Entertainment - Marblehead Current

16 Jan

Auld acquaintance not forgot at Marblehead’s Burns Night

Luca TedescoEntertainment, Top Stories

The sound of the bagpipes and the smell of haggis filled the air at The Landing Restaurant on Thursday for the annual Burns Night celebration hosted by Rhod Sharp and his wife, Vicki Staveacre. A tradition dating back to 1801, Burns suppers celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, the prolific national poet of Scotland best known as the author of “Auld Lang Syne.” From left, Vicki Staveacre, Rhod Sharp, Shauna Martin, Jeremy Bell and Julianne Gearhart at the Burns supper at The Landing…

13 Jan

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderArt, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Theater, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Festival logo reveal partyTuesday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m.The 2026 Marblehead Festival of Arts season kicks off with its annual logo reveal party at The Landing Restaurant. Celebrate by reserving dinner at 6 p.m. Guests should note they are attending the MFoA Logo Reveal Party when booking online or by calling 781-639-1266.Fifteen percent of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Marblehead Festival…

08 Jan

Marblehead Cultural Council announces winners of 2026 grants

Submitted ContentArt, Community Resources, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local History, Local News

The Marblehead Cultural Council has awarded grants for 2026, including funding for live music, historical performances and programming, art installations, and workshops. “Our council enjoyed reviewing 20 broad and varied applications from members of our local arts and culture community,” said MCC Chair Jeanie Stahl. “We are pleased to announce that we have awarded nine inspirational grants to enliven, enrich and deepen Marblehead’s creative arts scene throughout 2026.” The MCC places an emphasis on new, emerging and established artists and programs in local venues, as…

01 Jan

Turning the page to 2026: Resolutions from across Marblehead

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Food, Linda Bassett, Marblehead Public Schools, Public safety, Top Stories

The holiday celebrations may be over, but the spirit of renewal is just beginning in Marblehead. As 2026 unfolds, the Current spoke with town leaders, educators, artists and community members about the resolutions guiding their work, families and passions in the year ahead. Here’s a sampling of responses we received. Cynda Rohmer, Marblehead Arts Festival presidentDo you have any resolutions related to the Arts Festival? Stay organized! Advertise and talk up the new events in 2026. How about for yourself? Get back to the gym…

27 Dec

Check it out: Marblehead’s most-read books of 2025

Cheryl ByrneAbbot Public Library, Entertainment, Top Stories

The end of the year brings no shortage of lists — best of, most memorable, even worst. Among the most anticipated are the book lists highlighting what readers loved (or didn’t) over the past 12 months. Two of Marblehead’s most book-friendly spots — Abbot Public Library and Saltwater Books — shared what readers were drawn to in 2025. Abbot Public Library Director Kimberly Grad offered insight into the community’s reading preferences, sharing the library’s most popular titles across age groups. Children Three titles from Dav…

23 Dec

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, 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. Guy Ford Band for DAVSaturday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Come rock out to the Guy Ford Band in The Bunker at the VFW, 321 West Shore Drive. The show benefits the Disabled American Veterans of Massachusetts. Open to all. New Year’s Day Resolution Bracelet WorkshopThursday, Jan. 1, sessions run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kick off New Year’s Day with creativity and purpose…

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…

16 Dec

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets this week

Saoirse StallingsArt, Entertainment, Health, Local News

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email info@marbleheadnews.org. Winter Candle Workshop at Abbot LibraryThursday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Back by popular demand! Come to Abbot Library to make winter-inspired, scented candles with soy wax and essential oils. Adults and teens are welcome. Space is limited, and registration is required at tinyurl.com/winter-candle. Lighthouse Fitness Studio: Country Line Dance with KateThursday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Wear your boots and a country hat for this 90-minute line…

05 Dec

Santa arrives in Marblehead; Christmas Walk in full swing

Leigh BlanderEntertainment, Top Stories

NEW Saturday morning Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by lobster at Marblehead's State Street Landing this morning, greeted by hundreds of cheering kids and adults. The merry couple is now listening to holiday wishes from local children. Marblehead's Christmas Walk is in full swing. Look below for the full schedule! A huge, happy crowd gathers at State Street Landing to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus after they arrive by lobster boat. CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS Friday night fun Hundreds of people gathered in below-freezing…

30 Nov

The 54th Christmas Walk steps off this weekend

Leigh BlanderEntertainment, Top Stories

The 54th annual Marblehead Christmas Walk weekend kicks off Thursday, Dec. 4, with beloved traditions including the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival by lobster boat, parade and more. This year's celebration carries extra meaning for Laura Best, Mrs. Claus' longtime "helper." After more than four decades of listening to wishes and waving to crowds, Best will make her final appearance arriving with Santa and marching in the parade. Mrs. Claus will have the honor of flipping the switch at Friday night's tree lighting.…