Reason to Give, A new charitable organization created by a community of North Shore businesses, launches an online contest (www.reason2give.org) on November 1, 2009, offering a completely free wedding for one lucky couple and 50 of their personal guests! The ceremony and reception will be held in the fall of 2010.

Reason to Give has partnered with some of the best companies and brands in the bridal industry like: Giblees, Bell Sera Bridal, Natasha Bansfield Events, BeeCustom Designs, Mason & Madison… gifts with style, Flour(-e)r Specialty Floral Events, Creative Sparks Imagery and Groveland Fairways. “Traditionally, when you give, you don’t always see where your donation goes or how it’s used. With Reason to Give, we are seeing it every step of the way, to completion (the wedding!)” notes Alicia Wallace, Event Coordinator for Groveland Fairways.

Brides, family and friends can enter the contest by filling out the online questionnaire. The Reason to give Board Members will narrow the candidates down to three and will be validating information from candidates who make it ot the final round.

Entrants into the wedding giveaway must be from the North Shore community. See website for complete list of cities and towns.

Donations include: event planning services, invitations, bridal gown, fittings, undergarments, bridal accessories, dress for maid of honor, tuxedos for groom and best man, personal training services, wedding venue, catering services, photographer, florist, DJ/band, make-up, hair services, favors, limousine services and wedding cake.

The wedding will be held at the Groveland Fairways, 156 Main Street, Groveland, MA.

Visit www.reason2give.org for additional information and contest rules.

Share on Facebook

Fabulous homes in the Annisquam and Rowley Shore area of Gloucester will be open to the public on Saturday, November 21, for a self guided tour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some of these beautiful homes will be professionally decorated for the holidays. “Homes for the Holidays” is a program of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Businesswomen’s Division.  

The Home Tour is being planned by the Businesswomen to support the Carolyn O’Connor Scholarship.  Named for the first Chairperson of this active Chamber group, the scholarship benefits a woman who is changing careers or returning to the workforce after an absence and is in need of further education.  The Businesswomen have given out four $1,000 scholarships since it was created in 2006.  The group is hoping to raise enough funds to either increase the scholarship amount or the number of scholarships for 2010.

 Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 on the day of the tour.  Actual tickets and a map showing the location of the homes can be picked up on the day of the tour at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial Street, Gloucester between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Contact the Chamber office at (978) 283-1601 to order your advance tickets. 

About the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce: The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Ann. 

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA  01930, 978-283-1601; info@CapeAnnChamber.com

Share on Facebook

Ugandan sensation Kinobe will appear Saturday November 21, 2009 at Mission Oak Grillin Newburyport for one night only during the launch of his first major tour of the United States and Canada. 

The young artist Kinobe is one of the leading figures in African traditional and contemporary world music, and is fast becoming an international star. There is just something about Kinobe that marks him out as a musician. To watch him perform is a delight. Kinobe has been performing internationally since the age of ten, captivating audiences with virtuoso performances of Ugandan roots music as well as original compositions, reflecting a wealth of African and world influences. A multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Kinobe leads the audience into the soul of African music with traditional instruments, songs, and stories from his homeland.

The 21-year old Kinobe and his crew Soul Beat Africa take on Uganda’s ethnic sounds and fuse tradition with modern instrumentation. This transformation of Uganda’s ethnic folk music into more contemporary and abstract genre of music has attracted worldwide appreciation. The group will perform exclusively on a wide variety of traditional acoustic instruments. The show is energetic and highly visible to audiences of all ages. Soul Beat Africa represents the new vanguard of Ugandan performers, inspired by the synthesis of African roots and world music, of traditional and modern instrumentation. These gifted instrumentalists are steeped in the music of Uganda, but with ears opened to sounds of the world at large.

Drinkwater Productions is proud to present Ugandan contemporary artist Kinobeand his crew Soul Beat Africato perform  Saturday November 21, 2009 at Mission Oak Grill,26 Green Street, Newburyport, MA.. Show starts at 8:00 pm and ticket price is $22.50 in advance.

Purchase tickets at Mission Oak Grill or go online to www.drinkwaterproductions.com

More Information contact Lisa Knight at lisa@drinkwaterproductions.com

Share on Facebook

The Mandrake Bar Bistro, located at 252 Cabot Street in Beverly, is hosting a Celebrity Bartender Night at 6 p.m., Dec. 2 to raise funds for autism.

Eddie Palladino, announcer for the Boston Celtics since 2003 and lifelong fan, and Beverly’s own Paula Gibbs, president of the Beverly Mother’s Club, will be serving up drinks and raffle prizes to help make some families with autistic children a little happier this holiday season.

Funds raised will benefit For Jake’s Sake, a newly formed Beverly non-profit started by Dawn Coback. For Jake’s Sake helps fund and provide Massachusetts families with autistic children to access to effective therapies they otherwise could not afford.

Share on Facebook

October 21, 2009 – Haverhill MA – The cocktail party celebrating the Soles of Haverhill Saturday night was an absolute success, and the upcoming Gala Auction on October 24th which will conclude the Soles of Haverhill public art initiative looks like it will be even better.

Many people have commented that the streets downtown seem a little empty now that the shoes have been removed. This leaves many residents of Haverhill wondering, “Will any of the shoes remain in Haverhill?”  Well a group of residents are banding together to make sure at least one stays in town.  This is an opportunity for anyone to participate in the action and the fun.

If you want to help keep a shoe in Haverhill, but don’t know where to pledge a donation (of any size) please contact Alice Mann of Team Haverhill as soon as possible at am1111@comcast.net

There are also still tickets available if you would like to come to the Gala.  You will need to purchase in advance in order to choose your meal. To make your reservation and purchase your $60 ticket, please e-mail Leanne Eastman at the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce directly at leanne@haverhillchamber.com

Not sure if a 6 foot shoe will fit with your decor?  There are a lot of other wonderful prizes to bid on at this charity eventincluding:

·     Local family entertainment package

·     Restaurant gift certificate package

·     An African photo safari (airfare not included)

·     His and hers package—beer and flowers (you figure out who gets which!!!)

·     Hot air balloon ride

·     Stuart Weitzman handbags

·     Hotel get away package

·     Fitness club gift certificates

·     Golf outings

·     Music lessons for children

·     Yard clean up

·     Beautiful jewelry

·     Celebrity memorabilia—Springsteen, Aerosmith, Jolie

·     And………a tour of the Capitol Building in Washington DC

For any additional questions, please contact Laura Spence Kelleher at mediaPR@solesofhaverhill.com

Share on Facebook

Title: Hoopers Haunted House
Location: 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead
Description: Experience stories, haunting and dread in Marbleheads historic King Hooper Mansion. Characters from the past bring to life twisted tales of madness and mayhem inside the somber confines of an 18th century home. Bring your courage and best anti-ghoul defenses to this very special series of stories and haunting tales. Special appearances by The Pirates of Marblehead.

Time: 6:00-9:15p.m., 45-minute show\’s starting every 15 minutes

Tickets: Adults – $15, Children under 12 – $10

Visit www.marbleheadarts.org or call by phone 781.631.2608 for more information and to order tickets for Hooper’s Haunted House.

Start Date: 2009-10-23
Start Time: 18:00
End Date: 2009-10-24
End Time: 21:00

Share on Facebook

October 8, 2009 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Few yachts are better named than WANDERLUST, a 118-foot (36-meter) jet boat with a shallow draft that lets her go anywhere her guests desire – even in the shallow waters of Florida and The Bahamas. The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals (TSGYP) are pleased to announce that WANDERLUST has joined their Charter Marketing Fleet as a Central Agency Yacht.

“We are excited to welcome this rare and beautiful boat to The Sacks Group Fleet,” said Jennifer M. Saia, TSGYP President and Charter Specialist. “WANDERLUST offers an unusual combination of spacious accommodations for nine guests with fantastic access and maneuverability for a yacht of her size.”

Built in the 1980s by famous Florida shipyard Denison, WANDERLUST received an extensive refit in 2007 that completely updated her systems and equipment. Powered by twin MTU 12V main engines combined with water jet drives, she has a draft of only 4’5″ (1.4M), and an impressive cruising speed of 21 knots.

Equipped with a fishing cockpit complete with two fighting chairs, WANDERLUST is the perfect water-sports platform for the vibrant waters of Florida and The Bahamas.  She carries extensive fishing gear, including 36 rods – stored in “secret compartments” throughout the yacht. WANDERLUST’s tenders and toys include two WaveRunners and a 15-foot (4M) Caribe dinghy – and she tows a 34-foot (10.36M) Yellowfin performance fishing boat with triple 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards that is fully rigged for angling adventures.

WANDERLUST’s exterior decks are ideal for relaxation. In fact, she even carries hammocks on board. Her long, spacious flybridge, complete with upper helm, offers both sun and shady areas thanks to a well-placed hard top. The airy outdoor dining area on the mezzanine deck lets guests enjoy meals in privacy and watch the action in the cockpit from a comfortable vantage point.

The yacht’s uncluttered interior features spacious living areas furnished in a clean but classic style. Up to nine guests are accommodated in four staterooms, including a master suite with king-sized bed and large bathroom with dual sinks and tub/shower. The VIP stateroom also has a king bed, while the remaining two staterooms  are furnished with twin beds – one with additional Pullman berth – for ultimate flexibility.  All the guest staterooms include en suite baths.

The spacious salon, dedicated formal dining area and the Country Kitchen located within the galley provide a variety of onboard options for relaxation and entertaining on board. There are separate sleeping quarters for the Captain, Chef and two additional crew.

WANDERLUST is available for luxury charter vacations in Florida and The Bahamas year-round. Her charter rates start at US $35,000 per week, plus all expenses; bookings are still open for the 2009/2010 holiday season at a rate of $38,500 per week, plus all expenses, with priority accorded clients wishing to enjoy a 10- to 14-day charter.

In keeping with their motto, Around The World in 80 Ways®, The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals (TSGYP) specialize in international Luxury Charter Yacht Vacations, Yacht Charter Marketing, Yacht Brokerage and New Construction. TSGYP’s charter and yacht sales agents travel the globe to inspect and represent the world’s finest yachts available for charter and sale, in order to ensure a custom-tailored fit for all of their clients. TSGYP are also known for their unique Try Before You Buy® Program, which allows clients to experience the size and type of yacht they are interested in firsthand, prior to purchase. Through its strategic alliance with IMA Yachts, TSGYP also offers full operational, management and compliancy services to yacht owners and captains, supporting clients through every stage of yacht ownership. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals also have offices in Sint Maarten and in Newport Beach, California. For more information, please contact The Sacks Group at (954) 764-7742, fax: (954) 523-3769, e-mail: info@sacksyachts.com, or visit www.sacksyachts.com

Share on Facebook

October 6, 2009, Wenham, MA – Dozens of major movie actors and actresses have filmed in the Hub this year. Flawless skin is critical to a films success and only so much can be done to camouflage flaws.

After searching for a local skincare expert, production companies and celebs are now turning to Maria Lekkakos, Medical Aesthetician and owner of M. Lekkakos Salon, Spa & Boutique in Wenham (http://www.mlekkakos.com <http://www.mlekkakos.com/> ). In the last few months alone, Lekkakos has worked on Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields, Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph and Steffania De La Cruz, wife of Kevin James.

“Celebrities have access to the best products and services in the world,” said Lekkakos. “To be continually praised by them as performing the best facial or body treatment they’ve ever had is a huge honor.”

Especially popular amongst these celebs are Lekkakos’ Ultrasound Facials. This treatment pushes antioxidant and vitamin-rich products deep into the skin, giving a glow actors and actresses need before certain scenes, as well as correcting problem areas.

Most people do not immediately think of blemishes and brown spots when they think of celebrities however, Lekkakos is quick to point out that, “Celebrities deal with the same skin problems as we all do. However, their skin is especially prone to dryness and breakouts because of all of the makeup they wear. We specialize in treatments that immediately correct or diminish these problems.”

Since June, Lekkakos and team have been called on by three major productions, Furry Vengeance, Grown Ups and Zookeeper. This work has meant long and often, odd hours for the veteran Aesthetician. “It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding, especially when we get to see the beautiful results,” said Lekkakos.

For Lekkakos this fame is not newly found. The Miss Massachusetts USA 2004 winner has been an Aesthetician for over 10 years following years of training in her native Greece. Since her career began, some of her accolades include styling Marcia Cross for the cover of Boston Common Magazine, doing makeup on contestants of the Miss USA pageant and most recently, being named one of the Boston’s 100 best-dressed by Fashion Boston (FB) Magazine. FB selected Lekkakos as one of only 10 Bostonians to be photographed for their August issue.

“A lot people are calling me Boston’s go-to-girl for skincare. It’s a nice title and one I’ll happily accept,” smiled Lekkakos.

Share on Facebook

The Soles of Haverhill have 2 exciting events coming up this month to cap off this fantastic initiative which has brought our community together, increased tourism and brought a lot of joy in what has been a rough year for many. We hope you can join us.

First is A Whole Lot of Sole, a 21+ cocktail party on Saturday, October 17^th from 6:30PM to 11:00PM. This energizing social event will give guests the opportunity be part of the last viewing all of the Soles of Haverhill shoes prior to the auction.

The party will be hosted at the Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water Street in Haverhill, which will feature an exhibit “Queen Slipper City Haverhill” as background to this event.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door (if still available).

The second event, is the Shoe-la-bration Gala Auction, on Saturday October 24^th starting at 6:30 will be a one-of-a-kind event that will help support Haverhill public art projects, community non profits, and cultural organizations.

At the upcoming gala event more than 200 guests can take part in a live auction for the hand-painted fiberglass vintage shoes which have adorned the streets and public spaces of Haverhill since the beginning of June. The six-foot-tall shoes will be will be auctioned at the event, under the auspices of Tim Milks, ‘Auctioneer Extraordinaire’ from Sevierville, Tennessee.

A silent auction consisting of various unique items and services will be held prior to an elegant seated dinner and exciting live auction. Since the vividly painted shoes were released onto the streets of Haverhill, they have attracted tremendous attention locally and regionally.

Based on the high level of interest, the Soles of Haverhill committee members expect lively and competitive bidding from attendees of the gala event.

It is anticipated that these beautiful artworks, created by local professional artists, will inspire collectors and leaders to avidly bid at auction with the knowledge that they’re directly assisting various Haverhill non-profits.

This is a unique opportunity to own an original work-of-art, enjoy a fun and fabulous evening consisting of fine dining, art, entertainment, and philanthropy.

The Gala will be held at the Bradford Country Club at 201 Chadwick Road in Haverhill.

Tickets are $60.00 and tables of 8 are also available.

For both events, to purchase tickets online, please go to www.solesofhaverhill.com or order by phone at the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce (978) 373-5663

PR Contact:

Laura Spence Kelleher

Soles of Haverhill

mediaPR@solesofhaverhill.com

Share on Facebook

On October 16^th from 5:30-9:00 p.m., you are invited to attend a Martini Party and benefit given by Silver Clay Gifts, located at 391 Main St. Silver Clay will donate 15% of the night’s sales to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the name of 22 year old Christina Mendes. Christina is the niece of Wakefield residents Paula and Paul DiNocco and has been battling this horrible disease bravely for years.

For those who cannot make the party, a huge gift basket filled with tons of good “stuff” from the store will be raffled off for a donation. It will be available the week of the 12^th to view. “Sometimes doing something for others helps you keep your own life in perspective”, says Marcia Boston, owner of Silver Clay. “I am so happy that I can do something to help this beautiful young woman and others who are affected by leukemia and lymphoma, even though it is a very small effort in the scheme of things.”

Two Wakefield artists will be having work for sale at the party. Cydney Scott, with her fabulous eye for design, will have her photographs on display and Mary Gasdia creates unique hand-painted glassware. Meet the artists and maybe even place a special order for the holidays.

Silver Clay Fabulous Gifts offers a unique, eclectic mix of gifts and jewelry for all ages and occasions. Go to www.silverclaygifts.com, for more information about the event or the store. Or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/silverclaygifts

Share on Facebook

Valérie Belin: Made Up on view from October 17, 2009 through January 18, 2010

Is a portrait still a portrait if the sitter is not real?

This October, the Peabody Essex Museum presents French photographer Valérie Belin’s first one-person show in the United States. Belin is an artist as famous for the unsettling qualities of her floor-to-ceiling photographs as she is for her provocative subjects. Well-recognized in the past for her portrait series of Michael Jackson impersonators, body builders, lapdogs and showgirls, Belin delves deep into a subject of fascination compelling viewers to probe the sublime quality of even the most familiar things.

Valérie Belin: Made Up presents 20 exquisitely-printed, larger-than-life images exploring a photographer’s ability to manipulate perception of artificiality and reality.  From shimmering black and white portraits of mannequins and models, ballroom dancers and bags of chips, to richly-colored and unexpected still lifes, all have their place in Belin’s studio and in PEM’s galleries. Referencing French philosophical traditions, Belin continually challenges her viewers to consider what is real, what is artificial — and whether knowing the difference matters after all.

Among Belin’s most recent shows was a joint exhibition with Édouard Manet at the legendary Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Belin’s 2007 mid-career retrospective was received with enormous popular and critical praise across Europe — she is rapidly becoming a leader in the world of photography.

Belin’s international stature, impeccable technique and playful subject matter are well-suited to PEM’s ambitions for its new program of fine arts photography under the stewardship of curator, Phillip Prodger. “I want to help the museum come alive for people who love photography. With this new program, we will feature some of the most exciting work being done internationally, and which can be seen nowhere else in the country,” said Prodger.

PRESS PREVIEW | THURSDAY | OCTOBER 15, 2009| 9:30 -11:00 AM
Join us for breakfast, exhibition tour and conversation with Valérie Belin and PEM Curator of Photography, Phillip Prodger.  Please respond to Whitney Riepe, whitney_riepe@pem.org or 978 745 9500 x3228.

• For interviews with      Valérie Belin or curator Phillip Prodger, please contact April Swieconek at april_swieconek@pem.org or 978      745 9500 x3109.
• Press images are available upon      request by contacting Whitney Riepe,      whitney_riepe@pem.org or 978      745 9500 x3228.
  

UPCOMING PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONS AT PEM
Richard Avedon: The Kennedys ─ Portrait of a Family | Spring 2010
Mark Ruwedel: Footsteps | Spring / Summer 2010
Walker Evans/Samuel Chamberlain | TBA 2011
Ansel Adams: At the Water’s Edge | Fall 2011


IMAGES ABOVE:
Untitled, 2001, Valérie Belin, Gelatin Silver Print, 161 X 125 cm, Copyright Valérie Belin.
Untitled, 2003, Valérie Belin, Gelatin Silver Print, 155 X 125 cm, Copyright Valérie Belin.

About the Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum presents art and culture from New England and around the world. The museum’s collections are among the finest of their kind, showcasing an unrivaled spectrum of American art and architecture (including four National Historic Landmark buildings) and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime and Photography collections. In addition to its vast collections, the museum offers a vibrant schedule of changing exhibitions and a hands-on education center. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens and 22 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United   States.

HOURS: Open Tuesday-Sunday and holiday Mondays, 10 am-5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

ADMISSION: Adults $15; seniors $13; students $11. Additional admission to Yin Yu Tang: $5. Members, youth 16 and under and residents of Salem enjoy free general admission and free admission to Yin Yu Tang.

INFO: Call 866-745-1876 or visit our Web site at www.pem.org <http://www.pem.org/> .

Share on Facebook

Concerts in November, December, and March feature a mix of classical and new works,
music for the holidays, and jazz standards.

Pre-concert tours of the Shalin Liu Performance Center site give patrons the opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience the construction of one of the region’s most important new concert halls, scheduled to open in June 2010.

Rockport Music announces the programs for its 2009-2010 Series this fall, winter, and spring.  The Jupiter String Quartet, grand prize winner of the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, plays quartets by Haydn, Beethoven, and Golijov on November 1 at the Rockport Art Association.  To usher in the holidays, the Triton Brass Quintet offers a program of music by Bach, Harbison, and seasonal favorites on December 5 at the First Congregational Church of Rockport.  Making her Rockport Music debut, 23-year-old jazz vocalist Rachael Price sings hits from the American Songbook on March 13 at the Rockport Art Association.

As it counts down to the June 2010 opening of its new home, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport Music will offer tours of the building site starting two hours prior to each concert.  Led by Cambridge-based architect Alan Joslin and other key representatives, these behind-the-scenes events give patrons the opportunity to experience three important milestones in the construction of this unique concert hall. Framing the View on November 1 sees the completion of the wood framing with open views of the ocean.  Topping off a Treasure on December 5 celebrates the timber framing of the roof and other key elements.  Setting the Stage on March 13 reveals a fully enclosed building, a finished slate roof, and functioning elevators.

“As Rockport Music builds its new concert hall with a magnificent view of the ocean from every seat, the organization also builds on its reputation for presenting the finest musicians of our day in compelling and unforgettable performances,” states Rockport Music Artistic Director David Deveau. “These three concerts, which lead up to the opening of the Shalin Liu Performance Center, are a great way to introduce yourself, or your friends, to what Rockport Music is all about.”

SEASON CALENDAR

JUPITER STRING QUARTET
Sunday, November 1, 5 p.m.
Rockport Art Association,12 Main Street, Rockport, MA
(Pre-concert tour of the Shalin Liu Performance Center site begins at 3 p.m.)

The award-winning Jupiter Quartet returns by popular demand, having made its acclaimed debut at the Rockport Chamber Music Festival last June.  The program includes Haydn’s Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20; No. 5; Beethoven’s Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 127; and Osvoldo Golijov’s Yiddishbbuk, based on a collection of apocryphal psalms, read by Franz Kafka.
TRITON BRASS QUINTET: A HOLIDAY CONCERT
Saturday, December 5, 8 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, Rockport, MA
(Pre-concert tour of the Shalin Liu Performance Center site begins at 5 p.m.)

Rockport Music rings in the holidays with the Triton Brass Quintet, resident brass ensemble at The Boston Conservatory. Program includes works by J.S. Bach, John Harbison, and various seasonal favorites.

JAZZ VOCALIST RACHAEL PRICE
Saturday, March 13, 8 p.m.
Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, Rockport, MA
(Pre-concert tour of the Shalin Liu Performance Center building site begins at 6 p.m.)

Making her Rockport Music debut, the 23-year-old jazz sensation Rachael Price sings beloved hits from the American Songbook, as well as original compositions.  Ms. Price is joined by her jazz trio: Erik Prevert (bass); Dave Brophy (drums); and Warren Wolf (piano).

SUBSCRIPTION AND TICKET INFORMATION
Three-concert subscriptions are now on sale. Prices range from $63 – $111 and include savings of up to 12% off the full individual ticket price. Tickets to individual concerts range from $23 to $40 for adults; seniors, $22 to $39.  Tickets for students (ages19-25) are available for $10.  Youth age 18 and younger may attend free of charge (limited capacity).

Individual tickets and subscriptions may be purchased online at www.rockportmusic.org, by phone at 978-546-7391 (M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), or in person at the Rockport Music office, 21 Broadway, Rockport, MA,
(M-F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).


ROCKPORT MUSIC
Rockport Music is the presenter of the Rockport Music Chamber Festival, which is widely recognized as one of the most distinguished chamber music festivals in the United States.  Under the artistic leadership of renowned pianist David Deveau, concerts feature established performers of international stature (Peter Serkin, Dubrovka Tomsic, Midori), emerging young talent (Jupiter String Quartet, Gilles Vonsattel, Biava String Quartet), and commissions by many of today’s leading composers.  In addition to the Festival, Rockport Music offers year-round presentations of classical, jazz, folk, and other genres of music.

Building on its artistic successes, Rockport Music is currently experiencing a period of transformation and institutional growth.  In June 2010, Rockport Music will open the doors of its permanent home, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, a state-of-the-art oceanfront concert hall now under construction on Main Street in the historic village of Rockport, Massachusetts.  The new performance center will allow Rockport Music to extend its signature chamber music festival to six weeks, offer complementary events such as lectures and free programs, expand its non-classical musical offerings, and focus on educational outreach programs for children and adults.

ARTIST PROFILES

JUPITER STRING QUARTET
Formed in 2001, the Jupiter String Quartet features Nelson Lee and Megan Freivogel (violins), Liz Freivogel (viola), and Daniel McDonough (cello). Residents of Boston, members met while studying together at the New England Conservatory of Music, where they participated in the Professional String Quartet Training Program. The Quartet has received several chamber music honors, including first prize in the Banff International String Quartet Competition, grand prize in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and most recently, an Avery Fisher Career Grant. The quartet concertizes across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.

TRITON BRASS
The Triton Brass Quintet was founded in 2001 and includes five of Boston’s most prominent freelance musicians: Shelagh Abate (French horn); Stephen Banzaert and Andrew Sorg (trumpets); Wesley Hopper (trombone); and Jobey Wilson (tuba). Prize winners at the 2005 Lyon International Chamber Music Competition, the 2003 Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition, and semi-finalists at the Concert Artists Guild Competition, Triton is in its second year as artists-in-residence at The Boston Conservatory, where the group serves as both performers and instructors.

RACHAEL PRICE
Twenty-three-year-old jazz vocalist Rachael Price has amassed an impressive resume for her age. Born in Australia and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Price grew up listening to her father’s recordings of the great jazz singers of the 20th century. In 2003, she recorded her first album, “Dedicated to You,” a collection of standards in honor of Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Nat King Cole, and others. That same year, she was selected as a vocalist by the Grammy Foundation for their National High School Jazz Choir, and went on to become the youngest semi-finalist in the Montreux International Jazz Vocal Competition in Europe. Ms. Price completed a degree in Jazz Studies at New England Conservatory in 2008 while also maintaining an active performing and touring schedule. Members of Price’s trio are Erik Prevert (bass), Dave Brophy (drums), and Warren Wolf (piano).

Share on Facebook