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!

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.

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.

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.

The Burning Dream by Pyropainter

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Special Events / Festivals

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

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

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

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

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

Memorial Day Events:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music

Friday, May 22

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

Saturday May 23

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

Sunday May 24

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.

Last week our friends at Build Guild sent out a notice via Twitter:

Just received word that Spirits is about to be purchased by the owner(s) of the Pickled Onion. I spoke with a gentleman who said they’re excited to honor the Build Guild’s schedule/routine. April’s event is still on, May’s and/or June’s will be determined later.

So what the heck is going on?

According the the Salem News, Peter Kelly, owner of the Pickled Onion in Beverly, is indeed in the process of purchasing the former Spirits location  (which is the former Roosevelt’s location) to open up an Irish pub called Murphy’s.  The menu and entertainment style would be similar to the Onion, affordable pub food with music at night and traditional Irish music on weekends. The optimistic opening date would be in May.

This past weekend I heard that Murphy’s has already contacted some DJ’s in the area and are planning an open mic night as-well-as a Karaoke night.  There was much speculation but either way the local talent is looking for a venue and are hoping Murphy’s will be more receptive than Spirits.

We here at the Insider think the layout and location at 300 Derby St. has way too much potential not to be a major player in the restaurant/night life scene here in Salem, and welcome a pub owner that can make it a success. Many thanks to our friends over at Spirits and lets all hope the residents at Derby Lofts will take a chill pill and let Murphy’s do the best job they can.

The Lobster Shanty of Salem opens up for the season

The Lobster Shanty Salem

I know I’ve said it before but it’s like the swallows coming back to Capistrano.  Sure the Lobster Shanty isn’t 5 star eats but that’s not why the locals flock to this down town hot spot.  It’s all about the cheap beer, out door location, live music and hanging out late night with new friends and old.

Lobster Shanty will be re-opening for the season this Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00PM.  Their entertainment will be DJ Joe DiFranco and they’re featuring the usual beers as well as a special draft of Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA; one delicious and hard-to-find-on-draft beer.

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.

We received an email and a tweet from a performer who was scheduled to play at Spirits but when he showed up they were not open.  He attempted to contact them but never heard back. Shortly after that one of our Insiders reported back to us that they were in fact closed.  I then sent an email off to Spirits inquiring as to the accuracy of this info and the future implications.

The next day a promoter contacted me stating he got a message that his event was cancelled.  He also sent an email to Spirits but had not received an answer.  Our friends who run a monthly night contacted the venue and were told that their night is on as usual.

Over the next few days there was a flurry of emails and tweets regarding the status of events at Spirits.  Finally our contact over there emailed me.  I had sent an email to the general email and not her specific email which accounts for the delay in communication but here is the low down straight from the owner of Spirits.

Spirits celebrated its one-year anniversary on January 31 and, to quote Mark Twain, the rumors of our death are greatly exaggerated. Spirits is and continues to be open for business and we look forward to serving the Salem community for many years to come.

We have been making changes to ensure Spirits’ continued success during this difficult economic climate. These changes include modifying our menu and trying out different forms of entertainment – both in the dining room and upstairs.

We also have been using our second floor for private functions and events, which has been working out very well. Over the past few months, Spirits has hosted the Build Guild’s monthly meetings, holiday parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and baby showers. We have several events booked in the coming months.

This is good news for our community and anyone looking for a great space to hold an event.  I swung by there the other night and they are already getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day.  It looks like the have attempted to try and do some new things, some have worked and others haven’t.  We will keep and eye on it and let you know how things go.

And now you know… the rest of the story.

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

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

Music

Friday February 27th

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

Saturday February 28th

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

Movies

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

Insider Picks

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

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

Thanks,

Glen Huhges

Special Events / Festivals

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

Music

Friday February 20th

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

Saturday February 21st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

Theater

Griffen Theatre’s next show is in March

Insider Picks

Next week will be all about the movies so lets hit the music this weekend. Friday night the Insider pick is an a tough one but we went with The Austin Torpedos.  Why?  Their interesting mix of  Johnny Cash and Duke Ellington with a little Elvis on top is too good to pass up.  Saturday we’re off to Dodge Street to throw some darts and step up on the gothabilly tip with Rev. Bob & the Darkness.  And for you hip-hop fans our old friend DJ Cee Block has teamed up with DJ E-Ness to do Saturdays over at Spirits (rumor has it that they are dropping some cash into sound and lights for the upstairs) we’ll keep you informed. ]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/20/weekend-warrior-21/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/06/weekend-warrior-february-freeze/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/02/06/weekend-warrior-february-freeze/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:06:06 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=974 Special Events / Festivals

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/2009/01/19/the-coronation-of-barack-obama/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2009/01/19/the-coronation-of-barack-obama/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:59:24 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=913 The queen of England had an elaborate ceremony, Pope John Paul II’s was broadcast around the world and  Napolean’s was ledgendary,  but they will all pale in comparison to the $150 million extravaganza being thrown when our exhaulted president-elect is sworn in as the next best thing to the baby Jesus.  While some people think this is a huge waste of taxpayer money and others feel this might be a historic event, we at The Salem Insider have resigned not to discuss political issues so we don’t have an opinion.  However, we do see that plenty of the businesses around town are looking to cash in on the popularity of the Obama celebrity by hosting events for you.  So, if you feel playing hookey from work to watch yet another politian swear to do all sorts of things is a worthwhile use of your time, then we have a list for you.

Presidential Inauguration Events in Salem

CinemaSalem’s Presidential Inauguration Party
Tuesday morning at 11 am,  they will open their doors for a free Inauguration Party, presenting the historic events from Washington in HD on their big screens. A while back they attempted to do some HD projetion of a TV which got mired in problems, but I am assured this is solved so this should go off smoothly.

A New Birth of Freedom 2009 Presidential Inauguration Celebration
New Birth of Freedom is a quote from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address which has been ripped off  adapted by the Obama camp as the theme for this year’s inauguration.  The Hawthorne Hotel will be paying homage to our 16th president by watching the 44th take the oath of office from 11:30am-4pm.

Gulu-Gulu Inauguration Day poetry reading
Gulu-Gulu Café will revive it’s poetry readings with an ode to inauguration open night night from  7-9 p.m.   Bring an “inaugural” poem — an original poem inspired the president elect or anythig political really; and strut your stuff on the stage.  Your poem can only be 3 minutes long and the first 20 poets to sign up get to read.  Don’t be shy, after watching a few poets you will be saying to yourself  ”I should have done that”.

Rockafellas Inaugural Ball
For you high faluten types, the Rockafellas Inaugural Ball 2009  will feature an all-you-can-eat appetizer buffet and champagne fountain with music by the Mike Payette Band, from  7-11:45 p.m. This Toast to Obama’s inauguration with Rockafellas will cost you $15.

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.

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

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

Frankie Mannings 85th Birthday party at the Roseland Ballroom

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

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

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

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

Second Course:
Fennel and Blood Orange Salad

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

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

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

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

Music

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

Friday November 21st

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

Saturday November 22nd

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

Salem Wine Imports

Music

Friday November 7th

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

Saturday November 8th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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.

Last night the City of Salem’s Licensing Board flexed their muscles and told Fresh Taste of Asia to  close their doors this Thursday and they are banned from having entertainment after 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights for the rest of the year.

Recently some trouble has occurred which garnered the attention of Salem PD.  In fact if you remember our video from last week Bad Cop, you might be interested to know that events precipitating this were caused by people who attended Fresh Taste earlier that night.

I’ve heard much talk that its because of the type of music they play combined with alcohol that draws the out of hand patrons.  Having worked in Boston on Lansdown Street for quite a few years I can tell you that it is an undeniable fact, venues that play hip-hop music have more altercations than those that play other types of music.  However, when you compare the number of police reported issues of Fresh Taste to that of O’Neills (that has a larger capacity) on hip-hop nights the results show a big problem at Fresh Taste that does not exist at O’Neills.

I am a fairly large guy who has worked in the night club industry for years and has learned to spot and deal with problematic and physically violent people.  Recently I went to Fresh Taste on a hip-hop night with a lady friend of mine.  We were seated at the bar and had some dinner and cocktails.  Shortly before 10pm the tables were cleared to make room for a “dance floor”.  It was about this time that the bar started to pack in with girls in short skirts and guys wearing Affliction, or Tapout brand clothing.   My friend had to go to the little girls room and no sooner had she stepped away from her chair than some meathead decided to sit there. I politley told him that the seat was occupied and the young lady was to be right back.  Next thing you know he was up in my face telling me he would kill me and kick my head in.   When I asked him which he would do first he instantly became physical.  Thankfully I was able to handle the situation but the mood for me was ruined.  It’s acts like this that usually end up sprawling outside and becoming problematic for bar staff, patrons and police.

As much as I love to see Salem businesses doing well and people spending their money to have a good time in our city, I think this wake-up call is a good thing.   One of the board members last night was upset telling the bar owner that by having entertainment and dancing he is acutally running a club not a restaurant.  I don’t have a problem with that either, my philosophy when working at or running a club has always been offer the people a good time while keeping them safe.  Establishments that do that turn out to be successful, those that dont do that end up feeling the wrath of the city.  Hopefully Fresh Taste will learn something from this and offer a better environment keeping both their patrons and the City happy.

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.

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

Music

Friday September 26th

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

Saturday September 27th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

Theater

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

Music

Friday August 29th

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

Saturday August 30th

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

Sunday August 31st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

Keep up with us on Twitter!

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

Music

Friday August 22nd

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

Saturday August 9th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

Five Funny Females

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

Salem Jazz an Soul

Music

Friday August 8th

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

Saturday August 9th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

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

Music

Friday August 8th

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

Saturday August 9th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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!

Rivaling the bar at Strega this space is contained within a room off the main second floor space.

While the press party was somewhat of a bust, it did allow me to sit down with all five of the comedians for a chat.  For those of you who don’t get to see much live comedy having an all female show is a rarity.  Most of the time venues will only have one female comic per night.  The perception is that all women comics have the same routine and people want a limit on vagina jokes.  After seeing this show I can tell you that concept is far from reality.

Each of the five women come from different backgrounds and approach their comedy from different angles.  Some are full time comics others part time.  Some work exclusively in clubs while others are on TV or movies ( Check out Comedy Central on August 1st to see Erin Judge).  They also mixed in different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, color and comedy type.

5 Funny Females is the brain child of NYC comedian Susan Alexander. Alexanders comedy tour travels the country mixing and matching great women comedians so no two shows are ever the same.  Her vision and talent for hand picking these women is only surpassed by her ability to make everyone bust a gut.

In addition to gathering the talent for these shows Susan also did her own stand-up and MC’d the show.  The evenings other talent showcased Michelle Buteau, Chantal Carrere, Bethany Van Delft, and Erin Judge.   They aptly played to a mixed audience ranging in age from late 20′s to over 70.  One couple who were in their 70’s (and have been married for 50 years) quickly became “friends” and material for a number of the comics who engaged and interacted with the audience.

Although I was a bit skeptical about seeing the show at first (I figured it might be as male friendly as Sex in the City), my reservations were dashed by the great energy and fast paced comedy.  Everyone in the audience had a great time.  And while me recounting the jokes would be about as funny as when your friend recites some George Carlin joke he just saw on youtube, I can say that if you get the opportunity to see any of these women again or catch this tour you owe it to your funnybone to do so.

You can find upcoming dates, comedy clips and find out whats going on with any of these funny ladies over at their myspace pages listed above.  While you’re there don’t forget to friend us!

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/06/30/spirits-upstairs-opens-with-5-funny-females/feed/ 5 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/06/27/weekend-warrior-june-27th/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/06/27/weekend-warrior-june-27th/#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:19:50 +0000 Glen Hughes http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=284 Special Events / Festivals

“Toast” Benefit for The Art Corner

Music

Friday June 27th

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

Saturday June 28th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Beach Party (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

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

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!

5 Laugh Inducing Women take the Stage at Sprits

If the economy seems cheerless these days, the time is perfect to bring a remedy of laughter to the community. A revamped Spirits Food & Drink offers a large helping of comic relief for the Salem region, as they host the 5 Funny Females Comedy Tour. Produced by Drinkwater Productions, the tour makes a laughable, not frightful, debut on Saturday, June 28th.

Hosted by stand up comedienne, Susan Alexander, the all-female tour showcases Michelle Buteau, Chantal Carrere, Vicky Ferentinos, and Erin Judge, in addition to Alexander. The tour is refined yet quirky and thoroughly entertaining. These laugh inducing women show off their unique points of view as they engage the audience with their offbeat life stories and opinions.

The five women are seasoned comedians with performances on Animal Planet’s The A List, VH1′s Best Week Ever, Laugh Across America, Comedy Central, The Oxygen Network, Bravo, and much more. Regarded as some of the funniest comedians in the country, they have achieved a large fan-base from coast-to-coast. They have performed at sold out shows in Boston and more recently at the Phoenix Room in Newburyport, MA.

Spirits Food & Drink provides an ideal setting for this hilarious tour and a great combination of dining entertainment. Its’ upscale atmosphere but down-to-earth feel is savvy, yet warm and invited as well. A bewitching combination fitting for this uniquely intimate entertaining experience.

The 5 Funny Females take the stage at 8 pm on Saturday, June 28th, doors open at 7 pm. Spirits Food & Drink is located at 300 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. They can be purchased online today at www.drinkwaterproductions.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the Details:

Where: Bangkok Paradise, 90 Washington St. Salem.

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

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

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

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

Clean Energy Day and Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair

Music

Friday June 13th

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

Saturday June 14th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Riding Giants (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

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

zippo zilch nada

Music

Friday May 30th

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

Saturday May 31st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

Salem State Alumni weekend

Music

Friday May 30th

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

Saturday May 31st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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.

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

Music

Friday May 16th

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

Saturday May 17th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

None listed

Music

Friday May 9th

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

Saturday May 10th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

Cilantro
282 Derby Street
978.745.9436

Take your existing notion of what a Mexican restaurant is and pitch it out the window. Cilantro is a great dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Upon walking in to this Derby St. eaterie, you are usually greeted either by a friendly hostess or the owner. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and usually if you are a party of 2 you will be seated by the large windows overlooking the street. If your party is larger the tables in the main dining area along the brick wall is where you will find yourself. There is a small bar area which is perfect for single diners or couples.

The menu here has so many great choices it’s hard to make up your mind. Don’t waste your time with typical cheezy Mexican food you can get elseware, go for the real deal here.

Insiders know the home made sangria is fantastic. Cilantro also boasts quite a tequila selection. The Margarita de la Casa or “house margarita” is fine for the uninitiated but those with a refined pallet opt for the Cabo Wabo or Patron.

Many regulars have multiple favorite entrees, it’s tough to nail down their best dish. Meat lovers will love the selection with, Filete Miñón con Salsa de Chipotle y Chorizo and Cilantro de Invierno Al Chipotle being my personal favorites. You can’t go wrong with Chile Relleno or the Sea Bass al Naranjo.

Deserts are also scrumptious. I try to get whatever is seasonal although the churros and flan are always tempting.

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

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.

Stupidity and being lackadaisical when operating a bar, club or restaurant will always come back to bite you in the ass. In the Salem newspaper the other day and all over the television today is a story about local restaurant Bangkok Paradise getting busted for underage drinking.

There are two tirades I feel need to be let loose. First, if you are an underage kid and are drinking at a legit restaurant DO NOT blab about it on your myspace or facebook accounts. Police, as well parents, actually read what you post. You are telling them that you are involved in a criminal enterprise and where you will be doing said illegal activity so they can come and catch you.

Secondly, if you own or manage an establishment that sells alcohol it is your responsibility to enforce the law. This country has a mandatory drinking age of 21, whether you agree with that or not it is the law and you need to abide by it. Your staff must check IDs. And your staff should be trained to spot fake IDs, warned not to over-serve and keep an eye on other problem situations. Everyone who works in the bar, club, restaurant industry needs to be vigilant because when they fail to do their jobs they are risking the livelihood of their co-workers.

At TheSalemInsider.com our contributors and I am always talking about where to go to hear a good band or find a great drink. Safety and respect are paramount in your decision to party in Salem. I wrote a lengthy article the other day discussing Night Life in Salem. These recent public transgressions specifically go against what I was talking about. I enjoy the Bangkok Paradise for their thai food, live jazz and good cocktails, but one bad apple in the bunch will have impact on other businesses.

Why the proliferation of underage drinking at the Bangkok?

When I first started going to the ‘kok it was slam-packed with a line out the door on Friday and Saturday nights. They did a great jazz night from 7 to 11 or later. Since I lived over by the Witch House I would walk up Essex, cut into the parking lot by the YMCA and slip in the back door. Like a scene from Goodfellas or Swingers, I’d make my way by the kitchen pop into the dining room where there wasn’t a seat to be found. With the music be-bopping away I’d slice through the crowd till I came to rest at the bar. Don, the fabulously flamboyant and wonderfully knowledgeable bartender, knew everybody in the house and introduced me too many of Salem’s known characters. We would chat and enjoy the music till the kicked us out at 12:30. At that time there were few people under 25 who patronized the ‘kok.

Last year sometime Don left Salem to see where life would take him and the owner felt she could squeeze a few more pennies out of Salem by reducing the jazz music and adding rock, hip-hop and jam bands that would appeal to a younger crowd. Now at 10pm when the jazz used to kick in to high gear, a new band would take the stage. The existing crowd would leave and youngsters would show up. Rarely is there a doorman and hardly ever do the servers or bartenders check IDs. The number of people coming in late night fluctuates wildly and I can only imagine that the service personnel are trying to make ends meet by overlooking some minors once in a while. Everyone has to make the rent but this is no way to run a business.

Bangkok Paradise is loosing their liquor license for 3 days April 28th to April 30th and all employees must undergo the TIPS program. Does this restaurant deserve to loose their license? You bet it does. Will this “teach them a lesson”? Only time will tell. I would like to see this bring about a positive change and perhaps make them take a look at their current strategy.

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.

Why is Salem a hot spot for nightlife?

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

© Danielle Blue

Competition raises the bar.

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

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

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

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

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

If you build it they will come.

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

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

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

What’s next for Salem’s scene?

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

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

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

Is Salem’s art and music boom sustainable?

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

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

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

What is missing from Salem’s scene?

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

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

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

Last Call

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

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

Special Events / Festivals

None Listed

Music

Friday April 4th

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

Saturday April 5th

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

Sunday April 6th

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

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Theatre

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

The Lobster Shanty

Is back in action. Starting today warm beer, lousy food, rude bartenders, surly waitresses, cranky cooks and rowdy regulars have their summer home back. Look for cheap beer, live music and Salem friends new and old to be hanging out on Artists Row.

Gulu- Gulu Cafe

Our friends over at G2C are back in full force with a brand spanking new liquor license and fun new hours. Open till 10pm Sunday – Wednesday and till 1am Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Bring on the beers!

No, this is not an April fools post. It’s the real deal baby.

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

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.

Special Events / Festivals

None listed

Music

Friday March 21st

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

Saturday March 22nd

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Theatre

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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.

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus”

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

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

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

Music

Friday March 7th

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

Saturday March 8th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

Vantage Point (PG-13)
no-times listed

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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.

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.

Eric sent over a note that said:

Restarting tastings every Tuesday starting the 19th. Greek, Austria, and Swiss will be opened and evaluated. Come join us for an adventure in “emerging wines” at 6;30 or later.

If wine is something you have always wanted to know more about, Salem Wine Imports may be offering classes. For those of you who would be interested in attending wine classes, please contact them. If they can get enough interest classes would be every other Thurs. from 7-9.PM. A nominal fee of between $15 to $20 depending on wines tried.

It’s great to see a new business off and running! Good luck and go get your drink on.

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.

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

Festivals / Special Events:

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

Music

Friday February 8th

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

Saturday February 9th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cinema Salem, going beyond your average theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

I enjoy the bunghole for something fun and different once in a while. It’s also fun to share a friends first bunghole experience with them, I love to see the look on their face. The bunghole never fails to get a smile. I love Bunghole Liquors.

With the recent holidays, I hosted a few out of town guests who were excited to go to the bunghole of all places. This modest package store (packie and package store are Massachusetts slang for liquor store) probably sells more T-shirts than cases of beer. They have parlayed their unique name into an online brand and sell swag near and far.

Salem’s Bunghole has a storied past with the building being used as a funeral palour during the time of prohibition (19th century prohibition not Salem’s first prohibition in 1657). Downstairs in a room perhaps used for embalming, the funeral director and his cohorts would meet to put back a few cocktails (he put the “fun” back in funeral). For whatever reason, the group refered to this private drinking spot as “the bunghole.” A bunghole is actually a hole bored into liquor casks (think scotch, wine or rum) which is plugged by a large cork known as a bung. One of the owners drinking buddies suggested that if prohibition was ever lifted he should turn the place into a liquor store. On December 5th, 1933 when the Twenty First Amendment was ratified Bunghole Liquors applied for and was granted the second liquor license that Salem issued.

There are plenty of better package stores in town but the Bunghole is fine for a neighborhood packie. And if you are like many tourists you’ll want to swing by for a photo and perhaps a coosy, church key or t-shirt. Just don’t forget, they sell alcohol in there too.

Prior to our New Years Eve bash, some of our contributors were making the rounds and met up with a couple from New York City who were looking for a taste of something different. What they found is sure to spice up your new year.

Rockafellas “helltini” will make fire shoot out your ears, it’s so spicy you have to sign a waiver before you will be served. I had only a few drops and while tasty my tongue and lips were dancing a Cajun two step for the next 10 minutes. Made with vodka, cinnamon, jagermeister and an evil looking spice concoction this martini doesn’t come cheap. But if you are man (or woman) enough to finish this $20 drink you are rewarded not only with a warm glow but you choice of souvenir t-shirt.

A warning from our new tourist friends – “do not take part in any sort of amorous activities directly following consuming this beverage or you run the risk of incinerating your partner’.

• 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.

Well, after much anticipation and a huge flame war on one of Salem’s message boards, Salem Wine Imports is now open.

Now we at TheSalemInsider.com are not oneologists but we do like a good glass of wine now and again. Thankfully the owner of Salem Wine Imports was available to help guide us through the store. Wines are arranged by region and nicley displayed around the shop.

A special bonus for any wine n00b is the eight bottle draught system in the rear room. A nitrous system keeps the wine fresh so you can sample a variety of bottles before you buy. This is a great feature and I can for see many wine tastings in the future.

In a time when so many other businesses are moving or closing their doors its great to see a new and somewhat unique shop open up in Salem. We wish them success.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nestled on the edge of down town Salem sits what I can only describe as an adult contemporary dining experience.

Stregas exterior does nothing to inform you as to what lies beyond its doors. Once inside you enjoy a beautiful wood bar with impressive columns, warm walls with geometric patterns, and fun retro-style lighting. Three plasma screens at the bar were tuned into the sporting game du jour (Patriots Sunday night game) while the room was filled with the sounds of latin hip-hop and later ambient chill out lounge.

We were promptly seated and a waitress took our drink order. I was disappointed to find out they did not have Bombay Sapphire, a staple at any respectable restaurant. I opted for a Hendrix martini while my dining companion ordered a cosmo. The menu was robust with an emphasis on Italian far. We opted for the PEI Muscles as an appetizer which was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked.

Entrees were priced from $12 -$26 and there was a three course price fixe option. We chose the rigatoni ala vodka and the seafood scampi. Portions were hearty and prepared well. The seafood was delicious but the scampi sauce and pasta left much to be desired. The rigatoni hit the spot and forced me to move my belt one notch to finish it.

The desert menu offered standard choices so we went with a creme brulee and a Bailey’s chocolate mousse. The mousse was rich and just melted in your mouth, the creme brulee was creamy with a hint of vanilla and caramelized just enough to impart a touch of flavor. Desert was capped off with an Irish coffee.

Reservations are not required but suggested especially for Friday or Saturday night.

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

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

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

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

NOTE:  The Shanty still opens in April but now closes on January 15th and is apparently under new ownership.

The Lobster Shanty is a no-frills restaurant and bar with a really laid back attitude. If your looking for some local food don’t come here on Monday, the kitchen is only open Tues – Sun till 9pm. But if you’re looking to grab a cheap beer and chill out, grab a seat at the bar or sit outside and enjoy the summer air.

Along with the limited food they have a limited schedule, The Shanty is seasonal and opens in April(?) and closes up in November. But if you’re in town on a nice night in the summer this is the place to be. Live music fills the night air and the locals stay up past their bed time eating nachos and drinking $2 beers.

Food: D
Drinks: C
Value: A
Fun Factor: A

O’Neill’s is a chameleon restaurant/pub/nightclub right in down town Salem.   It’s the place to go after work if you want a good pint in a dark pub setting. Their burgers and shepard’s pie are tasty and filling, just the kind of home cooking you need on a cold winters night.  Early Friday nights young families show up with kids in tow so mom and dad can have a pint with dinner while the kids listen to a live Irish band.  Friday and Saturday nights is all about the 30 somethings hanging out.

There are things going on all week at O’Neill’s but on Thursday they break all the rules of an Irish bar. Thursdays around 9pm the true duality of this joint shows itself as a place for college kids to hang out, drink and dance. Good DJ + decent drinks + college kids=good old-fashioned meat market.  Its sled-dog central with the bass thumping and a line out the door.

Both locals and tourists love O’Neill’s for the warm atmosphere (they even have a stone fireplace) hearty food,  good drinks and friendly service.

Atmosphere: Depends on when you come B
Food: B
Drinks: B
Overall: B

We checked out Fresh Taste of Asia when they opened and were less than impressed. Because they were new we vowed to go back.

A few months later…

We had a hunkering for some sushi. Our tried and true Asahi happened to be closed for a holiday so we gave Fresh Taste another chance. This time the restaurant was quiet and we sat directly at the sushi bar. Noting the help-wanted sign in the window for a bartender, we ordered sake and a plum wine to be safe, while we perused the sushi menu. The sushi chef, with a thick accent that was difficult to understand at times, was attentive and helpful with suggestions.

We were reassured while we watched him prepare our Rainbow Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki and TNT Maki with skill. He asked us many times how things were during our meal and we were pleased to say that things were great and actually mean it.

Updated Rating: B