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.

Facebook

As is the case with most social media, the City of Salem is not in the forefront (they still don’t have a twitter feed for governmental updates like road closures, snow bans, amber alerts etc.) I’m sure they will jump on the band wagon eventually but until then the good people of Salem have found a champion on facebook by the name of Joey Colomba.

Joey started up a facebook fan page because like many people in Salem he loves the Witch City and very much like us he puts in his own time and effort, paid by no one because he wants to see Salem prosper.  Currently he 9,270 fans who see his musings, news stories and various info about Salem but he wants more.  He is on a quest to have 10,000 fans and I’m sure that with the help of TheSalemInsider.com readers we can get him there.

I recently spent some time chatting with Joey about his Facebook fanpage. After you are done reading this post you should head over to facebook.com/salemmass and become a fan. Tell him “The Salem Insider sent you.”

TSI: Joey, you have built up a pretty robust Salem MA facebook page. It doesn’t appear that you are employed by the City of Salem so what is your motivation?

JC: The main reason why I started the Fan page was to help local businesses in the tough economic times. The page since then has grown to a place for everything including local events or what is happening in Salem, MA.

TSI: Given the recent additions to Salem in regards to new shops, restaurants, bars and condos do you feel Salem is moving in the right direction and how do you feel about its future?

JC: This is a tough question, I honestly think having more business in Salem is great and will help the city grow economically and provide more jobs for local residents.

TSI: What are some of your places to go / things to see in Salem?

JC: I personally like going to the Salem Willows and some of the Museums in Salem. I also love eating at Engine House and for a quick sub at Bella’s

TSI: Has your facebook page connected you with more Salem insiders or tourists? Do you feel that both the tourists and locals view Salem the same way or are there obvious differences?

JC: Their is a mix of Salem residents and people who just love salem in general. I’ve been receiving phone calls and emails from people all over the world with nothing but postive feedback on the page and how much they want to move back to salem after seeing our page and whats going on with the city. It allows people to connect with salem without opening a local news paper.

TSI: If you could change something about Salem what would it be?

JC: Something needs to be resolved with traffic in the downtown area aside from this I believe the city staff is running Salem just fine.

If you have more questions for Joey or just want to connect with other Salemphiles head over to facebook.com/salemmass and become a fan.

Thanks Joey and good luck!

10. Ding Ding.  The trolleys have taken their respective corners for the upcoming bout.

9. The lines to get in anywhere Friday night are getting longer while the skirts are getting shorter.

8. The seasonal migration pattern has brought a new flock of homeless to down town.

7. Light poles littered with signs directing you to the local ice cream shops.

6. The Public Works guys draining the water fountains every other day because they were turned into giant bubble baths.

5. Diving out of the way as short-pant wearers peddling pedicabs or riding segways fly down the walkways.

4. Bewildered tourists walking about town at 8AM looking for Dunkin’ Donuts or anything “spooky” open.  (Try the local coffee people.)

3. A proliferation of witch and wizard hats paired with flip flops and black socks.

2. Grateful Ted crawling out of his winter hibernation to play out doors.

And the number one sign that spring has sprung in Salem:

1. The triumphant return of outdoor seating; meeting your fellow Salemites under the stars for a frosty adult beverage.

Mojito by Arthur C.

Salem Literature Festival

The Salem Literature Festival

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

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

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

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

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.

I think the best way to see your new town and meet people is by going out to dinner at the local restaurants, and insiders know that we have some great eats here in Salem.  But there are times that you just need some quick take out or delivery.  That got me thinking, what are the must have menu’s in your kitchen?

Salem Take Out Menus

Take Out / Delivery Menus in Salem

• DeLeo’s – Pizza & Subs – Take Out & Delivery
• Engine House – Pizza,  Subs, Pasta – Take Out & Delivery
• Upper Crust – flat pizza – Take Out & Delivery
• Hong Kong King – Chineese – Take Out & Delivery
• Bangkok Paradise – Thai (not sushi) – Take Out
• Asahi – Sushi – Take Out
• Cafe Kushco – Sandwiches  - Take Out & Delivery
• Mandee’s Pizza – Pizza & Subs – Take Out & Delivery  (also offers on-line ordering)
• Passage to India – Indian – Take Out

What we don’t have here in Salem is a good quality Mexican restaurant where you can get a taco or burrito.  Cilantro is excellent but not really the place for this type of food and Edgewater is great for drinks but just plain sucks for food.

If you want more info about any of the restaurants on our list head over to our restaurant review page.  I’m sure there are a few menus in your kitchen drawer that didn’t make this list.  Tell us what they are and why we should put them on the list essential Take Out and/or Delivery menus for Salem.

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

Then & Now: Salem

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

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

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

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

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

The Build Guild, a montly Salem meet-up for web professionals is hosting a special event tonight they will have a few special guests: Eric Meyer, Ethan Marcotte, Dan Cederholm, and perhaps Rob Weychert. If you are a web person then you know these names.

Admission tonight at Spirits (upstairs)  is limited and this will meet it’s capacity.  If you can’t make tonights 6:30pm event the Build Guild meets every month at Spirits, hit their website and sign up for notification.

This special pannel of noteable internet professionals is sponsored by.

• BuySellAds.com
• Simplebits
• Booyant
• iMarc

Be there or be ◻

As of today you will find our list of local blogs on its own around town page. This is a page of blogs written by people who live or work in the Salem area. Some people blog about their businesses others about personal life but the common theme is life in Salem Massachusetts.

If you want to see other Salem blogs added to our around town page just let us know. We have set up a few categories to help readers quickly navigate through to the blogs they might find interesting. We look forward to your input to improve this page an grow it so we can showcase more of Salem’s bloggers.

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

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

The day before Thanksgiving brings about Salem’s transformation into Christmas season.  The Essex Street Pedestrian Walkway is strewn with lights, lamp poles have wreaths and this morning city employees started working on the Old Town Hall.

Olde Town Hall gets wreathed

The big wreath went up via a bucket and crane thingie type truck.  Apparently the balmy 30 degree temperatures didn’t dissuade one Rhodes Scholar from wearing his shorts to work this morning.

Erecting Salems Christmas Tree

Seasonal festivities begin this Friday night at 6pm when Mayor Driscoll lights up the Christmas tree.

Editorial Rant:

I know some people refer to the above tree as a “holiday tree” but lets face it, other than Arbor Day what holiday has a tree as a symbol?  It’s a Christmas tree people.  You are not offending anyone by calling it what it is.  Jews, atheists and pagans all acknowledge that the Christmas tree is a Christmas tree and are not offended by it.  Each religion has it’s own unique symbol.  You wouldn’t call a menorah a “multi branched holiday candelabrum”, would you?  The Christmas tree currently happens to be a Christian symbol, having allegedly been adapted from the paganism along with the mistletoe and yule log (which you can watch for free in Salem from Comcast’s on demand menu).  So I don’t want to hear anyone referring to it as anything but a Christmas Tree.

If you are looking to get a Christmas tree for your home you can head across the street from Old Town Hall to Artists Row where they will be selling trees and “Shanty Clause” (get it, Shanty as in the Lobster Shanty – pretty clever) will be making an appearance all weekend long.

If Shanty Clause doesn’t do it for you Santa Clause will be arriving in Salem at the Hawthorne Hotel on Friday at 5:30 pm.  He makes his decent from the roof and meets up with the mayor before walking down Essex Street to the Christmas Tree lighting.  If you miss him on Friday don’t worry because he will be at the Museum Place Mall from noon till 2pm every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.

When people discuss restaurants in Salem Massachusetts a few rise above the rest as true standouts of fine dining, the Grapevine is one such restaurant.

A few steps away from the main drag of Derby Street and Hawthorne Blvd. in Salem sits the diminutive Grapevine restaurant.  A small “L” shaped bar greets you and a hostess will seat you either in their richly colored old world styled dining room or if the weather is cooperative, outside in the Tuscan inspired 8 table garden. The Grapevine has long been a favorite spot to celebrate special occasions or impress your date.

Grapevine Restaurant

My dinner date and I were seated promptly and attended to by Oscar, a polite and knowledgeable server.  We started off with cocktails ($10).  My date opted for the X-Rated martini  featured as the days special martini and I went with the tried and true extra dry Sapphire martini.

Cocktails

For an appetizer we chose the grilled calamari ($12).  Unlike typical fried calamari, grilled calamari is unbreaded and usually of higher quality. This did not disappoint.  The large calamari was grilled to perfection with not a chewy piece to be found. Served on a bed of greens with a light lemon dressing and two large blue cheese topped croutons this is a perfect starter.

Grilled Calamari

Dinner choices were difficult as so many items looked great. As a general rule I try to go for a daily special and a featured item from the menu.  Unfortunately the my first choice of a special was sold out so on the recommendation of our server I went with the dry rubbed baby back ribs, finished on the grill with a chipotle BBQ sauce, served with a side of mac ‘n cheese  ($22).  From the specials menu my date ordered the pan seared swordfish  with veggies and roasted potato’s ($23).  Knowing the grapevine has a celebrated wine list we each ordered a glass of Argentinian Syrah.

The swordfish was cooked to perfection although the flavor was somewhat bland.

Swordfish

The ribs were quite meaty and the dry rub made them easy to eat with utensils or by hand without too much mess.  I was pleasantly surprised to find large rigatoni with a rich blue cheese sauce as a fun twist on the traditional mac n’ cheese.

Dry ribs with Mac n Cheese

Although we were both stuffed the dessert looked too good to pass up.  We tried the chocolate mousse and fall favorite, bread pudding ($8).  Both were delicious and hit the spot topping off our meal without putting us in a diabetic coma.

Bread Pudding

You probably won’t get out of the Grapevine for under $100, add a few cocktails and a good tip and you are well over $100 however you do get what you pay for, and in our opinion it’s money well spent.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: B
Drinks & wine selection: A
Food: A
Service: B+
Overall: A

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

Music

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

Friday November 21st

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

Saturday November 22nd

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

3rd Annual Salem Open Studios

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

Salem’s Christmas House Tour

Every year we rave about how great this event is, we also applaud Historic Salem Inc. for doing such a bang up job on this; their premier fund raiser.

This years tour on December 5th – 7th features 11 homes all fitting in the theme of “Three Centuries of Architecture“.

Tickets are available at the following retailers for $25 in advance or $30 at Hamilton Hall the day of the tour.

• Borders Books, Music, Movies & Cafe, 151 Andover Street, Peabody, MA
• Crunchy Granola Baby, 72 Washington Street, Salem, MA
• Peter D. Barter Flowers & Colonial Gift Shop, 201 Derby Street, Salem, MA
• Sophia’s, 105 Essex Street, Salem, MA
• The Trolley Depot, 191 Essex Street, Salem, MA
• Waters & Brown, 281 Derby Street, Salem, MA
• Waters & Brown, 13 Elliott Street, Beverly, MA

We say this every year, DON’T MISS THIS EVENT.  It’s a well spent $25 and it goes to a good cause.

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.

Mobile Command Vehicle

It seemed like a rather tame Halloween with an estimated 100,000 people coming in to town.  More were expected due to the great weather and the holiday falling on a Friday.  Perhaps all the hype of a massive crush into Salem kept some revelers away or maybe it was the large number of private parties held around town that kept people off the street.  People seemed to have a fun time but there were less people in costume than previous years and of those costumed many less slutty naughty costumes were seen (much to our dismay).

Here are a few photos we took, more are available on our flickr page.  If you have some photos you’d like to share drop us a link or post one in the comments.

Good Witch

Misfits

Vampre with Baby

Princess Leia loves PRB

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 Salem start-up isn’t the only walking tour available, Untravel Media a Boston based company offers a variety of tours one of them being Seeking Sanctuary in Salem.  This walking tour was written and mapped out by Salem filmmaker Mike Boudo.

Already in the tours business for the past 92 years is the National Parks Service.  They offer “audio tours” of various Salem sites owned or run by the NPS.

We decided to check out these downloadable tours and give you the low down.

Format

All of these tour providers offer MP3 download formats.  Seeing as though Apple has sold over 100 million ipods (1 in 3 Americans own an ipod or mp3 player) formats other than mp3 are not needed. However Untravel Media goes the extra mile and offers not only audio downloads but M4V video as well and has a windows mobile OS download option for people with Crackberrys and the like.

Cost

Tourists are already spending money getting to their destination and especially these days every penny counts.  Iseesalem.com and the NPS have free downloads of their tours while at Untravel Media you will fork out $6.99 for any of their three versions of the tour.

Narration & production quality

If I’m going to listen to someone talk to me about Salem I want it to be a pleasant experience. If you’ve ever been to a National Park and used one of their “press this button” features to hear or see some multimedia about whatever you’re looking at you know this is nothing short of professional, one might say the industry standard. The Salem audio tours are cut from the same cloth, professional voice actors with clear elocution, good use of ambient sounds, clean consistent sound and volume featuring male narration.

Iseesalem.com does a good job with a clean recording although it does feel as if it were recorded in a small room.  The female narrator does a fine job reading an informative script. These tours offer no actor portrayals and ambient sounds limited only to royalty free music when directions are given to the next location on the tour,  keeping the emphasis on the narration.

Untravel Media sits on the other end of the spectrum offering ambient sounds, background music, actor portrayals, interviews, and narration.  The male narrator is not as polished as the NPS narrator but offers much more enthusiasm and character.  Recording quality of the different segments changes widely in some places the audio noise and background sound shows the user that many of the interviews must have been done on location, it’s not distracting but it is noticeable.  They do go above board with a nice selection of photographs from interiors, exteriors and of the people talking during the audio tour.  They do a great job instructing you where to walk but the photographic cues are a true bonus for users of video ipods.

Do they deliver what they promise?

The National Park Services says of their Audio Tour of Salem Maritime:

The tour takes about an hour to complete, and consists of ten stops within the nine acre site. The stops are marked on the map, which is available here in pdf format

Each of the 10 downloadable files are between 2:45 and 7:04 minutes long and quite informative.  Using the accompanying map you move from place to place and once there listen to a new file.  This is truly an audio tour as opposed to a walking tour as there are no walking directions or comments on what you see as you walk from one location to the next.

When we did the tour with four adults and two children it took us just over an hour.  This tour delivers exactly what they claim.

Iseesalem.com says of their tours:

Download these free walking tour podcasts and enjoy learning about Salem’s history at your pace.  You will discover tales of Salem’s famous residents, long nautical history, haunted sites, witch history, and more!

Currently they offer 3 downloadable files with two “coming soon” (we need to add a special section for “coming soon” to our web site post) ranging in length from 6:28 to 6:52 minutes and walking from location to location took us about 45 minutes for the Revolutionary War tour and slightly less for the other tours.

While not as leisurely as the NPS tour these tours did offer directions to the next location.  Unlike the NPS tours their “click here (*ahem*) to download a map” doesn’t actually download a map, it opens up google maps with points plotted.

These tours are free to download, they offer directions and you can take it at your own pace so once again their claims true.

Untravel Media says of their tour:

The first part of the tour highlights buildings that are on the grounds of the Peabody Essex Museum. Through their foresight, some of Salem’s oldest and grandest architecture is being preserved.

The last part of the tour takes you to the Salem Maritime Historical Site which has preserved a number of waterfront buildings including the Narbonne House and oversaw the building of the 1797 replica “Friendship” merchant vessel.

While Untravel Media offers a bunch of tours only one is devoted to Salem.  They go above and beyond by being concerned with your safety and pointing out facts that only insiders know.  You get much more from this tour than you would from reading books or any of the available tourist literature.  I would like to see better photography (only applies to video ipod downloads) and some info is a tad dated (no more horse drawn carriages, sorry).

The format holds true to the description as the tour takes you from downtown by the PEM and Visitors Center through some of the PEM grounds, across the common and down to the Wharf.

Is it worth it?

The NPS tours give you some good info in a professional manor but having been at some of the houses I have to say that your best bet is a tour given by one of the Park Rangers.  If the Rangers are not available these tours are a fine substitute.  And since they are free you have nothing to loose.

As for iseesalem.com’s tours you might want to listen to them before you head out.  They do offer some good facts to know but as for a walking tour they don’t hold up to our other two options.  Once again they are free so judge for yourself.

Untravel Media is exceptional and exactly what I want out of an audio walking tour. As I said earlier, they are the only tour offered by these three companys that you have to purchase but, I think its worth it.  If you don’t want to be bothered with other tourists, set your own walking pace and still see some sites and learn some tid-bits, spending $7 for a tour you can enjoy over and over again is a bargan as compaired to some of the guided tours of Salem costing $10 or more.

We would love to see the entire event in order to see what transpired to provoke this police officer to take the actions he did. And as such we are not pointing fingers only spreading a word of warning.

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.

Salem MA Zombie Walk

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

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

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

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

Salems Super Info Booth

Don’t get me wrong as a site that offers info on Salem and what it has to offer I am glad to see the city stepping up and helping tourists out but, they are doing themselves a disservice by cheesing it up in some left over carnie mobile.

Come on Salem you’re better that that!

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.

Corn Stalk Decorations

This morning I saw our intrepid city workers carting out trucks full of fresh cut corn stalks and tying them to every available light post and street sign they could find.  Just think in a mere 36 days they will be dry enough to turn into flaming pop-corn dispensers by drunken revelers.

This year Halloween in Salem (and everywhere else for that matter) is on a Friday.  It’s going to be a freaking mad house!  There are so many great parties going on all through the month, starting with our Insiders Open House and coming to a climax with over 100,000 people swarming Salem’s down town on October 31st.

We will keep you abreast of all the great on goings in our fair city but be forewarned this is the first big weekend.  Perhaps the rain will keep some people away however, look for parking to go into lockdown with higher prices at the lots, more enforcement at the meters and resident parking stickers reqired on most streets.  You can head over to our parking primer for more details.

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.

This weeks Video feature comes to us from recent Salem transplant Jason Hawkins.  Jason, who I’ve had the pleasure of having a beer with is an enthusiastic young film maker looking forward to his first Halloween Season here in Salem.

Jason writes a blog called MakeFilmWork.com which talks about various video, photography and computer related ongoings. From his bio Jason writes:

I shoot, edit and light for video. Sometimes I do motion graphics and some audio production (but not as much). I also enjoy photography and building things. You should know up-front that I’m not very good at building things. But I still like it.

Recently he made a short about one of Salem’s Cemetery’s, I’d love to see the follow up to this piece when the hordes over run Salem in late October.

Salem, MA – The Cemetery from Jason Hawkins on Vimeo.

Jason is accepting some freelance work if you are in the market, just drop him a line.

Witches Cup Bike Race by lostandfoundphotos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music

Friday August 1st

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

Saturday August 2nd

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

Summer in Salem

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

The Rules:

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

The Low Down:

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

The Prizes:

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

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

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

The fine Print:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parlor Hosts Novelist Hannah Tinti at The Salem Athenaeum

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

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

Much of the information regarding Salem shops here on TheSalemInsider.com has to do with new businesses in town or changes happening, today we’re jumping in the way back machine and telling you about a fantastic little gem that started 202 years ago and is still going strong today.

A long long time ago (1806) in a town much like this one (actually exactly like this one because, it was this one) a woman from England along with her son were found shipwrecked. With nothing but the generosity from her new neighbors and her candy making recipes this woman started a business. Mrs. Spencer went on to produce the “Salem Gibralter,” said to be the first candy made and sold commercially in America and carried around the world by sea captains and their crew. The company was sold to John William Pepper (for whom it is now named) in 1830 and eventually an employee of Pepper’s purchased the business in the late 1800′s and it has remained in his family ever since.

Today Ye Olde Pepper Companie located across from the House of Seven Gables, still sells some of the same candies it made hundreds of years ago. They even have a jar of candy that was made 175 years ago in their shop and no you can’t try any of it, I asked.

In addition to some olde favorites you can also get a great selection of jelly beans, fudge, chocolates and sugar-free candies for diabetics.

Like any good candy shop worth its weight in errr sugar… you can watch some candies being made right there on premises. Locals, if you’re looking for a great gift or just interested in feeding your sweet tooth head over during the week to avoid the crowds. Tourists, don’t miss this quaint shop when you come to Salem. It really is a sweet surprise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is this a big deal?

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

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

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

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

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

SAA president Gary LaParl:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Witchstock

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

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

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

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

“Toast” Benefit for The Art Corner

Music

Friday June 27th

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

Saturday June 28th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Beach Party (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

“Toast” to Benefit The Art Corner

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Ward 2 Social Club – 1 East Collins Street – Salem

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

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

Tickets are $10.

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

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

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.

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

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

Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B.

Howard Street Graveyard Seeds by Daryl B.

Tattoo Guns by Forrest F.

Painting at Witch City Ink by Forrest F.

Old Town Hall by Jeff W.

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

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

YARR!! by Rippin K.

A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

Untitled 1 by Alex E.

Untitled 2 by Alex E.

Untitled 3 by Jennifer N.

Untitled 4 by Jennifer N.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the Details:

Where: Bangkok Paradise, 90 Washington St. Salem.

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

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

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

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

Barnum Circus on Essex St. 1885

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

This contests theme is: A Unique Perspective

Contest deadline Monday June 23rd.

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

The Rules:

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

The Low Down:

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

The Prizes:

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

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

The fine Print:

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

Clean Energy Day and Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair

Music

Friday June 13th

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

Saturday June 14th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

The Gathering at Salem will be showing:

Riding Giants (PG-13)
Friday 8PM

Insider Picks

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

© Snowriderguy

I was out and about this past weekend and took a few photos (which will be on our flickr page shortly) and it got me thinking.  Everybody who lives in or comes to Salem takes pictures here.  There’s probably a million pictures of the Friendship, Roger Contant statue, Witch Museum and the Old Burying Ground.  And that’s cool, those are the reasons many people come to  visit the Witch City.  But Salem Insiders know that  there is a lot more to Salem than just those things.

So this weekend I will announce a photo contest open to everyone tourists and residents alike.  Subject details and submission dates will follow and of course prizes will be awarded.

From their site:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(c) James Devaney

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

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

Music

Friday May 16th

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

Saturday May 17th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

From their myspace page:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salem’s history with Jazz

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

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

2008 Festival Schedule

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

Derby Square

June 14th 5-7PM
Zach Hillyard Band

July 12th 5-7PM
Paulo Stagnaro

August 9th 5-7PM
Manami Morita

August 10th 1-3PM
The Nat Simpkins Band

Museum Place Mall at the Fountain

August 10th 2-4PM
Boston Horns

Salem Willows

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

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

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

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

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/12/salem-jazz-and-soul-festival/feed/ 2 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/07/leslies-retreat-reviewed/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/07/leslies-retreat-reviewed/#comments Wed, 07 May 2008 12:57:36 +0000 Mr. Salem http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=227 Leslie’s Retreat
96 North Street
978.744.9495

There is plenty of competition for breakfast in Salem, we went to Leslie’s Retreat so you don’t have to.

The first thing you notice about Leslie’s is that you just walked into a piece of history. Named after the famed Redcoat retreat of Colonel Alexander Leslie this rustic dining establishment looks like could be a tavern / pub from the late 1700′s with classy 1960′s accent pieces like the the Strohs beer lights. The dark woods, tin lamps, historical paintings, and portraits all lend to the colonial feel.

It was a slow Sunday when we checked out Leslie’s, we went in the back door which leads to a long dimly lit bar. The elderly bartendress who appeared to be a “lifer” pleasantly greeted us and told us to sit anywhere we liked. No sooner had we slid into a booth than our server presented us with menus, specials and took our drink order; OJ, coffee and a chocolate milk. Turn around time was quick and we were impressed with the pint size OJ until we tasted it and realized it was straight out of the freezer from concentrate just add Salem tap water OJ. Coffee was weak and luke warm. Chocolate milk was the easy winner here.

Our order of blueberry pancakes and the Double Barrel breakfast special (2 bacon, 2 sausages, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, home fries and 2 toast) was taken promptly and delivered in no time. Unfortunately the pancakes were tough to cut through and slightly crunchy. The sausage and bacon were super greasy. The home fries were strangely similar to those you get in your grocers freezer with a helping of super greasy. Standout of the meal was the rye toast, which isn’t saying that much.

Our waitress started out strong but had a lackluster finish. After receiving our meal we were not attended to again until we had both finished our meals. Only after we had asked for the check were we offered another cup of coffee, and even then it was a different server who made the offer.

Prices were inline with the portion sizes with most breakfast items coming in under $5 and specials just a few dollars more.

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

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/07/leslies-retreat-reviewed/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/05/cilantro-restaurant-review/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/05/cilantro-restaurant-review/#comments Mon, 05 May 2008 14:16:55 +0000 Mr. Salem http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=230 On this Cinco de Mayo I felt it only fitting to treat you to some true Mexican food in Salem.

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!

(c) Speakerscorner

1. Take a trolley ride - It might be a rainy spring or fall day, but the trolleys are still up and running. You can kick back in the enclosed vehicle and still get a great tour and history lesson.
2. Check out the Salem Visitors Center – with free literature, mini-movies, exhibits and a staff of knowledgeable people to help you on your Salem quest. The Visitors Center at 2 New Liberty Street should be one of your first stops regardless of the weather.
3. House of Seven Gables – This historical favorite is open practically year ’round and while you might not want to hit the gardens if the weather is bad, the house tour is well worth the price of admission.
4. Peabody Essex Museum - One of the finest museums in Massachusetts is centrally located right in down town Salem. They usually have temporary exhibits that cover a broad spectrum of interest and their permanent collections are equally intriguing.
5. Salem Maritime National Historic Sites – The National Park Service runs many of the historic sites at the wharf. While some of the sites are outside, 8 are inside-including one of Salem’s hidden treasures the West India Goods Store where all the Salem Insiders come to get great prices on spices. The above link will also take you to a series of free audio tours you can download and put on your ipod.
6. Visit the Witch Museum – Many visitors come to Salem for the witch attractions. The Witch Museum is probably the best place in town to get the full picture of what happened leading up to, during and beyond the fables Salem Witch Trials.
7. Visit the New England Pirate Museum- If witches don’t float your boat or you just prefer sea-men, come here to get the real story of pirates and privateers who swash-buckled their way off the shores of New England in the golden age of sail.
8. Take in a movie at Cinema Salem – You can easily miss their small marquee on the back side of the Museum Place Mall but this movie house is one of the best deals going in Salem. Three screens with recent movies and great prices.
9. Get lost in a read at Cornerstone Books – With plenty of literary events scheduled, it seems that there is always something happening at Cornerstone. You can always escape the bad weather blues in a big comfy chair with a book in hand and maybe run into and author or two.
10. While away the hours in a coffee shop – Salem has a few outstanding coffee shops most with free wi-fi. Bust out your computer and blog about your rainy day or read up on the latest post from TheSalemInsider.com. If you look around you’ll probably see me typing away drinking a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon writing tomorrows post.

Bonus

• Witch History Museum – If you decided to check out the Witch Museum or the Pirate Museum you can get a combo pass also visit this museum. As a bonus the trolleys stop in front of each location so you can stay out of the weather.
• Shop – Whether you’ve already done the majority of things on this list or they just don’t speak to you,  you can always patronize many of Salem’s fine shops. When all else fails, go shopping!

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.

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.

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

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

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

Music

Friday April 11th

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

Saturday April 12th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

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

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink @ PEM

Spoken Word

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

Insider Picks

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

The Salem Beer Works
278 Derby Street
978.745.BEER

Every once in a while for a variety of reasons we may go back to a place previously reviewed. Today we hit Salem Beer Works again. They were great in accommodating a large party that wanted both food and drinks somewhere they could watch the game – all with just a few minutes notice.

Our party consisted of vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores with a large age range. There was something for everyone. The restaurant is well stocked with large screen TVs so you can comfortably watch whichever sporting event is on at the time from pretty much every seat in the house. The layout is comfortable enough to handle parents that have strollers or the mots rotund of tourists looking to eat their weight in wings.

Our waitress was attentive. Great laid back / casual dining experience, especially for large groups and even for families.
I had fun!
-CK

Beer Works changes up both their food and beer menu’s on a seasonal basis. One constant you must try are the fried pickles. Don’t debate the merits of frying a pickle just order it and enjoy. For an entree, I went with the meatloaf sandwich. Perhaps the best meatloaf sandwich I’ve ever had! Big slab of moist loaf with a little sauce on it between two lightly toasted buns, so delicious.

Others chose the garden burger, crunchy chicken sandwich, downtown crossing burger (that should have been called a MONSTER burger it’s more than 1/2 lb), meat loaf dinner with mashed potato’s (this is a crowd pleaser), grilled ceasar salad, and the turkey tips. Everyone was pleased with their meals.

If you have a vegetarian or vegan in your party its a great place to go. Alot of the menu has non-vegetarian friendly items offered vegetarian for a few bucks cheaper than the original price. FRIIIED PICCCKLES!! Also, huuuge portions.
-Sara

Since spring is just about here you can count on some new lighter brews from the Salem Beerworks. Many of the people in our group had never been to Beer Works before and were interested in trying a bunch of beer. Luckily you can get a beer sampler of your choice. We tasted the North Shore Light, nut brown ale, Black Bat stout, Bunker Hill Blueberry ale, Haymarket Hefe Weizen, and Pumpkinhead ale. With microbrews having vastly different flavors you wont please everybody with each beer, but there are always a few standouts.

Food quality belies the typical sports bar layout you get on initially seeing the place. Easily seats a large group which is great. All in all, great place to get some decent food and a good beer.
-T.I.

Unlike our usual reviews the following scores were compiled from a survey given to everyone in our group that day.

Service: A-
Atmosphere: B
Food: B
Beer: A
Menu Choices: A-
Price / Value: B
Overall: B

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.

People visit Salem year round. Obviously October is the busiest month of the year but tourists flock to this historic city from April till November, giving the residents a brief respite during the winter.

If you are thinking of coming to Salem there are a few options on how to get here. You can take the MBTA Commuter Rail and get off at the Salem Depot which is a 3 minute walk to down town. From May to November you can take the Salem Ferry which goes from Central Wharf (New England Aquarium) in Boston to the Blaney Street Dock in Salem. But for most people driving is the way to get here.

Now that it is April 1 (no joke) street cleaning is in effect and parking enforcement is stronger. Last year Salem brought in $1.7 Million in parking fees. This post is your guide to the dos and don’t of parking in the Witch City.

Where can I park in Salem?

Parking lots and garages are you best bet if you are unfamiliar with the area.

• Museum Place Mall garage
• South Harbor garage ( on Derby Street)
• MBTA Commuter Rail parking lot
• Blaney Street lot
• Church Street lot
• Crombie Street lot
• Sewell Street lot by the YMCA
• Front Streetl lot behind the Fire Station
• Riley Plaza lot in front of the Post Office

What about resident parking?

Like other cities Salem has plenty of streets in its historic neighborhoods that offer resident parking. All residents who live in an area that offers resident only parking can go to the Parking Office at 1 New Liberty Street across from the Visitor Center and get a resident parking sticker.

In October, any resident can get a month long resident pass allowing them to park on streets that have temporary resident only parking due to the Halloween season.

Tell me about “on street” parking

If you are coming up for the day or perhaps a short stay at one of our B&B’s you might be interested in on-street parking. In the down town and surrounding areas many streets have metered spots. Parking meters run from 8am to 5 or 6pm after that you can park in the spot for free. Unlike the exorbitantly prices you would pay in Boston (5 minutes per quarter) one quarter will buy you an hour in Salem with most meters having a max time of two hours. Meters take nickels, dimes and quarters so remember to bring change.

Parking Enforcement

Salem meter maids hit the pavement with a vengeance every morning. Don’t expect to be given any slack… ever. Do yourself a favor and remember where and when you parked so you can avoid these Salem witches.

If you do find yourself with an orange greeting card on your windshield you can take care of it any time of day or night. Simple meter expired parking violations only cost $10 which is less than parking a full day in the garages during Halloween season. For your convenience there is a 24 hour drop box in front of City hall where you can pay your ticket.

Special Events / Festivals

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

Music

Friday March 28th

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

Saturday March 29th

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

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

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

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

Theatre

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pub Crawl Tonight

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

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

The photo is a bit out of date but a new one is on the way @%*# digital camera

Calling themselves a “coffee shop” is an understatement. Nick’s serves up an affordable breakfast and lunch in a quaint atmosphere. The restaurant seats about 40 people but I’ve never seen it full. That means there is no lines and no waiting. The staff is pleasant and doesn’t rush you (or themselves).

I tried a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled banana nut muffin and coffee. The eggs and coffee didn’t knock my socks off but the bacon was thick and crispy and muffin was hot buttered and perfectly golden brown. One of the best things about my trip to Nick’s was the affordable price. Their most expensive breakfast plate (loaded with pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast and juice) is just about $6 everything else is $4 or under. All lunch sandwiches are under priced under $6 .

Located on Church St. across from the Lyceum, Nick’s is centrally located. They keep unique hours 6am – 3pm Monday through Friday and 7am – 1pm Saturday and Sunday, so keep your focus on breakfast. This is a great spot for the frugal local or tourist that doesn’t have time to wait around and still wants a solid meal.

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

See Salem from a Trolley Tour

There are two tour company’s that operate in Salem, City View Trolley Tours and Salem Trolley. I noticed both companies were out this past weekend. City View has taken up residence in an empty retail space on Essex Street and is looking for employees if you need a cool April through October job. Both Companies start their regular schedule next week, in the beginning of April.

(c) jdong

Salem Trolley
8 Central St.
978.744.5469

Salem’s original narrated Trolley Tour, the red Salem trolleys that you see around town have been here since 1982. For a flat fee you can board this trolley and take a one hour 8 mile ride around town. One reason tourists love the trolley is because with your ticket you can get on and off the trolley all day long. It is so convenient for someone who isn’t familiar with all the side streets of Salem and still wants to maximize their sight seeing time.

Salem Trolley’s fleet consists of two handicapped accessible trolleys and two traditional ones. Their service runs from 10am to 5pm and a map of stops and times is available here on their website. You can also charter a trolley if you are having an event in Salem.

Ticket prices (available at select locations in town)
Adults $12
Seniors $10
Kids $3
Toddlers free when accompanied by an adult so don’t let your 1 year old ride the trolley by himself.
They also have a variety of combo packages.

(c) City View Trolley Tours

City View Trolley Tours
PO Box 729
Salem MA 01970
978.594.0969

City View is the new kid in town and is easily recognized by their silver trolleys. Their business has been running in Boston for over 25 years, but they just came to Salem a few seasons ago. With nine stops, including one at the Salem Ferry, the City View tour is a one hour narrated historical ride. Like it’s competition, you can get on and off all day at whichever stop you wish. Unlike it’s competition, City View offers service to the ferry and MBTA Commuter Rail station. A full map of stops is available here on their website.

Ticket prices (available onboard or online)
Adults $12
Students & Seniors $10
Kids $5

Seeing Salem MA from a different perspective

Regardless of which Trolley company you decide to try, they are an excellent way to learn more about Salem. I always suggest to new visitors and locals alike to give it a ride at least once a year. Each driver has a different perspective and is knowledgeable about different aspects of Salem’s history. One driver might know more about the maritime history where another might have a better understanding about the early settlers and witch-related items. Either way you slice it, seeing things from a new angle is always a treat.

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.

The following paragraph stood out to me

The upstairs hall makes an impressive venue for public functions, and it’s been suggested in this space on several occasions that the City Council should consider it as a permanent location for major public hearings and inaugural observances. Local promoter David Pelletier has suggested that a retail tenant be found for the ground floor and the city seek to make the function hall home to one or more cultural institutions that would offer regular performances there.

As you know, we at TheSalemInsider.com don’t comment on the politics of Salem, there are other blogs that do a good job of that, however this is more of a cultural comment. I love the idea of having the city council hold hearings here, and I think it would be great to see inaugurations happen at this location. I can almost picture it now, the new mayor standing in front of this building and everyone in the court yard watching the ceremony. It sure beats people stuffed into some municipal building.

What I’m not fond of is Mr. Pelletier’s suggestion of a retail tenant taking up space on the ground floor. I have to admit I don’t know the specifications of his proposal but I do know that this is a large space that works well being open to the public for a variety of events. Recently I’ve been there for a blood drive, the Spring Fling event, art shows and live music. I am all in favor of the Old Town Hall being used more often but, it would be a shame for other Salem organizations to loose this historic space.

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!

In a recent TheSalemInsider.com online poll, you the readers chose DeLeo’s Pizza number one in Salem with The Upper Crust just missing the top spot by one single vote. Engine House rounded out the top three with a good showing for this Salem institution.

People who voted seemed to prefer traditional Italian pizza to Greek-style and price mattered less than perception of quality. Included in the poll were only restaurants that focused on pizza, we did not include those that serve a pizza option as part of a larger menu (Strega, Rockafellas, Cafe Kushco).

Any way you slice it, there’s plenty of quality pie in town and absolutely no need to call Factory Pizza just because they deliver in 20 minutes or less. Most of the local shops deliver in the same time and offer a much better product.

Get familiar with your local pizza parlor.

• DeLeo’s Pizza
  28 Norman St
  978. 740.2800
• The Upper Crust
  118 Washington Street
  978.741.2787
• Engine House Pizza
  71 Lafayette Street
  978.745.1744
• Christina’s Pizza
  239 Lafayette St
  978.744.0700
• Madee’s Pizza
  400 Essex Street
  978.745.6400
• Giovanni’s Pizza
  44 Jefferson Ave
  978.744.9111
• Damatas Pizza
  33 Bridge St
  978.745.1122
• Omega Pizza
  101 Loring Ave
  978.740.1000
• Salem House of Pizza
  23 Endicott St
  978.744.0017

Taking up residence in the former home of Bella Luna, Sixty2 on Wharf adds a European touch to this seafood saturated area.

Sixty2 on Wharf has a prime location which will undoubtedly pay huge dividends in the spring, summer and throughout tourist season. From outside we see an inviting, well-stocked bar and plenty of dining area. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess and promptly seated. The back wall of the semi-circular room was painted red with some sort of hand-painted design and built in frames, which couldn’t contain the artists vision.

Our server (not yet fully familiar with the one page menu) was attentive and did her best to be pleasant. The restaurant felt full while less than half of the tables were occupied. We were disenchanted to learn (after ordering) that for an establishment with this much hype, they still did not have their full liquor license and can only serve beer and wine (a growing trend here in Salem).

Forgoing pre-dinner cocktails we focused on our starter, lobster potato gnocchi ($15). Chunky lobster claw pieces in a light cream sauce with a fresh potato gnocchi. This starter was small on portion size but big on taste. The chef should feel confident in the gnocchi and winter lobster and be less heavy-handed with the salt.

Entree was hand-rolled garganelli with braised duck ($21) which was delicious. The al dente pasta absorbed some of the duck flavor, and the adequate portion size complimented this rich dish. Our medium-rare ribeye ($25) arrived well-done but our server promptly brought it back to the kitchen. A few minutes later a new steak arrived (along with the manager) perfectly prepared.

Dessert allowed Sixty2 on Wharf to shine. The warm toffee pudding ($8) was akin to a flowerless chocolate cake and served with home made whipped cream. Cappachino and espresso topped it off.

Once we got what we ordered we were quite happy with it, although everything (except dessert) could do with less salt. We noticed other tables sending back some dishes but are unsure of what their issues were. The staff was always friendly and the restaurant clean and well-maintained. Don’t expect to get out for under $100 for a dinner for two.

Atmosphere: C
Drinks: n/a
Food: A
Value: n/a
Overall: B

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.

Witch City Rickshaw is looking for drivers for the upcoming season. If you are 18, responsible, hardworking and active this is a great seasonal job. Mr. Chris is hosting an open house to give you the ins and outs of the pedicab business.

Interested? You can RSVP via MySpace or swing down to 63 Jefferson Ave in Salem on Monday Apr 07, 2008
at 7:00 PM.

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

Spring Fling: a Garden of Earthy Delights

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

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

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the
“Garden of Earthly Delights.” Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Traditional ancient
attire is encouraged! This is Salem, after all. Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on
March 15th from 3 – 6pm at Old Town Hall in beautiful, historic downtown Salem, Massachusetts.

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

Special Events / Festivals

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

Music

Friday February 29th

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

Saturday March 1st

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

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Salem Film Fest Schedule

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

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

Art

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

Insider Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegan friendly dining in Salem

1. Cafe Kushco
   Lots of vegan options but the best thing is their desert, frozen tofu made to order.
2. Passage to India
3. Asahi
   A sushi restaurant with plenty of non-fish, vegan friendly items on the menu.
4. Fresh Taste of Asia
   Contemporary Asian cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
5. Boston Hot Dog Company
   Yes, a hot dog restaurant. These guys serve tofu pups and you can get vegan friendly buns with no butter.
6. Salem Jade
7. New England Soup Factory
   Soups, with a menu that changes daily and always featuring vegan options.
8. Bangkok Paradise
   Both appetizers and entrees.
9. The Grapevine
   When there menu doesn’t specifically feature vegan items the chef usually has a vegan dish or two ready to go.
10. Salem Beer Works
    great veggie burgers and fried pickles to die for.

If you want to learn more about being a vegan in Salem checkout the Salem Vegan Society.

This Greek style deli gives off a cafeteria vibe but the food is a far cry from school lunch.

Breakfast is served all day for you late risers. And as with any good deli, daily specials are posted up front and change each day. I was impressed with how fresh all the pre-made food (side dishes, chicken drummies, gravies etc.) looked and how clean the kitchen was. I expect any restaurant I eat at to have clean facilities but this kitchen was impeccably spotless.

Whenever I go to a deli my rule of thumb is to try the special, so today I ordered a bowl of beef stew (on special) and a steak, cheese and mushroom sub. My food was served up in a matter of minutes. The stew had a tomato base which I was somewhat skeptical of (I’m used to Irish beef stew) however it tasted delicious and was chock full of beef and veggies. The steak sub was cooked to perfection with the meat being moist and having some crispy parts with the cheese melted on the bottom. In true deli fashion a sour pickle was served with my meal.

The deli was about 1/4 full and well staffed with two cooks, a cashier and one attentive busboy. Three large HDTVs hung on the wall with different programming on each (sports, news, discovery/nature). The dining room was spacious but felt somewhat sterile and lacked any personality. Once again I was impressed with the cleanliness of the dining room.

With close proximity to the Waterfront hotel and many of the tourist attractions, Brother’s Deli is a good bet for quality food at a reasonable price in this area. I look forward to going back and trying their liver & onion dinner.

Atmosphere: C
Food: B
Service: B
Price: B
Overall: B

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.

Perhaps I was correct when I stated “now is the time to pick up retail space in the pedestrian mall.” When Cool Jewls moved out of their corner spot in the mall, Salem’s Vintage Photography saw an opportunity and moved right in. The prime location will surely boost their bottom line. Acupuncture Solutions is also moving from their current home next to Cinema Salem to a more prominent spot just down from Essex N.Y. Deli & Pizza.

Another move from inside the Museum Place mall and expansion into a more prominent location in the pedestrian Mall was Signatures. The womens clothiers storefront and interior looks much more clean and sophisticated. Now if they could get their website out of the early 90′s they would achieve a total transformation.

Fool’s Mansion closed its doors which is sad to see, now the goth kids will have to be content with Hot Topic. Update: According to the current owner a couple has agreed to purchase the shop and continue carrying its current clothing lines hopefully re-opening in April.  The papers may be passed as early as next week. On the other end of Essex Street however, Salem’s own manwitch Christian Day is set to open up his new venture Hex. Salem’s latest witch shop, in a fantastic location between Harrison’s Comics and Laura Lanes Skin Care.

Also hitting the ground running is Salem Wine Imports (seems like we mention them often around here) with a variety of offerings. The newly reopened Spirit’s is packing in the customers at their bar and still working out their dining issues. The old Bella Luna space has been built out and opened as Sixty2 on Wharf it looks to be a sweet summer spot.

The pedestrian mall will also be seeing an other new shop next month when Witch City Ink opens up across from Pamplemousse. Witch City Ink will be Salem’s first down town tattoo shop since the 1940′s. It’s owner a Salem resident was a driving force behind this art form becoming legal once again in Massachusetts, and prides himself in his clean shops and exceptional artists.

It’s nice to report on Salem businesses opening up and doing well. Keep your eyes open for more reviews of the shops mentioned here and a few in depth inteviews with the people that make it happen.

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

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

Now for a little background on The Knights Templar Oasis.

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

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

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.

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.

SalemOpen.net
A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there was a free internet provider for down town Salem: SalemOpen.net. If you are in the down town area you might even be able to log on to the network but apparently there was a disagreement between the provider and the merchants so the provider pulled the plug but left the hardware in place.

List of Salem locations with free wi-fi

Even though the SalemOpen.net project is dead, there are plenty of merchants that realize the value of offering wireless internet access to their customers.

• Cinema Salem Cafe
• Cornerstone Books
• Front Street Coffee house
• Fuel
• Gulu Gulu Cafe
• Hawthorne Hotel
• Jaho Coffee & Tea
• McDonalds
• Salem Public Library
• Salem Waterfront Hotel
• Starbucks

Also, if you have ever spent time at one of these locations then you know there are plenty of other unsecured wi-fi points in town that an unscrupulous person could use for free access (you would think that business would know better these days).

Map of free wireless access points in Salem MA

Where do you like to pop open your lap top and while away the hours?

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

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

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

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+