Let's Dance

NOTE: opening photo is of the Marblehead School of Ballet by PortraitsofLight.com. Through dance, the human body is capable of conveying a limitless range of emotions and experiences with the power to transform both dancer and audience. Dance embodies our shared humanity, connecting us to a wellspring of creativity and expression. The toddler rocking back-and-forth on unsteady legs, the prima ballerina performing feats of physical and artistic prowess, the elderly couple moving slowly across the floor...

A day at the beach

Not much outshines the anticipation of getting to the beach on a hot summer day. Life is simpler at the beach. There is so much to do with so little. Close your eyes and you can even visualize that ride to the shore, rolling down the windows to smell the sea air, feeling the warm breeze off the ocean and hearing the sounds of gulls and crashing waves. The beach is a happy place where...

Painting the Catch of the Day

Gail Boucher does fish impressions, but not what you think; her impressions are of the artistic variety. While getting her B.A. in Fine Arts at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Boucher learned about Gyotaku. It has since been the perfect medium to combine her interest in the sea with her love of the arts. GYOTAKU is pronounced: gee-o-tah-ku “gyo” meaning fish and “taku” meaning impression. It is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing dating back to the 1800s. Originally,...

Giving Props to our Theaters

A quartet of unique area theaters is setting the stage for great family entertainment on the North Shore. These impressive venues in Rockport, Lynn, Newburyport and Gloucester are definitely worth a look and a listen. Known for its elegant architecture and breathtaking ocean view, the Shalin Liu Performance Center is home to Rockport Music. Founded in 1981 as the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Rockport Music has shortened its name but expanded its repertoire to offer jazz,...

Voices to R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Melissa Ferrick, publicity shot by Shervin Lainez Melissa Ferrick, Michelle Willson and Miranda Russell may have diverse vocal styles, but each talented singer hits just the right note with her fans. Whether recording an album at Tom Eaton’s Newburyport studio, rocking the stage at The Grog or performing at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, these three gifted women sing the praises of life on the North Shore. Melissa Ferrick A simple twist of fate...

You Are On the Air

One studied to be a veterinarian; one started out as a photographer in art school; and one was a dancer with the Boston Ballet Company. These three women started out on very different paths but they all ended up in the same spot: on the radio of the North Shore. Meg Griffin, Julie Kramer and Jacky Ankeles may be loyal to different call letters, but they share the same calling – to give local flavor...

Images of Winter

WINTER IS HERE and it sure is cold outside. But, can you remember ever having such a run of beautiful seasons? The North Shore had a beautiful spring, a sultry summer, and finished the year with a crisp and colorful fall. Now, unless you plan on leaving for warmer temperatures, get ready to embrace what winter brings us. There will be snowy days, cutting winds and icy commutes.Winter will seem to go on forever, but...

A Blazing Palette

Take in the foliage with us as we explore the region and then take in the beautiful art from our resident masters.

Inspire Your Senses

Our coastline reminds us that we are free to be shell seekers, explorers, soul soothers, wave catchers, cloud gazers, castle builders, poets, artists and somuchmore. Around here the beaches are gorgeous and each one very unique.Whether you want a rocky coast, singing sand or perhaps lots of tidal pools; the options are bountiful. Every so often, we just need a reminder to slow down and really enjoy our natural resources. A visit to the beach can also release stress and...

A Jazz Revival has Arrived

THAT WAS THEN. For decades, Sandy’s Jazz Revival in Beverly provided exciting venues for the musical styling that made this country famous. Sandford Berman, a Count Basie fanatic, was the man behind the music on Cabot Street. Imagine the scene, live Jazz through the decades, a musical oasis right here at home. Among the hundreds who performed at Sandy’s Jazz Revival were: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Chick Corea, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and Dr. John....

Making Beautiful Music

Looking behind the scenes as Matthew Rogers of Wallpushers makes these hand-crafted, high-quality bass guitars. These are artisan pieces that use upcyled wood from church pews, old doors, felled trees.