Cape Ann Guitar Society will present four folk music concerts on four nights at four different Cape Ann cultural venues during its Folk Week from Aug. 27-30.
“We will showcase some of our area’s most unique musical voices,” according to the program statement. “Our diversity is our strength. Music lovers can get to know the folk music of the Puerto Rican countryside, Jewish celebrations, the Emerald Isle, Cape Ann maritime tradition, and modern Americana.”
Organizers note that sponsorships from community partners have helped to provide affordable ticket prices, ranging from $15 to $25, and even a free event.
The events kick off this Wednesday, Aug. 27, with the internationally-known Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band at MAGMA (Movement Arts Gloucester MA), 11 Pleasant St. Suite 64, at 7:30 p.m. The band is known for its “passion, virtuosity and contagious energy.” Performing will be Cape Ann’s Abigale Reisman on violin.
“If you have never heard klezmer, this is your chance to be introduced to a wonderfully evocative musical genre by some of the best klezmer musicians in the world,” said Rebecca Popell of the Cape Ann Guitar Society.
The second concert, which is free, is 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, with the program “Jug of Punch and Michael O’Leary & Gary Dolinsky” at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson St., Gloucester. The concert will put a modern spin on traditional Celtic music, with vocal harmonies and a driving folk beat, along with a mix of maritime songs, from tragic to comic, relating to seafaring life in the region from the 1800s to recent times.
On Friday, Aug. 29, the Fabiola Mendez Trio performs at The Cut, 177 Main St. in Gloucester, at 8 p.m.. The performance will celebrate the cuatro, the national instrument of Puerto Rico, along with bass and percussion. The concert features folk music, and story-telling by one of the most celebrated ambassadors of Jibaro, which is music of the Puerto Rican countryside.
The final show on Saturday, Aug. 30, features The Clements Brothers and Night Owls at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St. in Rockport, at 6:30 p.m. The venue is outdoors under an expansive tent. The show opens with the three-part harmonies of the Night Owls, followed by The Clements Brother & Good Company — George and Charles Clements and their full band— with their special brand of Americana.
Cape Ann Guitar Society is in its second year of elevating local guitarists and musicians, bringing global talent to Cape Ann, and fostering a musical community of listening, learning, and playing.
In 2025, its most successful programming has been the monthly Strum and Sing that takes place on the third Thursday of each month. It is a low-pressure session where community members come together to play and sing songs from a preselected playlist.
For tickets, visit https://www.capeannguitarsociety.org/folk-week-2025.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or gmccarthy@northofboston.com.