SalemLitFest.com.

Discount Variety at CinemaSalem

Tonight is the second edition of FunnyGrownHere.com Presents… Discount Variety at the Cinema Salem Café (One East India Square, 8:30PM). If you’re thinking of heading out to the show, or you’re on the fence about coming out, here’s a bit of info about tonight’s performers, singer/songwriter Danielle Miraglia and video ventriloquist Even O’Television. We’ll also have videos from Hard Left Productions, and I will be hosting. So if you have a car or access to the commuter rail, come out to Salem tonight for some music, comedy, and video shorts.

DANIELLE MIRAGLIA

Bio: Raised just outside of Boston in Revere, MA, where its famous beach is better known for girls with big hair than its history as a popular tourist attraction, Miraglia was raised on a variety of popular music, from her parent’s Motown records to the classic rock influences like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin that encouraged her to learn to play guitar at thirteen. A passion for the arts and an outstanding gift for writing lead her to Emerson College in Boston’s downtown theater district. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, she put her writing skills, originally intended for novels, towards songwriting and began performing at open mike nights in the Boston area. This set in motion what would become a full-time career in music.

How long have you been playing in Boston?

It’s been 10 years since the first time I ever played original songs on a stage at the now defunct Kendall Café in Cambridge.

What are your favorite places to play?

Anyplace where people are there specifically for the music.

Who are your favorite comedians, locally and nationally?

Favorites of all time, George Carlin, Steve Martin, Steven Wright and I’m obsessed with Bill Hicks. I have a very annoying habit of pointing out every little thing that anyone has ever ripped off from him. I still feel like he’s never really gotten enough credit for how much influence he’s had on comedy. I also love Dave Chappelle, Bill Maher and Louis C.K.

What is the best comedy show you’ve seen?

I’ve seen some greats live. I’m thankful to have seen George Carlin before he died and I’ve seen Margaret Cho, and Steven Wright, but they were in such large venues, it’s not the same vibe as seeing a comedian in a small club. It was more like “Wow, I can’t believe that’s one of my favorite comedians in person!” than “Wow, what a great show!” I think the most energetic and greatest live comedy shows I’ve seen have been any that involved Kevin Knox. He just has the gift of great intense delivery. He can say anything and it’s funny. It’s been a while and I don’t remember the material itself at this point, but I just remember the whole room rumbling.

EVAN O’TELEVISION

Bio: Evan O’ Television has been dazzling and perplexing audiences with his one-man-double-act and video ventriloquism since 1995. For a decade Evan also served as a co-founder and resident Artistic Co-Director of the underground performing arts space, PAN 9. In 2007 he was profiled in An Encyclopedia of Vaudeville Performers by Routledge Press. “Double Negatives,” Evan’s full-length solo theatrical work premiered at the Perishable Theatre in March 2008 and will be appearing in new venues throughout 2009.

How long have you been playing in Boston?

I have been performing in Boston since 1994. I first learned about Television in 1995.

What are your favorite places to play?

The Coolidge Corner is delightful. The Cambridge YMCA is invigorating. The Comedy Studio has an adventurous audience. The Perishable Theatre is my home away from home. But the living room at my old loft (PAN 9) always contained the folks that returned my love the most reciprocally.

Who are your favorite musicians, locally and nationally?

I am lucky enough that much of my favorite music is made by people I know. In Boston, Fluttr Effect, HUMANWINE, The Dresden Dolls, Goli, Beat Circus, and Hallelujah The Hills are the folks I try not to miss. I also love the Steamy Bohemians!

And Danielle, I got to share the stage with Danielle once before at club Passim (for one of Peter Dutton’s shows) and she was singing some real ‘shake you to your bones’ music. She’s got that powerful kind of voice that will spirit you down from the mountains to hear it.

Nationally, my tastes run pretty eclectic. I am just as likely to listen to underground hip-hop like Oddissee, Quasimodo or Hell Razah as I am the latest from Wilco, Dylan or Gillian Welch. I am sad Sleater-Kinney doesn’t tour any more and Sun Kil Moon is a recent favorite.

What is the best music show you’ve seen?

Once at Pan 9, Jonah Rapino of Devil Music brought in this Japanese band called Ghost that was led by woman named Chiaki Yoshihara. (I later learned there was another Japanese band named Ghost, as well).

Anyway, the taxi driving the band had gotten in a car accident, and so by a fluke of timing they ended up headlining our show by default– even though we had never seen them play before. From the moment they started playing, the room thundered with this epic orchestral-punk music. Chiaki Yoshihara was like this wild fusion of Lou Reed and PJ Harvey. That show was the closest I have ever gotten to outer space.

Last year the most stunning and amazing show I saw was a woman named Merill Garbus who plays under the name tUnE-YaRdS. The year before that, it was Sxip Shirrey (who sometimes plays with Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls). He completely blew me away.

I think Brian Carpenter of Beat Circus puts together some of the best shows in Boston, when you go to them you really don’t want to miss a single act.

Like a little belly with your dance?

Spring Equinox Rites of Rebirth
Sunday March 22nd 2pm-5pm
Old Town Hall

North East Bellydance Association North Shore Chapter presents Spring Equinox Rites of Rebirth a fundraiser for Northeast Animal Shelter saving homeless animals across America.  A showcase with New England’s Most Talented Bellydancers hosted by Memie-Ayat, North Shore NBDA coordinator.

The Northeast Animal Shelter, established in 1976 is one of New England’s largest nonprofit shelters that does not  brutally murder destroy any of the pets entrusted to its care. Their innovative programs have saved over 90,000 dogs and cats.

Tickets $10.00 in advance/ $15. 00 at the door with all proceeds to benefit Northeast Animal Shelter

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival

It seems that the folks over at the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival have been busy in their off season.  As of last week SJSF is now a 501(c)(3).  This means they are now recognized as a non-profit orginization.  So when you donate your time or cash to them you are not only helping bring great musical events to Salem you are giving yourself a tax deduction!

As is true with all non-profits they need money to run the programs that they put on, and they have created quite the event to get the ball rolling.

Big Band Blues

What: Big Band Blues: A Benefit for the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival
Who: The Boston Horns Big Band with singers James Montgomery, Toni Lynn
Washington, Barrence Whitfield and Kimberly Mantz
When: April 18, 8 p.m. (doors @ 7:30)
Where: Peabody Essex Museum, One Museum Place, Salem, Mass.
Tickets: $45 members, $50 nonmembers  www.pem.org/events

As an aficionado of jazz and blues and a person who has been involved in the Boston music scene for quite some time, I can tell you that this line up is top notch.  It is destined to be fun for those who like to dance or those who just want to listen and watch some fine musicians in a fun setting.  It looks like a great event for a great cause.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is federally recognized nonprofit organization. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the festival’s mission of supporting music education and providing free concerts to the public.

Salem Film Fest
February 26 – March 5:  It kicked off yesterday and is running for a week.  This is your best opportunity to see all those killer documentary’s you order up on Netfilx in a actual theater.  Don’t miss out of this once a year opportunity. Check out salemfilmfest.com for a list of movies and times.

Speed Date with an Editor
Do you like to write?  Do you own a blog and need some skills (hey!)?  Maybe you wrote a novel but just don’t know if it’s good enough.  Our literary friends over at The Palor are offering  a unique opportunity this Saturday at Cornerstone Books, for writers to get 15 minutes of one-on-one feedback from a credentialed literary editor on their writing.  There are still a few spaces open but act fast by going to their website at the-parlor.org

Music

Friday February 27th

• Worried Well  @ Bangkok Paradise (finally these bafoons get me their feb schedule at the end of the month)
• Neurological Damage (funk/rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Radio Scotvoid (who is featured in todays globe) Machine 475 (experimental? 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (60′s folk rock 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hitmen (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday February 28th

• DARQ (goth/industrial) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Vic Morrows, Ross Livermore band & Fighting Cocks @ Dodge Street
• Esthema (experimental? 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (60′s folk rock 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing too many films to list here.  Check out the film fest website and tell them The Salem Insider sent you!

Insider Picks

With a great selection of movies going on all weekend and through next week don’t miss out on the Salem Film Fest.  That being said, tonight get your butt over to the Gulu and see some crazy music being made.  DJ Radio Scotvoid is busing out Buddah Machines, samplers, keyboards, and his Nintendo DS for good measure, this is sure to be a good time. Saturday night is our monthly decent into the DARQ.   Twitter lights up from all over boston with tweets of who’s going and what they’ll be drinking.  Dress in black and enjoy DJ Black/Mail & DJ Zombie.

I’m sorry we haven’t posted much this past week but thankfully all our current contributors are putting in massive hours in their respective real world jobs. Hopefully things will slow down a bit shortly and we get moving on the backlog of post ideas.  

Thanks,

Glen Huhges

Special Events / Festivals

Not much going on in the world of special events this weekend, next week will be crazy!

Music

Friday February 20th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Dilirants (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej (electronica / pop/rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• The Austin Torpedoes (American Music 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Brian Maes Band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday February 21st

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Rev. Bob & the Darkness, melt & flash, In Blue  @ Dodge Street
• The Outlaws (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Kevin Kennedy (contemporary piano 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• DJ Cee Block and DJ E-Ness (HipHop/Reggea/Mashups/House 10pm) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (upstairs)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (R)
Friday and Saturday at (11:20 AM), (1:50), (4:25), 7:10 and 9:50
Sunday at (11:20 AM), (2:50) and (5:50)

FROST/NIXON (R) 
Friday and Saturday at (11:35 AM), (2:05), (4:40), 7:25 and 10:00
Sunday at (12:00), (3:00) and (5:35)

HE’S JUST NOT THAT INO YOU (PG-13)
Friday and Saturday at (11:00 AM), (1:35), (4:10), 6:55 and 9:40
 Sunday at (11:45 AM), (2:30) and (5:20)

HOLY LAND HARDBALL (NR)
Friday and Saturday at (12:00), (2:20), (4:00), 6:00, 7:45 and 9:25
Sunday at (12:15), (2:20), (4:15) and 6:00

Theater

Griffen Theatre’s next show is in March

Insider Picks

Next week will be all about the movies so lets hit the music this weekend. Friday night the Insider pick is an a tough one but we went with The Austin Torpedos.  Why?  Their interesting mix of  Johnny Cash and Duke Ellington with a little Elvis on top is too good to pass up.  Saturday we’re off to Dodge Street to throw some darts and step up on the gothabilly tip with Rev. Bob & the Darkness.  And for you hip-hop fans our old friend DJ Cee Block has teamed up with DJ E-Ness to do Saturdays over at Spirits (rumor has it that they are dropping some cash into sound and lights for the upstairs) we’ll keep you informed. ]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/20/weekend-warrior-21/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/11/then-now-salem/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/11/then-now-salem/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:04:25 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=993 From time to time people send us stuff to talk about, some of it makes the cut while the rest gets “recycled”. Today we have a gem that anybody who lives in might be interested in.

Then & Now: Salem
Author:  Jerome M. Curley, Nelson L. Dionne
Publisher:  Arcadia Publishing (February 16, 2009)
Amazon link: Then & Now: Salem

Then & Now: Salem

As you might expect Then & Now: Salem compares life in the Witch City through the photographers lens.  Luckily for us, Salem has been a wealthy city which lead to it being photographed extensively through out the years.   Then & Now: Salem focuses on  the structural, architectural and subsequently the environmental changes which have occurred mostly over the last century.

The photographer replicated images of Salem using the same vantage point as a previous photographer had and displays them side by side allowing the reader to delve into the changes, sometimes an improvement and other times to the detriment of our fair city.  As a photographer myself I would have preferred if the shots were reproduced using the same kind of cameras.  Many of the updated shots were taken with what appears to be a small or medium format camera not allowing the photographer to correct for perspective (which is why in some of the old photos the buildings look straight up and down where as the new shots appear to be leaning).   This discontinuity of perspective in no way effects the impact of how time has treated Salem, it is pure photographer snobbery.

As you know, we at TheSalemInsider.com occasionally do “then & now” posts, it’s a great way to track how our city changes its face from year to year.  Then & Now: Salem allows you to track those changes on a grand scale and gives you and insight to live in a bygone era.

If you are anything like me you will lament the loss of some of these buildings and regret that in the name of progress we demolished true craftsmanship in favor of  a bit more living or working space.  The flip side of that coin is an enlightenment to the downfalls of our forefathers and the ability and responsibility we now have with the current and future projects in town.

Then & Now: Salem is a must have for any true Salemite.  Wether you are a history buff or just want to see the Witch City in a new light as you walk about town, this book gives you a look at our past and a glimpse into our future.

7th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA
Friday, February 6 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

This luscious tasting event, now in its 7th year, features wine and chocolate samplings from many of Salem’s restaurants and sweet shops. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber, 265 Essex Street, or at the door on the night of the event.

Ice Sculptures on Display
Downtown Salem & Pickering Wharf
Saturday, February 7 & Sunday, February 8

The whimsical ice sculptures can be found at a dozen locations throughout downtown Salem and Pickering Wharf. Local merchants, restaurants and attractions sponsor the Ice Sculptures.

Maybe life is rainbows and unicorns

Music

Friday February 6th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Supernaut w/ red quiet (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• radioscotvoid (electronica / pop/rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Janine Graham Jazz Group (jazz 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Brandy (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday February 7th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cocaine Tongue w/ Intermission (GnR cover band) @ Dodge Street
• Debra Crosby’s First Romance (2:00-3:00)  The Wicked Pitches (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU (PG13)
Frday at: (4:35), 7:20 and 10:00
Saturday at (11:15 AM), (1:50), (4:35), 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at (11:15 AM), (1:50), (4:35) and 7:20;

CORALINE (PG)
Friday at (4:55), 7:10 and 9:30
Saturday at (11:50 AM), (2:30), (4:55), 7:10 and 9:30
Sunday at (11:50 AM), (2:30), (4:55) and 7:10

BENJAMIN BUTTON (PG13)
Friday at 6:30 and 9:40
Saturday at (3:15), 6:30 and 9:40
Sunday at (3:15) and 6:30

HOTEL FOR DOGS (PG)
Friday at (4:10 PM)
Saturday and Sunday at (11:00 AM) and (1:10)

ARRANGED (NR)
Friday at (4:15), 6:45 and 9:00
Saturday at (12:15), (2:15), (4:15), 6:45 and 9:00
Sunday at (12:15), (2:15), (4:15) and 6:45

Theater

Griffen Theatre is preforming “NO EXIT”

Insider Picks

It was 5 lonley degrees when we got up this morning to go get our coffee but the weather girl says it might get up to 50 this weekend so make sure you put your boots on and get out there to see all the ice sculputures, its a fun event we all look forward to each year. As for your night life, two of our friends are playing out tonight, go catch a set with Janine Graham at the Lyceum then head over to Gulu Gulu for some late night with RSVP.  If you like Guns n’ Roses then Dodge Street is the place to be on Saturday night as the ever popular Cocaine Tongue is blowing the doors off the place.

Salem Film Fest

With an event of this magnitude we thought that giving you almost a full month to decide on which movies to check out might just be enought.  Seriously, there is so much going on that you have to plan out which movies to see and when.  They will be showing 22 films from around the world and 15 of those films directors will be here in Salem to discuss their films.

“The films we chose for this year’s festival are as entertaining and thought provoking as last year, when audiences loved the lineup,” said Joe Cultrera, Salem-based award-winning filmmaker who headed up the selection committee. “It’s an eclectic mix – documenting the lives of heavy metal rockers, an oppressed artist, a caring doctor, circus performers, scientists and beauty queens. You can travel a good portion of the planet through these films – to Chile, Australia, the Amazon, the Ukraine, Antarctica, Cairo, China, New Orleans, Argentina, Tibet and more.

“They explore the human experience, what we do to the Earth and to one another. We’re extremely proud to bring the great work of these filmmakers to Salem and we are lucky that so many of them want to travel here to join us for discussions. It’s a great way to show off Salem to them and to bring the lives and stories they have documented to Salem.”

For a full list of the films, airing times, tickets and info about the surrounding festivities head on over to the Salem Film Fest website.  Get informed and get involved.

Special Events / Festivals

Brunch under the Yellow Umbrella
January is cervical cancer awareness month and Sixty2 on Wharf  wants to spread the word about cervical cancer prevention. You can  join them for brunch this Sunday and listen to live music from Qwill and host Christine Baze from the Yellow Umbrella. Mothers bring your daughters and meet celebrity makeup artist Debra Macki. A portion of The Yellow Umbrella specialty desert and drink proceeds will go to the fight against cervical cancer. Space is limited, to make a reservation call (978) 744-0062.

Music

Friday January 23rd

• Bonds & the Black Spots @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Shadows Smile, Faebotica, Dirigible Ego, and Rocket Rocket (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica / pop/rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• The Austin Torpedoes (American music 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hitmen (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Hot like Fire (bar band 9pm) @ Strombergs Black Lobster

Saturday January 24th

• DARQ w/ DJ Peter Lee  & DJ Shunt (industrial / goth) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Chimpanzebra and El Rancho (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Acoustic Jam (2:30-5:30)  Daniel Bennett Group (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

BEN X (no rating)
Friday at 5:15, 7:35 and 9:30
Saturday at 12:30, 3:00, 5:15, 7:35 and 9:30 
Sunday at 12:30, 3:00, 5:15 and 7:35

Defiance (R )
Friday at 3:45, 6:45 and 9:40
Saturday at (12:20), (3:45), 6:45 and 9:40
Sunday at (12:20), (3:45) and 6:45

Hotel for Dogs (PG)
Friday at (4:50), 7:10 and 9:20
Saturday at (12:00), (2:20), (4:50), 7:10 and 9:20
Sunday at (12:00), (2:20), (4:50) and 7:10

Gran Torino (R)
Fridayy at (4:30), 7:20 and 9:50
Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:20 and 9:50
Sunday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30) and 7:20

Insider Picks

It’s cold outside but a good drink and great band can heat things right up.  Tonight the easy winner is Dodge Street with a plethora of great bands. Saturday come out to see newly local DJ Peter Lee spinning some great industrial at DARQ.  For those of you who are friends with promoter Vudu: DJ you’d be a fool to miss the pre-party.   ]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/01/23/weekend-warior/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/01/14/snow-storm-photos/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/01/14/snow-storm-photos/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:17:41 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=888 The other day via Twitter and myspace we asked people to send us their pictures from this past weekend’s storm. We had a few submissions from readers and picked a few snaps by our own photographer to give you this little gallery of wintery goodness.

Enjoy.

Bicycle in the Snow by Son of Rastabum

Snow Covered Tree Branches by RK

in front of salem Five Bank by Moon*Child

Shoveling Snow

Salem Common durring Snow Storm

We saved our favorite for last.  This is was shot by local photographer and regular contributor Forrest Frazier.

Salem Friendship in winter

Thanks to everyone who contacted us with a photo.  We always look forward to seeing Salem through your eyes.

Cherry S/T is a real treat of a local band.  You can catch them over at Dodge Street fairly often, where they put on a hell of a live show.

This track “Erase You” is an old one but still gives you a bit of the bands flavor.  If you like it make sure you see them live.  If you think it sucks, let us know of a local band you like an maybe we will show case their video here next time.

Nicole is off to Europe in the new year with some shows in London so catch her locally when you can.

If you like her music you can find more of it on her myspace page and buy a CD or two over at Fools Mansion.

I received an email from local eatery Sixty2 on Wharf the other day which put me in a nostalgic mood.  For years I worked as a DJ in Boston, New York and through out the US spinning jazz, big band and swing music during the neo-swing movement (some call it the swing revival) of the late 1990′s and early 2000′s.  Taking “Big Daddy” as my moniker, I had a Thursday night residency at The Upstairs Lounge, Friday night residency at The Roxy and Saturday night residency at The Supper Club in NYC’s Times Square.  Sunday through Wednesday I would work at a variety of clubs doing special events or filling in for fellow DJ’s.

I’ve had the pleasure to work some of the largest events of the neo-swing era.  As one of the first DJ’s / promoters on the scene I was friends with many of the NY and LA bands.  I’ve been interviewed for documentary’s about the era and built up an acting reel as a result of it.

Frankie Mannings 85th Birthday party at the Roseland Ballroom

The reason for this trip down memory lane is because the email I received from Sixty2 on Wharf said that next Tuesday December 9th they will be transforming into a Jazz Supper Club.  While they just don’t have the size to put on a floor show with 21 piece big band like The Supper Club NYC used to do or the ill fated Coconut Grove in Boston did, I’m guessing this will be a more intimate affair in the style of what Swing 46 (one of my old haunts in NYC) does.

Qwill, a local musician with an impressive bio is tapped to preform.  I looked at his myspace page and there were no audio clips of any jazz music so I can’t tell you anything about his skills as a jazz musician.

I can tell you that the menu looks great and the fixed $45 price for a four course meal is pretty sweet.

First Course:
Roasted Bone Marrow
with toasted baguette, sea salt and parsley salad
or
Ricotta Crostino
Crostino of whole milk ricotta with wild mushrooms,
black truffle and extra virgin olive oil

Second Course:
Fennel and Blood Orange Salad

Third Course:
Scallops
Seared sea scallops with roasted fennel,
pancetta and green apple
or
Braised Veal Cheeks
over creamy polenta with caramelized figs and
aged balsamic vinegar

Dessert:
Cheesecake
Chevre cheesecake with seckel pears
and rosemary honey
or
(The infamous)Toffee Pudding
No description necessary

Dinner service is from 5pm to 10pm.  It’s on a Tuesday night which in Salem is a pretty safe bet that you can get a table without too much wait but you might want to make a reservation for this night because it looks like it’s going to be pretty special.

3rd Annual Salem Open Studios Tour
Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10 am to 6 pm

Music

News
We wanted to let you know that one of our favorite Salem DJ’s and local Saturday night favorite DJ Cee Block is no longer spinning at O’Neills, when he gets a new residency on Saturdays we’ll let you know.

Friday November 21st

• Alanna Manning (6-9pm jazz) The Willows (10pm rock) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Hed Change, Cemetery Superfly, Mongrel & Dour (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• The Austin Torpedos (blues, jazz, americana 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Acme Music Trio (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday November 22nd

• The Alan Rowe Jazz Trio (6-9pm jazz) DARQ 10pm (industrial / goth) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Siblings (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys (experimental 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Gary Santarella (contemporary limp rock 8pm) Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Bolt (PG)
Friday at 4:30, 7:15 and 9:20
Saturday at 12:00, 2:15, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:20
Sunday at 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 and 7:15

Quantum of Solace (PG13)
Friday at 4:45, 7:30 and 9:55
Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:45, 7:30 and 9:55
Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:45 and 7:30

Madagascar 2 (PG)
Friday 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00
Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00
Sunday at 11:10 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00

Insider Picks

With the cold weather settleing in on Salem I realize that the motivation to get out dwindles.  So start Friday night off with some blues, rockabilly and jazz by the Austin Torpedos at the Lyceum.  Saturaday enjoy the open studios tour then check out Open Bar Band for some night time fun.

3rd Annual Salem Open Studios

Dozens of artists will showcase their work during this festival of craft and art. A wide variety of media including painting, photography, mixed media, jewelry, fiber, glass and sculpture – will be exhibited:
• at Old Town Hall,
• in live/work studios,
• and at retailers throughout Salem.
I don’t know how they manage to do it but it seems as if each year they hold the Open Studios, it’s always frickin fridgid out.  Regardless of the cold, its fun to walk around and check out everybodys space and work.  For more information, and to plan your visit with a downloadable map, visit salemartsassociation.org.

Got a video that shows off Salem or some of its talented people?  Let us know.

Radio Scotvoid and Noel Snow Live @ Gulu Gulu Cafe from Mark Lovett on Vimeo.

Wine Tasting at Salem Wine Imports
Saturday, November 8 from 4 to 8 pm
Stop by Salem Wine Imports for a tasting of over 20 wines from around the world including “Thanksgiving” wines. Free of charge!

Salem Wine Imports

Music

Friday November 7th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Hi8us & Arimis (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Radio Scotvoid Productions (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• 1201 Blues Band (blues 8pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• New Life (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday November 8th

• DARQ w/ DJ Pet (industrial / goth) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Lotus Land (Rush Tribute) @ Dodge Street
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30-5:30) Judy C (folk 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Kevin Kennedy (contemporary piano 8pm) Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Spinz (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

W (PG-13)
Friday at  4:50 and 7:30
Saturday and Sunday at 11:40 AM, 2:15, 4:50 and 7:30

Madagascar 2 (PG)
Friday at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00
Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (PG)
Friday at 4:30, 7:15 and 9:35
Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:35
Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:15

Insider Picks

With Halloween behind us we can get back to our normal lives here in Salem.  Friday night why not kick back with the man we dubbed “the hardest working man in Salem’s music scene” Radio Scotvoid over at the Gulu.  Saturday the offer of free wine is too much to pass up so we’ll be at Salem Wine Imports looking for some new winter favorites. Afterwards a trip to the ‘kok for DARQ is in order as it’s been too packed over there last month for us to move around once we got in.

The Vampires Masquerade Ball

The Vampires Masquerade Ball

Having long been the premiere event of the Halloween season this ball has moved from venue to venue and this year is descending upon Finz Seafood restaurant on Salems wharf.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that since October is Salem’s busy month, bars and restaurants jack their prices up through the roof for anyone wanting to book space to hold an event.  Many of the restaurants that have function rooms are delusional and think that people will bang down their door wanting to have a wedding there in the mist of all the spookiness.  From what I have been told, it is due to this and some changes in the organization structure of the Vampire Ball that so much talk about the specifics and price of this event has occurred. I an assure you that as of today tickets  for the October 25th Vampire Masquerade Ball are still available on their website for $95.

This is a “dress to impress” event with a $500 cash prize going to the person with the most provocative costume.  DJ Addambombb will be spinning the tunes, Black Cat Burlesque will be shaking their stuff and Finz will be supplying some hors d’oeuvres.  Local clothier Fools Mansion usually does a fashion show at this event, however as of yesterday when we spoke with them it was unclear if that was going to happen.  We will let you know when we hear any news.

The DARQ Gala

DARQ Gala

For those of you who want to save $75 but still put your leather, rubber or pvc on, the unlikely standout of Salem’s club scene, DARQ held at the Bangkok Paradise has upped their game (and price) for a great event and fine alternative to the Vampire Ball.   The DARQ Gala also held on October 25th, will feature NYC Industrial Artists Terrorfakt and DJ/Project Tonikom. If you are not familiar with their music go check out their myspace pages at the links provided – we’ll wait.  Your host Vudu DJ will also be spinning tunes through out the night.

A strict dress code will be inforced.  Wear your goth/industrial/fetish best because this week even basic black and your $20 cover (usually $5 but this is how it goes for special events in October) might not be enough to get you into this industrial Gala.

Drunken Happenings

Drink em up

Using some whimsical adaptations from the official Haunted happenings an avid group of Pub Crawlers brings you Salem’s 4th Annual Drunken Happenings, this Saturday October 18th starting at 3pm.  The crawl involves visiting 7 different bars and drinking the recommended specialty drinks.  Six hours later everyone meets up at O’Neills to swap stories and hi-five your new BFF.

Having organized a few Salem Pub Crawls myself I commend the Drunken Happenings crew for getting the word out about being safe.  They suggest you crawl with a group, set aside time for dinner and remind you NOT TO DRIVE.  They even went the extra mile and included info on the cab company and pedicabs for those who might be in need.

While there was some talk of this event being canceled due to an increased police presence this year, it is still on.  I look forward to sharing a drink with many of you who will be crawling and remember – Be Safe Out There!

Octoberfest

Do you like oom-pah Bands?  What about cute chicks wearing a drindl?  Are you looking for an excuse to dust off the lederhosen in your closet?  Then look no further, Octoberfest is coming to Salem.

Octoberfest

I can’t tell you that all the girls that show up will be this pretty nor can I tell you the mugs will be this large but I can tell you they both should.

Here is the low down.  This great idea was brought to life by Dianne from Pamplemousse (remember Harvestfest) and it looks to be a lot of fun.  A large tent will be set up in the Front Street parking lot on Friday October 24th serving as your Octoberfest headquarters till Sunday the 26th.  Local brewery Ipswich Ale will be providing the suds for your consumption.

Now for the bad news.

You have to buy a $20 ticket to enter the tent, similar to the real Oktoberfest (or Wies’n as it’s called in the motherland) where you need to buy a voucher to get a seat in order to be served, however that $20 ticket only gives you a commemorative Ipswich Ale mug and one beer.  If the festbier (German for beers sold during Oktoberfest) are 1 liter and the server girls are seriously cute then maybe just maybe $20 is worth it.  Keep in mind though if you want  any food (New England type food not Germany type food) or an additional beer you are paying for it out of your own pocket.

Proceeds from the event will go to Destination Salem a city department that markets Salem as a tourist destination.  Organizers are hoping to walk away with $30,000 profit.  While I hope this event is a huge success and they hit their mark something tells me that paying for additional beers of unknown size and price on top of a $20 cover charge might discourage most potential revelers. We will do a follow up to this and let you know how it went.

Salem MA Zombie Walk

Salem State College is participating in  “Thrill The World“, a 25th anniversary commemorative event celebrating Michael Jackson’s Thriller – perhaps one of the best videos of all time.  If you want to participate all you need to do is learn the dance, dress like a zombie and head over to Veterans Hall on the SSC campus Saturday October 25th at noon. More info is available on their website. Just to get you in the mood here are 1500 Philippino Prisoners busting out the moves.

If organized zombie dances aren’t your thing you might want to check out round 2 of the Zombie Walk.

On November 1st after the crazyness has died down a bit a second Zombie walk will commence.  Leaving from Collins Cove and making its way to Cinema Salem where there will be a special showing of Die You Zombie Bastards. As many Salem Insiders know this film was writen by a Salem State professor and shot locally.

Oh and if you want to see a few more pictures from the first Zombie walk in Salem you can head over to our Flickr page.

If you are new to Salem or are just coming for a visit please note that most of the streets in the down town area will be on lock down tonight.

According to the Salem PD:

A parking ban will be in effect along the parade route streets beginning at 5pm and roads along the route will be closed from 6pm until 9pm.
On Thursday, October 2nd the Grand Opening Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. The parade route is as follows: From Congress Street at Shetland Park, the parade will take a left onto Derby Street, a right onto Lafayette Street, a left onto Front St., a right onto Washington Street, a right onto the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, a left onto Washington Square and into the Salem Common.

A parking ban will be in effect on 10/2/08 on the following streets between 5pm and 9pm. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be towed.
Congress Street – both sides from Harbor St. to Derby St.
Derby Street – both sides between Congress St. and Lafayette St.
Lafayette Street – both sides between Derby St. and Front St.
Front Street – both sides.
Essex Street between Liberty St. and Hawthorne Blvd.
Washington Sq – both sides in front of the hotel.

The following roads will be closed on 10/2/08 from 6pm until 9pm.
Congress Street will be closed from Harbor Street to Derby Street.
Derby Street will be closed from Congress Street to New Derby Street.
Commuters will not be able to use Route 1A between Dodge St. and Brown Street which includes Derby Street, Hawthorne Boulevard and Washington Square at the Common entrance.
Also closed to traffic will be New Derby Street, Front Street and Washington Street between New Derby Street and Church Street.
Essex Street will also be closed at Washington Street.

In other event news

Painting at Witch City Ink

Art Fusion at Witch City Ink

Friday night there will be a public event intended to increase awareness of the tattoo artist’s capacity for fine art. The night will offer insight into the nature of tattoo fine art for the general public and any viable media source. Tattoo Artist and Artists from all other mediums will be welcome to come and work in a creative open studio atmosphere every Friday night in October.  So if you are an artist or just enjoy watching art happen, head on over to Witch City Ink.

Zombie Walk Salem T-Shirt

Zombie Walk

Sunday – As you may have heard the Zombie Walk is getting much attention by “the man” and event organizers are being strong-armed into paying for permits and having police details.  This is changing from its original intent of being a spontaneous spooky happening to a disneyfied-official-in-the-guidebook event.  While we are not too happy with city officials we still fully support Steve in his effort to do something fun and formerly free.  If you would like to find out more info about Sundays Zombie Walk or support this effort by either buying a killer t-shirt or making a donation head over to their Zombie Walk Salem myspace page.

I know we have a better picture somewhere

Local bellydance teacher Aepril Schaile (who doesn’t have an ounce of fat on her) has been changing the way people perceive belly dance right here in Salem.  Aepril Schaile is ‘an American priestess of the Dark Goddess‘. Combining a study and practice of Bellydance begun in 1996 with a background in theater arts, Jungian psychology, mythology, and occult science, Aepril’s style of movement is a shamanistic exploration and expression of mythic and archetypal themes. A resident of Salem, Massachusetts, she teaches classes and workshops, and directs Exquisite Corpse Productions; Aepril holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art.

Aepril is teaching a bellydance workshop with a dark and witchy perspective just in time for you to prep for Halloween.

“Invoking the Dark Goddess through Bellydance” with Aepril Schaile

Medusa, Kali, Hecate, Circe, Persephone, Lilith: goddeses and mythical archetypes; the “witch” energy in us all, the ability to shape-shift, to hex and to heal. Using moving meditation and a combination of improvisation and choreography, we will evoke the Dark Feminine within us to speak through the serpentine sorcery of bellydance. You will come away with a fresh sense of authenticity, power and grace in your dance, connecting to ancient/ timeless energies and becoming adept at casting any audience under your spell. All levels of experience welcome!

Sunday October 12, 2008
12:00 – 1:30pm
at Dance Class, 302 Essex St, Salem MA (across the street from Jerry’s Dept store and the Witch House)

$25 pre-registration; $30 at the door, space permitting
for more info and to register:
http://www.aeprilschaile.com/workshops.htm

Trails & Sails - The Essex National Heritage Area is hosting a ton of things to do this weekend in Essex County (guess they didn’t plan on rain all weekend) many Salem locations are participating.

Music

Friday September 26th

• Steve Wark (6-9pm jazz) Speakeasys (10pm rock)  @ Bangkok Paradise
• Jason Bennet & the Resistance, Swaggering Growlers, Have Nots (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Hot Like Fire @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday September 27th

• Suzanne Perel (6-9pm jazz) DARQ (10pm goth, industrial) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Beast over Boston (Iron Maiden cover band) Faith in Distortion (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Saturday Acoustic  Jam (2-5pm)  The Milling Gowns (indie, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBD @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Mystafine @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Eagle Eye (PG-13)
Friday at 4:30, 7:15 and 9:50
Saturday at 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:50
Sunday at 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:15

Burn After Reading (R)
Friday at 4:30, 7:40 and 10:00
Saturday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:40 and 10:00
Sunday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 and 7:40

The Women (PG-13)
Friday at 4:00, and 9:15
Saturday at 11:15 AM, 4:00  and 9:15
Sunday at 11:15 AM and 4:00

Vicky Christina Barcelona (PG-13)
Friday at 7:00
Saturday & Sunday at 1:45 and 7:00

Theater

Salem Theatre Company
Griffen Theatre, 7 Lynde Street
Saturday, September 27 at 4 pm and Sunday, September 28 at 7 pm
Staged Reading of Robert Reich’s Political Farce, Public Exposure
$10 with a $2 discount for students and seniors.

More info about the reading and tickets are available for purchase online at www.salemtheatre.com

Insider Picks

The weather looks like a total downer this weekend but don’t let that stop you from getting out and having fun. Friday night looks like a trip to Rockafellas is in order with Wildfire burning down the house.  Since Saturday is supposed to be hosting a monsoon keeping it in doors at either the CinemaSalem or Salem Theatre Company looks to be the best bet.  Saturday night there is no question where to be.  All the insiders go to DARQ, get there early as this is turning out to be the montly event to be seen at!

Music: Radio Scotvoid

Cello/Bass : Mike Miksis

Filmed by: Tony Lika on location in Salem MA

I know there are other visual artists out there who do some work in Salem.  TheSalemInsider.com would like to feature a regular video post and show off your video so contact us and get yourself noticed.

Oh and don’t be shy, leave a comment and tell RSVP what you think about this video creation.

Jocelyn Callahan Benefit - This Friday night The Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem is hosting a fundraiser to help the Callahan family deal with their tragic loss.  Machine 475 will be heading the evening. Donations of any kind are welcome (we will be hosting a live auction that evening).  Cover charge will be $10 and all proceeds from the evening will be given to the family.

Music

Friday August 29th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6-9) Mamadou (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Starlight Grey (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Dave Retros (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Ted Solovicos (blues 8pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Elle Gallow Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 30th

• Karen Cameron (jazz 6-9) Speakeasy (10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Wicked Hawt Magazine CD Release party (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Acoustic Jam (2-5) Ross Livermore (acoustic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Lee Harvey @ The Lobster Shanty
• Ted Solovicos (8pm)  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Dis n’ Dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Sunday August 31st

• Jazz Jam (jazz 6-10)  @ Bangkok Paradise
• Big Shoes to Phil (jazz) @ Dodge Street
• Eric Reardon & Sarah Seminski (3pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Wildfire Labor Day Party (dance, rock, pop, 80’s 9:30pm) @ Rockafellas
• BAND-Lee Hawkins @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Longshots (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:30

Pineapple Express (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30 and 9:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:15, 1:30, 3:45,  6:45 and 9:15

Insider Picks

Friday night whether you knew Jocelyn or not, swing by the Gulu and put your $10 toward something worth while,  you will gain mucho karma points.  Saturday get out there and party party party let DJ Cee Block kick your weekend into high gear with some fine beats over at O’Neills.  Remember that you have Monday off so keep the weekend rolling on Sunday, I’m going to make my annual pilgramige to the Rockmore for some day drinks then check out a set with Big Shoes to Phil at Dodge Street followed up by a little Labor Day party with Wildfire over at Rockafellas.   Monday you can find me In a Pigs Eye for a little hair of the dog with one of the best Bloody Marys around.

Keep up with us on Twitter!

Shanty Cruise aboard the Hannah Glover – Saturday August 23rd, 7:30PM to 10:30PM
Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 the day of the trip. Food, entertainment and DJ Joe DiFranco will be served up.

Music

Friday August 22nd

• Dennis James (jazz 6-9) DARQ (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Chris Keating & Special Guest (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ John (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• 1201 Blues Band (blues 8pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Drop Zone @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 9th

• Steve Wark (jazz 6-9) Indefinite Article (10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Tuna Unit & Guests(rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Sugar Snow (minimalist 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted @ The Lobster Shanty
• Gary Santarella (8pm)  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Leaving Edan  (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Dis N Dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Longshots (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:30

Step Brothers (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30 and 9:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:15, 1:30, 3:45,  6:45 and 9:15

Insider Picks

Friday night jump on the darq wave thats been swelling up and head over to the Bangkok for DARQ Salems monthly goth/industial night – Make sure to wear proper attire (all black).  You know how I hate reccomending the same place twice in one weekend?  Well its tough to not do it this weekend with the Indefinite Article plays the ‘kok on Saturday.  If you’re not a landlubber put on your sea pants and set sail with the Shanty Crew abord the Hanna Glover for their annual Shanty Cruise.

Five Funny Females -  A while back we did a write up on this great ever changing comedy show and now they are back in town.   Our photo contest winner won a pair of tickets to this show but luckily for you there are still a few tickets left and you can save $5 if you buy advanced tickets online.

Five Funny Females

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival – The premier jazz event of the season over at Salem Willows Friday from 6-8 Saturday from 11:30 to 6 and Sunday from 1-4.  Check out their site at www.salemjazzsoul.org for all the details.

Salem Jazz an Soul

Music

Friday August 8th

• Alanna Manning (jazz 6-9) Bird Face (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Aramis & Barn Burners (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Salem Jazz and Soul hosted by Radio Scotvoid and Friends (a veritable cornucopia of musical styles 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Lee Harvey (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• The Austin Torpedoes (good ol’ American music 8pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Moonglow (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Mamadou @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 9th

• Alan Rowe & Mark Pucci (jazz 6-9) Joey Vellucci Band (10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• El Rancho & Criticize (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• John Nicholls (acoustic, folk 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth @ The Lobster Shanty
• TBA (8pm)  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Acme Music  (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Guns of Navarone @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:40, 5:00,  7:20 and 9:40

The Dark Knight (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 3:15,  6:45 and 10:00

Step Brothers (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30 AM, 1:45, 4:15, 7:00 and 9:20

Insider Picks

The hardest working man in Salem’s music sceen Radio Scotvoid hosts the happenings at Gulu-Gulu Friday night. First he spins the wax on the 45′s and 33′s then theres a killer freestyle Salem Jazz & Soul improv event at 9PM followed up by Radio Scotvoid and DJ Noel Snow on the laptops and turntables.  Wow I can’t wait!  Saturday daytime is all about the Salem Willows for Jazz and Soul and later if you can get some tickets, head over to Spirits for Five Funny Females to start your night off.  Then mosey down the street as El Rancho saddles up at Dodge Street for their unique sounds of funky crunky jazzy metal bringing Criticize as their opening possee.

Essex Street Fair – Downtown Salem & Pickering Wharf this Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 from 10 am – 6 pm Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Pedestrian Mall. Street performers, face painters, and musicians will entertain all.

Berklee Summer Concert Series – Manami Morita on Derby Square, Saturday, August 9 from 5 – 7 pm

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival - The Nat Simpkins Band Featuring Henri Smith at the Museum Place Mall Fountain, Essex Street, Sunday, August 10 from 1 – 3 pm and The Boston Horns with Barrance Whitfield from 2 – 4 p.m.

Heritage Days - Tons of activities going on through out the city.  Check out their complete listing here.

Music

Friday August 8th

• TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
• Neurological Damage (alt, metal, funk) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Seth (indie, 80′s, pop, alternative 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Janine Graham Jazz Group (jazz 8pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Ritchie Rich and the 24K funk band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Groove Therapy @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 9th

• TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30-5:30) 500 Plastic Dragons (indie, pop, country 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted @ The Lobster Shanty
• Brian Maes Solo (piano rock 8pm)  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Razen Kane  (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Mystafine @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Mummy: Tomb of the dragon emperor (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30, 2:00, 4:30,  7:00 and 9:00

The Dark Knight (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 3:15, 6:45 and 10:00

Step Brothers (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30 and 9:45

Insider Picks

Once again this weekend is chock full o’ free goodness.  All the freee music should be excelent but do yourself a favor and make sure you see Barrance Whitfield in the Essex St pedestiran mall by the fountains on Saturday.  Friday our friend and excelent vocalist Janine Graham will be singing over at the Lyceum, if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her yet get over there.  Saturday there is a plethora of free music around town. Saturday night Cherry S/T rocks the house over at Dodge Street.  Remember the Essex Street Fair is on and Heritage Days wraps up, check the links above for more info on all those activites.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ
• 2 tickets to the Crow Brothers 9pm Vampire tour

The following images are presented in the order received. Once you view the images please use the poll to the right of this post to pick your favorite (voting ends on Friday).

You may vote only once and any duplicate votes will result in all of your votes being thrown out.

Essex Street Mall by Amanda L

Crow cooling off by Stephen C.

Rock Lobstah by Liz F.

Bike by Ryan M.

Concert on the Common by Stephanie H.

Salem Willows looking toward Beverly Harbor by Lisa C.

Summer Sunset at the Willows by Keela B.

Apples on Bridge by Jason H.

Mojito by Arthur C.

NOTE: View the winning photo here on our follow up post.

So use the great weather today to get out there and shoot something!

Don’t forget we have some great prizes this time around that were donated by local businesses.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ
• 2 tickets to the Crow Brothers 9pm Vampire tour

Salem Common

TheSalemInsider.com Photo Contest – Contest deadline is Sunday at 11:59pm get all the details including info on our great prize pack here.

Mayors Night Out – We ran into her honor the other night having an Italian Ice and she reminded us to join her Friday from 5 -7 for some drinks and apps as she kicks off Heritage Days

Heritage Days - Tons of activities going on through out the city.  Check out their complete listing here.

Salem Arts Association and Aepril Schaile present The ART of Bellydance -  Saturday, August 2nd from 1pm to 2pm on Artists Row

Music

Friday August 1st

• * Entrain (rock, blues, calypso, zydeco, jazz and funk) free – @ Derby Wharf by the Friendship
• TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
• Demons Alley / Sins of America (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Tom Pittman @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Spinz (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Night Owls Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 2nd

• TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
• Taboot  (Phish cover band) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• DJ John (8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Lee Harvey @ The Lobster Shanty
• The Merge  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• New Life  (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Mystafine @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Mummy: Tomb of the dragon emperor (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:05, 2:30, 5:00,  7:30 and 9:50

The Dark Knight (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 3:15, 6:45 and 10:00

X-Files: I want to believe (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:20, 7:00 and 9:20

Insider Picks

You know how we roll over here, if it’s free it’s for me.  So Friday take yourself down to the Wharf and check out Entrain – you have nothig to loose it’s free and it’s early. That gives you plenty of time to grab some dinner and check out The Spinz at Rockafellas.  We’ve heard varing opinions of them (if you know something we don’t drop us a comment) so get in before they charge a cover and if it sucks head to the Shanty to enjoy the good weather and fun tunes put down by Three Toad Sloth.  Saturday if the weather is agreeable, enjoy some of what Heratage Days has to offer then go visit our friend DJ Cee Block for some Saturday night booty shakin.

Summer in Salem

Summer in Salem is the theme of our current contest. We are looking for unique images that convey your idea of what Salem has to offer in these good weather months. You have one week to shoot you pictures and get them to us.

The Rules:

1. Photographs must be taken within the City of Salem (Massachusetts).
2. Photographs must be shot during the time period of the contest (no using last years cool photo of that watermelon that looked like Manny Ramirez).
3. Photographs must be on theme (we love seeing pics of your hot girlfriend or cool car but if thats not the theme then it doesn’t get entered).
4. Photographs must be received no later than 11:59pm on Sunday August 3rd the deadline date (Eastern Standard Time).

The Low Down:

1. You have one week to shoot and submit your photo. Photos or a link to them may be emailed to contest@thesaleminsider.com
2. All photos will be assembled and displayed in a post. Photos will show the same size (i.e. 500 wide by x high) and may be clickable to view a larger image, just like many of our images on this blog are currently displayed.
3. Everyone gets to comment and vote on the photos they like best.
4. After five days of voting a winner will be announced and prize will be awarded.

The Prizes:

Because we had so many great entries last contest many local businesses stepped up to the plate to offer a great prize pack.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ a $10 value (this is a 21+ event if you are under 21 a prize substitute will be given)

If you are a business owner and want to donate a prize we still accepting them for the duration of the contest. In return we will post a link to your business in our sidebar for the duration of the contest (not to mention all the links in these posts which garnered well over 10,000 page views last contest), contact us for details.

The fine Print:

• Entries must be submitted by email to contest@thesaleminsider.com, with either your photo attached or a link to its url. You may submit one entry per contest.
• You must hold the copyright of the pictures you submit. Also, you allow us (TheSalemInsider.com) to post your image here on our site for the world to judge (just for the photo contest, we don’t want to use it for any other reasons).
• Employees of TheSalemInsider.com are not eligible, sorry guys.

Salem is home to a few great bookstores, bunches of library’s both public and private and a gem known as the Salem Athenaeum.  The Salem Athenaeum was formed in 1810 by the union of the Social and Philosophical libraries. By 1837, it boasted a collection of around 9,000 volumes.  It’s located in a beautiful brick Palladian and Federal building (modeled after Homewood) at 337 Essex Street just down the road a piece from the Salem Library.

Now with over 50,000 volumes the Salem Athenaeum has current and historical information, offers regular salons, readings and gatherings.

If you’re going to have books you need writers.

For all you aspiring writers out there a new group has formed, The Parlor is a new nonprofit creative writing center in Salem, Massachusetts.

Our mission is to foster the creative development of individual writers, to cultivate a local writing community, and to build an audience for literature on the North Shore of Massachusetts. We’ll do this by providing affordable creative writing workshops to writers of all experience levels, by hosting events of interest to the writing community, and by continuing to publish the
national literary journal Quick Fiction.

The Parlor Hosts Novelist Hannah Tinti at The Salem Athenaeum

Now that you know about the Anthenaeum and the Palor it’s time to meet Novelist Hannah Tinti. Hannah Tinti, a Salem native now living in New York will be coming home before embarking on a national book tour to promote her new novel The Good Theif. Her work has appeared in various magazines and anthologies, including Best American Mystery Stories 2003. Her short story collection, Animal Crackers, has been sold in sixteen countries and was recently a runner-up for the PEN/Hemingway award.

While in Salem you can meet Ms. Tinti on Saturday, July 19th at 2:30 pm, when The Parlor will host their first annual Creative Connection held at The Salem Athenaeum.

Berklee Summer Concert Series part of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival presents La Timbistica from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday July 12th in front of Old Town Hall.

Mementos of Celebration The Salem Arts Association’s annual PEM Companion Exhibit opens at the Old Town Hall Friday.

Music

Friday July 11th

• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Lone Wolf James ( 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• What it Do (hip-hop) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• DJ Joe (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• TBD @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Search Party (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Garage Rock Night @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday July 12th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing With Fire ( 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cocaine Tongue (GnR tribute) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30PM – 5:30PM) Frank Fotusky (blues, acoustic, americana 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• TBD @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Mamadou @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Son of Rambow (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:20 and 7:30

Hancock (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:20, 1:30, 4:00, 7:15 and 9:30

WALL·E (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:40 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:15

Get Smart (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 4:45 and 9:45

Insider Picks

Friday start you night off early over at the ‘kok with the sweet soulful sounds of Christy Bluhm then head over to Gulu-Gulu for the trippy mixes of DJ Ondrej! Kickin it from the Czech Republic.  Saturday is a real treat with a free concert in front of the Old Town Hall. Salem Jazz and Soul Festival presents La Timbistica from 5 to 7 p.m. After the concert run into the Old Town Hall and check out the free art exhibit Mementos of Celebration. Then late night head over to O’Neills to heat the night up.  With everyone buff and tan for the summer DJ Cee Block puts the hammer down and everyone has a blast!

The Salem CultureFest runs on Saturday July 26th from 10a.m. to 8p.m. and Sunday July 27th 10a.m. to 6p.m. Salem CulturFest schedule offers a cross cultural blend of world-fusion dance music including and diverse performers coming from many world traditions Unique Arts, crafts, colorful clothes and ethnic food will be available for purchase. Parents and children can enjoy a wide range of entertainment & hands on participatory art activities. There will be a Moon Walk/Bouncy Thing, clowns, games and more.

The not for profit organization A3D has a vision to open a multicultural center in Salem, Massachusetts with the Salem CultureFest being a platform to invite citizens of Salem and the greater North Shore area to experience the festivities for themselves and to get interested and involved in the idea of a multicultural Center.

In addition to using the monies raised at the festival to fund A3D goals, 10% of the proceeds from the Salem CultureFest will be donated to the Salem School Foundation to assist raising much needed funds for Salem’s public schools. Any additional funds raised at the Salem CulturFest will help A3D’s humanitarian efforts in Senegal, West Africa. Through the Salem CultureFest, A3D’s wish is to bring true meaning to the phrase: “act locally and think globally.

” For more information on how to volunteer for the Salem CultureFest go to: www. a3dinc. org and friend them on myspace at  myspace.com/salemculturefest.

Recently I was asked to come and cover the ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce and some business owners over at one of Salem’s newest and most unique shops in the down town area, Witch City Ink.

Jennifer Bell(l) Witch City Ink Staff with Mayor Kimberly Driscol and Renus Oosthoek(r)

Your first reaction might be – Why? Why is there a tattoo shop in down town and why would there be a ribbon cutting ceremony there? Why does this shop interest the mayor and the chamber of commerce and why does this new retail space draw other business owners?

First of all take every old stereotype of a seedy tattoo parlor filled with bikers and sailors and toss it out the window.  If you keep up with current trends on TV (TLC or Discovery Channel) you know that there is a new era of tattoo, piercings and body modification being ushered in by young artists turned business people with a focus on quality, respectable work.  Witch City Ink is one of this new breed of tattoo studios raising the bar for their field.

Situated in the Pedestrian Mall on Essex Street (with an additional entrance from the Museum Place Mall) across from Pamplemousse, , this new business features Italian marble floors, Tibetan red walls, and a selection of antiques collected by shop proprietor Natan on his various world trips.  It is obvious that much care was spent transforming this old retail space to a new high end shop in the same vein as Salem Wine Imports or Sacred Gear.  The front retail/waiting area leads to a hallway where various artists have rooms for tattooing and piercing.  The back area of the shop (where one enters from the mall) is another waiting area with racks of “flash” or pre-drawn art.  These 6 foot tall 3 foot wide displays contain thousands of examples of traditional imagery which a customer could ask for or use as inspiration for a custom piece of art.

Why is this a big deal?

Unlike many of the businesses in the Museum Place Mall and allong the Pedestrian mall the hours of Witch City Ink promise not to be 9-5.  This draws the interest of the Salem Chamber and other local business owners as there is a push to bring life to this area at night.  The Salem Chamber “after hours” events (similar to “alive after 5″ campaigns) highlighting the fact that many businesses close up shop at 5pm.  On some of the web forums that residents participate in a large concern is that shops that some locals would like to patronize are closed up by the time people get out of work.  With Witch City Ink staying open later into the evening and a Rita’s Italian Ice opening up next door (many franchises have 10pm closing hours) this could be the catylist Salem needs to bring about friendlier hours in some of our down town shops.

In addition to the obvious economic implications the arrival of Witch City Ink could have to the area,  its location is key in opening the eyes of those who still have negative connotations about this type of business. Derby Streets’ Purple Scorpian has been doing tattoos and body piercings for some time now and the recently opened Sacred Harp Tattoo on Boston Street prove that Salem is forward thinking in its acceptance of this art form.  However neither shop is as visible to the passer-by as this Essex Street locale.

Whether you love or loathe tattoos and the people who wear them one thing is for sure, new and diverse businesses in the down town Salem area is a positive step for all local businesses. Many residents sit on the side line complaining that there are too many of one type or the other stores yet they do nothing about it.  It’s refreshing to see young entrepreneurs with a new perspective opening up (or taking the reins of) shops like Hex, Fools Mansion and now this upscale tattoo shop Witch City Ink.

You’re back?  That was an interesting exhibit, right?  I don’t know why they would put a slaves wedding dress on a white maniqin or stuff the Picasso and Chagall in a place where you almost miss them but hey that’s why I’m not a museum curator.  But the dresses and some of the photographs and paintings really gave you an insight into the different wedding celebrations various cultures have and the things they do to remember those special occasions.

Speaking of special occasions and of the PEM’s Wedded Bilss exhibit, the Salem Arts Association (SAA) has a treat for you.   The SAA is running their annual PEM Companion Exhibit expanding on the theme to include not only weddings but any celebration.

SAA president Gary LaParl:

As Wedded Bliss focuses on art inspired by the celebration of weddings and matrimonial ceremonies around the world, the SAA Mementos of Celebration exhibit will broaden the scope to celebrations of all kinds. The art is expected to reflect the mementos that remind us of life’s important events.

The Salem Arts Association invites us all to the opening reception for “Mementos of Celebration” on Friday, July 11 from 7PM to 9PM in Old Town Hall.

Artwork will be juried by Paula Bradstreet Richter, Curator of Textiles and Costumes at the Peabody Essex Museum and include artists from across the region.

Mementos of Celebration will continue in Old Town Hall through August 3 and run Thursdays through Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM and Sundays, Noon to 4PM.

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

For more info about this exhibit, to enter, or to find out what’s going on with the SAA check out their website at www.salemartsassociation.org

Thankfully for you I have just what you need – an all day long music fest.

Witchstock

We wrote about Witchstock a few months back but wanted to remind you now that they have all their events finalized.

Witchstock is large-scale free, non-profit, all ages, outdoor music festival held right here in our very own Salem Willows Park Amphitheater on Saturday July 5th from 2pm-10pm.  And continuing festivities from 10pm till close over at Dodge Street.

In addition to eight great rock, alternative, reggae, funk, hip-hop, electronica, jazz, and soul bands (many from around here) there will be plenty of family friendly things to do like free face-painting, temporary tattoos, stuff for kids and the kid in all of us.

For the full line-up and to get any other information about this great event check out the Witchstock myspace profile.

“Toast” Benefit for The Art Corner

Music

Friday June 27th

• Karem Cameron (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) DARQ ( 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• On the Grille Night @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Kevin Kennedy (contemporary soft rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Classmates @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday June 28th

• Charlie Chesterman and the Motorbikes w/ special guest Barrence Whitfield (7pm) @ Ward 2 Social Club for TOAST
• Maggie Scott (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The Willows ( 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Zullo (hip hop) @ Dodge Street
• Bangalore (9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Saturday Acoustic Jam (2:00PM – 5:00PM) Esthema (fusion, jazz, progressive 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Tony Gallo (jazz) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• 5 Funny Females @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (upstairs)
• Dis n’ Dat Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

WALL·E (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:30 and 9:40

Get Smart (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 1:45, 4:15, 7:15 and 9:50

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:45, 7:00 and 9:15

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Beach Party (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

Like we blogged about earlier this week it’s time to support the locals so Friday night put your best black on and head over to the Bangkok for the first night of DARQ a goth / industrial venture here in the goth mecca of Salem. If we don’t support our local artists who will? Speaking of local artists, start your Saturday night off at the Ward 2 Social club on East Collins Street at Toast: a benifit for the Art Corner which recently burnt to smithereens. After the bell tolls for Toast at ten keep the groove movin’ and get over to Gulu-Gulu to check out Esthema for some fun fusion funky jazz.

The bold complementary colors in Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B. just eeeked out a win over the super cute A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated.  Since people seemed to enjoy this we will be hosting our next photo contest in July, with a new theme and more prizes.  Speaking of prizes, congratuations again to  Daryl B. for winning a $20 gift certificate to the Salem restaurant of  your choice.

Many of the areas local artists, photographers and businesses use the framing services of  The Art Corner faithfully knowing that they always try to make a positive impact on our community.  Now it is our turn to help them. Being a patron of the arts and loving to see small local business succeed, we feel this benefit is a worthy cause. Even though this info is all over town it’s our pleasure to repost the following.

“Toast” to Benefit The Art Corner

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Ward 2 Social Club – 1 East Collins Street – Salem

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THE SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 265 ESSEX STREET AND EXPERIMENTAL ART GALLERY AND STUDIO IN SALEM’S ARTISTS ROW.  You may also contact Sara Ashodian at 781- 771-2587.

The Salem Arts Association will host a Benefit for The Art Corner on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Ward 2 Social Club from 7pm to 10pm.

Tickets are $10.

The event includes music by Charlie Chesterman and the Motorbikes with a special guest appearance by Barrence Whitfield.

Raffles will include juried works of craft and art, artist designed jewelry and gift certificates donated by local artists and business owners.
With special thanks to the folks and businesses who have donated funds, materials and gift certificates for our raffle:  Jennifer Bell, Cafe Graziani, Carol Dearborn, Digital Imaging, Ditto Editions, Fire Fox Studio, The Fool’s Mansion, Sandy Heaphy and the Kensington-Stobart Gallery, Marine Arts Gallery, Mickey Northcutt, Pamplemousse, The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets, Ward 2 Social Club, and more on the way!

The following images are presented in the order received. Once you view the images please use the poll to the right of this post to pick your favorite (voting ends on Wednesday).

I probably should have mentioned this before but you may vote only once and any duplicate votes will result in all of your votes being thrown out.

Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B.

Howard Street Graveyard Seeds by Daryl B.

Tattoo Guns by Forrest F.

Painting at Witch City Ink by Forrest F.

Old Town Hall by Jeff W.

four kids on the bypass road appear to be headed for the train by David M.

Beat(en) LA, on Bridge St. by David M.

YARR!! by Rippin K.

A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

Untitled 1 by Alex E.

Untitled 2 by Alex E.

Untitled 3 by Jennifer N.

Untitled 4 by Jennifer N.

Does it matter what my subject matter is?
Not really, we’re not into censorship around here.  Just keep in mind that your photo has to be somewhat tasteful and keep within the theme.

What size should my picture be?
It should be at least 500px wide at 72dpi (height can be variable) and can be as large as you want it to be.  If it’s too big we can always shrink it down.

Can I send a caption with my picture?
You bet.  Feel free to send a caption or a description or any other info about your picture you want.

What’s the prize?
The prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Salem restaurant of  your choice.

I’d like to donate a prize – how’s that work?
We’re accepting donations for the next contest in July. Your business (logo 125px x 125px or name) and link will be prominantly featured in the “Photo Contest” section on our right hand sidebar.  So feel free to contact us about dontating a prize for the next contest in July.

I’m a professional photographer can I enter the contest?
The contest is open to everyone there Ansel Adams, show us what you can do.

Remember you have to send your pic in by 11:59pm on Monday June 23rd.  That gives you this weekend to snap a few off.  I’ve seen a few of the entries already and they are good but I know you guys can do better.  If there are any more questions just leave a comment here.

Vudu:DJ has heard the call and is stepping up to the plate with a new monthly night right here in Salem.

DARQ is a monthly night of Industrial-Goth-EBM-Fetish-Tehno music intended to bring the atmosphere local for folks “North of Boston.” With the connections created while in charge of the weekly event fetish/industrial night Domina, Vudu:DJ looks to bring the talent, both live and electronic, to his hometown. For those looking to expand their music knowledge and those that want somewhere local to get “creatively dressed.”

In a brief interview with Vudu:DJ he tells us:

Basically, Salem’s never had a regular place for people who like gothy music or the lifestyle to congregate. Having done radio in college, I came back to Lynn/Salem with a large cd library and nowhere local to play it. Bleachers was a possiblity, but I heard about a night that didn’t pan out there. And having worked at a tourist attraction for a while, it was depressing when out-of-towners asked where they could go “all dressed up.” The answer was always the same, sorry folks, Boston, ManRay, 30+ minutes away. Everyone local loved ManRay, but it was expected that Salem should have a musical “haunt” to hang out at, somewhere within walking distance.

With the proliferation of myspace, and performers within, (both DJ and musicians), there’s no reason the talent can’t make a stop in town on a regular night. Efforts were made not to conflict with friends’ events in Boston, and it was decided that the 4th Saturday of each month worked out best. However, the initial 3 nights will be on Fridays, before we move in September.

The most difficult part of running a night is actually getting a venue to let you have a night at. Salem has very few options, some very uncooperative, and very thankfully, the Bangkok Paradise is giving me an opportunity. With a fully stocked bar to meet everyone’s tastes, I’m rather proudly amused to say “Scorpion Bowls and Industrial Music!”

The DJ’s I have lined up cross the spectrum musically from 80′s goth/synthpop to newer industrial and goth projects.

Eventually I plan to showcase a live act here and there, and will play the up and coming music I hope all will enjoy as much as I do.

In order to keep with the ambiance, or “scene,” I am enforcing a dress code. BE CREATIVE! If you look like you’re dressed for the other downtown bars, then please come back next time with a different outfit. Individuality matters. Wear the darkest clothes you have, show your tats and piercings, have some cocktails and socialize, and most importantly, enjoy the music. I’m doing this for the community I love…

Here are the Details:

Where: Bangkok Paradise, 90 Washington St. Salem.

When: June 27th, July 18th, August 22nd, Sept 27th, Oct 25th, and Nov 22nd, so far. 10pm-1am

Particulars: 21+ $5 cover charge, dress code enforced.

June 27th will have a THUDfest ticket giveaway.
October 25th will also be night to remember, so mark it down. Details will follow, so check the websites on the flyers.

If you want more info or to keep informed, DARQ has it’s own myspace page. And to find out more about Vudu:DJ’s events and appearances check out his myspace.

Barnum Circus on Essex St. 1885

Each month (for at least the summer) we will be hosting a photo contest. Themes will be announced and you will have one week to shoot and submit your entry, then a winner will be picked by a jury of your peers.

This contests theme is: A Unique Perspective

Contest deadline Monday June 23rd.

I’m not going to explain in detail what the theme means because it’s all about your unique perspective, how you view Salem differently than others.

The Rules:

1. Photographs must be taken within the City of Salem (Massachusettes).
2. Photographs must be shot during the time period of the contest (no using last years cool photo of that watermelon that looked like Manny Ramirez).
3. Photographs must be on theme (we love seeing pics of your hot girlfriend or cool car but if thats not the theme then it doesn’t get entered).
4. Photographs must be received no later than 11:59pm on the deadline date (Eastern Standard Time).

The Low Down:

1. You have one week to shoot and submit your photo.
2. All photos will be assembled and displayed in a post. Photos will show the same size (i.e. 500 wide by x high) and may be clickable to view a larger image, just like most of our images on this blog are currently displayed.
3. Everyone gets to comment and vote on the photos they like best.
4. After three days of voting a winner will be announced and prize will be awarded.

The Prizes:

Prizes will consist of Salem business gift certificates. If you are a business owner and want to donate a prize we are happy to post a link to your business for the duration of the contest (thousands of potential page views), contact us for details.

If you won’t be in Salem to use your prize (for instance you came to town for a visit and won with your great picture of a pirate windsurfing) then we’ll hook you up with an amazon.com or itunes gift card.

The fine Print:

• Entries must be submitted by email to contest@thesaleminsider.com or as a reply to the contest post, with either your photo attached or a link to its url. You may submit up to three entries per contest.
• You must hold the copyright of the pictures you submit. Also, you allow us (TheSalemInsider.com) to post your image here on our site for the world to judge (just for the photo contest, we don’t want to use it for any other reasons).
• Employees of TheSalemInsider.com are not eligible, sorry guys.

Clean Energy Day and Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair

Music

Friday June 13th

• TBA (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) TBA ( 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Catfish Lucy w/ RSVP @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Seth (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Soul Baby (R&B, Funk, Soul) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Brian Maes Band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Groove Therapy @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday June 14th

• TBA (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) TBA(  10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Nutshell w/ American Idiots (green day tribute) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30PM – 5:30PM) The Jazz Navigators (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (soft rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Dis n’ Dat Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:30 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:30

Sex and the City (R)
Friday & Saturday at 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:45 and 9:45
Sunday at 12noon, 3:00 and 6:45

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
Friday & Saturday 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:45, 7:00 and 9:15
Sunday 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:45 and 7:00

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Riding Giants (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

Looking over the listings this weekend Friday nights winner is the unlikely paring of Catfish Lucy and Radio Scotvoid Productions. I want to find out if Dodge Streets booking agent is a genius or a dim-wit for paring a cool and wack DJ with the blues tunes of CFL.  Saturday hit it early over at Gulu-Gulu for The Jazz Navigators at 8pm then get your boom boom on late night with DJ Cee Block around the corner at O’Neills.

zippo zilch nada

Music

Friday May 30th

• TBA (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) TBA (funk, r&b 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Dodgefest Weekend @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• RSVP (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA ( 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Blues Band (blues 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Big Time (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Elephant House @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday May 31st

• TBA (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) TBA( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Dodgefest Weekend @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Drift Session (rock, blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Kevin Kennedy (contemporary soft rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Acme Music (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Mamadou @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:30 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:30

Sex and the City (R)
Friday & Saturday at 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:45 and 9:45
Sunday at 12noon, 3:00 and 6:45

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
Friday & Saturday 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:45, 7:00 and 9:15
Sunday 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:45 and 7:00

Insider Picks

Nothing really blows the wind up my skirt this weekend. The weather is supposed to be great and there will be a Celtics game on if you need to duck inside for some cool air. Friday do something a bit different and just kick it down town. Start at Rockafellas early with an outdoor table, then head to Gulu-Gulu for another pop outside, late night bust out your dancing shoes over at Fresh Taste or O’Neills. Saturday why not save some jingle and hit the Shanty, now that the good weather is here it’s the place to be. Sunday you have to make it out to watch the Boston Celtics tromp the Lakers over at Beerworks.

Salem State Alumni weekend

Music

Friday May 30th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Nikki Mitchell & The Fuzzy Bunch (funk, r&b 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Sweetfist (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Alice Austin (indie,alternative, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Dave Retro (classic rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• TBA ( 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Chelsea City Council @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new venue listing)

Saturday May 31st

• Wendee Glick (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Willows ( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Toolfist (Tool Tribute) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Rev. Bob & the Darkness (acoustic, gothic, blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• TBA (folk rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Razen Kane (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Dis n’ Dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new venue listing)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15 and 9:50
Sunday & Monday Memorial Day at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:15

Sex and the City (R)
Friday & Saturday at 12:00noon, 3:00, 7:00 and 10:00
Sunday at 12noon, 3:00 and 7:00

Prince Caspian (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

Insider Picks

Guys if you want to score points with your girl suggest she gathers her friends for cosmos then hits Sex in the City this weekend at Cinema Salem. Meanwhile, you can head over to Rockafellas Friday night for The Hangovers and to watch Kimbo Slice make his MMA network debut on the flat screens, always a good time. Saturday Reverend Bob & the Darkness bust out a fun mix of gothic blues (think Rev. Glasseye meets Lee Presson and the Nails) over at Gulu-Gulu. Its well worth the price of admission – free!

Sorry outdoor venues, the weather girl says it will be rainy all weekend.

The Salem Arts Association Gallery kicks off its 2008 season at Artists Row with Salem Sketches: Studies from the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project. The exhibit runs from June 5 through June 29 at 24 New Derby Street, with an Opening Reception on June 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The exhibit highlights studies submitted for the Derby Square Kiosk Public Art Project, a joint effort between the City of Salem and the SAA. Exploring the theme, “Salem Neighborhoods,” a jury will select six of the submitted studies to be painted on the ring that encircles the top of the kiosk.

The project is sponsored in part through a grant from the Salem Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency.

If you are an artist (and a member of the Salem Arts Association) and want to get in on the action there is still some time. They are accepting paintings, drawings, photographs, illustrations, drawings and digital images this Saturday May 31 from 2-6pm at their Artists Row Gallery, 24 New Derby St. #1. For more info check out their Call for Entries.

Are you kidding me? It’s the beginning of summer.

Music

Friday May 23rd

• Alanna Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Speakeasys (rock, punk 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Neurological Damage (alternative, metal, funk) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (classic rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Tony Gallo (jazz, r&b, pop 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Search Party (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Close to Home @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Saturday May 24th

• Sandi Bedrosian (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Terri Lee ( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Fair Warning (Van Halen Tribute) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!!(blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (folk rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Wishful Thinking @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Sunday May 25th

• Jazz Jam! (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Big Shoes 2 Phil (Jazz) @ Dodge Street
• Gulu Sunday Morning Brunch featuring Eric Doucette (acoustic guitar 11am-2pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (4-7pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• High Tide Party @ (2-6pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15 and 9:50
Sunday & Monday Memorial Day at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:15

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35 and 7:20

Prince Caspian (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

Insider Picks

The cute weather girl on TV tells me its going to be a stellar weekend so lets plan on some out door fun.

Insiders know that when the weather gets good we all gather at the Shanty. You can meet all sorts of Salemites there and everybody is usually friendly. Kick off the long weekend with a true Salem fixture Grateful Ted. Cheap food, warm beer, lousy waitresses and classic rock older than you are. Saturday the HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!! event is going on at Gulu-Gulu Dan Blakeslee as Dr. GASP, Orange Nichole, and our personal friend Monster Reusch (why he doesn’t live in Salem I don’t know) will all be preforming in a kooky ode to Halloween party. Newcomer to our musical offerings is Strombergs, this Sunday they will be having a High Tide Party and if it’s as good as their previous events you are in store for some fun, grab your fiends and head on over. Monday looks to be the best day yet weather wise so where better to spend your time than on the water. Since you probably wont be going to Bakers Island – do the next best thing and take a ride out to the newly opened (noon today) Rockmore. And for you slackers who want to take it easy, Salem Cinema has the new Indiana Jones flick (we saw it last night) its well worth your $6.

The streets are littered with trucks, vans and RV’s for the filming of “Bride Wars,” a movie starring Kate Hudson. East India Marine Hall is the actual location they are using to film but most parking spots in down town are filled with supporting crews, electrification personnel, best boys, key dolly gaffer grips et al.  Old Town Hall is being used as a staging area, and the hustle and bustle was going by 6am.

(c) James Devaney

If you are around town and snap any fun pictures of the filming send them along and we’ll post them up.

Spring in Salem Fashion Show
Old Town Hall
Saturday, May 17 from 12 – 3 pm $5
Benefit for Salem Main Streets and the Salem Garden Club.

Music

Friday May 16th

• Dennis James (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Hixx (rock, punk 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Someday, Rome & El Rancho (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Groove Authority (r&b, dance 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Acme Music (dance / pop / 80′s / rock) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday May 17th

• Matt Dorko and Larry Kukers (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Mamadou Diop ( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Critizise w/ the Usual Suspects (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• The Milling Gowns (blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Grateful Ted (classic rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Leaving Eden (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

What happens in Vegas (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:05 and 9:25
Sunday at 12:10, 2:30, 4:50 and 7:05

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35 and 7:20

Prince Caspian (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

Insider Picks

It looks like another great weekend here in Salem, but with the impending rainy weather were going to keep in all inside. Friday night Dennis James and his mellow voice will croon away the tunes early at the Bangkok, after you’ve had your fill of scorpion bowls and mai tai’s head over to Gulu-Gulu to step it up an notch into the night with DJ Ondrej! Saturday night we will be checking out DJ Zati at Fresh Taste to see if his beats are as fresh as the sushi – we’ll let you know.

Don’t forget that Big Shoes 2 Phil continues their Sunday residency at Dodge St. and be on the look out for live music to start up at The Black Lobster (Strombergs) next week.

Lately there have been some great jazz vocalists and bands playing in Salem so they have garnered a few write ups and some insider picks on the Weekend Warrior (what to do this weekend) posts. Salem’s musical offerings are of a much broader spectrum than only jazz. On any given week you can find hip-hop, experimental, dance/pop, R&B, rock, folk, blue grass, punk and soon to be goth shows around town.

Taking the musical ball and running with it, the Witchstock Music Festival is now entering it’s fifth year as one of the premier summer music events around.

From their myspace page:

WITCHSTOCK is a FREE, all ages, outdoor music festival founded in 2004 by myself (Madison) and Scott (The 80′s Man) which takes place every July at the Salem Willows shell stage overlooking the harbor…Salem, Massachusetts…designed to spotlight local, musical talent and enjoy a beautiful venue!

This summer 2008: 5th Annual Witchstock Date: Saturday July 5th (4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!) (Raindate on the 12th) Hours: 2PM – 10PM (We Extended the hours this summer into the night so we can do a light show!) We are showcasing 8 bands from Boston, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and North Shore Area favorites!! Also…It’s an all ages show!! So there will be some free, fun stuff for the kiddies in the earlier part of Witchstock(2pm -4pm), face painting, temporary tattoos!….and some free stuff for the adults in the later hours as well.

If you are interested in being part of the action Madison is looking for some volunteers. You can contact her via the Witchstock myspace profile. If you just want to come and enjoy the music I suggest you come early, bring your chair-in-a-bag or blanket and get a nice spot where you will be comfortable for the long haul. Also this year, the fun doesn’t stop at 10PM. Dodge Street Bar and Grille will continue the extravaganza till 1am. And if I know anything about Salem in the summer – there will be a kickin’ after party till the sun comes up on Sunday morning.

Stay tuned for more info on this great event as it comes in.

The weather might have been chilly Saturday afternoon but the band was hot, playing a mix of salsa and jazz that had everybody on the front steps of the Old Town Hall tapping to the music. People young and old brought their chairs, grabbed some food, ice cream and coffee and gathered in Derby Square for the first performance of this years festival.

Juan’s outstanding violin and vocals were backed up by some great musicians playing an interesting mix of viola, cello, base, sax, trombone, guitar, percussion, and keyboards. If you missed this fun energy filled set you can hear some tunes on his myspace page. Chavez’s band will be a hard act to follow and if the turnout was any indicator of future events, plan to get there early.

The only downside to this out door free event was the proliferation of unsupervised children running around yelling and constantly pestering the onlookers and band alike. At one point it got so bad the band leader mentioned it between songs. We love free cultural events but if pet owners can keep their dogs on a leash certain parents should take a lesson from them. (End of tangent.)

Salem’s history with Jazz

Most people are unaware that Salem used to host many Big Bands during the golden age of Jazz and Swing. The Salem Willows once was home to the Charleshurst Ballroom, now the Willows Casino. When jazz greats like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong would tour, they would do a few feature nights in major cities and supporting nights in smaller venues. Ballrooms like Mosleys on the Charles in Dedham and Charleshurst in the Salem Willows were just as important as the Coconut Grove in Boston.

Back in the Twenty’s Boston was much further away than it is now. Luckily for Salem, Charlie Shribman who operated a chain of ballrooms in New England and handled bookings for Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and other bands, owned the Charleshurst Ballroom. In the summer of 1927 the Duke played nine performances at the Ballroom along with a variety of other top musicians throughout the years.

2008 Festival Schedule

The 2008 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival will continue through the summer with three different locations concluding with a blowout weekend at the Willows. Make sure to swing by and enjoy some of the bands. Free music this good doesn’t come around that often.

Derby Square

June 14th 5-7PM
Zach Hillyard Band

July 12th 5-7PM
Paulo Stagnaro

August 9th 5-7PM
Manami Morita

August 10th 1-3PM
The Nat Simpkins Band

Museum Place Mall at the Fountain

August 10th 2-4PM
Boston Horns

Salem Willows

Aug. 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Dan King Band

Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ken Clark Ogan Trio
Brothers from Another Planet
Parker Wheeler Blues Project
The Mystics
Los Sugar Kings

Aug. 16, Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Eric Reardon and the Juke Joint All-Stars at
Hobbs’ Juke Joint

Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m.
Follow Hymn Gospel Choir
Marty Rowen and Last Call for Blues

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/12/salem-jazz-and-soul-festival/feed/ 2 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/09/weekend-warrior-3/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/09/weekend-warrior-3/#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 11:38:44 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=231 Special Events / Festivals

None listed

Music

Friday May 9th

• Steve Wark (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Rock City Band (rock, blues, soul 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Seth ( indie / 80′s / pop / alternative 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Dave Retro (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• The Austin Torpedoes (good ol’ American music 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• New Life (dance / pop / 80′s / rock) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday May 10th

• Janine Graham (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing with Fire ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Chimpanzebra w/ Pretty & Nice (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Catfish Lucy (blues / funk / r&b 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Shadow Box Blues Band (blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Delvis @ The Lobster Shanty
• Marybeth Maes/Brian Maes (original rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday 11:15PM featuring the Teseracte Players

What happens in Vegas (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:05 and 9:25
Sunday at 12:10, 2:30, 4:50 and 7:05

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:45, 4:35 and 7:20

Baby Mama (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday 11:15, 2:00, 4:15, 7:30 and 9:45
Sunday 11:15, 2:00, 4:15 and 7:130

Insider Picks

We missed them when they played in Salem before but heard great things so our Friday insiders pick goes to The Austin Torpedoes over at the Lyceum. Friday is double trouble this week because Cinema Salem is having and almost midnight showing of Rocky Horror, get out and see this and keep a cult phenomenon going right here in Salem. Saturday get out of the rain and warm up to some cool jazz with Janine Graham at the Bangkok Paradise. Also as a special Sunday treat Big Shoes 2 Phil has a Sunday night residency this Month at Dodge Street, its a great way to cap off your Mothers Day.

Salem Signature Cocktail Competition
We blogged about this event last week. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Complimentary shuttle service provided by Salem Trolley in case you get a little tipsy when trying all the delicious concoctions. Partial event proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

Music

Friday May 2nd

• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Sad Marvin (rock, blues, soul 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Starlight Grey (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• RSVP ( alternative/ experimental / electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• 1201 Blues Band (Chicago blues 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Moonglow (dance / pop / 80′s / rock) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Saturday May 3rd

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing with Fire ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cocaine Tonung (GNR Tribute) @ Dodge Street
• Catfish Lucy (blues / funk / r&b 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Big Blue Octopus (rock / psychedelic / freestyle 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (folk rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Gary Shane @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:15, 7:00 and 9:45
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:15 and 7:00.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (R)
Friday & Saturday at 11:25AM 2:00, 4:45, 7:30 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:25AM 2:00, 4:45 and 7:30

Baby Mama (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday 11:15, 1:50, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:3
Sunday 11:15, 1:50, 4:30 and 7:15

Insider Picks

With Cinco de Mayo almost here and good weather around the corner, weekends in Salem transition from a sprint to a marathon. Friday Salem regulars RSVP get their groove on over at Gulu-Gulu. Saturday shake your rump to the bass thump of DJ Cee Block at O’Neill’s. Sleep in late on Sunday becuse were taking the weekend out with a bang. Join TheSalemInsider.com crew for the Salem Signature Cocktail Competition. We’re starting at Rockafellas and making the three hour crawl to Finz. Buy your ticket early and save some green. Monday head over to Cilantro for your annual margarita, you can call in sick Tuesday!

The 1st Annual (?) Salem Save Our Schools/ Birthday Bash staring DJ Ondrej!
Tickets are available at the door for $10. All proceeds benefit the Salem Education Fund. The 1st 100 people will get their very own birthday cupcake! The 1st 25 people get a FREE t-shirt! Raffle prizes have been donated from some Salem businesses! Come dance with the world famous DJ Ondrej! The wild and crazy guy from Czech Republic returns to cruise and swing successfully in his tight slacks!

Music

Friday April 18th

• Steve Wark(jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The Speakeasys (rock, blues, soul 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Brake for Moose (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! ( Techno / Minimalist / Electro 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Brian Maes Band (rock 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Love Dogs (dance, rock, swing) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s

Saturday April 19th

• Matt Dorko and Larry Kukers (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The River Rock ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• 3 Ply (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Centripitalforce (Electronica / Drum & Bass / Breakbeat 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Jackknife Valentines @ The Lobster Shanty
• Brian Maes @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Big Time (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Preacher Jack @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Forbidden Kingdom (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:20, 7:00 and 9:30
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:20 and 7:00.

Leatherheads (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 7:15 and 9:40
Sunday at 7:15

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45

Nim’s Island (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 12Noon, 2:10, 4:30, 7:30

Spoken Word

Witch City Poetry Series – Continues all month long Sunday from 5-8pm @ Gulu-Gulu

Insider Picks

Friday night offers up some interesting choices. Salem’s New Business of the Year Gulu-Gulu Cafeis hosting a birthday bash / Salem schools fund raiser. I’d love to support G2C on their first birthday but cant bring myself to throw more money at the education fund debaucle. Good thing our friends The Love Dogs are playing over at Rockafellas, they always deliver a good time. Saturday with the good weather supposedly hitting us a trip to the Shanty for cheap beers and Jackknife Valentines is in order. Outside under the stars with friends, thats how Salem insiders spend Saturday night.

Salem Spring Restaurant Week
April 13 – 17
Salem Restaurant Week is an easy and economical way for patrons to eat at their favorite restaurant or try a restaurant they haven’t been to before. Many of Salem’s finer restaurants will be offering prix fixe three-course dinners for $26.26.

Music

Friday April 11th

• Alanna Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Mystic Shakedown (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Wicked Hawt presents Aramis (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Seth (Inde, 80′s pop, alternative 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Dave Retros (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• The Austin Torpedoes (good ole American music 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Spinz (rock, dance, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• TBD @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday April 12th

• Dennis James (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing With Fire ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cherry s/t (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Sun Lee (rock, indie, acoustic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Bobby Lightfoot @ The Lobster Shanty
• Mike Tebo Band @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Acme Music (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• TBD @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
Fri: 11:30 PM

Leatherheads (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:35
Sunday at 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:00

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 and 7:30

Nim’s Island (PG)
Friday and Saturday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00, 7:15 and 9:25
Sunday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00 and 7:15

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink @ PEM

Spoken Word

Witch City Poetry Series – Continues all month long Sunday from 5-8pm @ Gulu-Gulu

Insider Picks

Get ready for a good time Friday night and check out Aramis presented by Wicked Hawt over at Dodge St. The Wicked Hawt guys put out a quarterly music mag and are a promotion machine. Saturday our good friend, prolific author, artist, musician and super cute chick Sun Lee is getting her dangerpants on over at Gulu-Gulu – lots of fun and lots of beer.

Salem poetry
every Sunday in April
at Gulu-Gulu

Mr. Chris brought it
poets came from all around
sharing lines of prose

hippy and beatnik
aloof and lost in head space
swirling in themselves

where would we find art
without keen introspection
open up your eyes

art and life exist
outside the sheltered confine
of your liberal life

I look forward to
spending Sundays in April
waxing poetic

Any comments to this post should be in poetic form

Why is Salem a hot spot for nightlife?

Last year and beyond if you were looking for live music your choices were somewhat limited. Dodge Street offered up Rock music in a dive bar atmosphere, Rockafellas offered dance music in a bit more upscale atmosphere, Bangkok Paradise offered Jazz in a weird atmosphere (for jazz) and occasionally Edgewater, O’Neills and The Old Spot (formerly McSwiggins) would have live music. Sitting just outside the down town area, Bay Bridge was a staple of the Salem nightclub scene with local and national bands, karaoke and DJ’s playing almost every night. Let’s not forget the Lobster Shanty in the nice weather months.

© Danielle Blue

Competition raises the bar.

As a reader of TheSalemInsider.com you probably know that due to a combination of sprinkler system legislation and non-payment of taxes the Bay Bridge is closed. There has been no movement on this property so it looks like it’s gone for a long while. On the flip side, new establishments in Salem have made others stand up and take notice.

Gulu-Gulu Cafe brought with it a huge beer menu, interesting live music and a packed house of well-tattooed hipsters. A cascading effect of late night changes shortly ensued. Bangkok Paradise shifted their Friday and Saturday jazz to a 6-9 time slot allowing them to promote “rock” bands (rock, hip-hop, roots, metal and cover bands) in the 10-12 time slot. New comer Fresh Taste of Asia, saw an opening and decided to spin the wax with an ambient hip-hop groove catering to a young urban Asian set.

Established locales aren’t impervious to the phenomenon either. The Lyceum has started a live music series on weekend nights, their acts are targeted to their existing clientèle featuring more mellow music and the occasional 70′s rocker. The Old Spot stepped up their bookings also, with live music 3 to 5 nights a week (unfortunately they still are having a hard time getting the word out - get a website people). O’Neills does the DJ thing and packs in a good college-type crowd.

In the “everything thats old is new again” department, Spirits of 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s of Salem) opened recently and has an entertainment license that allows for up to 5 musicians. We’ve seen some great guitar player/singers and Salem favorite, Preacher Jack. Look for changes to happen over at Spirits soon as they work out their menu and eventually open up the second floor. Dodge Street marches to their own drum beat and has been doing live music well before it got trendy.

It seems like musicians from all around are hip to the new explosion of Salem night life. Musicians contact us through our myspace page asking about gigs or adding us to their guest list just so we can have a listen. Killer Boston bands like The Indefinite Article, Ichabod and the Love Dogs play gigs in Salem all the time. Plenty of local musicians ply their craft here in town also. With all the great venues and opportunities out there I wouldn’t be surprised to see Salem songstress Mary Lou Lord playing out somewhere soon.

If you build it they will come.

Now that restaurants and bars are offering entertainment, where is everyone coming from? Many people are throwing around the phrase “Salem is the new Cambridge” and that just might be true. I personally know a bunch of people that used to live in Cambridge, Boston and Somerville that have recently moved to Salem. Salem offers a city feel, walkability, MBTA access, and rent at half the price of places in Boston and parking is slightly better.

While census stats for this exact information is unavailable it’s a safe bet to say that more young professionals, 20 and 30-somethings have been moving into Salem. You see them walking to the commuter rail in the morning or having a cup of coffee at any one of our coffee shops on the weekend.

An informal poll taken in January by TheSalemInsider.com showed many people are taking advantage of Salem’s night life live North of Boston (from Revere to Gloucester). When asked “why Salem” the answers were varied but revolved around bang for your buck, quality entertainment, safety and less hassle.

What’s next for Salem’s scene?

Any insider can tell you that there is a yearly cycle that Salem goes through. Like many of it’s North Shore neighbors Salem sees a direct influx of people based on the weather. Spring finds more locals that have been hibernating in doors all winter out walking about and making their way to many of our local hang outs. Once June hits and schools close, tourists arrive taking full advantage of our waterfront, the Willows and off shore locations like the Salem Harbor Islands (i.e. Baker’s Island). As the summer draws to a close and fall hits the second wave of tourists hits in full force for the Halloween season.

With spring right around the corner what will the face of Salem nightlife look like? If last year is any indication, outdoor seating will be all the rage. Like Newbury Street in Boston, anyone with a few feet of real estate in front of their place will plop down a table and start serving out side. Last year The Lobster Shanty, Salem Beerworks and Victoria Station had by far the largest patio seating with Rockafellas showing nicely for down town. This year the tide has changed, be on the lookout for Spirits to dominate summer outdoor space. If they book quality live music and are allowed to play outside, they could give the Shanty a run for their money.

Summer finds tourists and locals alike beating a path to Pickering Wharf. Finz and Victoria Station have nice on the water seating but Capt’s open air second floor offers perhaps the best view on the wharf. If you want a more nautical dinner experience than just eating by the water, you can dine on the water at Salem’s floating restaurant the Rockmore which is scheduled to open on May 23rd. The Rock is a perennial party pad pushing a plethora of pleasant pabulum and plenty of potable potions.

Is Salem’s art and music boom sustainable?

Twenty years ago when the Cambridge music and arts scene started to take off people said that venues like TT the Bear’s and the Middle East would never survive across the river from Boston landmarks like the Rathskeller, Narcissus, The Boston T Party and M-80. If you look at the Boston/Cambridge seen today you’ll find that two of the Boston clubs mentioned are now BU condos the other two are now Lyons Group clubs, changed names, had about 50 face lifts and just last month one (now Avalon) was sold to the House of Blues. In Cambridge, TT’s and the Middle East are still packing people in every night of the week.

I don’t think we will see the migration to Salem slow down for quite a while. New condo housing is being built and affordable rentals abound. More 20 and 30-somethings with disposable income, no kids or very young families are still flocking to Salem. With their arrival you find business that cater to them popping up. Prime examples are hip baby shops like Crunchy Granola Baby, hang outs like Front Street Coffee House and Gulu-Gulu Cafe and new businesses like the recently opened Hex and the soon to open Witch City Ink. When independent businesses open up focusing on a college/post college/young professional demographic it makes the city more appealing to that demographic.

With available retail space, new space coming shortly (Old Salem News building, and Courthouse area redevelopment) there is no question the night life scene in Salem can grow. One fear many people have is corporate establishments encroaching on down town. Salem’s unique charm is in part due to it’s independent businesses. When local pizza chain The Upper Crust moved into Salem last year there was plenty of talk regarding their “corporate” status. Will future restaurant/bar/nightclub owners in Salem keep an independent spirit alive? That remains to be seen.

What is missing from Salem’s scene?

One aspect lacking in Salem is a true “night club”, one with great sound and lights that focuses on entertainment every night. While this type of place can’t realistically exist in down town Salem, there are plenty of locations that would work.

Where is the Salem Art scene? In the summer, Klopp Alley is full of artists, sculptures, jewelry makers and musicians. Through out the year The Salem Art Association throws a few events promoting art and their artists in particular. The Art Corner, Front Street Coffeehouse and Gulu-Gulu Cafe always have something on exhibit but is this enough for our city? Often during Halloween season the old Newmark Gallery on Essex Street is taken over by locals and puts on quite a show. This year that wont happen as it will house the Lizzie Borden Museum (why? I didn’t know she was from Salem). There are plenty of local artists and the only galleries to be found in Salem are devoted to miniature ships and maritime paintings. With all the talent in our own backyard it’s too bad there is no daily way to showcase it.

Salem could also benefit from a “local only” night. In some smaller cities you will find venues that promote from within, by featuring only local musicians and artists on a particular night (every Thursday for instance). Given the number of bands and artists that call Salem home this could be a successful concept for a mid-week night.

Last Call

As more people come to Salem for their night out the venues need to keep up their great offerings while simultaneously ensuring client safety. By keeping patrons safe from harm (usually due to fisticuffs and/or over imbibing) the city licensing boards and police will allow a greater expansion of this city’s night life. When people come to Salem and have fun, everybody wins.

Right now is a great time to live in Salem, Massachusetts. Night time fun is in style and choices are abundant. If you want to have a quiet bottle of wine with friends, see live rock music, dance to a hip-hop DJ, or sit in on a jazz set – Salem has it all. And it’s only getting better. With the proliferation of patrons, establishments are seeing a bump in their bottom line which means they are more willing to offer you what you’re looking for, a good time on a night out.

Special Events / Festivals

None Listed

Music

Friday April 4th

• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Sad Marvin (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Preacher Jack(boogie woggie piano 8:30pm) @ Capt’s
• Catfish Lucy (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (Alternative / Experimental / Electronica 8pm)
  @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Janine Graham Jazz Group (jazz 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Richie Rich and the 24K Funk Band (dance, soul, pop) @ Rockafellas
• No listing @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday April 5th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing With Fire ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• 3 Ply (rock) @ Dodge Street
• JP Jazz Collective (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• No listing @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• No listing @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Sunday April 6th

Spokenword Productions presents…
The Witch City Poetry Series – Hosted by Chris Keefe
Sunday April 6, 5PM – 8PM

Open Mic Format every Sunday in April at the Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem.

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Leatherheads (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:35
Sunday at 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:00

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 and 7:30

Nim’s Island (PG)
Friday and Saturday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00, 7:15 and 9:25
Sunday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00 and 7:15

Theatre

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus” Friday & Saturday 8pm @ The Griffen Theatre
This is the LAST WEEK of this performance.

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Winter is over and everybody is coming out to kick April off right. Capt’s and Edgewater are doing live music and The Lobster Shanty is back in action. Friday check out killer jazz vocalist Janine Graham, as she is back in Salem doing a show at the Lyceum. This is a real treat since she hasn’t played in town for quite some time. Saturday it’s time to mix it up a bit and shake your booty to DJ Cee Block‘s hip-hop grooves over at O’Neill’s. Usually we don’t give too much props to Sunday but this Sunday is different. Mr. Chris is starting up an open mic Poetry Night at Gulu-Gulu, if this is anything like his past projects this could be the start of something good.

Special Events / Festivals

13th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction to benefit the North Shore Arc at the Lyceum Friday 7pm

Music

Friday March 28th

• Sandy Bedrosian (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Mamadou (West African 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Nate Wilson Group (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Machine 475 (electronic music/art collaboration 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Moonglow (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Unknown @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday March 29th

• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The River Rocks ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Demon’s Alley (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Elm Street Jazz (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• No listing @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Open Bar Band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Preacher Jack @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Salem Film Fest Audience Award Winner
Buddha’s Lost Children
Friday & Saturday at noon, 2:15, 4:45, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday at noon, 2:15, 4:45, 7:30;

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am, 1:45, 4:10 and 7:00

The Other Boleyn Girl (PG-13)
Friday and Saturday: 11:15 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 11:15 AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:15

Theatre

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus” Friday & Saturday 8pm @ The Griffen Theatre

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Friday night if you are lucky enough to score tickets to the Wine Tasting & Auction at the Lyceum then your plans are set but for everyone else head over to Gulu-Gulu and experience Machine 475. Last time the Open Bar Band played over at Rockafellas they packed the house with a line out the door so Saturday get to the Rock early. Take it easy Sunday by catching a limited showing of Buddha’s Lost Children over at Cinema Salem

Special Events / Festivals

None listed

Music

Friday March 21st

• Dennis James (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Barflyz (rock, covers 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Force (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Kevin Kennedy (solo piano & vocals 9pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, soul) @ Rockafellas
• Unknown @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday March 22nd

• Matt Dorko and Larry Kukers (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Dana Z: Elvis Impersonator (Elvis! 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Zullo (hip-hop) @ Dodge Street
• Drift Session (rock, blues, psychedelic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Kevin Kennedy (solo piano & vocals 9pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Unknown@ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am, 1:45, 4:10 and 7:00

10,000 BC (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday: 12 noon, 2:30, 5:20, 8:00

The Bank Job (R)
Friday and Saturday: 11:15 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 11:50 AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:15

Theatre

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus” Friday & Saturday 8pm @ The Griffen Theatre

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

I love the great choices we have this weekend. Friday night I’d love to see the Barflyz, they were great when we last saw them but RSVP at Gulu Gulu is just too much to miss. Saturday we are hitting it high brow style by checking out Oedipus at the Griffen then heading over to the ‘Kok to get our Elvis on with Dana Z. Looks like we will be sleeping in Sunday, sorry Mom no Easter dinner here.

Special Events / Festivals

SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Saturday, March 15th from 3 – 6 pm
Old Town Hall, Essex Street, Salem, MA
Tickets $20 advance available at Pamplemousse & The Picklepot
Tickets are $25 Day of the Event

Music

Friday March 14th

• Search Party (dance, rock, pop, reggae) @ Rockafellas
• Starlight Grey (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Alanna Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30) Speakeasy (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• DJ Seth (Indie, 80′s, pop, alternative 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Brian Maes Band (Classic rock 9pm) @ The Lyceum
• Preacher Jack (boogie-woogie piano 9pm) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday March 15th

• Aliance (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Wicked Hawt, DC4, Awakening Stick & Jaded @ Dodge Street
• Karen Cameron (jazz 6:30-9:30) Black Water Noise (rock, blues, alternative 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Jeff Savlon and Big Blue Octopus (MS Fundraiser 7pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Marybeth Maes (9pm) @ The Lyceum

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
This cult classic will be presented on Friday night at 11:30 only.

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 and 7:15;

10,000 BC (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday: 11:15 AM, 1:45, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday: 11:15 AM, 1:45, 4:15, 7:00

Vantage Point (PG-13)
Friday and Saturday: 11:50 AM, 2:00, 4:35, 7:30 and 9:40
Sunday: 11:50 AM, 2:00, 4:35 and 7:30;

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

It seems like there are more live music choices than ever here in Salem. Friday treat yourself to a Salem tradition and go see the legendary Preacher Jack at Spirits. If you haven’t checked out this “everything old is new again” hotspot, you’ll love the bar and live music. Saturday, Jeff Savlon and Big Blue Octopus will be playing a MS fundraiser so stop on by Gulu-Gulu before heading off to the ‘kok to see Black Water Noise bust out their blues meets Black Sabbath groove.

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus”

March 21-April 6
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 5pm
Griffen Theatre, 7 Lynde St., Salem
Tickets: $18 adults/$15 seniors & students
(978) 790-8546 or http://www.salemtheatre.com

“Ignorance cures nothing. This whole nation is sick…”

STC presents Ted Hughes masterful, poetic adaptation of Seneca’s rarely performed epic “Oedipus”. Discover a new and shocking twist on the famous tale of the doomed king and the relentless power of fate. The world of Thebes, sickened and infected, and the story of Oedipus are evoked dramatically through Seneca’s command of mood and Hughes’ stark poetry. Not to be missed!

Music

Friday March 7th

• Acme Music (dance, rock, pop) @ Rockafellas
• Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Wendy Nottonson (jazz 6:30-9:30) The Kicking Moon (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (Alternative / Experimental / Electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Soul Baby (R&B, Funk, Soul) @ The Lyceum

Saturday March 8th

• New Life (dance, rock, pop, disco) @ Rockafellas
• Akiko Aoki (jazz 6:30-9:30) On 3 (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Winstons (rock) @ Dodge Street
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30PM – 5:30PM) 500 Plastic Dragons (cd release party- Indie / Pop / Country 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (classic rock 9pm) @ The Lyceum

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

10,000 BC (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00, 9:35
Sun: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00

Spiderwick Chronicles(PG)
Fri & Sat: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15, 9:30
Sun: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15

Vantage Point (PG-13)
no-times listed

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Last month their gig was canceled due to snow but tonight the insider pick goes to the always fun Soul Baby playing over at the Lyceum. Saturday get out an support local Salem band 500 Plastic Dragons as they celebrate their CD release. And for all you Sunday Brunchers, Sixty2 on Wharf is jumping into the heavily saturated market starting Sunday.

As always have a blast, don’t drink & drive and tell us about your weekend.

Special Events / Festivals

Salem Film Fest 2008
Earlier this week we did a full write up on the Salem Film Fest which kicked off Thursday night. It’s going on all week and there are plenty of great movies to see and fun events at local establishment. We are big proponents of broadening our cultural horizons, this is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Music

Friday February 29th

• Richie Rich and the 24 Karat Funk Band @ Rockafellas
• The Illegals w/ Dave Fisher (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Steve Marvin (jazz 6:30-9:30) Eternity (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Machine 457 (Electronica / pop / rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Saturday March 1st

• Pete Demon & Cocaine Tongue (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Shadowbox Blues Band (blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Salem Film Fest Schedule

Vantage Point (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 7:30, 9:50
Sun: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 6:00

Spiderwick (PG)
Friday and Saturday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15 and 9:30;
Sunday – Thursday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45) and 7:15.

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit in its first week is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

This weekend the insider picks are easy to make. With the Salem Film Fest coming around only once a year its time to head to the movies. Stand out movies this weekend look like B.I.K.E, Everything Will be OK, and Red Without Blue. There are plenty of other great movies coming up during the week. If movies aren’t your bag, dance your booty off with Richie Rich Friday night.

As always have a blast, don’t drink & drive and tell us about your weekend.

No this isn’t an article about the Purple Scorpion or the soon to open Witch City Ink, it’s about some beautiful photographs, the Peabody Essex Museum and moko.

(c) Hans Neleman

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo

Open now and running through February 2009, the PEM is showing a photographic exhibit by Hans Neleman which delves into the Maori recapturing and embracing their cultural identity which was stolen from them under British rule. Neleman gained the trust of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand photographing the resurgence of moko and witnessing the revival of the Maori language.

What is moko?

Traditionally the Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori. It is distinct from what we think of as tattoo’s in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured with a needle. Using an uhi (which looks like a back scratcher made from albatross bone) leaves the skin with grooves, rather than the smooth surface people with modern tattoos have.

Moko is a rite of passage, a road map to the wearers life. Each part of the moko is distinct and tells of the persons tribe, family and status in society. As such, each is unique and can be read by others, it is an outward profile of who you are. Moko can be worn by both men and women however, women tend to have only their lips and chin done while men do the entire face.

About the photographs.

As a photographer and having read Neleman’s book Moko–Maori Tattoo I can tell you that his use of large format photography to capture minute detail works wonderfully with his natural ability to connect with a subject. Many of his images are captured in a studio, not the natural environment for the average person. Yet he is able to put them at ease and allows their personality to show through. It is as though you can see through time and look beyond preconceived anachronistic notions.

On the heals of the Oscars (yes there were Oscars this year) where American actors were shut out this year, Cinema Salem is proud to host the Salem Film Fest February 28th – March 6th.

This year, join a celebration of international film and music in Salem, Massachusetts, America’s first international city.

Enjoy outstanding features, documentaries, and short films from around the world, participate in face-to-face discussions with filmmakers, and party with world-class musicians in one of America’s most beautiful and historic cities.

This seven-day event will showcase brilliant, emerging, and controversial film from Spain, The Netherlands, Thailand, Tuva, Nigeria, Russia, China, and the US.

The films will be shown at Cinema Salem, times are posted on salemfilmfest.com (warning: it is an old frames style website and wont work properly in some browsers) . Events such as lectures, discussions with film makers, insight to the industry and parties supporting the films will be held around town. The Salem Waterfront Hotel stepped up to the plate and is the major sponsor with many other local businesses kicking in and doing their part to encourage and support this endeavor.

With 28 different films being shown you might want to see more than one. Cinema Salem has constructed multiple single and multi-day passes which allow you to save some money when seeing more than one film. Now go get your culture on.

Special Events

Runway Fashion Show
The Woman’s Friend Society is hosting their biggest fund raiser of the year, their Runway Fashion Show at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, Friday, Feb. 22. A cash bar with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres opens at 6:30 p.m., and the show on the runway begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are Required and cost $45.00. You may pick up reservation cards at the participating shops or you may contact: womansfriend@verizon.net for reservations.

This is a great organization that has been helping women in Salem for over one hundred years. If you have the time and the money attending this Fashion Show is a great way to help out our community.

Music

Friday February 22nd

• Moonglow @ Rockafellas
• Autumn Above (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Karen Cameron (jazz 6:30-9:30) AJ Edwards (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• CentripitalForce (Electronica / Drum & Bass / Breakbeat 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Saturday February 23rd

• Wildfire @ Rockafellas
• Demon’s Alley, Crash Midnight & Switchblade Suicide (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Matt Dorko and Larry Kukers (jazz 6:30-9:30) Mamadou (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Bring Back Pluto (funk / jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Vantage Point (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 7:30, 9:50
Sun: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 6:00

Spiderwick (PG)
Friday and Saturday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15 and 9:30;
Sunday – Thursday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45) and 7:15.

Fools Gold (PG-13)
Friday and Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00 and 9:40;
Sunday-Thursday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30) and 7:00.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
Fri: 11:30 PM

Salem Film Fest 2008 - Although not this weekend plan some serious time at the movies from February 28th to March 6th

Art

Samuel McIntire, Carving an American Style @ PEM
This exhibit is a must-see for Salem residents (who get in for FREE) and comes to an end on February 24th, SEE IT NOW!

Insider Picks

With the snow already falling and the weatherman telling us it will last most of the weekend our picks are easy. First stop after work is off to get a snow storm beverage. Do you know what to do in Salem when there is a snow storm? Our Friday pic has to be Gulu-Gulu the sweet beats that Centripitalforce lays down is a perfect mix for the chill vibe of this urban oasis. Saturday Dodge Street is a must if you want some good old ass kickin’ rock-n-roll. Switchblade Suicide is a relatively new band but we saw them a while back in Somerville and they busted out.

As always have a blast, don’t drive and tell us about it.

With this being the 250th anniversary of the birth of Salem’s renowned architect and woodcutter, Samuel McIntire, a multitude of events (including the summer walking tours and Christmas house tour) have been offered in celebration with Carving an American Style at the Peabody Essex Museum being the focal point. This exhibit ends next Sunday February 24th. If you are a student of Salem history, fine wood artistry or architecture you owe it to yourself to get over to the PEM and see this collection now in its final week. The entire third floor is devoted to the genius of McIntire’s work.

From fine furniture details; carved desks, game tables, bedposts, mirrors and chairs to mammoth structures like the Old North Church, the Washington Arch (formerly at the West gate of the Salem Common) and a plethora of buildings, a great number of original McIntire pieces are on display. Not only are these pieces beautiful, but a portion of the exhibit is devoted to showing you how McIntire build them using traditional tools and methods. Seeing a master woodcarver ply his trade and viewing the example pieces on hand gives you a unique insight and appreciation on how this master must have worked.

An integral feature of the exhibit is exploring the relationship that McIntire had with the Henry Derby family. Derby was this nation’s first millionaire, making his money through trade with the Far East. Derby commissioned a variety of works, and was the first to commission a home designed by McIntire, who had it furnished with pieces he hand-picked, adorned with carvings.

If you are lucky enough to have some time off this week (it is school vacation week after all), spend some time enjoying this exhibit so you can spend more time enjoying Salem and what she has to offer.

Final lecture of the McIntire Lecture Series

In addition to seeing the exhibit, this Wednesday night is your last chance to attend one of the lectures which have been so informative. According to the PEM:

Elisabeth Garrett Widmer presents a talk on life at home in Federal America, which was demonstrably altered by a wide range of new aesthetic, economic and social forces and will examine these influences and their multifaceted manifestations in the architecture, décor and lifestyles of fashionable citizens of the federal period in America. She will open doors and peer through windows and invite the audience to join her on a tour through the drawing room and parlor, dining room and bedchamber, closet and bath. Along the way she will make observations on decoration and décor, comfort and convenience, furniture forms and feminine persuasion, consumerism and purchasing power, family life and room usage, entertainment and politeness and all the telling minutiae of domestic details.

Elisabeth Garrett Widmer is an independent author and educator. She has previously held leadership positions at Sotheby’s, Strawbery Banke Museum, Christie’s and Antiques America. She is the author of several books including At Home; the American Family, 1750-1870, which received the Charles F. Montgomery Prize of the Decorative Arts Society for the most distinguished contribution to the study of American decorative arts published in the English language by a North American scholar. She is currently working on a book on childhood in America.

The lecture is free but tickets are limited it’s suggested you swing by the museum and pick yours up early.

Music

Friday February 15th

• The Hangovers @ Rockafellas
• The Willows @ Dodge Street
• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30) New Water Hillbillys (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• DJ Ondrej! (house & trance) @ Gulu Gulu

Saturday February 16th

• Lisa Love Experience @ Rockafellas
• Tottaro and the Brigands @ Dodge Street
• Akiko Aoki (jazz 6:30-9:30) Playing with Fire (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Cyanide Valentine (8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Sunday February 17th

• Greek Night @ Rockafellas
• Harvesting Horror @ Dodge Street
• Jazz Jam! (6 – 10) @ Bangkok Paradise

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Fool’s Gold (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:20 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Sun: (11:20 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00

There Will Be Blood (R)
Fri – Sun: 12:30, 3:45, 7:30

Juno (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:30 AM), (1:45), (4:00), 7:15, 9:40
Sun: (11:30 AM), (1:45), (4:00), 7:15

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
Fri: 11:30 PM

Salem Film Fest 2008 - Although not this weekend plan some serious time at the movies from February 28th to March 6th

Art

Samuel McIntire, Carving an American Style @ PEM
This exhibit is a must-see for Salem residents (who get in for FREE) and comes to an end on February 24th.

Insider Picks

It’s not often that Czech DJ’s show up in Salem, so Friday night a trip to Gulu Gulu is in order. Keep in mind however that they are having issues with their liquor license (they discuss it on their website) so you might want to down a cocktail prior to heading over.

Saturday night the Lisa Love Experience is sure to get you out on the Rockafellas dancefloor. The last time they played TheSalemInsider.com crew fired up an after hours loft party that went till the sun came up. I wonder if there will be a repeat performance.

Since many people have an extra day in your weekend head over to the PEM and show your Salem ID to get in free and check out the McIntire exhibit. Many of the homes in town were build by him and this is a fascinating peek in to life, art and craftsmanship in Salem a couple of hundred years ago.

This sculpture in front of the PEM was by far the best

due to the weather many sculputures like this one in front of New Civilitea met an untimely demise

We photographed all the sculptures and will get them up on our flickr page shortly.

Whats going on in Salem the weekend of February 8, 9 and 10

Festivals / Special Events:

• 6th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival all weekend
• Red Cross Blood drive @ the old Town Hall 10am – 3pm Saturday

Music

Friday February 8th

• The Love Dogs @ Rockafellas
• Meatstick @ Dodge Street
• Alana Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30) Speakeasy (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• DJ Seth @ Gulu Gulu

Saturday February 9th

• Spiral Circus @ Rockafellas
• ol Brown Shoe (jam) @ Dodge Street
• Jon Kelly and Tom Petrekas (jazz 6:30-9:30) Scratch my Back (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Chaz & The Motorbikes (8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• renowned jazz vocalist Dane Vannatter and his quartet (Benefit Concert for Salem Public Schools 8pm) @ Peabody Essex Museum Atrium

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Fool’s Gold (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:20 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30
Sun: (11:20 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00

There Will Be Blood (R)
Fri – Sun: 12:30, 3:45, 7:30

Juno (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:30 AM), (1:45), (4:00), 7:15, 9:40
Sun: (11:30 AM), (1:45), (4:00), 7:15

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
Fri: 11:30 PM

Art

Samuel McIntire, Carving an American Style @ PEM
This exhibit is a must-see for Salem residents (who get in for FREE) and comes to an end on February 24th.

Insider Picks

If you want to start your Friday night off early, swing by Hamilton Hall for a Chocolate & Wine Tasting at 6:30pm. Once you’ve had your fill put your night into high gear. Tonight if you like martinis, swing / blues music, dancing and partying your ass off, head over to Rockafellas and tell the Love Dogs that “Big Daddy” sent you. If beer and Metal is more your style, Meatstick is rocking Dodge Street to it’s foundation.

Saturday (if you didn’t drink too much Friday night) help your neighbor and stock up on some karma points by giving blood at the old Town Hall during the day. Head to the PEM at night to hear Dane Vannatter perform some great jazz for a good cause, our Salem schools.

Don’t forget, all the ice sculptures around town are free to see and you could win some Salem booty if you pick up a Golden Ticket.

That’s right! Back by popular demand, the Teseracte Players will be returning to CinemaSalem for a series of monthly screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Kick off the season this Friday night! See Rocky done right with a fully interactive live cast to enhance your movie viewing experience. Doors open at 11:30 PM.

Costumes encouraged! Sh*t bags available before the show for $2. They include all the props you need.

Please no booze or water guns. Bags subject to search.

If you have never had the pleasure of experiencing The Rocky Horror Picture Show complete with a full cast, the time is now to join in the fun. Audience participation is what really makes this cult classic shine. And I can think of no better place to enjoy this cinematic masterpiece than right here in the heart of Witch City.

There are so many great things to do in Salem this weekend, keep a lookout for our weekend guide.

I’ve seen the sculptures for a few years now, it’s a total crap shoot due to weather. Hopefully it will be cold and dry so the ice can survive a few days.

As for the chocolate, if you have a sweet tooth you will be in heaven.

According to the Chamber of Commerce press release:

The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets and local retailers, restaurants and businesses will host the 6th annual Salem’s So Sweet, Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival, February 8- 14th. The festival’s focus will continue to be on decadent chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day retail. The festival is free for all to attend

The whimsical ice sculptures can be found at 15 locations throughout downtown Salem, and Pickering Wharf on Saturday, February 9th & Sunday, February 10th. Local merchants, restaurants and attractions sponsor ice Sculptures. Designs for this years’ ice sculptures include Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, a bride, a witch, a child reading a book, a teapot, and the Salem Waterfront Hotel.

In addition to the free temporary art in the down town area you can pick up a “golden ticket” and be eligible to win a gift basket containing swag from many of the participating shops.

Calendar of Events

Friday, February 8, 6.30 p.m.
Chocolate & Wine Tasting at Hamilton Hall

Saturday, February 9 – All Day
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – Chocolate samples, events and promotions at participating businesses.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Red Cross “Give From the Heart” Blood Drive in Old Town Hall Free chair massages for blood donors by Body and Soul Massage and Wellness Center.

Sunday, February 10 – All Day – Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – Chocolate samples, events and promotions at participating businesses

Thursday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day

Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Friday, February 8: 6.30-8.30 p.m.
Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut St., Salem. $20.00 Admission
Tickets for Sale at Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street, at the door or by calling 978.744.0004.

A Special Note

A few years ago one of theSalemInsider.com’s frequent contributors was involved in a bad motorcycle accident and required over 40 units of blood. If it wasn’t for the great care he received and the available blood, he would not be with us today. Many people need blood. This Saturday a wonderful way for you to help your neighbor is to give blood at the old Town Hall. It’s quick, relatively painless and a simple way for you to do something helpful for others. Who knows, someday you might be the person in need.

While we were out Friday night talking to local business owner Natan Lin about his latest project we snapped the above photos of Bangkok Paradise mixologist Jay serving up one of his specialties, the Flaming Jay.

Jay keeps his recipe close to the vest but is happy to instruct you as to the proper way to drink down one of these combustible concoctions. Served partly in a martini glass and also from a flowing creamer, the lights are turned down so others can enjoy the blue flame waterfall while you focus on the mint green beverage.

For those of you who don’t want your eyebrows singed off Jay suggests a house favorite the Bangkok Cocaine. Other favorites of the Salem Insider crew are the Fire and Ice and the Lychee Martini, an Asian treat.

I’m not one who goes to the movies that often, in fact until recently I can only recall 3 movies I’ve seen in the theater in the past 5 years. All that changed about a year ago when I was dragged kicking and screaming to the Salem Cinema.

Like many people I became disenchanted with the movies for a variety of reasons, there hasn’t been an original idea out of Hollywood in decades, movie lengths have shortened (80 and 90 minute movies) while prices have gone through the roof. While I love cinemas with stadium seating, big comfy chairs and troths of popcorn, I refuse to pay $12 for a ticket, $8 for a popcorn and $6 for a drink. Going on a date to the movies will run about $50. That is just crazy!

Since going to Cinema Salem my outlook has changed 180 degrees. Don’t set you expectations sky high when going to here for the first time. The theaters are old style with only a few hundred seats per screen. The seats themselves are also old skool flip down seats with no drink holders and not too much room.

Now for the upside. They have three screens showing current films. The prices are quite affordable, with admission prices being $8, kids and seniors pay only $6. That is less than a matinées price at other theaters. Popcorn, drinks and candy is also inexpensive. A couple can go to the movies get a large drink and popcorn for about $20. Thats about what you would spend for two cocktails and a tip at many of Salem’s local bars.

Cinema Salem also has a little cafe on site where you can grab a coffee and see some art by local and national artists. The employees are helpful and seem happy to be there. I have also found that the people who go there tend to be more polite than those that go to the big googleplexes. Even when seeing movies with groups of younger people (teenagers) they were not rowdy or boisterous.

Cinema Salem, going beyond your average theater

In addition to being a great option for a night out, Cinema Salem is a community friendly business. They often do “mom & baby shows” where the lights are up a bit and the sound is not at ear shattering levels. This past October they did a Horror Movie fest featuring classic films like Psycho, cult films like A Clockwork Orange and even a late night Rocky Horror Picture Show. Coming up in February and March they are hosting the Salem Film Fest 2008, a celebration of film and music.

What I find exceptional about Cinema Salem is their giving back to the community. Each month a portion of each ticket sold goes to a Salem grant totaling up to $1000.

CinemaSalem Grants are awarded monthly to deserving and innovative non-profit organizations. We’re interested in honoring and supporting groups that are making a difference in the world, and who are effective at communicating their vision and mission. If your organization is interested in applying, please pick up an application form in the theater lobby, or simply click here!

For more information about Cinema Salem grants see the community page on their website.

Like most theaters you can find show times and puchase tickets online through their website.

Seating: C
Sight and Sound: C+
Ticket Price: A
Concession Price: A
Overall: B

• Gulu Gulu is hosting a bash featuring DJes spinning Jazz / Funk / Trance / House (no $ info)
• You can get your hippie grove on with Taboot a phish cover band playing over at Dodge Street (no $ info).
• Over at Nathaniel’s and Sophia’s in the Hawthorne hotel you can have an elegant four-course, prefixed dinner. Live Jazz music (no dancing). . Price is $75.00 per person.
• Rockafellas is having dance band The Lisa Love Experience for a $20 cover or you can get the limited dinner special for $65.00 per person.
• Strega is having an Old Skool dance party with DJ Chuck, tickets are $10.00 In advance and $15.00 at the door

As for The Salem Insider crew, we will be doing a mini-pub crawl followed by a late night party.

Have a safe one.

Formerly McSwiggins Pub (a much better name IMO), The Old Spot established in ’06 (that’s 2006) is a legit English pub serving up good food, good beer and good music.

Growing up in an English/Irish family I’m always on the lookout for a restaurant serving up some traditional meals. You can find a bunch of traditional favorites at The Old Spot including bubble and squeak, black pudding, ploughman’s lunch, coddle, meat pie and some pub favorites like fish n’ chips and toad in the hole. The Old Spot doesn’t stop there they always have seasonal fish and fowl dishes alongside burgers, steaks and chops.

Last time I was in for dinner I had the green green salad – mixed greens, caramelized walnuts with a balsamic vinegar and the hog wings – slow roasted pork ribs with a buffalo sauce served up with carrots, celery and blue cheese. I washed it down with a pint of Guinness from there ample drought beer selection. Delicious.

The Old Spot is a traditional pub and the atmosphere does not disappoint. Dark mahogany wood, bright yellow paint and old photographs from the  UK compliment the fireplace and textured seat cushions. Live music is scheduled from 8pm to 11 (or midnight) most days, and the kitchen serves up a late night menu available until 12:30.

Food: B
Atmosphere: A
Service: B-
Overall: B

The Salem Arts Association puts on this walking arts show each year. You can see some of the work from our diverse arts community and check out where they make the magic happen. Many of the participants are local artists living and working here in town.

Take some time this weekend to support Salem artists, you might even find that Christmas present you were looking for.

A hip big city feel nestled in an artsy down town space.

You really can’t get more down town than Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Situated on the corner of Washington and Essex behind the Samantha statue since August, G²C has become a hot spot for the 20 & 30 something crowd. Their winning combination of a massive beer menu, constantly changing art shows, live music and light fare brings a cool energetic vibe unique to Salem restaurants and bars.

Food menu is limited but tasty. Deserts, coffee’s and cordials are available to those who aren’t counting calories. Service can be spotty at times. Don’t expect a quick in and out experience here, take your time and soak in the atmosphere. This cafe gets slammed on the weekends with their night staff being more attentive and less frazzled than the day staff.

Their location, huge glass windows, inviting interior and outside seating (during the good weather) bring in a diverse crowd. Don’t be surprised to see punk rockers and local artists hanging out with your grandma.

Food: B
Beer Selection: A+
Atmosphere: A
Service: C
Overall: B+

Photographer and year unknown

East India Hall at the Peabody Essex Museum is Symphony by the Sea’s traditional home. The museum’s maritime exhibits and special collections make it one of the outstanding museums in New England.
-Symphony by the Sea

Jonathan McPhee, Conductor
Jayne West, Soprano

SURINACH: Ballet Music for the Embattled Garden
CANTELOUBE: Selections from Songs of the Auvergne
Jayne West, Soprano
POULENC: Sinfonietta

Conductor Jonathan McPhee will give a pre-concert talk at 7:00 pm

Sometimes you find interesting music in unlikely places. Last night I went out to see The Indefinite Article, a Boston jazzy hip-hop phenom. Now getting major label attention and touring to support their second CD, The Indefinite Article played to a packed house at the Bangkok Paradise.

The Bangkok Paradise is known for its Thai food and live jazz but on occasion they will have a really fun rock, pop or hip hop band playing late night. Last night the first set started up at 10pm with some smooth grooves till Father Abraham took the mic. From there on in the tempo skyrocketed and the fun factor went through the roof. Three 45 minute sets later the ‘kok was still full as Indef-Art wrapped things up with a cover of EMF’s Unbelievable.

Unfortunately the ‘kok’s website is horrible and hasn’t been updated in months, but you can swing by and pick up a hand out listing the current months live shows. While you’re there try a lychee martini.