Posted in Music on Jul 31st, 2008 2 Comments »
Spoke to Benj Gershman recently, bass player for O.A.R..
The band — Marc Roberge (vocals, electric & acoustic guitar), Richard On (electric guitar & background vocals), Jerry DePizzo (saxophone) and Chris Culos (drums) formed in 1996 while still in high school.
Gershman remembered those teen years quite well. continued »
Posted in Music on Jul 25th, 2008 No Comments »
This just in from eager reader Jaden on the Warped Tour:
In the early years of the Warped Tour, the daylong musical event featuring multiple fast-paced, hard-hitting punk and ska acts certainly wasn’t for everyone.
What started in 1994 as a skater-kid’s paradise, however, has morphed into something with much wider appeal, as was witnessed this week by those who attended the show in Mansfield this week. continued »
Posted in Culture and Society on Jul 23rd, 2008 1 Comment »
This sounded like a fun event, readers. Thought I would pass it on:
Chulamama Maternity and Baby, 320 Derby St., Salem, Mass., celebrates its first anniversary with a party, sale, raffle and giveaways August 15-17th.
Chulamama was started by two moms, Noelle Moreno and Heather Roman, with the belief that personal style and identity does not end at motherhood. Chulamama has expanded to include exclusive baby clothes and European strollers and baby gear.
“It’s been a great year,” says Moreno. “Every day we meet new people who are on this crazy yet amazing journey towards parenthood. It’s an exciting thing to be a part of.” continued »
Posted in Music on Jul 21st, 2008 No Comments »
Another review from my colleague Emily Young:
Who knew bluegrass tunes sung in Mandarin Chinese could be so good?
My husband and I were treated to some fabulously bizarre music by Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet at Lowell’s Boarding House Park last night. And I mean that in a good way.
The band features legendary banjo star Bela Fleck, who has been nominated for about 21 Grammys and won eight, which was the draw for us. We quickly came to know the rest of the band — fiddler Casey Driessen, cellist Ben Sollee and vocalist Washburn on banjo — during their intimate, jovial performance.
Posted in Celebrity, Music on Jul 17th, 2008 No Comments »
This just in from my intern, Nicole Lonero:
Tuesdays, white tents always line the edges of Copley Square for the summer farmer’s markets held there — filled with vegetables, breads and even desserts.
But yesterday was different. Along the never-ending row of tents, only one fluttered with the excitement and attention of many.
continued »
Posted in Music on Jul 14th, 2008 No Comments »
Here’s what my colleague Emily Young had to say about the Friday concert:
“Third time’s a charm,” the Indigo Girls sang last night in one of three new songs from their forth-coming independent album, out in February 2009.
Last night also marked the third time my sister and I saw the Indigo Girls perform at Lowell’s Boarding House Park. Accompanied by the ever-energetic Julie Wolf on keys and accordion, the strumming folk duo — Amy Ray and Emily Saliers – played 20 songs and two encores in 90-minutes flat.
There were several songs that I didn’t know, but my foot never stopped tapping. More than 20 years after releasing their first album, “Strange Fire,” their voices are as rich and complimentary as ever; one, by no means, is carrying the other. Their music is perfect for a cross-country road trip, as well as an evening at the grassy, outdoor pavilion.
Additionally, the Girls finally had the weather on their side. As early as 7:40 a.m., local fans were sunning themselves at the park. Seriously.
Posted in Music on Jul 11th, 2008 2 Comments »
Check back here tomorrow, for Emily Young’s take (below) on the concert.
Posted in Television on Jul 9th, 2008 No Comments »
I love this TV show and recently got an advance copy of the season premiere — I have to say, it’s pretty darn good.
Not wanting to give too much away, the episode puts the LA Priority Homicide Division and its Deputy Chief, Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) in the midst of a California wildfire, with suspicious origins.
It also brings back Irish actor Jason O’Mara as Bill Croelick — a pyromaniac and thorn in Brenda’s side.
While … continued »
Posted in Music on Jul 2nd, 2008 3 Comments »
This just in from Northern Essex Community College:
The #1 Beatles show on Earth said Rolling Stone Magazine
“1964..The Tribute”
Appearing on October 4, 2008
At the Collins Center in Andover, MA
Tickets are $35.00 - reserved seating
All proceeds from the event to benefit Northern Essex Community College’s
NECC Fund – which supports student scholarships, programs and the endowment.
To purchase tickets – Lori Smerdon at
Northern Essex Community College - 978-556-3870
or visit www.mvarts.info to buy them online.
For more information - contact Lori … continued »
Posted in Celebrity on Jul 1st, 2008 No Comments »
One of Andover’s favorite sons came home last week to receive the key to the town. Later he had a party at the trendy restaurant Glory.
Here the “Shield” and “Fantastic Four” star is flanked by Glory owner Adrienne Pappadopoulos and Charlie Fotopoulos from Lowell.
Finding out what the Merrimack Valley does for fun has been a mission of Rosemary Ford's since she became a full-time Arts and Entertainment reporter at The Eagle-Tribune in 1998. (more)