Now that St. Peter’s Fiesta has concluded, there is a new event making waves on Cape Ann when Gloucester Stage Co. brings to town the world premiere of “Wipeout,” which explores the journey of 77-year-old who wants to learn how to surf.
After Gloucester Stage knocked it out of the park with its first play, this new comedy by Aurora Real de Asua promises to do the same in this last stop of its rolling premiere.
Speaking of the “park,” this weekend is also the launch of Gloucester’s Antonio Gentile Bandstand 2024 Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park starting on Sunday, July 7. This year marks the 38th season of concerts at the bandstand at the oceanside Stage Fort Park on Gloucester Harbor. and there is much more with the final weekend of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, a flamenco evet at Windhover Performing Arts Center in Rockport, among many other activities.
”Wipeout”
Gloucester Stage Co. opens “Wipeout,” through the National New Play Network, on Friday, July 5, with shows through July 28.
The playwright described this play as her love letter to the “joys of surfing, the power of the ocean, and the tenacity of female friendship.” The play tells the story of Gary who decides she wants to learn to surf on her 77th birthday — but she has never been in water.
“But with the assistance of a spirited teenage surf instructor and her two best friends, Gary is poised to conquer the unknown. Set on surfboards against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, ‘Wipeout’ is a poignant comedy about friendship and the unpredictable tides of life,” according to a synopsis.
Directed by Shana Gozansky, the play stars Karen MacDonald as Gary, Cheryl Singleton, Noelle Player and Thomas Bilotta.
“… The ocean is our great equalizer,” said the playwright. “It has a way of revealing the truth, of disintegrating the boundaries we place around ourselves and each other.”
Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Rebecca Bradshaw said this collaboration is special because each company in the rolling premiere has a different director, design team and cast.
“At its core, this play celebrates living and all the wisdom from our experiences — no matter a person’s age. It’s one of those plays that feels like a privilege to be a part of, and I hope audiences feel the same after seeing our production,” added Gozansky, the director.
For tickets, visit: gloucesterstage.com.
Bandstand 2024 Season Offers Barbie and Taylor Swift
The Antonio Gentile Bandstand 2024 Summer Concert Series opens on Sunday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m., the first of nine free concerts, at Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park. The season kicks off with a performance by the Cape Ann Big Band with big band jazz. Local businesses and individuals sponsor the series of free concerts. Free parking and restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring a chair or blanket.
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., a new season-long start time, and the concerts are 90-minutes. The rain date for July 7 concert will be the following Wednesday at the same time.
The 2024 series features the return of the Compaq Big Band, Horizon, the Continentals, Daisy Nell & Captain Stan, Grupo Fantasia’s “Latin Dance Party” and Martin and Kelly, country-western favorites.
Music Director David Benjamin encourages all to attend.
“Fantastic music overlooking the outer harbor, glorious sunsets, schooners sailing by — it doesn’t get any better than this in Gloucester,” he said.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Cape Ann Community Band will perform a special “Barbie, Ken & Taylor Swift” concert featuring vocalist Alexandra Grace and the students of her music studio singing Taylor Swift tunes from the Era’s tour and tunes form the Barbie movie. The audience is encouraged to wear pink to celebrate Barbie. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their Barbie dolls and friendship bracelets, and “be prepared to sing along,” said Benjamin. The concert will be introduced by young musicians from the Gloucester Elementary School Band program.
For details, visit: davidlbenjamin.com
Firefly Family Fun
Manship Artists Residency presents a free “Firefly Family Fun” program on Sunday, July 7 from 1-3 p.m. as part of its Firefly Fiesta. This program is a partnership with the Lanesville Community Center where the event will be held at 8 Vulcan St. in Gloucester. The event is ideal for children ages 3 to 12. It includes a bug scavenger hunt, children’s book reading, the making of firefly signaling devices, and an art project. To register, visit: ManshipArtists.org.
Final week of music festival
This is the final week of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival with the concerts having just a few seats left in its final days. The concerts are held at the oceanfront Shalin Liu Performance Center at 37 Main St. in Rockport. The offerings include many audience favorites, like A Far Cry with Kinan Azmeh and Dinuk Wijeratne, The King’s Singers who are international favorites, and a Festival Finale concert featuring a program of Poulenc, Dohnányi and Schubert. For details and tickets, visit: rockportmusic.org.
On the big screen
The first summer blockbuster, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 “Jaws,” splashes onto the screen at Cape Ann Community Cinema at 37 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport on Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m. featuring Peter Benchley’s story of a summer resort town where the arrival of a great white shark changes the usual tranquil nature of the community. The film depicts an “epic hunt in this classic tale of man vs. nature.” Grab some popcorn and enjoy a cinematic ride.
On Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m., the theater brings back Shep Abbott’s “Gloucester Speaks,” which had previous sold out screenings.
For details and tickets, visit: www.CapeAnnCinema.com.
Dive into flamenco
The Cape Ann Guitar Society and United Flamenco Arts Society will present workshops in flamenco guitar and dance at Windhover Center for Performing Arts. Those attending can bring their nylon string, or steel guitars, and learn the basics of flamenco guitar with maestro Guillermo Guillen on Friday, July 5 at 5:45 p.m. in the chapel on the Windhover grounds (a $25 suggested donation). Or, come to a free beginner flamenco dance class under the tent on Sunday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m. Also that weekend, there will be two performances with United Flamenco Arts Society on Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 7 at 3 p.m.; For details, visit: windhover.org.
Tom Rush returns for two shows
Singer/songwriter Tom Rush returns to Cape Ann to perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12. Rush began his music career performing in Boston-area clubs while attending Harvard, and he is credited by Rolling Stone magazine with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter, according to his bio.
His new album titled “Gardens Old, Flowers New,” is his first album of new music since the 2018 “Voices” album.
“His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a treasure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the genre in the ’80s and ’90s,” according to a press release.
Along the way, he has championed and inspired artists such as James Taylor, and Garth Brooks who credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences.
For tickets, visit: rockportmusic.org.
Peter Black at Local Colors
In July, Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, at 121 Main St., Gloucester, will feature new blue porcelain works by local ceramic artist Peter Black, including blue and purple bowls, vases and other one-of-a-kind works. The shop features work by all artist members who work in varied media. The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details on all artists, visit: local-colors.org.
Around Cape Ann is a column devoted to events happening on Cape Ann and artists from Cape Ann performing elsewhere. If you would like to submit an item, contact reporter Gail McCarthy at 978-675-2706 or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com at least two weeks in advance.