Walk for HAWC

The purpose of HAWC is to create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. HAWC provides services and support to victims of domestic violence residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts’ North Shore in order that they may make informed, independent decisions about their futures.

How can I help HAWC?

I’m glad you asked.  There are a bunch of ways to help raise money and allow HAWC continue the work they do.  You can sponsor a walker, get a team together and walk, volunteer, promote the event or just swing by and join the walk yourself.  All these options are explained on their website hawcdv.org.

Now that you’re ready to help here are the details.

18th annual Walk for HAWC
Sunday May 1st. Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 11 a.m.; walk is at noon.
Start and end point is the Old Town Hall on Front street
Call 978-744-8552 or visit hawcdv.org to register

And… Since you will be right there you might want to enjoy the music and beverages from the Lobster Shanty as they will be hosting another Rhythm & Booze (the event we talked about last week).

Rhythm & Booze

One of our occasional contributors, Forrest Frazier, has been working on a fun website that mashes up social networking and social drinking, SeeMyDrink.com. And if you know him you know that he used to be a DJ in both Boston and New York.  Well he is blending these two passions by once again jumping behind the turn tables.  Forrest has teamed up with our friends over at The Lobster Shanty to bring you a “make your own Bloody Mary bar”.

Here is the low down. You get the basic Bloody Mary (vodka and tomato juice) then you can spice it up and garnish the hell out of it. There will be different types of vodka to choose and all sorts of things to garnish with.  You can even get a super duper top shelf with lobster or bacon wrapped scollops, mmmm delish.

Music is going to be a mix of Rat Pack, Blues, Rockabilly and whatever else flows. This kicks off at 11AM Sunday morning and the rumor is that if its a success it will be a regular Salem event.  I couldn’t think of anything better to do when I roll out of bed or walk out of church Sunday morning.  See you there!

As we say every year, whether you are a foodie or not this is a great opportunity to try out something new and save a few bucks while doing it. Keep in mind that this is a busy event so reservations are encouraged.

Participating Restaurants

62 Restaurant and Wine Bar (Three-Course $25)
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0062

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar (Three-Course $25)
155 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 594-1832

Bella Verona (Three-Course $25)
107 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 825-9911

Cafe Polonia (Two-Course $15 & Three-Course $25)
118 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-0045

Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Club (Three-Course $25)
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 741-0555

Cilantro (Three-Course $25)
282 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-9436

Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill (Three-Course $25)
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant (Three-Course $25)
26 Congress Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-9335

Great Escape (Three-Course $25)
50 St Peter Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-5022

Green Land Cafe (Three-Course $25)
87 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-7766

Lakay Island Restaurant (Three-Course $25)
168 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-2308

The Lobster Shanty (Two-Course $15 & Three-Course $25)
25 Front Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-5449

The Lyceum (Three-Course $25)
43 Church Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-7665

Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel (Three-Course $25)
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA – (978) 825-4311

Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel (Two-Course $15 & Three-Course $25)
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 740-8788

Restaurant Gioia & Wine Bar (Three-Course $25)
140 Washington Street, Salem, MA – 140 Washington Street, Salem, MA

Rockafellas (Three-Course $25)
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-2411

Salem Beers Works (Three-Course $25)
278 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-233

Seaport Cafe (Two-Course $15 & Three-Course $25)
215 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 594-8490

Tavern in the Square (Three-Course $25)
189 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 740-2337

Thai Place (Two-Course $15 & Three-Course $25)
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA – (978) 741-8008

Victoria Station (Three-Course $25)
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-3400

Salem MA Annual Spring Fling

On Saturday, April 2nd from 6 – 9pm , Salem Massachusetts will host the fourth annual SALEM SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS presented by Pamplemousse at Old Town Hall. The Festival, which is fashioned after the Bacchanalia – a religious festival in honor of the god of wine, Bacchus – will kick New Englanders out of a long hibernation and jumpstart Spring by celebrating the Arts and indulging in craft beer, fine wine, and mouth watering food from North Shore restaurateurs.

Historically, the Bacchanalia was held in the Spring and priests and priestesses adorned with garlands of ivy would carry wine, honey, and cakes throughout Rome, celebrating and expressing themselves freely through music and pleasure.

This modern day version – Spring Fling – will feature a tasting of craft beers and beautiful wines from around the world. Truly a party fit for Bacchus! Guests will sample fine wines from Pamplemousse and Market Wine & Spirits and craft beer from Magic Hat, Harpoon, Cape Ann, Mayflower, Cody, Narragansett, Ipswich, Stone Cat, Clown Shoes and Left Hand Brewing.

Spring Fling will kick off Salem’s Restaurant Week with tastings from Sixty2 on Wharf, Gulu-Gulu Café, Café Polonia, Greenland Café, Tavern In the Square, Victoria Station, The Lobster Shanty, Upper Crust Pizzeria, Comida, Lakay Island and more. Enjoy coffee and ice cream from Café Valverde and Ben & Jerry’s. Salem Arts Association members will be on hand with fabulous hand crafted works and Art Throb will be launching their new art magazine! Groove to the Beantown funk of
Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket and their unique blend of Funk, Rock, R&B, Soul, Jam Grooves, Trip Hop, Latin Step, and Blues.

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! Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on April 2nd from 6 – 9pm at Old Town Hall on the Pedestrian Mall in Salem, MA.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at salemspringfling.com, in person at Pamplemousse, Salem Cycle, Roost and The Picklepot or by calling 978-745-2900.

Salem Spring Fling is presented by Pamplemousse (Purveyor of Fine Wines, Beer, Kitchen and Homegoods) in association with Magic Hat Brewing, Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Salem Arts Association and Art Throb.

If you’d like more information please contact:
Diane Manahan
Pamplemousse
185-189 Essex St
Salem MA 01970
www.salemspringfling.com
781-367-9232 cell
978-745-2900 store
info@pmousse.com

Salem Harvest Fest

Salem’s Annual Harvest Fest is a seasonal celebration of great craft beer, fine wine & mead. This year the event will be held at the Knights of Columbus hall 94 Washington Square on the Salem Common (by the playground).  As always there will be live music, giveaways & tons of fun.  We have always had a great time at the Harvest Fest and this year looks to continue that tradidtion.
You can sample beers from various brewers including: Magic Hat, Cape Ann Brewing, Harpoon, Cody Brewing, Mayflower Brewing, Dogfish Head, Berkshire Brewing, Left Hand, Clown Shoes, Naragansett, Ipswich and Stone Cat. Plus over 50 wines from around the world.

The Harvest Fest is held in two sessions.
Session One: 2 – 4:30 pm
Session Two: 5:30 – 8 pm

Ticket are $25 advance/$30 day of event (tickets give you entry to the festival, live music and food. Free sampling of wine/beer)
Buy your tickets now at  SalemHarvestFest.com or in person at Pamplemousse, 185 Essex St., Salem.

SAT did a few videos of last years Harvest Fest, it gives you a peek into what this is all about.

Vampyre with Baby

We at The Salem Insider threw our annual Halloween season kick-off bender this past Saturday and are ready for the impending tourist marathon. Even though the first weekend in October is when the city becomes decorated and the traffic becomes unbearable, the official start to Salem’s Haunted Happenings isn’t until Thursday10.07.10.

Haunted Happenings 15th Annual Grand Parade

• Thursday October 7th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
• Beginning at Shetland Park and ending at Salem Common.
• This year’s event theme is “Around the World”. The theme reflects Salem great maritime history and allows for parade participants to dress up as a mariner or a pirate, a penguin or maybe a Sumo wrestler! The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless! The Parade will leave from Shetland Properties on Congress St. turning left onto Derby St., right onto Lafayette St., left onto Front St., right onto Washington St., right onto the Essex St. Pedestrian Mall and finish in the Salem Common where DJ Doug will entertain all.

Also coming up this weekend:

Haunted BizBaz Street Fair

• Saturday October 9th & 10th
• Essex St., & Hawthorne Blvd. will be closed to vehicle traffic and fully stocked with vendors of all shapes and sizes

Salem Zombie Walk 10.10.10

• Sunday, October 10 at 3:00pm
• Fun begins at Collins Cove where there will be plenty of fun zombie activities
• The walk begins at 5pm and staggers though the city ending up at the Lobster Shanty where they will be serving brains. BRAINS!!!!

This is a clip from last years Zombie Walk.  Get inspired and go all out.  The Zombie Walk is a fun time independently grown by locals and always a treat to watch.

Celebrate 8 years of Pamplemousse!

On Thursday, July 15th from 4-7pm they’re hosting a little party/customer appreciation day to celebrate including birthday cake, giveaways and discounts! Happy birthday, Pamplemousse!

Related post:
Salem Wine Women with Miss Mouse

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.

Salem’s 7th Annual Christmas Tree Bonfire

Tomorrow night Wednesday, January 6th – on Dead Horse Beach at the Salem Willows – 6:00 p.m. (Rain/Snow/Wind Reschedule Date: Thursday, January 7th) you can say good bye to O’ Tannenbaum.

Christmas Tree Burn

When we were rebellious youths we’d  patrol the streets at night the first week of January and pick up all the dead Christmas trees, throwing them in the back of Bills truck. Once we had a good sized stack we headed off to the park where we would construct some sort of tree art and set match to tree.  It seems as though the Mayor was watching (or participating who knows) because our new years pastime is now city sponsored family fun.

From the city of Salem:

Bring your Christmas tree with you that evening, drop it off at the beach after January 1st or leave it out for curbside pickup beginning January 4th
Please don’t forget to remove all decorations and lights from your tree
(FYI – Citywide Christmas Tree Curbside Collection will also take place as scheduled January 4–8, 2010)

Sponsored by the City of Salem, Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services Department & The Gathering

This is a good time for all, complete with free hot chocolate! So head down to the Willows and say goodbye to 2009 and hello to what is going to be a great 2010.

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.

Salem's Super Info Booth

According to their website

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.

So this is what all the insiders know. The Salem BizBaz is an opportunity for scores of vendors to set up shop on Essex Street, Hawthorne Blvd. and Derby Square. Some of these vendors are from local shops while others are from schools, charities and civic organizations, oh and some yummie food purveyors.

If you are one of those people who always want to do something to help your fellow man but never seem to get around to it the BizBaz is the time for you to make good. Over by Rockafellas you will find some of the good people who work with Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is a retreat in Maine for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Donate a few dollars and put a smile on the face of someone less fortunate.

Want to put your money to work a bit closer to home? Salem high school football has a booth set up at the top of Derby Square, trying to raise funds for new uniforms. Further down the street by Fools Mansion you can find a Salem Little League booth and a Salem Police tent.

In an amongst all the a fore mentioned booths you will find jewelry makers, face painters, witch hat vendors, plenty of tee shirt sales, candied apples, kettle corn, magical crystals and all sorts of other fun stuff.

According to their website:

You are invited to America’s most exciting Halloween festival in the bewitching seaport city of Salem, Massachusetts.  A month of fun for the entire family. Discover the magic of Salem for Halloween!

Vampire with Baby

As readers of this blog know there is always something to do in Salem and during Haunted Happenings. Salem in October transforms into a special place that celebrates all things spooky and throws the biggest Halloween party on the planet. Each year the festivities kick off with the Grand Parade, continue with various events through out the month and wrap up with late night fireworks on the 31st.

We will be putting the spotlight on some of the upcoming events that are not to be missed.  If you have an favorite event you think our readers need to know about drop us a line.

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

The Salem Chamber of Commerce does such a great job organizing so many events around town but the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade might be one of their most visible and well attended events.  Salem’s students from kindergarten to college, businesses and civic organizations all gather at Shetland park on October 1st at 6:30 and trek through down town (Congress to Derby to Lafayette to Front to Washington to Essex and ending in the Salem Common. This years theme is “Night at the Museum”.

People from all around line the parade routes to watch kids in costume, bands on parade floats, ghost busters, marching bands and the synchronized lawn chair drill team.  This is a great way to get you in the mood for the season and is a signal that the hustle and bustle of tourist season is about to commence.

Haunted Happenings Parade road closures

A parking ban will be in effect on 10/1/09 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 10/1/09 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.

Next up the Zombie Walk

Fried Snickers

Thanks to the Salem Chamber of Commerce for spearheading this great event. (Although I’m sure its a ploy by the tailors and clothing shops around town to get you into a larger size.) Don’t let these prices pass you by. Check out our Salem restaurant review page if you want more info about the participating restaurants. Also, be sure to let us know what you think.

Current List of Participating Restaurants (As of September 1st)

Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
2 Bridge Street, Salem, MA
978-744-1863

Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-741-0555

Cilantro
282 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9436

Finz Seafood Restaurant
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant
26 Congress Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9335

The Lobster Shanty
25 Front Street, Salem, MA
978-745-5449

Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4311

Passage to India
157 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-832-2200

Regatta Pub at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-740-8788

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA
978-745-2411

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0062

Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4342

Tavern in the Square
189 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-740-2337

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA
978-741-8008

Victoria Station
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-745-3400

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).

Salem Common durring Snow Storm

Did you hear? It is officially summer.  I wouldn’t blame you for not knowing, if you look outside its been gloomy, dreary, rainy and all around craptastic.  People have been on the twitters moaning about having only three days of sun in June and how they want to beat up the weather man with a sack full of oranges.

Usually as-soon-as summer arrives I give you a brief overview of some fun things that are happening in Salem.  But this year I feel a little guilty telling you about the Rockmore being open when I haven’t even made my first trip over there this year.  I wouldn’t want you to get all jazzed up about the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival and their free events around town. It would be sour grapes to talk about the Salem Farmers Market that starts up tomorrow.

Maybe when the weather breaks I can give you more info on a weekly group motorcycle ride starting in Salem.  Show you some new photos of life around town. And introduce you to a few new faces in town including one rather famous blogger. Until then enjoy some of the fun things to do in Salem when mother nature is kicking you in the teeth.

The Darq Gathering

Usually this type of event doesn’t happen here in Salem untill the Halloween season us upon us, which is why this weekend April 11-12, is going to be so special.  Local Salem DJ / Promoters Vudu:DJ and Jack Phoenix have gathered up a ton of local businesses to offer discounts on everything from hotels to facials, from clothing to clubbing.

Billed as the “First Annual Field Trip to Historic Salem MA, Dancing in the Darq after!” this event, originally geared to show people on the East Coast what a great place Salem is in months that aren’t October, is a hidden gem for us locals.

Here is how it works, on Saturday you can buy a bracelet at Fools Mansion for $10 then show your bracelet to merchants to receive a discount.  At night you can head over to the Bangkok for free entry to their Darq dance night.

Who is participating?

• The Salem Inn
• The Stepping Stone Inn.com
• The Clipper Ship Inn
• Laura Lanes Skin Care
• Pamplemousse
• The Broom Closet
• New England Magic
• Fool’s Mansion
• Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles
• Army Barracks
• Purple Scorpion Piercing
• Cat n Fiddle Uniques
• Artemisia Botanicals
• Bewitched in Salem
• The Orace Chamber
• Count Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery
• Witch City Ink
• Peace Through Violence
• The Lobster Shanty
• Spellbound Museum
• Spellbound Ghost Hunt Tour

This is a great opportunity for people to visit Salem in the off season and save some cash.  The weather looks like a real winner for this event also.  But even if you are a local, spending a few bucks for a discount on all these merchants leaves more money in your pocket and these days who doesn’t need that?

For more info on this and other fun events check out Darq on myspace.

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

The Main Event: Spring Fling vs. Spring Equinox Celebration

In this corner the veteran wearing the light green and white striped trunks, The Spring Fling!

Salem Spring Fling

On March 21st, Salem Massachusetts will host the second annual SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS sponsored by Magic Hat at Old Town Hall in the center of this beautiful, historic seaport. The Festival, which is fashioned after the Bacchanalia – a religious festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus – will kick New Englanders out of a long hibernation and jump start Spring by indulging in the finest wines, craft beers and mouth watering food from North Shore restaurateurs.

This modern day version – Spring Fling – will feature a tasting of over 50 fine wines and international and domestic craft beers from Magic Hat, Ipswich, Cape Ann, and Harpoon. Wine professionals will be on hand with an assortment of vino from the US, Europe, South Africa, South America and Down Under. Truly a party fit for Bacchus!

Salem Restaurants such as The Old Spot, Finz, Sixty2 on Wharf, Rockafellas, The Lobster Shanty, AJ King Artisan Bakers, Cafe Grazziani, The Upper Crust Pizzeria, Gulu Gulu and more will tickle and tantalize your palate with delectable culinary delights! North Shore Artists will be offering an eclectic variety of art to please your eye and warm your home! Local favorite, Machine 475 will be performing live. Free chair massages provided by Living Well.

The Spring Fling is on Saturday March 21st from 1-4 at The Old Town Hall, tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

And in this corner… the new comer Spring Equinox Celebration to benefit the new playground on Salem Common.

Parents United of Salem (we never hear of them either, but apparently they have been working for a new playground on the Common for about 2 years now) is inviting you to their upcoming Spring Equinox Celebration, to benefit the new Playground on Salem Common. Partygoers will gather at historical Hamilton Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first Saturday of spring, March 21, to sample food and drink from local merchants and bid on an array of auction items. Local jazz trio Bob Kendall & Friends will provide a perfect musical backdrop for munching and mingling and making springtime merry.

Wine tastings from Salem Wine Imports and Market Wine & Spirits; and beer offerings from Boston’s Sam Adams, Salem Beer Works, and fellow North Shore brewers Cape Ann Brewing Company (Fisherman’s Brew) and Mercury Brewing Company, which will provide non-alcoholic Mercury Soda in addition to its celebrated Ipswich Ale. Steve’s Market will supply water. Food will be provided by Sixty2 on Wharf, New England Meat Market, New England Soup Factory, Rockafellas, Salem Beer Works, and Upper Crust. Ben & Jerry’s, Blue Ribbon Bakery, the Hawthorne Hotel, Jacqueline’s Gourmet Cookies, and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie will offer sweets.

Next door to the ballroom, attendees will bid on everything from bakery tours to history tours, paintings to parties, and loads of lessons – Spanish, Italian, skating, home staging, and more. Big ticket items, including one week in a New Hampshire ski condo and box seats to a Red Sox/Yankees game at Fenway Park, will be auctioned in the ballroom by local parent Max Burbank. All proceeds from the auction and ticket sales will benefit the new  playground.

The Spring Equinox Celebration is on Saturday March 21st from 7-10pm at Hamilton Hall, tickets are $30 each or $50 per couple, PUS members get a 50% discount.

Let’s get ready to Rumble!

You will notice that some of the local restaurants are staying neutral or double dipping but our main factions are once again squaring off against each other.  I suppose if you were so inclined and wanted to drop $55 you could attend the Spring Fling in the afternoon and then the Spring Equinox Celebration in the evening.  Lets face it though, if these events were spaced out by a week or maybe two more people would go to both and it would be a win for us and a win for them.

Latest Line

Like every good Vegas price fight there has to be some betting odds.  What do you think, who will come out on top?  Where are you willing to spend your money, on our veteran the Spring Fling or the new kid Spring Equinox Celebration?

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.

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.

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/2008/12/31/throwing-your-own-new-years-eve-party/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/12/31/throwing-your-own-new-years-eve-party/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:16:54 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=809 Yesterday we went over a few things to do around Salem, today its all about the DYI NYE.

Legal Disclaimer: First and foremost have fun and stay safe.  I know we talk about going out and having cocktails all the time but that’s because Salem is such a great city to walk, that we don’t ever find ourselves behind the wheel.  When throwing a NYE party unless all of your guests will be walking or staying over, make sure someone is responsible so everyone can start 2009 off right.

Now on to the good stuff.  When you are 21 years old, New Year’s Eve is nothing more than an excuse to get hammered out of your mind. I used to have a ritual where I’d meet up with about 20 friends for Chinese food and scorpion bowls early in the evening then we’d go off to parties and drink champagne and eat cherries soaked in grain alcohol.  Sometimes I wonder how I still have a liver but I digress…

There comes a time when spending big bucks on a night out isn’t worth the couple of hundred you will drop.  And, if you are reading this then getting Chinese food and nodding off before Dick Clark’s robot proclaims the new year is probably not an option either.  So let’s call some friends and have a house party.

Your party should be a marathon not a sprint, that means invite your friends over at 8 and leave it open ended.  Since you will be serving some adult beverages, serve some adult food.

Fellow blogger and soon-to-be Salem resident The Hungry Mouse offers some great tips on tasty treats for your party.  Her blog should be on your RSS feed since it features Adventures in food and cooking.  Fresh content. Every day.

I love New Year’s Eve. From the champagne to the funny hats to the kissing at midnight. Call me a sucker, but I can’t help myself. Here are a few recipes that are short on prep time and long on flavor–so you can spend more time where you belong this holiday season. With your friends.

This Spicy Chipotle Lime Ketchup goes really well with a platter of my
Crispy Sesame Chicken Nibbles.

If you have a houseful of carnivores, my Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Beef Spare Ribs have all the flavor of holiday roast beast, with almost no effort. If your guests swing the other way, this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is warm, filling–and totally vegetarian if you make it with veggie broth instead of chicken stock.

Round out the evening with a plate of Walnut Butter Ball Cookies, which look like mini snowballs and are fast, easy, and festive.

Hungry Mouse spread

Libations

Our resident Cocktologist, err…Mixologist has some New Year’s Eve bar tending suggestions.

Your guests will most likely bring over a wine, beer or in this case champagne so while I always have some on hand I don’t put my efforts into that.  I like to have a seasonal offering so depending on my expected crowd that means a specialty drink or shot. You can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, hot cider or cool egg nog.  All of which can be prepared before company comes over and put out in a crock pot or punch bowl, allowing your guests to consume at their leisure.

My cider always comes complete with some Sailor Jerry spiced rum.  Sailor is easy on the wallet and since it’s served hot in cider, you don’t need to waste the good stuff.  Since grain alcohol is no longer legal in Massachusetts I’ll share with you my holiday Uncle Foroct’s Olde Tyme Apple Pie Shot™ recipe.

50% Apple Juice or a fresh apple cider
40% good quality vodka
10% good quality spiced rum
4 cinnamon sticks
Mix all ingredients.  In a non metallic container (think milk jug), store in fridge for a minimum of 12 hours stirring occasionally. Remove the cinnamon sticks, shake and serve in shot glass with a dollop of whipped cream and dash of cinnamon.

Apple pie shot

Champagne and other sparkling wines

Now you have some fine recipes and good beverage ideas but New Year’s Eve is all about the champagne toast. This year I want you to skip going to the packie and grabbing a bottle of Asti Spumante like all the other plebeians out there.  Downtown Salem boasts two great shops where you can find your Champagne this year.

Salem Wine Imports

Owner Eric Olson offers a wide variety of champagnes in a wide variety of prices.  If everyone at your party is a connoisseur then Erik suggest a fine 1998 La Grande Dame at a mere $170 a bottle, it comes in a beautiful black lacquer and mahogany, commemorative box with chrome and leather details.  If, on the other hand, you only drink champagne once a year then a La Mandier ($52)  might be more your style.  Since Snoop Dog is on my guest list I might just pick up a bottle of Crystal ($250).

1998 La Grande Dame

Champagnes at Salem Wine Imports

Pamplemousse

If you don’t have the big bucks but still want a nice bottle of bubbly, Catherine made some fun suggestions.  While they do have some good champagnes there like a traditional Moet ($51) they also feature some sparkling wines from nearby the champagne region in France.  Charles de Fere is a nice option as are some of the more economical sparkling wines from around the world.

Sparkling Wines from Pamplemousse

One more thing

This year we are getting a special bonus—a leap second.  That’s right, you get one more second to bask in the glow of 2008. Please, don’t waste this valuable second with shoddy food and crappy champagne.  Live life to the fullest in that second and know as you kiss your sweetie that for one shining moment this year you truly gave it your all.

There are only two days left to make plans for how you want to bring in the new year.  Even though Salem might not have any balls to drop on the masses we do have plenty going on.  Here are our top picks for spending your New Years Eve in Salem MA.

Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Gulu Gulu Cafe – Bell bottoms are back at the Disco Ball.  One of our favorite local DJ’s Radio Scotvoid along with Noel Snow will be spinning all your favorite funk, disco and soul from the 1970′s.  Dress to impress with 70′s best.  Your $10 cover gets you in the door, some fine food-stuffs and a champagne toast at midnight.  Great fun on a limited budget.

Sixty2 on Wharf - Prefer a bit more refined New Years Eve?  Head over to Sixty2 where the jazz sounds of Qwill with Zach Fields on Drums and Anthony Sabol on Bass will be featured along with some killer food, great specials and a free champagne toast.

Rockafellas – Sitting smack in the middle of the price range between our two previous listing is Rockafellas. Offering a limited menu and the always fun Lisa Love Experience, tickets at door for the bar area are $25. A better deal is their dinner package with includes dinner at tables, entertainment, champagne toast and party favors for $65 per person. Rockafellas is kicking it off at 8pm.

Hawthorne Hotel Dinner – Some people love going to a hotel for New Years Eve, it’s a fun and safe plan.  The Hawthorne is pimping our their elegant four-course, $75.00 prefixed dinner.  Live Jazz music (no dancing) in both Nathaniel’s and Sophia’s (their two restaurants).

Not in the mood to go out to a bar, restaurant or hotel to celebrate?  Tomorrow we will be giving you the keys to hosting a successful New Years Eve party at home.  Complete with an insider’s guide to buying  champagne in Salem.

Satan and the God squad

Tomorrow it will be absolutely bonkers in Salem.  The weather is looking good and this year Halloween is on a Friday night.  Last year over 100,000 people came to Salem to celebrate and I predict we will get much more than that this year.

If you are coming to Salem for the first time or maybe you are an annual visitor or perhaps a new resident, you might enjoy this little refresher list of do’s and dont’s.

Salem Streets on Halloween

DO come early and take public transportation.  The T has added extra commuter rail trains to Salem and extended the hours of those leaving last trains to Boston, 11 to 11:24 p.m.; last trains to Newburyport, 11:26 p.m.; last train to Rockport, 12:38 a.m.  DON’T plan on parking anywhere near down town if you drive in after noon.  If you have to drive you will be walking a distance.

DO wear something comfortable.  I know you want to wear that slutty witch costume with the 8 inch f**k me boots, and we want to see you in it but remember that many of our streets are cobblestone or brick.  DO consider the size of your costume as you will be packed in like sardines whether on the street or in a bar.  DON’T freak out when you get stopped every 5 seconds because someone wants to take a picture of you looking like a bondage Tickle Me Elmo in a gimp outfit.

Naughty Halloween Costumes

DON’T expect a prime spot at your favorite bar.  DO use the opportunity to chat up people so they will give you their bar stool when they leave.

Speaking of drinking, DON’T bring a glass bottle of jagermeister with you.  I’ve seen too many people trip over their own costume or someone elses, packing glass is a bad idea.  DO patronize your favorite watering hole or have a cocktail at home.  If you must bring a beverage with you, use a flask.

View from Bar on Halloween

DO take the time to walk all around down town.  The streets will be blocked off from Washington Street from New Derby to Lynde streets; Derby Street from Lafayette to Congress streets; Hawthorne Boulevard from Derby to Essex streets; Washington Square west and south; Essex Street from Barton Square to Union Street.  Live bands and DJ’s will be set up on all of the streets with different types of music playing.  DON’T stay in one spot, you’ll miss out on so much of whats going on.  At least do one jog around town and plop yourself at your favorite spot.

The City wants to close things down at 10:30 pm ,well before you are done partying.  DON’T wait to get into a bar or restaurant no lines will be allowed after 10:45.  DO plan on being inside somewhere or being moved along by the massive contingent of coppers.

Cops on Halloween

If you are not comfortable in large crowds DO come early and leave early or take a valium.   DON’T expect people to make a path for you to move.   DO be polite, it will get you much further than being a tool.

We will be out having fun and taking pictures but if you have a great photo you would like to share with us send it over and we will post a bunch on Monday.

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.

The Days of Wine and Roses

With all the subtly of a heavy weight MMA fighter, Salem Wine Imports opened up shop almost a year ago.  Even before the first bottle of wine was sold the usual cadre of Salem gum flappers were making quite the hullabaloo.  It would appear that the owner of Salem Wine Imports Eric, (whom I personally like) used to be the salesman who sold to Dianne (whom I also personally like) owner of Pamplemousse another shop in town that sells wine.

You can read all about what transpired and come to your own conclusions but now we have two great shops in Salem that have a good selection of wines. We the consumers win.

As with most businesses that have nearby competitors, each shop tries to promote itself and entice new customers with a variety of techniques.  Pamplemousse (who should learn a thing or three from our Your Website and You posts - their site has been “under construction” for way too long now) hosts wine tastings most Saturdays from 2-4pm while Salem Wine Imports (who needs to realize that if you have a blog you need to update it once in a while) does tastings on Thursday nights from 6-8.  I feel this is a healthy competition which again benefits us the consumers.

The dark side of the cork

We here at TheSalemInsider.com try to keep up on all the events going on around town so you the reader will know whats going on.  As such we often get notices and invitations to events happening around town.  I’ve noticed a disturbing trend lately which makes me think there’s more than meets the eye in the land of corks and casks.

Take for instance the night of September 25th.  The Lyceum hosted Salem’s first Wine Expo.  This event  presented by Salem Wine Imports, The Salem Athenaeum and Historic New England was announced way back in July.

A few weeks back in my in-box I received notice of another wine event, Women & Wine Tasting.  The event  held at Laura Lanes Skin Care on September 25th,  featured wines specially selected from Pamplemousse.  Coincidence?  I think not.

This is not the first time a clash of the tannins has occurred.  Thankfully neither of these proprietors has sunk to the level of public nuisance or disturbance like our ice cream combatants.

Enough sour grapes, uncork the future and tell me what’s in store.

There are some great beverage related on goings in Salem in the next couple of weeks.  What better place to talk about the Salem Harvest Fest than this wine related article.

Salem Harvest Fest

If you like wine, mead or artisnal beers then this is an event for you.  For $20 in advance or $25 at the door you will be able to sample over 60 different libations from all around the world over a 2 1/2 hour period.   This Saturday October 18th, from either 2:00-4:30 or 5:30-8:00 Pamplemousse along with Magic Hat Brewing Company, The Upper Crust and Rockafellas offer up some great selections at a great location – The Gathering, at 217 Essex Street Salem.

If you DONT like wine, mead or artisnal beers then check in with us tomorrow as we tell you about two other festive events that you’ll need a designated driver for.

Witch City Motorcycle Run for MDA

Last year we reported that Boston Harley-Davidson (the ride organizer) had been purchased by Bruce Rossmeyer (a big deal in the Harley world) and that he had breathed new life back into the old ride.   As you know, Rossmeyer recently opened the Salem Harley shop on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.  This year he along with a few celebrity’s will be  leading the parade in what promises to be a large and impressive ride.

The parade route is supposed to be similar to last years with the procession making its way down Lafayette to Derby around 2pm this Sunday October 19th.  The streets get lined with onlookers early so stake your claim.  I’m looking forward to seeing some great photos and video from this years ride.

Since the weather is predicted to be great for riding plan on an additional 4000 plus people in town.  Also, keep in mind that getting lunch or dinner in Salem will be a bit tighter than a normal weekend day in October so make your plans with that in mind.

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.

Witches Cup Bike Race by lostandfoundphotos

Back in the days of Greg LeMond Salem started up a world class bike race that found national acclaim with many top athletes coming to the Witch City to take part in the race.

In the cycling boom of the 1980′s, Salem proudly hosted annual elite calibre bicycle races with national exposure. It’s the goal of the Witches Cup organizers to revive the strong bicycle racing tradition in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The last race to take place in Salem was a stop on the America’s Cup in June 2000.

In 2007 the Witches Cup was resurected by avid cyclists and fellow Salemites Paul Boudreau and Daniel Shuman (owner of Salem Cycle).  Now it its second year this race offers fun for everyone with classes for children, amateures, and eleite athleets.  Swing by the common today from 4pm on and see this great event.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

This Saturday Salem will be hosting it’s first official “Clean Energy Day” in conjunction with the Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair.

Everyone is talking “Green” these days and while I’m no tree-hugger if I can save a buck here and there while doing something environmentally friendly I’m all for it. The Old Town Hall will have vendors and booths set up to inform you about renewable energy, transportation, building and remodeling, lawn and garden, organic food and locally grown produce and household products.

Over at CinemaSalem at 10am a free showing of the propaganda film Killowatt Ours.

Filmmaker Jeff Barrie’s retort to the Vice President about energy usage and proposed proliferation of coal burning power plants. It’s an hour long trip down the “were killing the earth” road filmed about 5 years ago. If you can wade through all the people are evil tripe you will find some easy to impliment common sense steps to help lessen your impact on our planet.
- Creasey Silo

Even The Gathering is getting in on the festivites with a series of talks.

• 11 am – 12 pm: Salem Goes Green / Wind 101 presented by Cindy Keegan
• 12 pm – 1 pm: Living With Climate Change presented by Jeff Barz-Snell
• 1 pm – 2 pm: Greenscapes 101 presented by Barbara Warren
• 2 pm – 3 pm: Green Remodeling presented by Paul Marquis

Personal Note

Adjusting your lifestyle to be more environmentally is simple to do and shouldn’t cost you anything. You will see some vendors (or Electricity Companies) who want you to pay big bucks to offset your usage. People want you to purchase carbon credits in order to make you feel good about that plane you took to Hawaii for your eco vacation. Don’t fall into the trap – don’t get scammed. Instead of paying some guy $20 so he will allegedly plant a tree in the rain forest you can plant a tree right here in Salem.

I started bringing my own bag (a duffel bag like you take to the gym) to Steve’s Market when I shop for groceries. I also turn of all the lights when I leave a room (and my electricity bill showed a noticeable decrease). Replacing some bulbs in your house with the green friendly bulbs is an easy first step to take.

Just remember to do your homework and watch your cash.

From their site:

Created by two Salem web geeks, Marc Amos & Angelo Simeoni, the Build Guild is a monthly event (Starting in July 2008, and occurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month) where folks in the web industry—designers, coders, project managers, hobbyists, etc.—can get together to talk web, debate industry topics, share ideas, make professional connections, land gigs, and discuss the real reasons why mustaches need to make a comeback

I realize this about a month away but with the summer here and everyone having plans I figured it best to get the word out now (as I am already getting emails about it).

If you are interested in attending, make it known via upcoming.yahoo.com (a free account is required). Also you can follow their updates via twitter @buildguild. While you’re over at twitter don’t forget to friend us also @saleminsider.

Thankfully the weather was spectacular so I sat under a tree watching the joggers circle around the park and took in life so early on a Sunday morning. A total of six classic cars showed up and of them the only Cadillacs were a 1932 La Salle and the above pictured ’55 Fleetwood.

Even though the showing was poor, I still shot a ton of photos (it’s one of my things), which got me  thinking. I often go to shows, see exhibits, or find fun things in Salem to photograph but only a fraction of those images ever make it in this blog. So… I decided to fire up a flickr page. I’ll work get a decent selection of photos in there over the next week or so for your Salem photo fix.

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.

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/2008/05/03/kentucky-derb/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/03/kentucky-derb/#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 19:38:57 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=220 No ladies, this post isn’t about that guy you dated last summer, it has much more depth and style.

Since 1875 on the first Saturday of May the masses gather in sleepy Louisville Kentucky to wear big hats, drink Mint Juleps and watch a little horse race at Churchill Downs – The Kentucky Derby .

Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, this 1 1/4 mile race for 3 year old pure breed horses is a spectacle to behold. The grandstands are chock full of A listers from the sports, entertainment, business and political worlds. Last year Gene Simmons of KISS with long time girlfriend and baby momma Shannon Tweed placed a $100,000 bet. Sitting close by and with a considerably less wager was the Queen of England.

The rest of us plebeians spend a cool $25 to make it on to the infield where the real party is. No dress code here, just a collection of unique liquor smuggling techniques. It’s one of the largest tailgating events ever.

If you can’t make the trip down south you can enjoy the Derby right here in Salem. There are a few things you will need to know that will greatly enhance your Derby experience. First, while you can watch the Derby at home alone on your couch, the Derby is all about celebrating with others. So, we need to get out and socialize.

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition. Be the envy of all your friends by knowing those Traditions.

My Old Kentucky Home. In 1853 Stephen Foster penned the states official song which is sung at the begining of the Derby.

My Old Kentucky Home

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
‘Tis summer, the darkies are gay;
The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom,
While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,
All merry, all happy and bright;
By ‘n’ by Hard Times comes a-knocking at the door,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus
Weep no more my lady
Oh! weep no more today!
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
For the Old Kentucky Home far away.

Verse 2
They hunt no more for the possum and the coon,
On meadow, the hill and the shore,
They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon,
On the bench by the old cabin door.

The day goes by like a shadow o’er the heart,
With sorrow, where all was delight,
The time has come when the darkies have to part,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus

Verse 3
The head must bow and the back will have to bend,
Wherever the darky may go;
A few more days, and the trouble all will end,
In the field where the sugar-canes grow;

A few more days for to tote the weary load,
No matter, ’twill never be light;
A few more days till we totter on the road,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus

Now that you know the music it’s time to get the beverage down. The Early Times Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. I’ve investigated every bar in Salem and none of them feature Early Times Kentucky Whiskey. So I tend to use Makers Mark but your favorite Kentucky whiskey or bourbon will do fine.

Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
• 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
2. Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person’s sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

Okay, you’re on your way to being a Derby insider. Now ladies, regardless of if you are sitting in the grandstand, the infield or a fine Salem establishment, one tradition you get to enjoy is wearing a BIG hat.

(c) taylorcraft75

You now have the knowledge, so where should you go?

Finding a location in Salem that has large screen HDTV’s, and a mint julep that you and your friends can enjoy is pretty easy. Here are my top choices.

• Rockafellas
• Lyceum
• Spirits
• Salem Beer Works

Once everything is in place the race is fast and furious so don’t blink. Oh and be sure to check out the wreath of roses the winning horse gets, it’s worth more than the trophy!

Enjoy watching the Run for the Roses with your new found Derby knowledge and don’t for get to tip your hat to the Colonel.

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!

Here is the scoop: on Sunday, May 4th from 5-8pm for a nominal $20 ($30 at the door) you get to walk on a mini pub crawl and taste the best cocktails that some of our restaurants have to offer. A cut of the jingle goes to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. Pseudo-celeb Billy Costa will be at Finz for voting (why they didn’t ask our own Mr. Salem is still a mystery).

Here are the full details:

What: Complimentary cocktail tasting.
When: Sunday May 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Ten downtown restaurants all within walking distance.
Why: Spring is the perfect time to explore Salem’s burgeoning restaurant scene and find out why this city still bewitches.

Restaurants competing for the Best Signature Cocktail of Salem are: The Regatta at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, The Grapevine, Cilantro, Spirits, Strega, Passage To India, Edgewater Cafe, Rockafellas, Fresh Taste Of Asia and Finz Seafood and Grill.

Join TV Diner’s Billy Costa at 8 p.m. at Finz for a wrap party and to vote for Salem’s Best Signature Cocktail. Walk away with celeb-inspired swag, like souvenir shot glasses.

“We wanted to expand our signature cocktail event in the North Shore area, as it is unique from the standard wine tastings and bar crawls” Comments Lisa Knight, of Drinkwater Productions “ This event has the vibe of a big city event without having to drive to a city like Boston”. Drinkwater Productions is the event and promotions company hosting the event.

Tickets are $20 in advance/$30 at door and can be purchased at www.salemcocktail.com or at the Trolley Depot in Salem. Complimentary shuttle service provided by Salem Trolley.Partial event proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

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.

• The Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
• Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Club
• Cilantro
• Finz Seafood
• Grapevine Restaurant
• Lyceum Bar & Grill
• Nathaniel’s
• Passage to India
• Regatta Pub at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
• Rockafellas
• Sixty2 on Wharf
• Spirits at 300 Derby
• Strega Restaurant & Lounge
• Tavern on the Green
• Victoria Station

Do yourself a favor and go check out that place you always wanted to try. For suggestions click on the interactive map icon in our right column to see our Map of Reviewed Restaurants and get in depth information on many of the participating local Salem eateries.

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

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

Fox 25 news babe and Swampscott local Kim Carrigan will be in town tomorrow night for a special fund raiser. Kim does a good amount of philanthropic work with North Shore Arc. The North Shore Arc is dedicated to providing lifelong individualized supports to people with, or at risk of developing disabilities, and their families, ensuring opportunities to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, socialize and play. Friday night she will be at the Lyceum as the evenings hostess with the mostess.

13th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction to benefit the North Shore Arc

Wine events are growing more popular than ever in Salem and this event looks like a real winner. Where else can you have some great food, taste a good selection of wine, bid on some fantastic prizes all while having fun and putting your money to good use? According to an article in the Gazette:

This year’s auction promises to be our best one yet. We have a really unique variety of items for our auction including spa packages, Las Vegas getaway packages, tickets to popular local performances such as Blue Man Group, a children’s party package at “Pump It Up,” tickets to Boston’s Duck Boat Tours, a yacht cruise, a Derek Sanderson autographed hockey stick, Kevin Youkilis autographed baseball and a Celtics autographed basketball and a whole host of other exciting items that people continue to contribute.

One of Salem’s strengths is its commitment to helping others. Many fine organizations call this city their home and work hard to make it a better place. Remember that when you support this charitable event or any of the others that we feature here, you are helping your neighbors.

Looking for a good night out in Salem every month but you aren’t a member of any fine civic organizations in town? The Salem Witches Pub Crawl is a fun night out and you don’t have to be a witch, or from Salem nor do you have to crawl or even drink at a pub. Here is the official word.

There are many fine organizations and groups in Salem and beyond that are dedicated to finding solutions to the serious issues that face the Witch and Pagan community …

The Salem Witches’ Pub Crawl is NOT such a group!

While we honor the work that others do, we also know that Witches just want to have fun once in awhile! So let’s get out, meet one another, and enjoy one another’s company! Our group is disorganized. We don’t have leaders. We don’t do public circles. We’re not battling for civil rights. And, we’re not interested in whether you have three degrees or for that fact three degrees of separation from someone somebody else doesn’t like. Nobody cares! Let’s live life to the fullest and enjoy ourselves!

Yeah, we meet in pubs but not every one of us drinks and we’re ok if you want to come and just relax. We feel this is a great way to build community and get to know one another and we’re excited to have you take part!

How It Works
Once a month, we pick a night that’s easy for a broad range of people and we pick a location in Salem and descend upon it like a flock of crows. You don’t have to be a Witch to participate. You just have to have an open mind. Best Witches!

Pub Crawl Tonight

So tonight is the night. Put on your cape, hop on your broom and fly down to Capt’s on the wharf at 7pm.

Oh and if you like Pub Crawls be sure to let us know, TheSalemInsider.com does a killer all day- all night crawl every September.

Most years I go to the Southie Parade then spend the day pub crawling through Southie and Dorchester. Once night falls my crew makes its way to see the Dropkick Murphys then end the night at JJ Foleys. The past few years I’ve spent a good chunk of my St. Paddys day in Salem. This year things are a bit different so I’ll be your guide to making the most of your time in Salem on this fun holiday.

First things first, you need to have a plan.

In my days of massive pub crawls its the planning that separates the men from the frat boys. By focusing that you are in it for the long haul (10am to 2am) you prepare for a marathon rather than a sprint. Its not drinking your face off, its about socializing, having fun and keeping your head. Drinking water during your pub crawl and eating something at every other stop assures that you will be more prepared to handle a long night of meeting new people and being thrust into different situations.

Salem doesn’t offer an endless string of Irish bars, and while there are a few great pub crawls (TheSalemInsider.com sponsors one every year) St. Patrick’s day is a bit more laid back here than it is in Boston. With less options it’s easier to make a good solid plan.

1. Bring a buddy
St. Patrick’s day is one of the big three bar days (the others being Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Years Eve) so it’s best to head out with a friend. Someone to grab the next round when it’s your time to break the seal or to hang with if you are waiting in line to go in somewhere.

2. Dress for Success
Are you Irish? Show it with a cool t-shirt that tells the world. Not Irish, get in the spirit by wearing green or busting out your favorite Guinness shirt. A scally cap or even a shamrock pin will give you some air of authenticity.

3. Know where to go
In Salem there are a couple of options, I usually start out over at The Old Spot then head over to O’Neills. Both will be packed but you will also have the best times here.

4. Think about what you drink
I personally stick to Guinness but there are other acceptable beverages to consume on St. Paddys day. The most well know stout is of course Guinness, but Murphy’s Irish stout is delicious and a bit smoother for the novice stout drinker as is Beamish. If you prefer something lighter, Harp larger or Smithwick’s (pronounced ‘smith-icks’) ale. There is some debate on whether a Black and Tan (Guinness and Harp) or a Black Velvet (Guinness and hard cider) are acceptable. They are served in Ireland but are a pain to build so for this outing I would keep my order simple to keep my bartender happy.

Beer is not the only beverage to be enjoyed on St. Patrick’s day. Irish whiskey is also a smooth, easy libation. Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whisky because it is distilled more than Scotch and peat moss is not used in the firing of mash. What does that mean to you? A smoother less earthy tasting beverage. Some Irish whiskeys you will find in Salem are Bushmills, Black Bush, Jamesons, and Tullamore Dew.

5. Eat your fill
One thing about Irish food, corned beef and cabbage or New England boiled dinner in particular, is that it’s comfort food. There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a giant pot with corned beef, potato, turnip, carrot, and cabbage all boiling up. People with other heritages may find this food a bit bland but if it’s cooked correctly and seasoned with some malt vinegar, boiled dinner is heaven. The key to success in your boiled dinner is pink corned beef not gray and not over-cooking your veggies.

Not everyone can spend the day hanging out listening to Irish music, singing with new friends at the pub and watching the girls to their Irish step dancing. Some people actually have to work. When I had to do the 9 to 5 thing on St. Patrick’s day, I would meet up with some of my friends afterwards and we would have a toast with an Irish car bomb then head out for some dinner. This would inevitably lead to more late night car bombs. What is an Irish Car Bomb you ask? It’s liquid candy.

Irish Car Bomb
3/4 pint Guinness stout
1/2 shot Bailey’s Irish cream
1/2 shot Jameson Irish whiskey

Add the Bailey’s and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey’s on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. The Bailey’s will react with the Guinness making it curdle so it’s best to drink this very quickly.

While the Irish have a reputation for being hard drinkers, the celebration of St. Patrick’s day is not a celebration of drink but a feast that celebrates St. Patrick and all things Irish. Unfortunately it can turn out to be amateur hour at the bar, so if you go out keep a good disposition and focus on having fun. Keep yourself and your friends safe and don’t do anything stupid. The best night you can have is the one where you build long lasting memories and get home safe and sound.

Send us a picture of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Salem and we’ll post it later this week.

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.

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.

Salem’s affinity with wine doesn’t end there (nor did it start there). Pamplemousse, Salem’s eclectically cute home, kitchen and bath store on Essex St. has been in the wine business for years. They stock a variety of wines, meads and micro brews. They also offer tastings
(I recall plenty of them on Sunday afternoons during tourist season) and the occasional wine class. Now Pamplemousse along with local art / craft gallery The Picklepot is hosting a celebration of food and wine.

Spring Fling: a Garden of Earthy Delights

Fashioned after the Bacchanalia – a religious festival in honor of the wine god Bacchus – Spring Fling -
will feature a tasting of over 50 fine wines and international and domestic craft beers. Local breweries
Ipswich, Cape Ann Mercury and Harpoon, among others, will be pouring their spring offerings.
Professionals will be on hand with an assortment of fine wines from around the world.

Salem Restaurants such as The Old Spot, GuluGulu Cafe, 62 on the Wharf, Rockafellas and more will
tickle and tantalize your palate with delectable culinary delights! North Shore Artists will be offering an
eclectic variety of art to please your eye and warm your home. Boston singer-songwriter Katrin Roush will
be performing live – often compared to Bonnie Raitt, Katrin is spellbinding on stage, both soulful and
passionate. A siren to awaken the gods of spring!

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. Traditional ancient
attire is encouraged! This is Salem, after all. Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on
March 15th from 3 – 6pm at Old Town Hall in beautiful, historic downtown Salem, Massachusetts.

We’re always happy to see any event that gives props to one of our favorite painters Hieronymus Bosch. Also, it’s great to have an opportunity to sample some great wines, beers and food. Make sure to mark your calendar for fun.
SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Saturday, March 15th from 3 – 6 pm
Old Town Hall, Essex Street, Salem, MA
Tickets $20 advance/$25 door available at www.pmousse.com

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.

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.

In keeping with the emerging theme of education during this school vacation week,  Frater Alephomen from the O.T.O. sent us a note regarding a lecture tonight.

The Knights Templar Oasis
Presents: Microcosmic Classes
When: Tue, Feb 19, Doors Open 7:30pm classes Begin at 8:00pm and go to – 9:00pm (Sometimes 9:30pm)
Where: The Temple – which is at 175 Essex Street (Above Samantha’s Costume) door number ONE
This week’s class description: Short topics on magic, mysticism, philosophy, etc…
Open to the public with a $5 donation.

Now for a little background on The Knights Templar Oasis.

The Knights Templar Oasis, based in Salem, Massachusetts, is an O.T.O. body serving the Thelemic community in Massachusetts and the surrounding New England states. We teach and practice Thelemic ceremonial magick, celebrate the Gnostic Mass, and are chartered to initiate through the III°. The interests of our membership range widely across esoteric practices and spiritual systems, but all find unity in their acceptance of the principles of The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis).

The letters O.T.O. stand for Ordo Templi Orientis, the Order of Oriental Templars, or Order of the Temple of the East. O.T.O. is an Outer Thelemic Order which is dedicated to the high purpose of securing the Liberty of the Individual and his or her advancement in Light, Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, and Power through Beauty, Courage, and Wit, on the Foundation of Universal Brotherhood. The structure of the O.T.O., like that of Freemasonry and the ancient mystery schools, is based upon a graded series of initiations or Degrees. In these Degrees, the O.T.O. seeks to instruct the individual by allegory and symbol in the profound mysteries of Existence, and thereby to assist each to discover his or her own true Nature

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.

Update: Spirits closed their doors in May 2009 and has reopened as Murphys.

One time Salem hot spot Roosevelt’s, after a few owners, much speculation, and many months of being closed, has reopened with a new name – Spirit’s.

We went in for drinks and appetizers the other night and our first impression is that Spirits has potential. The restaurant / bar is brand spanking new but the overall feel of the place is dark and not too inviting. Exposed dark wood beams, and a stone back wall give off a cavern vibe. There is a large stone fireplace opposite the bar in the dining room. The dining room holds a good number of rich wood tables set on a mix of dark stained wood and cream colored tile. Everything was kept very clean (including the spacious bathroom facilities). We were told the second floor space is set to be a function area.

The horse shoe shaped bar can easily fit 25+ people and was full from about 10pm on. We found the bartenders to be attentive and affable. One stand out feature of the aptly named Spirit’s is their exceptional top shelf liquor selection. Someone obviously with knowledge has taken the time to stock the bar with a wide variety of high quality spirits at reasonable prices.

While we did not order dinner, we did try the spinach dip and the nachos. Neither were very impressive. The dip was heavy on the cream and light on the spinach while the nachos were uninspiring with some cheese and veggies dumped on a heap of chips.

We are, however, looking forward to the summer at Spirit’s. They have by far the largest outdoor patio around which should make for some serious summer fun.

As was the case with Fresh Taste of Asia we will give Spirits some time to work out the kinks and go back in a month or two.

Atmosphere: C+
Food: C
Drinks: A
Staff: B
Overall: C+

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.

Salem State College presents An Evening With Bill Belichick, Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 8:00 pm at the O’Keefe Sports Center 209 Canal St. Salem.

Sports commentators are calling New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who continues to shatter league record after league record, the best football coach in the history of the game.

Sorry to all you Tom Brady and Randy Moss fans, this is a Coach only speaking event (no autographs). If it is half as good as some of their previous speakers this will be a real treat for those who enjoy the game of football.

Tickets, ranging in price from $10 (for students) to $65 are available by calling the Series office at (978) 542-7555 or by visiting www.salemstate.edu/series.

• 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.

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.

Gideon Tucker House
Once a single family home this was converted in the 1900′s to condos. I was pleased to see that much of the original feel of a McIntire home was still in this now modern condo. The beautiful fireplaces and great use of space made this an outstanding home. Turning what was probably an unused or underused area (walkway) into a dining nook added much charm to this elegant condo.

Gardner-Pingree House
Owned by the PEM, this house was a treat to tour because it has been restored to its original 1805 grandeur. With no lighting and no heat you were able to better understand how life may have been two hundred years ago. Too many hand carved items to list.

photographer and date unknown

The Emmerton House
Known as the Woman’s Friend Society, formed in 1876 to help girls and women in need, is a charitable organization still helping people (and still accepting donations and volunteers). When I walked in I instantly recognized the home, it is discussed at length in a few books I own. One of it’s most notable features are the two McIntire stair cases.

John Hodges House
There was just too much to take in at this home. One of the stand out features was the staircase with it’s hand carved spindles from the workshop of Mcintire. Three different spindles per step with the base being made of two spindles one set inside the center of the other each carved as opposing spirals.

White-Silsbee House
Once again I walked into a house I have never been in but knew like the back of my hand. Most of the photos I have seen of this home were taken in 1930 but all of the relevant features have been preserved. The parlor and sitting room oppose each other with fireplaces at either end, the rooms being sectioned by a three panel foldout door. Also of note the original stove. The dining room however was magnificent. With the original wood mantle being discarded in the Victorian era, a black marble mantle was put in it’s place. Vastly surpassing the fireplace was the original 18th century French wall paper depicting the four climate regions of the earth. Having been in many of the great homes in this country I can tell you this is a rare treasure, one which needs to be preserved. It simply is breathtaking.

Forrester-Peabody House/Bertram House
Known as the Home for Aged Men, this is another example of a historically relevant home being used for charitable purposes and keeping much of it’s architectural value. I was impressed with how warm and inviting the large rooms were. It gave you a sense of how the architect envisioned the usage of space. The most impressive feature of this home had to be the massive dining room. I wonder if it originally was used as a dining room or perhaps a ballroom. The dining room ceilings had to be at least 18 feet high (the guide did not know the height) with over 1 foot high crown moldings surrounding the room. Once again I was simply awestruck. It reminded me of the Red Room in the White House which has a ceiling height of 20 to 22 feet (depending on who you believe).

Pierce-Nichols House
McIntire’s first commission at the ripe old age of 24. There is a wealth of information about this home available. It is a must see for any student of the Federal period.

Benjamin Carpenter House
Unfortunately this is the only house on the tour where I felt someone dropped the ball. While the home was beautiful, the volunteers knew nothing about any of the rooms or the pieces in those rooms. Not to dwell on the negative, the library was both comfortable and livable while also being a fine showpiece.

Cottington-Smith Assembly House
Did I happen to mention it was bitterly cold this weekend? Thankfully this house which is used as a lecture hall and meeting place was set up to serve hot tea and coffee. George Washington once danced and dined here.

Cook-Oliver House
Some wonderful examples of McIntire’s woodcarvings, both on the exterior and interior of this home. The parlor features hand-cut chair rail and the quintessential McIntire wheat sheath mantle. The original crown molding was removed in 1902 (I believe) and sold to the Metropolitan Museum in New York. If you pay attention in this home you will notice quite a few examples of modern art, an interesting juxtaposition. This home was last opened 50 years ago for the 200th anniversary of McIntire.

Dodge-Shreve House
Again we find a strong oriental influence in this home. The dining room in addition to beautiful origami swans on the dinner settings was papered with Chinese tea paper, original to the home.

Johnathan Hodges House
The only house on Chestnut Street to be built by McIntire. The volunteers in this home did a great job of explaining many of the details of this home. I was amused by the story of Capt. Hodges near demise. The use of large antique mirrors made the already spacious rooms look even bigger.

sketch of floor plan by McIntire

Robinson-Little House
Standing out from other homes on the tour the first floor of this house was remodeled in the early 19oo’s. It features a rich mahogany interior, unique as it is not wood paneling but wood veneer laid out over stretched fabric with the cross molding pieces set atop the veneer. Also standing out from other homes on the tour, the McIntire fireplaces were not monochrome but had the relief painted “Wedgwood” blue on two of the fireplaces. A bonus feature for people on the tour, the owners had a few printed out sheets and old photos describing the history of the home and a few of the relevant pieces inside.

Hamilton Hall
This year the great space of Hamilton Hall was consumed by a Christmas fair. Luckily this building is open much of the year and available for private functions.

photo from this past summer’s walking tours

Loring-Emerton House
Another condo that just changes how you think about condos. The McIntire influence on this home is evident. Walking through the portico into the foyer you are greeted by a staircase featuring the same spindle work as the John Hodges house. Once in the home I was blown away by the domed bedroom ceiling, not to mention the seamless integration of a modern bathroom and kitchen into a classical interior. One of the best features had to be the one person seating/reading nook tucked in one of the rear rooms.

Final Thoughts

As is the case each year, I had a great time. I learned so much an was inspired by what I saw. A big thank you goes out to Historic Salem Inc., all the home owners who graciously opened their homes and all the volunteers that made the event a success.

I would love to know what you thought about this years house tour.

For the past 28 years, Historic Salem Inc. (the people responsible for those cool plaques on our homes) has been organizing a walking tour of historic homes to help raise money for their organization. Let me say right up front that I am a member, choosing to join after attending a series of walking tours this summer. I felt it was $40 ( for a household membership) well spent. They do a great job for the community so please don’t be put off by their website www.historicsalem.org.

Two years ago I went on the house tour and walked through 15 homes (only 14 were on the tour but someone left a door open and next thing you know 50 people walked through their house). Most were private residences but some were public and/or notable, like the House of Seven Gables and the Home for Aged Women (a McIntire home). It is a true pleasure to see how some of the historical homes you walk by every day look inside. I often get inspired by how some people have kept up or restored their homes. I also am bewildered by some of the other things that people do to their houses. Either way its a win win for me and Historic Salem.

This years tour keeps the summer walking lecture series alive by focusing on Samuel McIntire.

McIntire: Mansions and More will be the theme of the 28th annual Christmas in Salem house tour sponsored by Historic Salem Inc. This year’s event will showcase the work of Samuel McIntire, Salem’s renowned Federal period architect and carver, in the 250th anniversary year of his birth. Fifteen of Salem’s finest properties, designed or inspired by McIntire, will be featured on this tour, which will be located in the Washington Square/Salem Common area as well as in the Federal and Chestnut Street neighborhoods which make up the aptly named McIntire District.
- Historic Salem Inc.

I know that Salem is a walking city and this walking tour is a prime example of a great way to spend a weekend day here in town. The tour runs from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday December 1, 2007 and 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, advanced ticket holders get a Friday night bonus of five homes open just to them from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the following retailers before Thursday Nov. 29th at 5:00pm. Ticket prices are $20 in advance, $18 for HSI members and seniors.

• A Touch of the Past, 83 Washington Street, Salem
• Borders Books & Music, 151 Andover Street, Peabody
• Peter D. Barter Gift Shop, 201 Derby Street, Salem
• Waters & Brown, 281 Derby Street, Salem
• Waters & Brown, 14 Elliott Street, Beverly
• The Trolley Depot, 191 Essex Street, Salem

Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour (Saturday & Sunday) for $25 at:

• Hamilton Hall – 9 Chestnut St,
• Treasures Over Time – 131 Essex Street #4

Note:
Usually when I contribute to this site I stock the post with photos, unfortunately I am on the road now and don’t have access to last years images. I will do a follow up to this post with a selection of pictures from this years tour so stay tuned!

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

The carnival consists of about 5 rides and 3 games of skill/chance.  It’s way over priced ($4 for a ride on the ferris wheel) and probably a waste of your time.  Unless you have kids or want to break your tooth on a candied apple you can avoid this attraction.

In other more exciting news; Today is the Big Day!

If you are still thinking of coming into Salem, take the train.  All the parking lots are full already (its 10:30 am). The parade starts at 9 and fireworks are at 10.  Salem Insiders know to get a good spot at one of the local watering holes or outside areas to watch the freakshow as it explodes after school and after dark.

Tomorrow we will have a bunch of great photos recapping the madness that is Salem on Halloween.

On a separate note- I’ve spent some time retrieving some of the old articles from the database crash. But the most recent backup was too long ago and we will never recover everything.

This year Boston Harley has a new owner, Bruce Rossmeyer. And he has made some major changes over there. One of which was to bring back the old parade route. The past few years the ride has been a mess, starting late, riding the highway to make up time, a general state of disorder. This year the ride was prompt and wound up 1A with the lead police motorcycles shooting down LaFayette and onto Derby at a few minutes past 2pm. It took about an hour for all the bikes to finish filing in with many riders in costume and some handing out halloween candy to the crowd of thousands lining the streets.

Every food joint or place to grab a drink from the wharf to down town was slammed from 3pm on. Sightseers were ogling the bikes as much as the amusements, cemeteries and other attractions.

If you are a fan of motorcycles and are going to visit Salem only once during the season (you would be missing out big time) come for the Witch Ride, you wont be disappointed.