The Arte Institute with the Portuguese Consulate in New Bedford and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, have the pleasure to present the screening of “Portuguese from SoHo” on October 13 at 7.00p.m.

The event will take place at New Bedford Whaling Museum – 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740 October 13 at 7.00p.m with reception at 6.00pm. The 60 minute film is spoken in Portuguese with subtitles in English.

The documentary “Portuguese from SoHo” – a story that changed its Geography”, aims to tell the stories of the first Portuguese immigrants arriving in the SoHo area in Manhattan, New York, after the Second World War. Throughout their history, we discover the history of this neighborhood, in the heart of Manhattan and the city of New York.

A film directed by Ana Ventura Miranda, produced by Arte Institute with texts and narration by José Luís Peixoto and original soundtrack by Rita Redshoes.

Teaser https://vimeo.com/154316470

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center presents a night of comedic excellence when nationally known comedian Brian Regan stops in New Bedford for one night only on Thursday, November 3 at 8:00 p.m. Critics and peers agree that Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. He strikes a perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, and fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at www.zeiterion.org, or at the Zeiterion Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123. More information is available at zeiterion.org.

One of the most respected comedians in the country, Regan is a legendary performer, selling out theaters from coast to coast and earning praise from the press, the public and fellow comedians:

“He is one of my favorite, favorite stand-up comedians.” – Jerry Seinfeld

“No comedian in the world says, ‘Yeah, I want to follow Brian Regan.’” – Chris Rock

“Brian Regan is one of my favorite comics of all time, …an absolute master.” – Bill Burr

With his first stand-up appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman” in 1995, Regan solidified his place on the show and made his twenty-eighth and final stand-up appearance on May 8, the most of any comedian since the show moved to CBS in 1993. Regan made a scene-stealing cameo in the latest Chris Rock film, “Top Five,” and he was seen in Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

But it is stand-up comedy that is Regan’s focus visiting close to 100 cities each year and selling out some of the most beautiful venues on the continent. Regan returned to the legendary 8600-seat Red Rocks Amphitheater in March 2016 and he will return to the 12,500-seat EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City where he sold out two shows in 2014. He made history on September 26 when he performed in “Brian Regan: Live from Radio City Music Hall,” the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history.

Tickets to see Brian Regan are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.

By Sean McCarthy

While the charades and shenanigans of the 2016 presidential race may be a thorny mess for voters, it’s a gold mine for the Capitol Steps.

In their 30th year, the Capitol Steps are a group of political satirists whose musical skills and lyrical wit wield clever and cutting parodies of Washington’s popular and powerful. This six-piece troupe turns headlines into punch lines, delivering equal opportunity barbs to both sides of the political aisle. No ego is too big and no subject taboo.

Politics is a “blood sport” but laughter is the best medicine.

The Capitol Steps will bring their current edition of political lampooning to the stage of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29, $35 and $39 and can be purchased at www.zeiterion.org, at the Zeiterion box office at 684 Purchase St. or by calling (508)994-2900.

“People love mocking politicians,” says Steps’ songwriter Mark Eaton. “With every presidential election people say it can’t be more fun, but it always is. In the 80’s we had Reagan and people thought it couldn’t get better, but then we had Dan Quayle who couldn’t spell potato. Bill Clinton followed that by giving us an incredible amount of material, and then we had ‘W’ Bush who gave us just as much.”

All of the songs that are selected for parodies are deliberately recognizable, ranging from pop songs to Broadway standards.

When Hillary Clinton was absolved in her recent e-mail scandal Eaton took The Pointer Sisters’ song “I’m So Excited,” and reworked it with “I’m Not Indicted.” Eaton then morphed “Leader of the Pack” into “Deleter of the Facts.”

The recently popular song “Shut Up and Dance With Me” was changed into “Shut Up and Vote For Me,” being sung by Donald Trump. And both candidates get ribbed when “I Want A Brand New Pair of Roller Skates” becomes “I Want A Brand New Pair of Candidates.”

“If you’re upset because we’re making fun of Hillary don’t worry – Trump will be next,” Eaton says.
The show will include 30 songs over a span of 90 minutes. The group consists of five singers and one piano player. Eaton describes the show as “fast paced.”

“Song ideas can come from anywhere, there’s no specific formula or approach to writing,” Eaton says.
The 54-year old Eaton started with the Steps as a part-time performer in 1993 and became a full-time member in 1999. He claims that his main sources of news are the “Washington Post” and the “Wall Street Journal.”

And the Steps know what they’re talking about – many of the performers have experience working for politicians on Capitol Hill. Eaton’s experience includes working for Virginia Senator Paul Tribel and North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms.

“We want people in this group who can carry a tune, but we also look for the people who were the Class Clown in high school or the wise guy in the office,” Eaton says.

Throughout history satirists have used humor as their primary tool, not only to criticize politicians but people in the public spotlight as well. Some of America’s more prominent satirists have included the writers Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. Modern satirists use the “fake news” approach including Jon Stewart and his television show “The Daily Show.” “Saturday Night Live” has been using the “fake news” skit “Weekend Update” since 1975. Current satire can be found on the Internet, including “The Onion,” “Whitehouse.org,” and “The Borowitz Report.”

“It’s always a good time to make fun of politicians,” Eaton says. “People in power would rather be attacked than laughed at. This year we have two candidates that everybody knows and everybody has a strong opinion about,” Eaton says.

“People need a laugh, and we’re happy to take the funny side of things.”

“We Run This (With Pride)” community march video shoot in front of city hall.In spite of what the cynics say there is a lot that is positive going on in the city – from the city administration as well as the general populace. Stories abound about helpful Samaritans, rescuing animals, children starting lemonade stands, or charitable gestures. Someone always has an inspirational anecdote to share. You don’t need to look far.

One project that is dedicated to the positive within the city, inspiring the inner fire of the city’s youth, and more importantly getting them engaged is “New Be, New Me.” They are committed to an outreach campaign for the local youth to take better care of themselves – meaning their health, “business” and community.

Educating the youth on their health, fitness, and diet comprises the health aspect of “New Be, New Me.” When it comes to “business” it goes well beyond a job or career, but into school studies, and your own story – handling your own “business” in terms of the direction you are going in life. “Handle your business before it handles you.” so to speak.

When it comes to community, the message is about volunteering, developing and maintaining community gardens, or picking up trash as you come across it whether you are responsible for it or not. You get the message.

The project is spearheaded by New Bedford native, Ben Gilbarg, a name familiar to anyone who has ever participated or enjoyed anything to do with the youth empowerment organizations 3rd EyE Unlimited or Youth Ambassador Program (YAP). Once again he is directing his focus on showing that aforementioned positivity that is at the heart of the city and plans on doing just that through the visual medium of a music video and backed by the celebrity status of Samantha Johnson.

The two figures have united with a passionate team of individual to create a music video conveying “New Be, New Me”s mission entitled “We Run This (With Pride)”, a positive anthem for New Bedford. Samantha tackled the project in an ambitious way: she worked with producer Americo Barbosa and wrote the anthem, music and lyrics included. Ben shared his ideas for the storyboard and scenes and agreed to jump behind the camera. An enthused Samantha told New Bedford Guide “I am proud to be from New Bedford and am excited about what this will accomplish. This could be something that each and every kid in New Bedford could have pride in and say “We did something great here and this is where I’m from.”

To give you an idea of the size and seriousness of the project, May through August was spent shooting footage, primarily B-Roll or supplementary footage. The footage shows what the “New Be, New Me” project is all about and what they do on a daily basis: picking up refuse, kids studying, working in the community gardens, biking about or in the Youth Opportunity Unlimited organization which focuses on events that get kids biking, and more.

In July, a “big” shoot happened downtown which some of you may have even been part of – around 200 people showed up to be part of the video. Further footage was taken in many other areas of the city such as Brooklawn and Blue Meadows where many of the youth live at.

Now the project has entered the editing phase where Ben has been spending the past month working on the finished product. Here is an area of specialty for Ben – something he has been doing since 1999 and he lost count after his 50th video! The “New Be, New Me” project has the full support of the city, many local businesses and one of them is the Zeiterion Theatre which will be the host for the premier on Wednesday, October 5th.

Not only will the community get to see the hard work from all involved with the project but we’ll be treated to a live performance by Samantha Johnson! The special event will also feature videos by X Factor contestant and Rochester Native Jillian Jensen, YAP!, and Matthew Neves, as well as a live DJ, Tem Blessed hosting, and giveaways.

Tickets for the unveiling will be $4 in advance or $8 at the door. Kids under 12 are free. Showtime is at 6:30pm.

For those that can’t wait, want more info on the project, or want to get involved, the New Be, New Me website is jam packed with information, sponsors, photographs, a resource guide called “FOR YOU” (will be revealed on October 5th), and ways to connect to helpful organizations. In addition, you can contact Ben Gilbarg via email at bengilbarg@gmail.com.

Jay Leno has made a career out of making people laugh, and now he brings his clean, observational brand of humor to The Z. The Andover-native rose to stardom when he began “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and built a loyal fan base with his topical humor and hilarious delivery. Tickets for the Jay Leno performance range from $79 to $125 and are available at www.zeiterion.org, 508-994-2900 or at the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford.

Leno is known as one of the busiest performers in comedy; for years he booked more than 300 appearances annually. He’s also famous for his cartoon-like facial features, which he made reference to in the title of his 1996 autobiography, Leading With My Chin. He displayed comic tendencies as a child, resulting in the fifth-grade report card comment, “if Jay spent as much time studying as he does trying to be a comedian, he’d be a big star,” which turned out to be prophetic.

Tapped to host “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” when Johnny Carson retired in 1992, Leno went on to dominate late night television for more than two decades, winning every consecutive quarter for 19 years. After resuming hosting the program following a brief interruption, he made it once again the consistent ratings leader for late night. His late night run earned him an Emmy for “Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series,” a viewer-elected TV Guide Award for “Favorite Late Night Show,” and induction into the Television Academy’s Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Leno now produces and stars in “Jay Leno’s Garage” for NBC, available on Jaylenosgarage.com, which has gained an international following on the Web and an Emmy Award. Additional accomplishments include induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Broadcasting Hall of Fame, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, an honor also bestowed on Johnny Carson, and an honorary doctorate from his alma mater Emerson College. He has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, asking that it be placed in front of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum where he was arrested for vagrancy when he first arrived in Hollywood. He also has set several land speed records and became the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.

With their first visit to New Bedford, folk-group Old Crow Medicine Show turned the sold-out Zeiterion Theater into a good-old-fashioned barnyard hoedown.

The well-renowned six-member band rocked the stage for nearly two hours and got many of the folks in the audience into the swing of things fresh off the first song. Among the tunes from the litany of instruments on stage (guitars, banjos, drums, fiddle, organ, harmonica, stand-up bass and many more), many who bought a ticket for their seat never even bothered with it.

The set included a combination of originals songs as well as covers paying homage to the band’s biggest influences, including Merle Haggard and Doc Watson.

Old Crow Medicine Show’s biggest hit, “Wagon Wheel,” is a favorite among many fans of folk, country or any other genre.

When the song came on toward the end of their set, the crowd could’ve been heard across the harbor in Fairhaven with the amount of excitement in the building.

Along with reaching certified platinum for “Wagon Wheel,” the band has also been decorated with many other awards such as two Grammys (Best Long Form Music Video, 2013; Best Folk Album, 2014) and an induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 2013.

All photographs by Josh Souza

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Just when it seems the political season can’t get any more intense, Washington D.C. comedy troupe – The Capitol Steps – comes along to our relieve election-season fatigue with their witty, political commentary. They’ll come out swinging at The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:30pm, with a unique blend of musical and political lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. Tickets range from $29 to $39 and are available at www.zeiterion.org, 508-994-2900 or at the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford.

Over the past 30 years, The Capitol Steps have earned a reputation for non-stop laughs as group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. Their comedy digs into the headlines of the day, and uses song parodies and skits which convey a special brand of satirical humor. No matter who or what is in the headlines, The Capitol Steps tackle both sides of the spectrum and all things equally foolish.

Over the years, The Capitol Steps have recorded 35 albums, including their latest, “What to Expect When You’re Electing.” They have appeared on “The Today Show,” “Nightline,” “CBS Evening News” and on National Public Radio’s “Politics Takes a Holiday” specials. Their show is constantly changing, strenuously bi-partisan, and includes songs about everything in the news, such as “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Crimea,” “Ain’t No Pipeline, Now It’s Gone,” and “The iMpossible iWatch.”

Most cast members have worked on Capitol Hill; some for Democrats, some for Republicans, and others for politicians who firmly straddle the fence. No matter who holds office, there’s never a shortage of material. With the presidential primaries just around the corner, citizens need the comedic balm of The Capitol Steps more than ever!

Tickets for The Capital Steps start at $29 and are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.

The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues on Friday, September 16th at 7:00 PM with Counting Fish a new documentary film by Don Cuddy. Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and the Working Waterfront Festival. Films about the working waterfront are 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.

New England groundfishermen are in trouble. The annual catch limits are now set so low that many boats remain tied to the dock. But controversy abounds. The fishing industry has expressed no confidence in the NOAA trawl survey that provides the raw data for the stock assessment. But counting fish in the ocean is no easy task. While everyone agrees that more and better data is needed NOAA Fisheries says its resources are already overtaxed.

UMass Dartmouth marine scientist Kevin Stokesbury believes he may have found a solution-using cameras to record fish passing through a net that is intentionally left open, allowing them to escape unharmed. The video is then taken ashore and analyzed to obtain an estimate of stock abundance for a variety of species. Center for Sustainable Fisheries program director Don Cuddy documented this new technology in action and the results can be seen in this this splendid documentary. Film maker Don Cuddy will lead a post-film discussion.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of New Bedford’s fishing industry through exhibits and programs.

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-4 PM. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NewBedfordNPS. Everyone finds their park in a different way. Discover yours at FindYourPark.com

On September 8, 2016, Your Theatre, Inc. will open its 70th consecutive season with an eight show run of California Suite, a humorous confection of the misadventures of four groups of guests, by Neil Simon. With a cast of ten South Coast actors, the play is directed by Robin Richard of New Bedford.

Neil Simon is at his wittiest best with this confection in four parts. Visitors from New York, Philadelphia, London and Chicago check into the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel and deal with squabbling exes, a custody battle, feuding friends, a cheating husband (caught with a passed-out hooker), and a bitter actress in town for the Academy Awards. A funny and sunny romp with laughs and zingers only Neil Simon could provide. A great show to open our Season!

Your Theatre, Inc. is grateful to our 70th Season Sponsor, Bank5 for their fifth year of strong support for the arts.

Performance dates are September 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8:00 p.m. and September 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for season subscribers (three show minimum); students, seniors, and military personnel $13.

Performances are held at the wheelchair accessible Your Theatre, Inc. Playhouse located at 136 Rivet St. (corner of County St.), New Bedford, at the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church complex.

For tickets and further information call Your Theatre, Inc. at 508-993-0772, or send an email to info@yourtheatre.org. The theatre’s web site is www.yourtheatre.org

Have you heard the name Quinn Sullivan? If you haven’t, he is likely the most famous person you’ve never heard of. If you have heard of him, you’re likely astounded that people haven’t.

Blues, pop and rock guitarist Quinn Sullivan was born and raised in New Bedford and has been playing guitar for 14 years and accompanied giants in the world of music . He has played onstage with B.B. King and even gigged at B.B. King’s own “B.B. Kings Blues Club” where he was allowed to play King’s famous “Lucille” guitar. He’s jammed with the likes of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Eric Clapton, and the Foo Fighters. He was pulled on stage by Buddy Guy when Guy played at the Zeiterion Theater which led to an appearance on Buddy Guy’s Grammy-nominated album Skin Deep and a subsequent opening slot in Buddy Guy’s domestic tour.

He’s been featured on the Jimmy Kimmel show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Ellen DeGeneres show, The Today Show, and Oprah Winfrey. He’s played at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, the famed Madison Square Garden, and the mecca for genuine blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends. Festival? Lollapalooza, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Austin City Limits Festival and the Crossroads Guitar Festival. He’s recorded three albums, Cyclone in 2011 and Getting There in 2013, and embarked on a tour to promote his most recently recorded album, Midnight Highway. He’s played to tens of thousands of packed, sold-out arenas.

Now, what if I told you that this experienced, talented veteran started doing these things at 3 years old – beginning with the beloved Toe Jam Puppet Band – and that he is now only 17 years of age? You’d be shocked, right? It’s not only true, but you can have the opportunity to enjoy his talent right here in our own backyard and Sullivan’s hometown, at the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival on August 13th!

It’s easy to understand why Quinn found out so early what his life’s passion was: his parents were lovers of live music and festivals and brought Quinn along with them since he was an toddler. As soon as he was able to, they placed a guitar in his hands to make him really feel a part of the experience.

Because he was constantly listening to music at home and watching videos of performances, he came across what Buddy Guy was doing and became enamored and awed. When Buddy came to New Bedford to perform at the Zeiterion Theatre, Quinn’s dad did everything possible to make the two meet backstage and get an autograph on one of his son’s guitars. Buddy made a deal: that he would only do that if the 7 year old would come onstage and perform with him later in the evening!

The two have become fast friends ever since and the experience propelled Quinn’s aspirations to make a career out of writing music and performing. It has been his life’s mission for as long as he can remember.

His third album, Midnight Highway, recorded in Nashville’s famous Blackbird Studio is the most “Quinn” album to date. While he recorded the album with his regular backup band – guitarist Rob McNelley, Reese Wynans on keyboards, and bassist Michael Rhodes – he has had more creative input than he previously. In addition, he feels that he has matured not just in his playing and composing, but physically as well: he is post-pubescence so his voice has made its change and “settled” in. The tracks that he is most proud are “Lifting Off,” “Going,” “Eyes For You” and George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

He is hoping that this album will be his breakout album and since he is no longer a child and now a young adult, one that will make people take him seriously. And if the release of the album doesn’t convince everyone, his third appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and tour to promote the album, will display a work ethic that will make people take note – pardon the pun. Sullivan has dates across the country in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and even Europe in places like Paris, Rotterdam and Zurich.

If you want to see why he has played in so many venues, with so many world talents, and skyrocketed to the top so fast, you will get your chance at the outdoor New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival presented by the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Saturday August 13 at the scenic Fort Taber Park from 11:45am-7:45pm.

The festival which began in 1998 by music enthusiast Sean Moriarty was created as a way to have something positive going on in the city. When over a thousand people showed up for the inaugural event in torrential rains, he knew that he was servicing the community and giving them something they wanted.

In spite of this and because life has its way of interfering, the festival disappeared and was thought to be a done deal. Now after ten years without an event, the New Bedford Whaling Blues festival has partnered with The Zeiterion to bring the event back bigger and better.

Many world famous and locally famous acts will showcase their talent. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Neal McCarthy, Shipyard Wreck, and Craig DeMelo and many more will make appearances. You won’t want to miss out on this event!

New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival Lineup

6:15-7:45: KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
5:50: THE NEAL MCCARTHY PROBLEM
4:30-5:50: SHEMEKIA COPELAND
4:05: THE CRAIG DEMELO BAND
2:50-4:05: JON CLEARY AND THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN
2:25: SHIPYARD WRECK
1:10-2:25: QUINN SULLIVAN
12:45: G AND FRIENDS
11:45-12:45: JOHNNY HOY AND THE BLUEFISH

Tickets for the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival are $25 (senior/student), $55 (general) and $125 (VIP) and are available at both www.zeiterion.org and www.nbwhalingbluesfest.com, 508-994-2900 or at the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Box Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you would like more info on Quinn Sullivan”s tour visit his page dedicated to it. If you are interested in purchasing his music, you can do so at his store.

On the day of the event, the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival Box Office is open on at 10:00am. Gates open at 10:45am. Festival attendees may bring blankets and low-backed beach chairs (under 30”). The designated seating area at the Fort Stage is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Local Stage is on the side of the Main Stage and general admission as well. Arrive early in order to set up camp for prime viewing, make friends with your neighbors and squeeze the most fun out of the day!

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Quinn Sullivan

New Bedford, MA
Website: quinnsullivanmusic.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/QuinnSullivanMusic/
Twitter: twitter.com/quinnsullivan1
Instagram: instagram.com/therealquinnsullivan

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