John Singer Sargent

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

From the Salem Anthenaeum:

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

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

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

According to the Salem PD:

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

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

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

In other event news

Painting at Witch City Ink

Art Fusion at Witch City Ink

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

Zombie Walk Salem T-Shirt

Zombie Walk

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

Salem Literary Festival 2008 – Inspiration for writers and setting for classic and contemporary literature, celebrates its passion for all things literary in the 2008 Salem Literary Festival. The festival will start Friday night from 5-7pm at the Old Town Hall.  Get more info on their website at salemlitfest.com.

Callahan Family  Fundraiser – Two weeks ago over at the Gulu you helped raise over $11,000 for the Jocelyn Callahan fundraiser with the money slated to build a fence in the hopes a similar tragedy can be avoided.  It turns out that the city has already funded the building of a fence with construction to begin shortly.  The Callahan family is consitering putting that money to good use in the form of a scholarship.  This Sunday September 14th Dodge Street will be hosting an all day fundraiser for the family.  Swing by for some great music, stories and to put a few dollars to good work.

Callahan fundraiser at Dodge Street

Music

Friday September 12th

• Alanna Manning (6-9pm jazz) Acid Foley (10pm rock)  @ Bangkok Paradise
• Demons Alley, Two Saints, Red Invasion (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 Retros (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• 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
• mamadou @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday September 13th

• Fran  & Bobby Tyler (6-9pm jazz) Playing with Fire (10pm rock) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Break for Moose, Guided by Wires (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30-5:30pm)  Jo Henly (country, rock, pop 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBD @ The Lobster Shanty
• 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
• dis n’ dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Rocky Horror Picture Show (R)
Friday 11:55PM

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Burn After Reading (R)
Friday at 5:00, 7:30 and 10:00
Saturday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:40 and 9:50
Sunday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 and 7:40

The Women (PG-13)
Friday at 4:45, 7:15 and 9:45
Saturday at 11:15 AM, 1:45, 4:15, 7:00 and 9:30
Sunday at 11:15 AM, 1:45, 4:15 and 7:00

Tropic Thunder (R)
Friday at 4:10, 6:40, and 9:00
Saturday at 11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:35, 7:20 and 9:40
Sunday at 11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:35 and 7:20

Insider Picks

I say this all the time but if you haven’t checked out Rocky Horror here in Salem get your butt over there Friday night. If Rocky isn’t your thing you can’t go wrong tonight at Gulu-Gulu,  DJ Seth is always a house favorite.  Saturday in Salem is all about the rump shakin’ so it’s off to see Search Party at Rockafellas and sing cover songs at the top of our lungs.  Sunday swing by Dodge Street any time after 1PM for the Callahan Family benefit, its a worty cause.

None listed

Music

Friday September 5th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Criticize w/ Supertonic (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Radio Scotvoid Productions (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBD (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• 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
• The Classmates @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday September 6th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Toolfist (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Rev. Bob & the Darkness (acoustic, gothic, blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Richie Rich and the 24K Funk band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Hot like Fire @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Tropic Thunder (R)
Friday at 4:50, 7:15, and 9:40
Saturday at noon, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 and 9:40
Sunday at noon, 2:25, 4:50 and 7:15;

Pineapple Express (R)
Friday at 4:30, 6:45 and 9:30
Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 6:45 and 9:30
Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 6:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday at 4:00, 7:00 and 9:10
Saturday at 11:40 AM, 1:50, 4:00, 7:00 and 9:15
Sunday at 11:40 AM, 1:50, 4:00 and 7:00

Insider Picks

I don’t know about you but after last weekend end of summer marathon partying I’m pretty beat this weekend.  That being said I’m going to muster up what I have left in the tank and rock out over at Dodge Street with Criticize.  Saturday I’ll start winding down early with the always entertaining Rev. Bob & the Darkness over at the Gulu. Summer is now over and we have a couple weeks before we are thrust into full time tourist town mode with more parties than you can shake a broom stick at.  Enjoy your down time while you got it.

Keep up with us on Twitter!

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.

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

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

SAA president Gary LaParl:

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Toast” Benefit for The Art Corner

Music

Friday June 27th

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

Saturday June 28th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Beach Party (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

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

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

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

Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B.

Howard Street Graveyard Seeds by Daryl B.

Tattoo Guns by Forrest F.

Painting at Witch City Ink by Forrest F.

Old Town Hall by Jeff W.

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

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

YARR!! by Rippin K.

A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

Untitled 1 by Alex E.

Untitled 2 by Alex E.

Untitled 3 by Jennifer N.

Untitled 4 by Jennifer N.

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

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

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

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

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.

The 16th Annual Walk for HAWC
Help Abused Women and their Children by walking around town. Registration Sunday at 11am walk starts at Noon.

Music

Friday April 25th

• Maggie Scott (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Mamadou (afro-beat / reggae / jam band 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Demon’s Alley (rock / glam / punk) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica / pop / rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Delvis (rock / folk / pop) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Soul Baby (r&b / funk / soul 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hangovers (dance, rock, swing) @ Rockafellas
• Preacher Jack @ Spirits at 300 Derby

Saturday April 26th

• Wendy Nottonson (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Terri Lee ( Rock / Pop / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Autumn Above (acoustic / progressive / indy) @ Dodge Street
• Astro Al (experimental / psychedelic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Santarella – Kimball Duo @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ TBA (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirits at 300 Derby

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

21 (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00 and 9:40
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:40, 4:20 and 7:00

Forbidden Kingdom (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00, 2:20, 4:45 and 8:00;

Spoken Word

Witch City Poetry Series -Wraps up this Sunday from 5-8pm @ Gulu-Gulu

Insider Picks

Looks like we have another if-then situation going on this weekend. If the weather is cooperative, Friday nights Insider Pick is to head over to the Shanty and see Delvis out side. If the weather sucks then you can’t go wrong with Preacher Jack at Spirits. Saturday the adventurous set will trip on down to Gulu-Gulu and drop out with Astro Al. Sunday don’t forget to walk your hangover off with HAWC it’s for a good cause and a fine way to end the weekends activities.

Special Events / Festivals

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

Music

Friday March 28th

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

Saturday March 29th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Theatre

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

Special Events / Festivals

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!

Special Events / Festivals

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

Music

Friday February 29th

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

Saturday March 1st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Salem Film Fest Schedule

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

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

(c) Hans Neleman

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

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

What is moko?

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

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

About the photographs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final lecture of the McIntire Lecture Series

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

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

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

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

Music

Friday February 15th

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

Saturday February 16th

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

Sunday February 17th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

photographer and date unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sketch of floor plan by McIntire

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

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

photo from this past summer’s walking tours

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

Final Thoughts

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

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