Culture - Marblehead Current

17 Dec

For nearly four decades, van Kalken has set Marblehead’s holiday tone

Julie FlynnCulture, Entertainment, Local News

At a recent performance, you could hear a pin drop when Maria van Kalken raised her hand, motioning to the chorus. For more than 37 seasons, van Kalken, director of the Old North Festival Chorus and minister of music at Old North Church, has led the Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra holiday concerts. On Dec. 6 and 7, the much anticipated 45th annual holiday concerts did not disappoint. The Festival Chorus draws from the church’s senior choir and singers across the community. The first…

29 Oct

Dan Dixey’s new book features 200 photos, stories about town

Leigh BlanderCulture, Local History, Top Stories

Marblehead native and photo collector Dan Dixey is out with his fourth book, just in time for the holiday season. The book, “Marblehead Facts, History & Old Photos,” is packed with 200 pictures and stories from around town. Photos date back to the 1860s; the stories go back to 1629. “It’s a fun book,” Dixey told the Current. “It’s got a lot of little things that people will talk about, argue about.” One example: Dixey, whose family arrived in Marblehead in 1629, explains the difference…

14 Oct

From folk singers to Jewish vampires: A preview of Jewish Book Month

Saoirse StallingsArt, Community Resources, Culture, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Religion

The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore is about to launch its 31st Jewish Book Month Speaker Series. The program dives into Jewish literature and culture with author talks and community events meant to inspire meaningful conversations. The series runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 21, at the JCCNS, with books written by Jewish authors or exploring Jewish themes. The first night will feature journalist Jane Eisner and her book, “Carole King: She Made the Earth Move.” In an interview with the Current, Eisner said…

29 Sep

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Community Resources, Culture, Entertainment, Local News

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. Author talk: Laurie Fullerton at BYCWednesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. The Boston Yacht Club hosts Current sailing reporter Laurie Fullerton who will do a short presentation about her new novel, “Side Launch.” Carol Arnold of the BYC says the public is welcome, and she encourages anyone interested in learning more about BYC membership to come. BYC is located at 1 Front…

23 Sep

MLT’s Barnett receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Leigh BlanderArt, Culture, Local News, Theater

Andrew L. Barnett, Marblehead Little Theatre’s facility manager and technical director, was honored last month with Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatre’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors individuals whose dedication has had a “profoundly significant impact” on their organization and the field of theater. The MLT Board of Directors nomination of Barnett noted “he has been the heart and soul of MLT for over three decades,” a timeline that began with his sons’ involvement in theater. Andrew Barnett, facility manager and technical director…

16 Sep

The pumpkins are coming; the pumpkins are coming!

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Religion

Four thousand large pumpkins are on their way to the Clifton Lutheran Church in Marblehead right now and will go on sale beginning Saturday afternoon, Sept. 20. An additional 4,000 smaller gourds will also be arriving. They will all be spread on the church’s front lawn at 150 Humphrey St. Clifton Lutheran has partnered with a Navajo reservation in New Mexico for 10 years to purchase pumpkins to support the indigenous people who live there. For the 10th year, Clifton Lutheran Church is bringing in…

16 Sep

Holiday music tradition returns for 45th year; rehearsals start this week

Leigh BlanderEntertainment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Religion

It’s that time of year again! The Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra will hold their first rehearsal on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and rehearsal starts at 7:30 p.m. The 45th annual Festival Chorus Holiday Concerts will be held Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Old North Church, 35 Washington St. Rehearsals will happen every Wednesday, 7:30-9 p.m. until the concerts. (Rehearsals may run longer closer to the concert dates.) Musical selections for the Holiday…

08 Sep

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderArt, Culture, Entertainment, Local News, Top Stories

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. Company 2 Heroes 5KSaturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. The VFW, 321 West Shore Drive, is hosting its second Company 2 Heroes 5K walk/race/ruck to raise money for the nonprofit that provides free service dog training to veterans. Learn more at https://loom.ly/3xCqMW4. The VFW’s Bunker Bar will be rocking with the Guy Ford Band that night at 7 p.m. Scogs Street FestSaturday,…

11 Aug

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Entertainment, Top Stories

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. The Oyster AffairWednesday, Aug. 13, 6-8 p.m. Check out the first Shubie’s Social Club event. They’ll be shucking fresh oysters live on the spot at the Shubie’s Oyster Cart on the patio. Plus, they’ll have a curated bottle wine list available for purchase of bubbles, white, rosé and non-alc options, too. And you can always go inside and pick out your…

21 Jul

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Entertainment, Local News

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. Jazz at the ArtsThursday, July 24, 7 p.m.The Marblehead Arts Association, Gene Arnould and Berklee College Professor Tim Ray present a special performance by Berklee College of Music students and recent graduates as a part of the Jazz at the Arts concert series. 8 Hooper St. Tickets are $35. For more info, visit marbleheadarts.org. Name that gemSaturday, July 26, 11 a.m.-5…