Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming days. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.
Sailing Valiant
Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m.
Owner/skipper Gary Gregory reflects on his 35-year journey sailing and maintaining Valiant, the last wooden 12-meter designed and built in 1970 to compete for the America’s Cup. Gregory is a veteran of more than a dozen Marblehead to Halifax races, as well as the winner of many prestigious classic yacht races throughout New England. This program, at Marblehead Yacht Club, 4 Cliff St. is free and open to all. Register at marbleheadyc.org.
Poets Group Meetup
Sunday, April 13, 3:30-5 p.m.
Marblehead Poets is a collective open to writers in any genre that meets once per month at the Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., on Sundays to discuss writing practices, share work and provide critical feedback. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring copies of works in progress to share with the group.
To be added to the Marblehead Poets email list, please contact Katie Naoum Rogers at katie.na.rogers@gmail.com.
‘Requiem For the Living’ concert
Sunday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.
The Old North Festival Chorus, soloists and orchestra will perform a one-hour concert in the church’s sanctuary, 35 Washington St.
Maria van Kalken will lead the performance in her 36th year as director of the Old North Festival Chorus.
Soloists for this performance include: Holly Cameron, soprano; Rebecca Kenneally, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; and Andrew Scoglio, baritone.
The choral centerpiece will feature Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living,” which was originally programmed in 2020 but abruptly halted due to the COVID pandemic. The concert is free and open to the public. Free-will offerings will be accepted.
Dining for dollars
Tuesday, April 15, 6-9 p.m.
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars will hold a charity night dinner and auction at The Landing Restaurant. The Landing will donate 10% of proceeds to the local nonprofit organization that since 1987 has provided financial need-based scholarships to Marblehead students pursuing a college education. The festivities will also include a raffle for a Shubie’s gift basket and a silent auction with great prizes such as a round of golf at the Tedesco Country Club, Red Sox tickets and a flag from the Masters Golf Tournament. Call The Landing to make your reservation 781-639-1266.
Friends of the COA auction
Thursday, April 17, 5:30 p.m.
The Marblehead Friends of the Council on Aging annual auction raises funds to support COA services and programs not otherwise covered by town or state budgets. The auction, at The Landing Restaurant this year, enables all Marbleheaders to participate in the fundraising, during a fun-filled night out with friends. Call The Landing for reservations at 781-639-1266.
History comes alive
Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.
Marblehead Museum, 160 Washington St., will host Tammy Denease, director of the Hidden Women Stage Company, for a free program sponsored by Mass Humanities.
Denease will portray Mumbet, the first enslaved woman to successfully sue for her freedom in Massachusetts. Her case marked the beginning of a group of “freedom suits” that would ultimately lead the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to outlaw slavery in the state.
After winning her freedom, Mumbet chose the name Elizabeth Freeman, became an abolitionist and spoke out passionately for the freedom of all enslaved people.
This program is free but registration is required. To register, go to the marbleheadmuseum.org or call 781-631-1768.
‘Meditations on the Passion’ concert
Friday, April 18, 8 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Church presents its annual performance of “Meditations on the Passion” a chorale piece by Bob Franke. Franke describes the work, first performed in1980, as “not necessarily about being a Christian. “It’s about being human in the presence of the divine, and about the presence of redemption in the midst of the most horrific and tragic dimensions of the human condition.” St. Andrew’s chorus will perform, along with guest soloists.
St. Andrew’s is located at 135 Lafayette St. There is a suggested donation of $10. No reservations required.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
