Tickets still available for Beer + Chocolate Tasting Event Tonight!

BEER + CHOCOLATE = FOOD OF THE GODS
TASTING EVENT AT PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

Thursday, July 8th at 6:30 P.M. | pem.org

Take a delicious journey into the art, culture, and history of Maya chocolate beverages with Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) curator George Schwartz and locally-based Taza Chocolate co-founder Alex Whitmore at Beer + Chocolate = Food of the Gods on Thursday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Known to the Maya as kakaw (cacao), the chocolate beverage was a cherished luxury good considered fit for the gods. Recent archaeological research has confirmed that a fermented chocolate "beer" preceded the non-alcoholic chocolate drinks of the New World. Chocolate continues to inspire brewers today.

Beer + Chocolate begins with a tour of Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea led by Schwartz. Following the tour is a presentation and tasting featuring beers such as Dogfish Head’s Theobroma and Southern Tier’s Choklat, along with Taza’s renowned stone-ground organic chocolate. Guests will also try their hand at creating a chocolate beverage in the style of the Maya, and enjoy Maya-inspired cuisine.

Schwartz and Whitmore will discuss the importance of cacao and chocolate beverages in the Maya world, linking the discussion to the watery themes of Fiery Pool, and revealing through imagery and demonstration how Maya beverages were made and continue to be made today. The event closes with a tasting of modern Taza chocolate and discussion of how it is inspired by ancient Maya and Mesoamerican cacao beverages.

THURSDAY │ JULY 8 │ 6:30PM │ Members $55; Nonmembers $65

June Magic in Salem

Looking for something to do in Salem this weekend and throughout June? We sent an email out today with some highlights to put on your calendar.

Check it out here: June Magic in Salem. You can sign up for Destination Salem emails on the bottom of the page.

If you want more, visit the Calendar on Salem.org - it's bursting at the seems!

Mark your Calendars for Summer in Salem

The festivals are coming! The festivals are coming! Mark your calendars for some great special events and festivals in Salem this summer. If you want more - visit the calendar on Salem.org. It's chock full.

Salem Arts Festival June 4th-6th, 2010
The Salem Arts Festival will celebrate all the arts: painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, writing, film, new media, performance, theatre, poetry, culinary and visual art. It will engage participants of diverse backgrounds and ages by reaching out to current art patrons, local students, and the community at large.

Salem Farmers Market Thursdays, 3:00 - 7:00 PM June 17 – October 29 Derby Square (between Front Street and Essex Street), Salem
Get a taste of history in Salem this summer! The Salem Farmer’s Market opens on June 17th and will be open on Thursday evenings during the growing season. We expect ten farms to be selling fresh produce, seafood, eggs, and baked goods. Artists and vendors will be selling unique treasures, soaps, scarves, and more. New this year: Asian vegetables, Preserves, Cheese! More than 38,000 people shopped the Salem Farmers' Market in 2009, and we can't wait for it to open for 2010.

Salem Celebrates the Fourth! Sunday, July 4th | 4pm - 10pm (fireworks at approximately 9:30) Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Celebrate the 4th in Salem with the Dirk Hillyer Festival Orchestra! Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy the concert, the fireworks, family programming, and an old fashioned New England Independence Day celebration!

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival and Berklee Summer Series Summer Series: Saturdays: May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, 5-7 pm at Derby Square Festival: August 21-22, 2010 at Salem Willows
Experience that vibrant music scene that is Salem in the Summer! The festival will build on rich jazz history adding soul, blues and funk to the mix. A series of free concerts with a conclusion at the Salem Willows. The festival will spotlight the wealth of talented musicians on the North Shore and already has attracted thousands of fans!

Salem Maritime Festival August 6-8, 2010 | 9am – 5pm Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Join the National Park Service for the 22nd year of free family fun! Dance to sea shanties, climb aboard vessels from another era, create crafts that hearkens back to long ago. Past Maritime Festivals have included kite making, forging demonstrations, Revolutionary War reenactments, fish print making, and demonstrations from artisans and crafters.

Salem Heritage Days August 6-15, 2010
Celebrate the heritage of Salem! This perennial favorite features Mayor’s Night Out, restaurant sampler, ice Cream festival, pizza contest, Essex Street Fair, the Salem Maritime Festival, a dog show, movies on the Common, kids’ events at the YMCA, music on the Common, the Witch City Triathlon, and a finale of fireworks! The complete schedule will be posted on Salem.com in July.

Antique & Classic Boat Festival August 28-29, 2010 Saturday 11am-5pm; Sunday 11am – 3pm Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St., Salem, Massachusetts
Elegant yachts from yesteryear will sail into Salem Harbor for the 28th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival on August 28-29. Forty vintage sailboats and motor yachts from the 1880s – 1960s are expected to be on display at Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem, Massachusetts over the weekend. Mostly wood and privately owned, vessels range from skiffs and dories to sleek mahogany runabouts and cabin cruisers to all manner of sailboats. Known for their hospitality, many boat owners invite the public aboard their boat for a personal tour. Some adorn their craft with period décor and fetching flower arrangements.

Salem So Sweet in 2010

It is time again for Salem So Sweet, the weekend created with chocoholics in mind!

On February 5, 2010, Salem will become a haven of chocolate, wine, and ice. The weekend kicks off with the annual Chocolate & Wine Tasting at historic Hamilton Hall (tickets are $20 each, available from the Salem Chamber of Commerce). This event is always crowded, so get there early - and remember to eat some protein before you go, because the samplings are decadent. Chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, iced chocolate... last year some of the wine was chocolate, as well as red, white, and sparkling.

I like to make a night of it and go out for dinner (Calories? What calories?!) after the Chocolate & Wine tasting, I'm not alone in this, however, so you may want to make a reservation if your heart is set on a particular restaurant. Check out your options on Salem.org.

Come back downtown on Saturday for the ice sculptures. Organizers at Salem Main Streets expect more than 12 ice sculptures to be on display around town. Keep an eye on the weather forecast - if it warms up (like it did last year) you want to come out on Saturday to walk around and see the ice. If it's very cold, the ice will be around throughout the weekend and into the week.

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention how easy it would be to make a weekend out of Salem So Sweet! Check out the off-season hotel rates on Salem.org and find some cozy quarters, walking distance from everything, that will make your weekend a perfect escape.

Locations of the sculptures will be posted here and at SalemMainStreets.org, and it's a lot of fun to wander from Town House Square to Pickering Wharf looking at the sculptures. There is also going to be a mixed media sculpture (ice is one of the media!) at the Phillips House on Chestnut Street, so be prepared to wander that way, too!

Most of Salem's stores and restaurants run Salem So Sweet promotions, which range from sale pricing to chocolate infused menu items to chocolate samples, so be sure to browse a bit while you wander. You'll need to warm your fingers and toes, anyway. No better way to do that than with chocolate!

Also worth noting: February 7 is the last day of the Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum. If you haven't seen it, make time to do so. It is a fabulous and fun exhibition of fashion and personality.

There is no better way to kick-off the Valentine's Season in Salem then with chocolate and ice, so mark your calendars and make your plans!

What's Coming in Salem

I just prepared a list of select events happening in Salem this spring, and thought I'd share them with you. Things will start warming up in Salem in April (which is not to say that the current Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection exhibit at the PEM is not hot, it is, so come see it. And come to Literally Salem at the end of the month, and take advantage of many opportunities to hear and see some great contemporary writers including Hannah Tinti and Brunonia Barry), and then it's nearly summer, and Salem really shines in Summer.

So, make plans, I say. Mark you calendar and discover the magic of arts, culture, great dining, celebrations and fun - fun - fun in Salem in 2009!

Remember, this is a very short list of events in Salem - visit the calendar at Salem.org for everything that's happening. There's a lot happening. Something for everyone, I daresay.

Special Events in Salem, Massachusetts
April – July 2009

April 4
Sensational India!
This two-day festival will make connections between the rich Indian art and culture represented in the PEM collections and India’s remarkable performing arts — traditional and contemporary — in its many exciting forms. The celebration will include art, dance, music, film, food, hands-on art activities and more. Families activities include tales from India read by storytellers, fortunes told by a parrot and rangoli art projects.
pem.org

April 5-9
Spring Restaurant Week
Take this opportunity to experience Salem’s great dining options! From casual to creative cuisine, and everything in between, Restaurant Week will offer special prix fix pricing at dozens of restaurants.
salem-chamber.org

April 16-18, 23-25, 26
The Pirates of Penzance
This beloved Gilbert & Sullivan musical comes alive on the Salem State College Mainstage. Tickets: $20 general/$15 seniors.
salemstate.edu/arts

May 22 (through November 1)
Salem Ferry Opens for the Season!
Considered by many to be the best way to travel between Salem and Boston – this 55 minute ride aboard a high-speed catamaran will transport you along the Massachusetts coastline in climate-controlled comfort! Take advantage of Cruise & Dine and Cruise & Shop specials offered in both Salem and Boston. Free parking at the Blaney Street pier in Salem. The ferry docks at Central Wharf by the New England Aquarium in Boston.
salemferry.com

June 5-7
Salem Arts Festival
Discover the magic of Salem’s arts scene this June! All media will be represented through special events, gallery exhibits, and art installations in Salem.
salemmainstreets.org

June 13 (Through September 7)
Exhibit: The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes
The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes, an exhibition of works from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK, follows the rise of seascape painting from 1550 to 1700.
Through major works by Dutch and Flemish artists, the exhibition explores the major themes of maritime painting, from atmospheric to allegorical and nationalistic imagery. Works by Simon de Vlieger, Hendrick Minderhout and Caspar van Wittel explore methods of employing painting as a means to catalog foreign conquest and trade as the Dutch became a significant presence on the world’s seas.
pem.org

June 18-21, June 25-27
Rumors by Neil Simon
Salem State College opens its summer theatre season with this classic Neil Simon production on the Mainstage.
salemstate.edu/arts

July 4th
Salem Celebrates the 4th!
This is the way Independence Day should be celebrated! Families picnic at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, games and crafts for kids, a Pops! Concert featuring the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and stunning fireworks over Salem Harbor and the Tall Ship Friendship. Free.
salem.com

July 16-19, 23-26
Footloose
The second production in Salem State College’s 2009 Summer Theatre Series. Come see why Salem loves its summer theatre!
salemstate.edu/arts

(Photos credits: Peabody Essex Museum, Leighton O'Connor, Scott Lanes)

Buy Tickets for Taste of the Wharf: Autumnfest!

Everyone is invited to attend Pickering Wharf’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Wharf: Autumnfest, Sunday, September 21, 2008, 2:00 PM -5:00 PM. Pickering Wharf Merchants Association will sponsor "tastes" offered by Finz, Victoria Station, and Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Pub. Entertainment will be provided on the waterfront by The Boston Horns (who are really good, by the way!). Retail shops will be open, with specials and sales for all ticket holders.

Tickets cost just $10 before Tuesday, Sept. 16, or $15 after this date. Proceeds will benefit The Salem Education Fund initiated by Mayor Kim Driscoll, in an effort to offset the recent budget crisis and layoffs.

Tickets may be purchased at these Pickering Wharf merchants: The Picklepot, Living With Pets, The Cow’s Meow, Quint Essentials, Artemesia, Black Paw, Fringe Salon, The Cat n’ The Fiddle Uniques, Peter Barter Florist, Kissable Paws, Antiques Gallery, Salemdipity, Crafter’s Market.

Or mail your check payable to PWMA to 96 Wharf Street Salem, MA 01970, and tickets will be mailed to you.

Schooner Fame Events

LIVE MUSIC WITH THE JOLLY ROGUES!

Join the crew of Fame this Friday, August 22, at 6 PM for an evening sail with the Jolly Rogues!

The Jolly Rogues are an “auditory flashback” to the music of the 18th and 19th centuries. They go from one great sea shanty to another, with tunes that makes you sway and join in the singing. Members of The Guild of Historic Interpreters, they present a great selection of seafaring songs, all of which are light-hearted and pleasant. Join us for a wonderful evening of good-mood music!

Regular ticket prices apply for this special sunset cruise. Beer, wine and grog available!


MARITIME LECTURE SERIES

On Wednesday, September 10th the Fame and Salem Maritime National Historic Site will be co-hosting a lecture by David Hodgdon, who has written a book about the adventures of his ancestor, whose Salem schooner was captured by the British during the War of 1812.

These lectures, sponsored jointly by Fame and Friendship, take place at 7 PM at St. Joseph Hall, 160 Derby St., Salem. They are free, and the Hall is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-729-7600 or 978-740-1660.

Salem CultureFest this Weekend

This weekend Salem will be the site of the third annual Salem CultureFest: Travel the World without the Airfare!

The Salem Culturefest is a two-day event (Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-6pm) that showcases many cultures and styles through live music, community organizations, unique arts, crafts, and culinary foods. Everyone is welcomed to attend this fun family-friendly event.

In addition to two days of fantastic music, there's lots for kids and families to do throughout the day, including cultural games, crafts including drum and mask making provided by Salem schools, Origami with the Peabody Essex Museum, karate demonstrations, scavenger hunt, pony rides and a moonbounce.

On Saturday evening from 4pm-8pm Salem CultureFest will convert the Common into an International Food Court. Take a culinary trip from the Americas to India to Ireland to Asia and back again, courtesy of more than a dozen North Shore restaurants. Live free entertainment provided by Mystafine, Joh Carma and the Mamadou Band.

Visit Salem CultureFest on line for more information and the incredible schedule of events.

"Toast" -- An Evening of Art, Music, Food and Fun

The Art Corner was devastated by fire in April 2008. This Saturday, June 28, the Salem Arts Association will host a Benefit for The Art Corner at the Ward 2 Social Club from 7pm to 10pm. The event will include music by Charlie Chesterman and the Motorbikes with a special guest appearance by Barrence Whitfield. Raffles and a silent auction will include juried works of craft and art, artist designed jewelry and gift certificates donated by local artists and business owners.

"The Art Corner’s owner Wendy Snow-Lang and her husband Charles Lang, are active supporters of the arts on the North Shore, and played a pivotal role in the re-formation of the Salem Arts Association last year," says Benefit Chair Sara Ashodian. "We think this evening is a fitting way to help them begin their re-building efforts."

Tickets are $10, and are available at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street, and Experimental Art Gallery and Studio on Artists Row just off Front Street in Salem. For more information on the benefit, the Salem Arts Association, and to get a glimpse at what is being auctioned and raffled, visit Salem Arts Association.

No Place for Hate Committee to Host Panel Discussion on the Faith and Lifestyles of the Wiccan Faith

The City of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee will be hosting a panel discussion the evening of April 12th which will focus on practices within the Wiccan faith and the everyday lifestyles of those practicing Paganism. The objective of the event is to bring understanding and educate those in attendance about the religion, lifestyle and culture of those who practice Wicca while also touching on the history within the Salem community.

The panel discussion, which will be held on the second floor of Old Town Hall, will be moderated by Salem State College Professor Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello. The discussion will be led by No Place for Hate Committee member Jerrie Hildebrand and Margot Adler of National Public Radio (NPR) and is sponsored by the Salem Witch Museum.

Ms. Adler is the host of NPR’s Justice Talking and is a regular on shows such as All Things Considered, Morning Edition and Weekend Edition. She has been a Wiccan priestess for over 35 years. In 1979, she wrote the book Drawing Down the Moon, a classic study of Neo-Paganism and Wicca which was recently revised and updated. Ms Adler also wrote Heretic's Heart, a 1960's memoir of her life. In addition, she is also a co-producer of the award winning radio drama, War Day.

Ms. Hildebrand is creative principal of a Salem-based marketing company. Since 1986, Ms. Hildebrand has worked with various national religious freedom organizations on issues pertaining to the Wiccan and Pagan religions and in 2005 was ordained by Circle Sanctuary. More notably, Ms. Hildebrand was part of the team from Circle Sanctuary that led the effort in getting the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to add the pentacle to its list of official emblems for the headstones and markers of Wiccan veterans. She illustrated the final version of the official emblem now used.

Both Ms. Adler and Ms. Hildebrand have traveled throughout the country and internationally to conferences separately and together doing presentations and discussion on subjects related to Wicca and Paganism. After the two are through speaking, the panel will open to questions from the public.

This will be the second event sponsored by the No Place for Hate Committee within its second year of existence. In June of 2007, the City of Salem was officially named a No Place for Hate community by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) after the Committee organized three events which focused on promoting respect and diversity. The Committee will need to sponsor two events each year in order to regain the City’s certification as a No Place for Hate community.

The Panel Discussion on Wicca and Paganism is free and open to the public. It will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 7-9 pm at Old Town Hall in downtown Salem. The event will also feature opening remarks by Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and will conclude with a song from Rev. Amy “Gypsy” Ravish from the Temple of Nine Wells located in Salem.

Spring Fling this Saturday!

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, head to Old Town Hall for Spring Fling: A Garden of Earthly Delights!

I could tell you all about it, but it's probably easier to let the official description do the talking...

Fashioned after the Bacchanalia - a religious festival in honor of the wine god Bacchus – Spring Fling will feature a tasting of over 50 fine wines and international and domestic craft beers. Local breweries Ipswich, Cape Ann Mercury and Harpoon, among others, will be pouring their spring offerings. Professionals will be on hand with an assortment of fine wines from around the world.

Salem Restaurants such as The Old Spot, GuluGulu Cafe, 62 on the Wharf, Rockafellas and more will tickle and tantalize your palate with delectable culinary delights! North Shore Artists will be offering an eclectic variety of art to please your eye and warm your home. Boston singer-songwriter Katrin Roush will be performing live - often compared to Bonnie Raitt, Katrin is spellbinding on stage, both soulful and passionate. A siren to awaken the gods of spring!

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the "Garden of Earthly Delights." Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Traditional ancient attire is encouraged! This is Salem, after all. Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on March 15th from 3 - 6pm at Old Town Hall in beautiful, historic downtown Salem, Massachusetts. Tickets $20 advance/$25 door available at http://www.pmousse.com/