Shipping Out:The Story of America’s Seafaring Women

shipping out seafaring women new bedfordIn honor of Women’s History Month, the Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues on Friday, March 18th with Shipping Out: The Story of America’s Seafaring Women (56 minutes), a film by Maria Brooks. Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Working Waterfront Festival. Films about the working waterfront will be screened on the third Friday of each month beginning at 7:00 PM in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free of charge.

Filmed on board merchant ships in coastal waters from Alaska to New York, Shipping Out looks at the little known history of women and seafaring in America. Featured in the program are women who hold jobs in commercial shipping. We meet them working as engineers, bar pilots, tug boat captains, mates and deckhands. The film was produced by Maria Brooks, whose award winning documentaries, The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships and The Odyssey of Captain Healy, have been seen on PBS. The film will be followed by a discussion with several women who work on the New Bedford waterfront.

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. The FREE festival, a family friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry, features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. It all takes place on working piers and waterfront parks in New Bedford, MA, America’s #1 fishing port, on the last full weekend in September. Navigate to us at www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM.




Man and Whales: Changing Views Through Time

Man and Whales: Changing Views Through Time, a free public lecture series continues at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30 P.M. in the Cook Memorial Theater.  There will be a pre-lecture reception in the Jacobs Family Gallery at 6:30 P.M.  Admission is free.

The lecture titled, “The Gulf of Mexico: Spilling Crude Oil Where We Once Spilled Sperm Oil,” is presented by Judy N. Lund and Deborah Cramer.

New Bedford has a deep-rooted connection to the  oceans that cover more than 70% of our planet. We will examine the historic link to our marine environment and how the continued quest for oil has impacted this region.

Judith N. Lund, former Curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, will provide us a historical overview of whaling in the Gulf of Mexico, an endeavor that until recently was not well documented. Using her soon-to-be-published paper as a foundation, Judy will explain how this smaller whale fishery fit in with the larger Atlantic whale fishery. Her most recent works includes a definitive two-volume reference, American Offshore Whaling Voyages, 1667-1927, published by the Old Dartmouth Historical Society – New Bedford Whaling Museum in 2010.

Deborah Cramer, Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will explore the short term impact of the BP oil spill, and the longer term consequence of oil drilling and shipping on the marshes of southeastern Louisiana and the wider Gulf. She recently visited there, and will be showing stunning photographs from her book, Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water Our World.

whale new bedford guideBoth speakers will be available to sign their books at the pre-lecture reception.

The Man & Whales lecture series will continue on April 20 and May 18.

As a finale to the lectures, the Whaling Museum is offering a unique opportunity to meet whales on Saturday, May 21. A special whale watch trip is available in partnership with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, departing from the Whaling Museum at 8:00 A.M. to Capt. John Boats, Plymouth, MA.  Tickets are $75 per person, payable in advance, and includes round-trip transportation. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Proceeds will benefit the Whaling Museum and WDCS. Please call 508-997-0046 ext.100, to RSVP for the free lectures and/or sign up for the whale watch.

Man & Whales is sponsored by ECHO (Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations) a program administered by the U.S. Dept. of Education, offered in partnership with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.




Japan Rocked by an 8.9-Magnitude Earthquake

adam profile pic
By Adam DiOrio

On Friday, at 2:46 P.M. local time, an 8.9-magnitude struck off the coast of northern Japan.  According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was 231 miles away from the capital city of Tokyo.  Aftershocks continue to rock the area, with some up to 7.0-magnitude, which is a sizable earthquake in its own right.

As of now, 4 million people are without electricity in Japan.  Nuclear power plants have been shut down automatically in response to the quake, while planes, trains, and most other forms of public transportation have ground to a halt.  Fires erupted from many buildings, including an oil refinery that went up in flames.  Buildings shook violently in Tokyo, as people poured out into the streets after the quake hit.  Many people are congregating in public areas, such as parks, wondering what they should be doing and what happens next.

This is the 5th-largest tsunami recorded in the world since 1900.  The largest ever was a 9.5-magnitude quake that struck Chile in May of 1960.  It would be one thing if there was just the earthquake to deal with, but of course aftershocks have, and will continue, to follow the initial quake.  Obviously aftershocks are problematic, especially in this case, as so far the the tremors that follow the main quake have not been small. Click here to see the seismic activity in the area since the quake.

The biggest problem now facing Japan, and many parts of the Pacific, are tsunamis.  These titanic walls of water are caused when the earth quakes violently, sending a wave of energy through the ocean.  The water then surges over land and destroys everything in its path. As you can see in the videos below, cars, houses, boats, people, and buildings were swept away by this unstoppable force of nature.  The footage looks like deleted scenes from The Day After Tomorrow.

new bedford guide japan earthquake
Two people take cover as a building collapses in Japan.

As of right now, various warnings are being issued throughout the Pacific as predictions are being made about the possible size of these waves.  Japan has reported that the port city of Sendai was crushed by a 33-foot wave (video below).  This is cause for great concern as tsunami warnings ring out across island chains and coastlines from Russia to Mexico.  Low-lying islands and atolls are at risk of being completely engulfed by the waves, as many rest barely above sea level.  Waves of the size being predicted will roll right over these places and keep on going.

According to CNN International meteorologist Ivan Cabrera, “When you jump a magnitude from 7 to 8, it’s not 10 times stronger, it’s a 1,000 times stronger.  With an … earthquake that shallow, that close to shore, there will be more than one tsunami.”

Tsunami waves can move at up to 800 kilometers (497 miles) per hour.  Due to the speed that waves sent out from the epicenter of the quake, it can be predicted when the tsunami will reach distant shores.  With a quake this big, the effects will be felt throughout the world as aftershocks and waves continue for hours and days after the initial quake.

Waves from this tsunami are expected to reach the Hawaiian Islands at 3 A.M. local time, which is about 8 A.M. on the East Coast.  People on the island are currently flocking to gas stations and grocery stores, attempting to stock up and prepare for whatever is coming.  As I type this, sirens are blaring in Honolulu, alerting people of the impending uprising the ocean has in store for them.  People in coastal areas are merged to head inland or find higher ground.  A tsunami warning was also issued for Oregon, California, and Washington state.  Click here to see the list of other countries where tsunami warnings have been issued.

This earthquake is comparable to the 9.0-magnitude quake that struck Indonesia in 2004.  The tsunami resulting from that one killed over 250,000 people in 14 countries and caused $10 billion worth of damage.  Considering the position of this quake; the depth at which it occurred, its proximity to the coast line, and its relative position in the Pacific, we could be looking at similar numbers after all is said and done.

This situation is developing, and while much has happened so far, the world waits with bated breath to see which countries get hit by the tsunami, and how hard.   Tune into your normal news sources for the most recent and up-to-date news on this story as it develops.  With the tsunami due to arrive in Hawaii in the next few hours, and then the West Coast after that, the United States involvement in this story is just beginning.




Exploration Series at Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park continues its Exploration Series on Friday, March 11, at 6:30 PM at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum at 396 County Street, New Bedford. Kate Corkum, Director, will be the featured speaker. Corkum will offer a brief history of this historic house, which belonged to three prominent families linked to New Bedford’s whaling history.

rotch jones duff new bedford guid
This picture, from the 1920's, shows two people overlooking the gardens at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House.

The Exploration Series is an opportunity for the public to delve into New Bedford’s fascinating history and its people.  All sessions are free of charge, and the public is welcome to attend one, some or all of them.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The building is accessible, and admission is free.




March AHA! Night: Favorite Things

This Thursday, March 10th, is AHA! Night, when we celebrate the people and places, stories and songs that make New Bedford one of our favorite things. Hear about what people collect & visit one of the largest spaces for antiques in New England. Art New England magazine has made NB one of their favorite things and will be releasing their new issue on AHA! night.

PROGRAMS

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (33 William Street) Arthur Bennett will be giving a talk on OUR favorite thing–NEBE! Come hear a history of the park from an honored local resident who advocated for a National Park in New Bedford and has continued to volunteer at the Park. Also, Abby and Ruth, the 19th Century Ladies, will be talking “Play Ball” about the early baseball leagues of New Bedford.

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (396 County Street) offers the second lecture in a series that explores the epic growth of port cities in New England during the 19th and 20th centuries. Hear how these cities have transitioned, through time, to use the strength of their historic fabric to support contemporary creative economies. The speaker in March is Robert Emlen, Brown University Curator and Senior Lecturer of American Civilization, Art and Architecture. 7pm in the Museum.

ECHO Performing Arts Festival hosted at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill). Through song, dance and stories life’s challenges and triumphs are viewed through the lens of many cultures to reveal the commonality of the human experience. This multicultural story includes performers from Hawaii, Alaska, and Mississippi. 7pm

It’s My Fave: Collectors show & tell hosted by Shelley Cardoos.
7-9pm at mediumstudio (38 Bethel Street)

Judith Klein Art Gallery (752 Purchase Street) hosts a closing party for the “4 R LOVE” show. Enjoy music, artist demos, good food and many of our favorite people including Anthony Miraglia, Adrian Tio, Alison Horwitz, David Baggarly, Judith Klein, Justin McGonigle, Lori Bradley, Laurie Bullard, Sandee Krupp, Mary Harman, Marc Deisle, Valorie Sheehan, Elaine Fisher, Marion Wilner, Peter Martin and Sheila Oliveira.

Artist Demos include paper cuts, print making, painting, mixed media, clay sculptures, photography, and jewelery making, from 7-8pm. Plus recycled and found object collage workshop for kids,  from 6-7pm.

South End Trolley Tours with Bruce Barnes & the NB Preservation Society . Finish with an Open House at New England Demolition & Salvage and Circa Vintage Wear (located in the Hathaway Mill, 73 Cove Street)–tour the building and enjoy a reception with hot chocolate and local pastries.

New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant Street) and Art New England host a magazine release party for the upcoming issue of  ANE featuring New Bedford. 6:30- 7:30pm

MCC celebrates NB! Come to the NB Art Museum (608 Pleasant Street) to celebrate with AHA! Hear about our new funding from the Adams Grant of the Massachusetts Cultural Council at 6pm.

UMass Dartmouth CVPA @ the Star Store (715 Purchase Street)
Excerpts from the film, Who Does She Think She Is?, a documentary by Academy Award winning filmmaker Pamela Tanner Boll. Following will be a panel discussion of artists on “Combining Art & Motherhood”. Sponsored by the University’s Women’s Resource Center as part of the annual Women’s History Month: Knowing Our History, Knowing Ourselves. Lecture Hall, 6-8pm
UMass Dartmouth Spring Sale of Artwork in the Crapo Gallery, 6-8 pm.

Coalition for Buzzards Bay (114 Front Street) Get ready: Swim Buzzards Bay and Watershed Ride kick-off event! At The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, our favorite thing is to get out and enjoy Buzzards Bay and its watershed and the best way to do that: As a participant in Swim Buzzards Bay and The Watershed Ride. It may be cold now but warmer weather is coming and you can sign-up now to participate in two of the best outdoor events in the region. During AHA! night guests can register, watch videos of past events, and talk with experts in biking, swimming, and fundraising. Get ready to get out and enjoy Buzzards Bay this summer. 5-7pm

First Unitarian Church (Corner of Union & County Street)
AHA! Family Faves!
Brown paper packages tied up with string….paintbrushes, spring colors, and musical dreams! March up the hill for some fantastic “family favorites” as we create, imagine, and enjoy our freedom! Make a family tree, get your green on, rock the boat, jump rope! From 5:30-7pm

Love Life Lens Photography & the New Bedford Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) present a St. Patrick’s Day craft, in the Children’s Room.

Love Life Lens Photography (14 Rodman Street) is also offering 1/2 off ($20) mini-sessions with their Spring Rabbit. The mini-sessions are by appointment.

Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street)
• Ask the Brewer Series continues! Enjoy a tasting & presentation with craft brewer of the month Tom Ryan from the Cape Ann Brewing Co.
• NEW art on the walls by Marc St. Pierre.

EXHIBITIONS

Crowell’s Fine Art (382 Acushnet Avenue) NEW SHOW! Charles Boucher: Continuing Work
Charles Boucher earned his BFA from the Swain School of Design in 1986. In the 25 years since, Charles has continued to hone his vision and has participated in over 30 exhibitions. Through his paintings, Charles has brought color and movement to the eyes of his viewing audience.

The strength of his work comes from a rich understanding of the history of painting and the ability to incorporate that knowledge into each brushstroke and color decision. The result is an artistic vision that resonates like a visual form of jazz.

Gallery X (169 William Street) presents Beauty in the Beast: An art show of, about, for and by animals. Check out the menagerie of an exhibit of everything animal. Curated by Nilsa Garcia-Rey and Susan Hauck. A portion of the proceeds from fees will be donated to a local animal shelter. Plus a Teen Art Show with the same theme in the newly renovated Douglass Gallery.

New Bedford Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) exhibits “An Illustrative Journey: Work by UMass Junior Illustration Students.” An exhibit showcasing the work of junior year illustration majors organized by Professor Jean-Francois Allaux. Opening from 6-8pm.

Ginger Grill (778 Purchase Street) Live music with Marlena Johnson, the 1st New Bedford Idol Winner from 6-8pm. Plus, photographer David A. Neitz showcasing “The Devil is in the Details”.

UMass Dartmouth CVPA @ the Star Store
(715 Purchase Street) EXQUISITE: Work by Sarah Bliss, Allison Paschke and Sand T.

New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant Street)
3 EXHIBITS:
David Loeffler Smith Retrospective curated by Kate Levin & Don Beal
Vault Series: Susanna Coffey curated by Joan Backes
Paintings of Finn Gudmunddson – A New Bedford Primitive curated by Severin Haines

ArtWorks! (384 Acushnet Avenue) Continuing exhibit: “One Passion, Many Voices”. Also, Journey Dance with Juliet Loranger. A demonstration from 6:30-7pm in the Main Gallery.

“Journey Dance is a grooving celebration that will have you loving your body and loving your life! Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, Journey Dance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. Your mind becomes clear, free, and positive, and your body feels supple, energized, and powerful. Practiced to inspiring world music, your dance is an empowering journey to self-acceptance and transformation.”

MUSIC

Celtic Coffee House (42 North Water Street) presents Aoife Clancy and the spirit of the month of Irish celebration. Short sets at 5:30 and 6:15pm.

Pilgrim United Church (635 Purchase Street) hosts “Mental Note,” a spectacular acapella group from UMass Dartmouth. 7pm in the Church Sanctuary.

Café Arpeggio (800 Purchase Street) Open Mic featured performers will be the sister duo “Seeztahs”.  Cathy (Comeau) Bonas and Jeanne (Comeau) Murphy are “Seeztahs” who have been playing guitar and singing together since they were children. Over the years, although they have been involved with a variety of musical projects on the side, they have mainly been focused on raising children and making a living. They have always tried to make time, however, to get together in the basement to sing and play, even if it was just for their own enjoyment.

They arrived unannounced at a regular weekly Open Mic a few months ago… and delighted the audience with their songs, both originals and covers, and their sweet sisterly harmonies.  Their visits to the Cafe have been enjoyed thoroughly and they have quickly become “Fan Favorites.”

“Seeztahs” go on from 6-7pm, followed by the regular weekly Open Mic from 7-10pm, hosted by “New Bedford’s Troubadour” Art Tebbetts.  Cafe Arpeggio is a family friendly venue, and all are welcome.  Come prepared to perform, or just to listen and enjoy!!




Living History Program at National Park

Spring has come! Baseball is a favorite pastime of Ruth and Abby, the 1850’s ladies.  New Bedford has a long and interesting baseball history.  New Bedford High School’s first baseball team dates back to 1858, and the South Coast hosted dozens of teams at that time. Join the ladies to chat about America’s favorite sport and to view the vintage baseball artifacts and photos. Look for them in the New Bedford Whaling National Park visitor center in downtown New Bedford at 33 William Street, on AHA! night, Thursday, March 10, from 6:00-8:00 PM.  As always, admission is free.

The 1850's ladies.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States.

The National Park visitor center is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. The newest exhibit, Communities of Whaling, explores the connections between this city and five local ethnic communities whose roots trace back to whaling: African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Azoreans, Native Americans and West Indians. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095.




Trolley Tour of New Bedford’s South End

new bedford south end trolley tour
*Trolley pictured is not the actual trolley used for the tour.

This Thursday as part of AHA! Night, join Bruce Barnes of the New Bedford Preservation Society for a trolley tour of the South End of New Bedford.  Then, stop off at the Hathaway Mill on Cove Street for a reception at New England Demolition and Salvage and Circa Vintage Wear.

The tour will highlight the late 19th century development of the area, including its mills, churches and neighborhoods. Did you know that a New Bedford man who once owned and operated a nursery here later became Governor of Michigan? Or that one of the most important mill housing developments of the New England textile era still exists in quiet anonymity just off Rockdale Avenue?

AHA! night is a free event, and this program is co-sponsored by the New Bedford Preservation Society and New England Demolition and Salvage. Trolley seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis with departures at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. from the William Street side of Custom House Square.




GIRLS Speaker Series at the Ocean Explorium

The Ocean Explorium, with generous support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, announces its third annual speaker series, aimed at promoting the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, to girls and young women.

ocean explorium girls

The Girls Interested in Real Life Science (GIRLS) series will run each Thursday in March. Formerly offered under the name of Women in Science + Engineering (WiSE), the series will feature inspiring speakers drawn from professions wherein the STEM subjects play a major role.

This year’s speakers are:

March 3: Susan B. Peterson, Ph.D., Teal Partners, environmental consultants

March 10: Ilana Feinerman, M.D., Ear/Nose/Throat specialist in private practice

March 17: Gina Cerrito, Marine Educator with New England Aquarium

March 24: Faith Ball, Engineer with Lockheed Martin Sippican

March 31: Rhonda Moniz, Dive Safety Instructor, Entrepreneur

Doors open at 5:00 P.M. for refreshments and mingling in the Ocean Explorium before the talks begin at 5:30 P.M. This series is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of the Women’s Fund.

ocean explorium girls nbStudents will receive a special pin to indicate attendance at each week’s event. The Ocean Explorium is happy to work with local educators so students can earn extra credit. If you would like to arrange a more formal program, you can contact Abbey Spargo at aspargo@oceanexplorium.org or (509) 994-5400.  Girls and boys in grades 5 – 12 are encouraged to attend, and families are always welcome!

The Ocean Explorium is located at 174 Union Street in downtown New Bedford and is handicap accessible via the rear entrance. Call (508)994-5400 to arrange for after-hours access.

For further information, contact Abbey Spargo, or visit the Ocean Explorium website at www.oceanexplorium.org.  You can also visit the Ocean Explorium’s facebook page here.




Boy Scout Troop 7 New Bedford Membership Drive

boy scout troop 7 new bedfordTroop 7 New Bedford is looking for boys ages 11 and up from the Greater New Bedford area that want to participate in fun and challenging outdoor activities and are looking to make new friends.

During our meetings, boys will have the opportunity to learn about the fun activities in Scouting such as field trips and sporting events, hiking, and camping trips throughout the year. Troop 7 New Bedford meets every Tuesday night from 6:30- 8:00 P.M. at the Gifts to Give which is located at 21 Cove Street in the south end of New Bedford.

Also, your son will learn about Boy Scout Summer Camp, which provides a variety of activities to participate in including swimming, boating, fishing, archery, rifle and shotgun (some age restrictions apply), singing songs, field sports, arts & crafts, nature (where you will learn poisonous plants, edible plants, and about all kinds of animals), just to name a few. There are also a number of important Scout skills they will have the opportunity to learn, including outdoor cooking, knot tying, using a map and compass, participating in skits, and many more fun activities.

Parents who attend one of our meetings will learn about the skills, aims, and values taught in Scouting, including physical fitness, citizenship, wilderness survival, camping, independence, leadership, camaraderie, responsibility, teamwork, discipline, character, and many other important practical life skills, such as how to deal with a medical emergency or a national disaster.

boy scout logoMany individuals who grew up to have great successes in their future were once proud members of Scouting, some of them include: Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, Bill Gates, Donald H. Rumsfeld, John Ritter, and Steven Spielberg. Many of them feel that they could not have had the level of success that they achieved if not for joining scouting and getting involved.

For more information about our Troop and what we are doing please call 774 263 5018 or send an E-Mail to troop7nb@gmail.com. Scouting is more than just another place to belong; it is the start of a lifelong adventure, have fun and make friends. Join Troop 7 New Bedford today and start your son’s trail to success.

Troop 7 Meets on Tuesday nights, from 6:30-8:00 P.M. at Gifts To Give, 21 Cove Street in New Bedford.




Blues for the Blue Welcomes Special Guest Quinn Sullivan

On Saturday, March 5th,12-year-old guitar virtuoso Quinn Sullivan will join Neal McCarthy and Friends for the Blues for the Blue concert at the Ocean Explorium. “We are happy to highlight Quinn and his extraordinary talent”, said Jen Costa, coordinator of the event. “It’s not every day that a gifted 12-year-old graces the stage, and we are proud to present him at our event.”

blues for the blues

Quinn picked up his first guitar at the age of three and has been stunning audiences ever since. In 2006 he caught the attention of the country when he appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show to perform his version of “Twist and Shout.”  In 2007, Quinn’s world was turned upside down when he met Grammy Award-winning blues legend Buddy Guy at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford. Buddy called him onstage, and Quinn hasn’t looked back since.

12-year-old guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan.

Sullivan is set to take the music world by storm with the March 22 release of his debut CD, Cyclone.  With the help of Buddy Guy and Grammy nominated producer Tom Hambridge, Quinn is poised to make his mark on the music industry. When asked about his plans for the future Quinn said, “I see myself doing this for a long, long time. I can’t wait for Cyclone to be released and to start touring this spring!!”

Blues for the Blue will begin at 7 pm at Tifereth Israel Congregation in New Bedford. Neal McCarthy and Friends return with Classic Blues, while Santa Mamba adds their signature “Latin Roots Rock” to this second annual concert to benefit the Ocean Explorium.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $25 for Ocean Explorium Members.  All tickets will be $35 at the door the night of the concert. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Ocean Explorium,online at the Ocean Explorium website, or by telephone at (508)994-5400. Tickets are also available at Baker Books, Black Bass Grille, CV General Store, Down to Earth Natural Foods, Hot Music, The Book Stall, and The Green Bean.

explorium logoBlues for the Blue proceeds support ongoing education programs at the Ocean Explorium, where over 10,000 students have participated in formal science education school field trips.

The Ocean Explorium is located at 174 Union Street in downtown New Bedford, and is handicap-accessible via the rear entrance.  Hours of operation are Thursday through Friday, from 10 AM- 4 PM.

If you are interested in hearing young Quinn Sullivan play his guitar, there are links to YouTube clips here (on Ellen),  here (with Buddy Guy, covering an Eric Clapton song), and here (instrumental with Buddy Guy and B.B. King).