Welcome to our new feature, Current Events, spotlighting exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current associate editor/senior reporter Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.
Go behind the scenes with ‘Gatsby’
May 17, 6:30 p.m.
In conjunction with Marblehead Little Theatre’s world premiere of “The Great Gatsby: An American Musical,” which premieres June 23, Abbot Library will host a lively discussion with two of the show’s creators: Fred Anthony Marco and Doug Hill, both of Marblehead.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” has long been considered one of America’s great novels. Come learn about the artistic process of turning a literary classic into a new, original musical. Learn more at abbotlibrary.org/.
Jazz at the Arts
May 18, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present “Jazz at the Arts,” a concert series at the Marblehead Arts Association with the Laszlo Gardony Trio. An internationally-acclaimed, Boston-based jazz pianist and composer, Gardony has performed in 27 countries and released 13 albums. More info and tickets at marbleheadarts.org/jazz-at-the-arts-laszlo-gardony-trio/.
Culture Feast
May 19, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The Marblehead METCO program hosts its annual Culture Feast at the high school. The event features several performances, including by Kenyan singer, writer and activist Wangari Fahari. Food trucks Jamaica Mi Hungry, BonMe and Cookie Monstah will be there, too.
Ghost hunt
May 19 and 20, 8 p.m.
Join the team from Boston Paranormal Investigations on an authentic ghost hunt through the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. The team will show the tools they use to talk with ghosts. Find out who may haunt one of Marblehead’s most historic buildings. More info at MarbleheadMuseum.org.
Me&Thee season finale with the Squeezebox Stompers
May 19, 8 p.m.
Me&Thee caps off its 53rd season with Cajun-Zydeco band, Squeezebox Stompers, in a “Mardi Gras in May ” concert and dance. The Squeezebox Stompers are known for their high-energy performances. More info and tickets at meandthee.org.
Marblehead’s longest-running plant sale
May 20, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Marblehead Garden Club, founded in 1927, is holding its 92nd annual plant sale in the lower gardens of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St.
Plants from the mansion’s gardens, as well as those from members’ gardens, will be available. Selections include wildflowers, perennials, annuals, herbs, rock garden plants and ground cover plants. Garden Club members will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips. Details at facebook.com/MhdGrdnClub.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.