Watercolorist Anne Recchia uncovers "Historic Newburyport & Neighbors" as the featured artist this month at Bridge Gallery in downtown Newburyport at 1R Water St.
Recchia was inspired to create many of the paintings in the exhibit after completing a course on historic preservation at Boston Architectural College.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 4. An artist's reception is planned for Saturday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Recchia will also give a gallery talk on the historical and artistic background of her pieces on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m.
Bridge Gallery is open daily except Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. Call 978-462-2740 or visit www.BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.
Carriage Town Horse Show takes to the ring
Bob-Lyn Stables in Amesbury trots out the final installment in its 2010 Carriage Town Horse Show series on Sunday.
The competitions start at 8 a.m. and will continue through midafternoon at the stables at 84 Monroe St. near the Salisbury line. Children and adult exhibitors of pleasure horses will compete in all disciplines, including hunt seat, saddle seat and Western. All breeds of horses will be featured.
The individual classes will take place throughout the day in two outdoor rings. Admission for spectators is free. Breakfast and lunch will be available. E-mail ride@boblynstables.com for more.
Memorial striped bass tourney casting off
Fishermen take to the local waters this weekend hoping to not only land a big catch, but help to fight hunger. The eighth annual Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament benefiting Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury is set for Saturday through Monday.
Prizes of up to $500 will be awarded for biggest catch in various categories, including boat, shore/surf and youth ages 15 and under.
The tournament is in memory of Almeida, a North Shore resident with a devotion for both public service and fishing who died in 2003 right before that year's striped bass tournament, which he organized. Over the past seven years, the event has raised $30,000 for not only Our Neighbors' Table but People to People Food Pantry in Danvers and Open Door Pantry in Gloucester.
The entry fee is $15. Tickets available through tomorrow in Salisbury at Bridge Road Bait & Tackle and Tim's Bait Shop and in Newbury at Surfland Bait & Tackle. Individuals making a donation to one of the food pantries will also be entered into a raffle. For more, visit www.northshorestriper.com or call tournament chairwoman Amy Almeida at 617-501-1659.
Local band joining Beaver Brown at Blue Ocean
John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, best known for its soundtrack to "Eddie and the Cruisers" and its hit, "On the Dark Side," heads to Blue Ocean Music Hall on Salisbury Beach tomorrow night with a local band leading the way.
Lone Wolf James, which has local roots, opens the show, which starts at 8 p.m. The hard rock band with a bluesy funk edge has been playing the Newburyport area and beyond for more than 15 years. It features Gary Biddy, aka Lone Wolf James, on lead vocals and guitar, Denny Russo on drums and backup vocals, Ron Vieira on lead guitar and Jon Mendel on bass and backup vocals
The band has opened for national artists, including Jefferson Starship and Southern Rock Allstars; was a first-place finalist at the Emergenza National Festival and its music has received national air play. It is represented by the Amesbury-based Fierce Horse Records independent label.
This is the second time Lone Wolf James will pair with John Cafferty. Doors at Blue Ocean, located at 4 Oceanfront North, open at 6:30. For tickets or information, call 978-462-5888 or visit www.blueoceanhall.com. For more on Lone Wolf James, visit www.lonewolfjames.com.
Sing-off keys up at Salisbury's SurfSide5
The SurfSide Sing-Off talent competition at SurfSide5 on Salisbury Beach continues tonight. Singers are invited to join the fun starting at 8 p.m.
Contestants ages 21 and up are encouraged to bring their friends and fans, since audience participation is just as important as the judges' votes in choosing a winner in the "American Idol"-style contest.
The SurfSide Sing-Off winner will be selected at the final sing-off on Friday, Sept. 10, and receive a recording session with Spot Rock Entertainment and a chance to perform on the Blue Ocean Music Hall stage on Salisbury Beach before a regularly scheduled performance. For more, call SurfSide5, located at 25 Broadway, at 978-463-9222 or visit www.surfside5.com.
Boat captain brings fish stories to the page
Local author Capt. Gary Wilder is welcoming visitors onboard to hear about his debut novel, "Jus' Restin'," during a book-signing on Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m. at The Book Rack, 52 State St., Newburyport.
In his new book, Wilder and his loyal sea dog, Kasey, join a host of characters to show what it takes to dive the cold waters of New England and chase the fastest game fish in the ocean from the helm of his boat, Jus' Restin', which he navigates along the Gulf of Maine.
Admission to the reading is free. Call The Book Rack at 978-462-8615 or visit www.hugobookstores.com.
Byfield retreat center hosting neighborhood picnic
Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center in Byfield is throwing an old-fashioned neighborhood picnic on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. on its property at 46 Elm St.
Adelynrood is owned and operated by the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross and offers individuals an opportunity to retreat and to discover new resources for living through conferences, workshops and silent retreats.
Guests on Saturday are invited to stroll through the center's gardens, enjoy picnic fare and learn more about the society and its property. Groups of four or more are requested to make a reservation by e-mailing kathrynostertag@adelynrood.org or calling 978-462-6721, ext. 19. Visit www.adelynrood.org for more.
On a mission of discovery at Maudslay
Nature exploration and discovery are the themes this weekend at Newburyport's Maudslay State Park on Curzon Mill Road.
The park interpreter leads all ages to explore the natural resources within the park on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. The group will use nets, critter tanks and hand lenses to find what exists right under their noses. Participants should dress in field clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
On Sunday, the public is invited to enjoy the park using one of its free theme-related backpacks from noon to 4 p.m. With themes such as insects, birds, animal tracking, nature discovery and young explorer, the backpacks contain such items as binoculars, bug containers, a flower press, a butterfly net, tracking stamps, plus field guides and storybooks. The backpacks are appropriate for all ages, and available to borrow for up to two hours.
Also this week at Maudslay:
Evening strolls continue on Tuesdays, but with an earlier time, from 6 to 7 p.m. The weekly outings led by the park interpreter seek to interpret various areas of the property. A different trail is explored each week; bring bug spray and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Kidleidoscope, a nature program for preschoolers ages 3 to 6, takes place Wednesdays through September from 10 to 11 a.m. and features a story, craft and outdoor exploration activity.
All programs start from the park headquarters across from the main parking lot. Admission is free, but there is a $2 parking fee. Registration is not required. Call 978-465-7223 for more.
Half-dozen stops for Plum Island House Tour
Six homes are being spruced up for next week's annual Plum Island House Tour on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The bus tour goes off rain or shine. Tour-goers should meet in the Williamson parking lot at Plum Island center no later than 9:15 a.m. Travel by private care to the homes is not allowed.
Tickets are $25 and will be sold in advance only. Parking is free. Call Pat Frey at 978-462-9802 or Naomi Halpert 978-465-9394 for reservations.
Block party champions Port branch library
Let's Get the Lead Out, a neighborhood block party fundraiser to support the reopening of the Emma L. Andrews Branch Library in Newburyport, is set for Saturday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the 77 Purchase St. library.
Dick Kaplan and Johnny "The Sax" Battis will provide the entertainment. There will be children's activities, including a bike parade with prizes at the start of the event, and opportunities to dance, eat and socialize while supporting the neighborhood library. The Neptune's hand tubs will also make a special appearance. Hot dogs, hamburgers and potato chips will be provided; individuals are asked to bring their own salads, soft drinks and desserts.
In lieu of admission fees, donations to support the cost of lead paint removal to reopen the Emma L. Andrews Branch Library are appreciated. The event goes off rain or shine. Call Kathy Malynn at 978-462-0933, Jody at 978-462-7297 or Margie at 978-462-6022 for more.
Port Choral Society readies voices for fall
The Newburyport Choral Society is holding fall registration and the first rehearsal of the season on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Central Congregational Church on Titcomb Street in Newburyport.
Registration for vocalists will begin at 6:30 p.m.; rehearsal starts at 7:30. Vocalists of all ages with a love of music and desire to sing are invited to join.
After next week, the fall rehearsals will continue on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at the Rupert A. Nock Middle School on Low Street in Newburyport.
The choral society will be preparing for its traditional Holiday Concert series, set for Dec. 11 and 12 at Belleville Congregational Church in Newburyport. The concert, with professional orchestra and soloists, will feature Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" for harp and choir and "Christmas Oratorio" by Camille Saint-Saens as well as an audience sing-along of carols.
For more on the society, visit www.newburyportchoralsociety.org, e-mail info@newburyportchoralsociety.org or call 978-462-0650.
Naturalist ambassadors offer view from abroad
Jorge Estrella of Belize and Egbert Frederick of Guyana offer a glimpse at birding in their countries in a joint program on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.
Estrella and Frederick are visiting Newburyport as participants in Joppa Flats International Intern Program. They're spending their time visiting area schools and assisting in Joppa Flats' programs for adults and children.
Frederick is a nature/birding guide for the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development in Guyana, deep in the jungle of a million-acre preserve. His trips focus on birds, medicinal and edible plants, animal identification and cultural history. He hopes to use his experience in New England to help improve ecotourism, while strengthening ecological conservation in Guyana and increasing economic opportunity for its residents.
Estrella is a tour guide for Mass Audubon's partner Programme for Belize at the Hill Bank Field Station in the 260,000-acre Rio Bravo Conservation area. His goal is to expand on Programme for Belize's community outreach efforts dealing with the protection of the endangered yellow-headed parrot, the national bird of Belize.
Now in its seventh year, the Joppa Flats International Intern Program is designed to enhance the professional skills of naturalist guides from Central and South America through participation in birding programs and field trip experiences in Greater Newburyport. Its goal is to develop natural history ambassadors who will support ecotourism and conservation in their home countries.
Admission to next week's program is free. Registration is not required. Call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org for more.
Casting call for Port playwright's new work
Auditions for Newburyport playwright Stephen Faria's new play, "Boxed In," are set for Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Firehouse Center of the Arts in Newburyport's Market Square.
Actors will be asked to read from the script; no monologue is necessary, but a head shot and resume are requested.
Roles include an 84-year-old man who has lost everything he's ever cared about in his life; the man's older brother, who is going through the last stages of dementia; an intensely private woman in her 40s; a 16-year-old woman; 17-year-old man and a middle-aged nurse.
The show will premiere at the Firehouse in November. Cast members will receive a small stipend and two free tickets. For an audition appointment, call Kimm Wilkinson at the Firehouse at 978-499-9931. Visit www.firehouse.org for more.
Civil War historian, actor recreating role
Historian, lecturer, director/screenwriter and actor Patrick Falci will be the guest speaker at this month's meeting of the Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Route 1), Salisbury.
Falci served as historical coordinator and also appeared in the movies "Gettysburg," "Gods and Generals" and "Rough Riders." He will revive his best-known acting role as General A.P. Hill from the film "Gettysburg" during the meeting.
Admission is free. Anyone with an interest in America's Civil War is invited. Call Tom at 978-462-8518 for more.
'Dracula' auditions swoop into Amesbury Playhouse
The Valley Players are auditioning for their annual production of "Dracula" on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Amesbury Playhouse, 194 Main St., Amesbury.
The show is casting for adult roles only. The production will be staged Oct. 15 through 31. Call 388-9444 or visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com for more.
Whittier Home brewing up old-fashioned tea
The Whittier Home in Amesbury is hosting another old-fashioned tea in the Garden on Friday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at the historic home at 86 Friend St.
The menu will feature sandwiches, desserts, hot and cold tea, and lemonade. Admission is $15. Call 978-388-1337 or visit www.whittierhome.org to reserve a seat.
The next meeting of the Whittier Home Association will be Thursday, Oct. 7, at 2 p.m. and include a guest speaker, tea, coffee and sandwiches. Guests are invited for $5.
For more than 100 years, the Whittier Home Association has been steward of the house museum, maintaining the property and collections and striving to educate others about Quaker poet John G. Whittier.
The museum is open for tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 30. For more, call the museum at 978-388-0930 or visit www.whittierhome.org . To schedule a tour by appointment, call Dawn Bennett at 978-465-5964.
Sacred Heart Singing School in session
Sacred Heart Singing School is tuning up this month at First Parish Church at 20 High Road (Route 1A) in Newbury.
Sacred harp is a participatory, a cappella singing tradition with roots in 18th century New England and the deep South. The music is a mixture of raw harmonies and driving rhythms, coupled with Calvinist poetry. An integral part of the sacred harp tradition is the singing school, where new singers learn the rudiments of the practice that uses visual mnemonic (sharp notes) to aid sight-singing.
An eight-week singing school geared toward teaching beginners the rudiments of the musical style that uses mnemonic (sharp notes) to aid sight-singing starts Sunday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m. at First Parish Church. Singing school continues on Sunday afternoons through Oct. 31, with community sings planned for Sept. 19 and Oct. 17 and the New England Singing Harp Convention on Oct. 2 and 3.
The cost is free, although students must buy a $19 textbook. Visit www.newburysing.org for more.
Art association instructors lead demonstrations
Newburyport Art Association's art educators are launching a series of free art demonstrations on Wednesdays in September.
The midday sessions go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will highlight various mediums. Beverly Mitchell will lead an introduction to watercolor on Sept. 15, with artist and illustrator Susan Spellman offering a portrait painting presentation and demonstrating techniques for capturing the human spirit on Sept. 22.
Call the art association at 978-465-8769 or visit www.newburyportart.org for more.
A calypso beat to benefit Plum Island
Things are heating up on Plum Island for a Calypso Night later this month to support efforts to nourish the beach.
The fundraiser for the Plum Island Foundation is set for Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Plum Island Grille on Sunset Boulevard in Newbury. Plum Island Pans will provide the calypso sounds for the night.
There will be a raffle, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $100.
In addition, a Plum Island Getaway online auction for five Plum Island beach homes is taking place at www.rheebomail.com/calypso. The homes are being donated for weeklong or weekend vacation getaways by their owners to support Plum Island Foundation. Bids will be accepted through noon on Sept. 21.
For more on the fundraiser or online auction, call 978-807-0794.
Save the date for Costume Ball & Auction
The Actors Studio in The Tannery in Newburyport is making plans for its first benefit Costume Ball & Auction on Saturday, Oct. 30, at Carriage Pines Golf Club in Rowley.
Costumes are optional, but encouraged. In addition to a contest for the best-dressed guest, there will be dancing to music provided by the DJs of WNBP radio, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and signature drink.
Pete Falconi of WNBP will serve as celebrity guest auctioneer for the silent and live auctions. Auction items will include artwork, theater and music classes, furniture and hats from the studio's production of "Alice in Wonderglass," jewelry, spa visits, gift baskets, gift certificates to Greater Newburyport stores and restaurants, and more.
Proceeds of the event will support the nonprofit Actors Studio's mission to serve as a cultural resource for the community. Tickets are $60 before Oct. 1, $65 after. Call Jeanette Isabella at 978-465-1229 for reservations or information.
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To submit a Lookout item, e-mail it to svartabedian@newburyportnews.com, fax it to 978-465-8505, or mail it to The Daily News, 23 Liberty St., Newburyport, MA 01950.
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