VOL. 2, NO. 6 JUNE 2015
FREE
GiaNTS OF SUMMER The Best of Fests Jaws Turns 40 Northeast Comic Con
Beer, ice cream & voyeurism 20 things to do before the season ends
Pamela Wamala, Artist www.pamelawamala.com
FEATURES 6
For THE REcord Ben Knight talks the ‘singles’ game.
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Best of Fests This summer’s line-up of live music, food and fun.
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NOrthEAST Comic Con Superheroes, supervillans and monsters unite in Wilmington.
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The New Old-School The Glenview Pub puts a modern spin on classic homecooking.
CALENDAR 4
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Find out more or open an account online at SageBank.com.
Beam me up William Shatner lands in Lowell for Middlesex Community College Celebrity Forum. PHISH FOOD Mike Gordon headlines Lowell Summer Music Series.
Music & More 12
THE KINg AND I Writer Nick Tsui’s crazy night with the late, great B.B. King.
22
HOROSCOPES Your creepily accurate forecast by Chris Flisher.
34
BITE ME Jaws turns 40 and screens at The Luna Theater.
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On the cover: Photos of Linda Thach and Lowell cityscape by Tory Germann. Cover design by Mark Coletti.
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 3 Photo by Dawn Kingston
HOWL SOUND & SCENE
AFRICA CALLING Lowell African Festival The Sampas Pavilion June 27 | 11AM-7PM
www.howlmag.com
Photo by Anne Cook
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Rita Savard PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jim Lichoulas III MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Hand MULTIMEDIA ART DIRECTOR Richard Francey DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Mark Coletti ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Terry Badman PHOTO & VIDEO EDITOR Tory Germann PHOTO Nancy Ho DESIGNERS Carl Johnson Amelia Tucker STAFF WRITERS Nick Tsui Victoria Wasylak Chris Flisher EDITORIAL INTERNS Ayah Awadallah Nikkie Corzo Erika Weiser Kelly Hamill Kristen Fiandaca CONTRIBUTORS Jen Myers, guest editor EVENT DIRECTOR Heather Barker heather@howlmag.com ADVERTISING Kim Graham kim@howlmag.com TAP INTO OUR AUDIENCE ads@howlmag.com HEADQUARTERS Mill No. 5 250 Jackson Street, No. 404 Lowell, MA 01852 CONNECT WITH US hello@howlmag.com
Righteous Babe
By age 9, she was playing Beatles covers in bars and on the street. By 15 she was living on her own. By 18, she started her own record company. Ani Difranco has been called a punk, hippie, folkie, feminist icon — you name it, but she’s not one for labels. Since 1991, she’s released 20 albums and her mix of punk-folk and DIY prowess has made her a fierce model of independence for fans and fellow musicians. The New York born singer-songwriter and guitarist headlines Lowell Sumer Music Sereis Friday June 20. Tickets $34. lowellsummermusic.org
Africa Calling
The best way to explore new places is to go straight to the locals. When it comes to the sights, sounds and culinary offerings of the world’s second largest continent, take the journey without the jetlag at the annual Lowell African Festival. From 11am-7pm Saturday June 27, experience live music, dancing, art, marketplace and food vendors, and plenty of good vibes on the banks of the Merrimack River at The Sampas Pavilion.
Shatner Beams Up To Mill City
William Shatner, the man burned into pop culture history as Captain James T. Kirk of Star Trek, is headlining Middlesex Community College’s Celebrity Forum on Thursday, June 11 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. From Capt. Kirk to T.J. Hooker to eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on The Practice and Boston Legal, Shatner remains one of the most active actors in Hollywood
at 83-years-young. The Canadian native, in addition to writing popular sci-fi novels and breeding American Quarter horses in his spare time, launched his popular one-man show in 2011, Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It. Tickets for his Lowell appearance are on sale now at lowellauditorium.com
Music in the Mountains
The made-in-Massachusetts music and arts festival Solid Sound, created by indie rock heavyweights Wilco, is back for its fifth year in North Adams. Wilco returns for two headlining sets on Friday and Saturday (June 26-27) with Jeff Tweedy’s solo project taking the top spot Sunday (June 28). The rest of the lineup features a diverse set of artists including Real Estate, King Sunny Ade, NRBQ, Mac DeMarco, Bill Frisell, Shabazz Palaces, Story Pirates, Jessica Pratt and many more. Single day passes Friday and Sunday ($65), Saturday ($99) and three day passes with camping included ($149) at soundfestival.com.
Water World
It’s the kind of gritty, epic story you can envision rolling on a big screen. In the early 1800s, scrappy, salt-of-the-earth men and women flocked to Lowell to build canals and power factories that led to the city’s rise as world leader in textile production. Revisit the engineering marvel and view the sites from the inside of a canal boat. Weekend tours at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm at the Lowell National Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St. $8 for adults, $7 seniors, $6 students and youths, kids 5 and under free. nps.gov/lowell
RIGHTEOUS BABE
Lowell Summer Music Series Ani Difranco | Friday, April 20 lowellsummermusic.org
WATER WORLD
Lowell Canal Tours Lowell National Park Visitor Cneter | 246 Market St. Weekends | 11AM, 12, 2, & 3PM nps.gov/lowell
Proudly Published in Lowell, Mass. by King Printing
“BEAM ME UP SCOTTY”
MCC’s Celebrity Forum | William Shatner Lowell Memorial Auditorium Thursday, June 11 | lowellauditorium.com
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 4 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
Solid Sound Music Festival North Adams | June 26-28 soundfestival.com
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 5
Key Master Ben Knight
on the singles game and crowdfunding on Patreon By Victoria Wasylak Photo by Sam Frawley
o people even like bands anymore?” Ben Knight asks, reclining in his chair in front of a poster of Johnny Cash flipping the bird – specifically where he requested to sit for this interview. Knight’s hair is slicked back in a similar fashion to Cash, and he’s dressed in all black, making him and Cash look like brothers (except Knight flashes a smile). “I think if you have a VEVO logo next to your music video, everybody will love you,” Knight’s guitar player Nicholas Castucci chimes in. The two bandmates break out into laughter. Knight may be a bluesy rock and roller, but at 22, his eye is on the changing ways of the modern music industry. Since winning The Last Band Standing in Massachusetts last year (he was chosen out of 500 entries and ultimately 24 competitors playing five sets each), the young entertainer from Billerica has been tearing up the local music scene with his keyboard, blues band, and brassy horn section – all of which take a beating onstage as the spirit of rock and roll exorcises Knight and makes him shimmy in ways that could rival the Blues Brothers. After gaining recognition over the last two years, Knight is ready to revolutionize his recording by releasing singles instead of albums via Patreon, a platform that allows people to support the artists they love by becoming paid sponsors.
“Albums don’t matter, really at all,” he said. “I’m viewing it as a singles market, and I just want to release a song every few weeks for the next forever.” Launched by musician Jack Conte in 2013, Patreon represents a move from Kickstarter’s model of oneoff crowdfunding to a system of recurring revenues. “It’s a subscriber-based website, and people can sign up to pledge us $1 or $2 every time we release a piece of content,” he said. Because of Patreon’s ability for fans to pledge as artists go, artists can use the site as a tool to create a fan base, instead of using Kickstarter to raise money for one particular album, and have the hype end once the donation goal is met.
“Patreon is more of an ongoing thing that will build over time,” Knight added. “The art that I make is expensive to make, so it takes people and fans and money to do that.” Knight’s latest pursuit of the singles market included recording two new songs in Syracuse this March with his band and he plans to release one song, “Baby Blues Eyes” in May, and the other, “Over It” in June. “We walked out of the studio with two songs, but they were like totally done, totally mixed,” he said. “I guess the stuff I recorded before was a little bit more rock and roll, a little bit angrier, and these are more pop-based, and a little happier.” Knight is also thinking about music videos, and anything else that will keep the touring machine rolling. “If I could, I would release a music video every single month,” he said. “But that’s really hard to do. And expensive.” “We’re in the middle of trying to figure out what’s the relevance of albums nowadays,” Castucci said. “If touring gets you the most recognition, then an album might not be the best idea, but a YouTube video might – a YouTube video gets a little more buzz.” Even though releasing a song and video a month “for the next forever” sounds a bit tiresome, Knight isn’t so concerned. “It’s all there is in the whole world,” Knight said. “Between recording and playing shows, that’s all I do, I don’t have another job or anything.” Knight cut his teeth on busking and performing in Boston two summers ago, and has since been making money from cover gigs at bars and nightclubs, which he uses to fund his solo project. With help from supporters online, Knight hopes to cut down on cover gigs, and book more shows that allow him to play his original music. “Check back in a few years, see how we’re doing,” he said. “Either we’ll be homeless, or dead, or,” he beams, “very rich and successful.”
For the Record howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 7
By The HOWL Street Team
Photo by Tory Germann
THE BEST OF FESTS
Uptown Roots Music Festival
Fri. June 26 – Sat. June 27 9 West St., Gardner Catch some of New England’s fastest-rising talent at the summer’s newest outdoor music fest that also includes art vendors, food from area restaurants and a hefty selection of craft beer provided by local breweries. uptownrootsfest.com
African Cultural Festival
Sat. June 27 Sampas Pavilion, Lowell Music, dance and a dizzying array of traditional foods, along with one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing and art. 11am to 7pm | africanfestivallowell.org
The Green River Festival
Moxie Festival
Newport Folk Festival Fri. July 24 – Sun. July 26 Fort Adams State Park, Newport, R.I. The festival where Bob Dylan famously went electric for the first time has one of the summer’s best musical lineups, but sells out quickly because of it. This year, the Tallest Man on Earth, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine and Ben Birdwell, First Aid Kit, The Lone Bellow, Brandi Carlisle, Shakey Graves and Heartless Bastards are just some of the reasons to get excited, not to mention one beautiful backdrop to all the happenings — Newport Harbor. newportfolk.org
Salisbury Beach Sand & Sea Festival
is bursting with music, art and delicious food. Don’t miss out on the biggest — and most fun — events of the season. Many are happening in Greater Lowell. The rest are just a tank of gas away.
8 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
Lowell Summer Music Series
June 19 - Sept. 6 40 French St., Lowell You can find one of New England’s sweetest outdoor music venues in the heart of downtown Lowell. The 2015 Lowell summer music lineup features some killer shows by names like Ani Difranco, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers, Warren Haynes, Melissa Etheridge and more. lowellsummermusic.org
Granite State Music Festival
Sat. June 20 - Sun. June 21 15 Loudon Rd., Concord N.H. Slather on the sunscreen, roll out a blanket and get ready for a rocking weekend at one of the summer’s most accessible fests along scenic Kiwanis Waterfront Park. This sonic playland features a lineup of bad-ass New England bands like The Cranks, Amy & The Engine, Will Dailey, Gretchen and The Pickpockets, Modern Fools, We Were Astronauts, Pat and The Hats and more. Order advanced tickets online to snap up a weekend pass for $40. gsmfest.org
Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival
Sat. June 20 – Sun. June 21 210 Turners Falls Road, Montague Break out your chain mail or that old Stevie Nicks outfit buried in the closet and travel back to the 13th century for this annual Renaissance Fair in Montague where minstrels wander the streets, knights joust, and the mead (honey wine) flows merrily. 10am to 6pm | muttonandmead.com
St. Peter’s Fiesta
Wed. June 24 – Sun. June 28 Stacy Blvd. & St. Peter’s Square, Gloucester Besides the food and people, highlights of this traditional Italian festival that pays homage to St. Peter (the patron saint of fishermen) are the famous Greasy Pole competition, in which brave souls run across a grease-covered pole above the water trying to capture a flag, and the Seine Boat Races with twelve-man crews rowing against each other in a grueling mile-long race. 10am to 11:30pm | stpetersfiesta.org
Lowell Folk Festival
Fri. July 24 – Sun. July 26 Downtown Lowell Mill City’s biggest party of the year is also the largest free folk festival in the U.S. with three days of live music, dancing, art, ethnic foodways and more surrounding several outdoor stages spread throughout historic downtown. As usual, the 2015 lineup is filled with the best beats from around the world. Bands and performers to keep on your radar this year include Delta blues band Super Chikan & The Fighting Cocks, Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, Adonis Puentes and The Voice of Cuba Orchestra, and Wylie and The Wild West. lowellfolkfestival.org
Sat. June 27 Broadway and Oceanfront South A boardwalk celebration that kicks off beach season with amusement rides, live music on the beachfront stage, street performers, sports, fireworks and a pizza-eating contest. 10am to 10pm | beachfests.org
Summertime in New England
North Atlantic Blues Festival
Sat. July 11 – Sun. July 12 Harbor Park, Rockland, Maine A blockbuster blues bill offering two days of solid music to satisfy the blues lover’s soul, all overlooking sparkling Rockland harbor. This year’s smokin’ hot lineup includes Eddie Shaw and The Wolfgang, James Cotton, Tommy Castro and The Painkillers, Peterson Brothers, Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers and more. 11am to 7pm | northatlanticbluesfestival.com
Fri. July 10 – Sun. July 12 One College Drive, Greenfield One of summer’s best fests, packing in over 40 bands into three-fun filled days at Greenfield Community College. Look for live performances from The Wood Brothers, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Punch Brothers, Elephant Revival, Marco Benevento, Langhorne Slim and The Law, Rubblebucket, Polaris, Lydia Loveless and many more. While you’re there, take one of the festival’s hot air balloon rides and get a bird’s eye view of all the action. greenriverfestival.com
Fri. July 1o- Sun. July 12 Lisbon Falls, Maine A festival in honor of the beverage that was first invented and mass produced in Lowell, Massachusetts and has a cult following in New England. Moxie is closely associated with the state of Maine because its creator, Dr. Augustin Thompson, was born there. Music, entertainment, food, fireworks, carnival games and loads of Moxie will be on tap. moxiefestival.com
Brimfield Antiques Show
Tues. July 14 – Sun. July 19 23 Main St., Brimfield The site of the largest outdoor antique show in New England comes around three times a year and is a great place for finding all things vintage and out of the ordinary like a ‘60s croquet set, an atomic green chair, plenty of books, clothes, magazines and vinyl. brimfieldshow.com
Gathering of the Vibes
Thurs. July 30 – Sun. Aug. 2 Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Conn. Enter jam band heaven at this summer music fest that manages to attract a lineup of players who do it best including Weezer, Wilco, Gregg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Zappa Plays Zappa, Ben Harper, Ryan Montbleau, The String Cheese Incident and more. gatheringofthevibes.com
Puerto Rican Cultural Festival
Sat. Aug. 22 Lowell Heritage State Park, 160 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell Lowell celebrates its Puerto Rican pride at this grand annual party stuffing festival goers with a day of music, dancing, art, and some of the best food you’ll eat all summer long. 11am to 7pm | facebook.com/LowellPRFest
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 9
Southeast Asian Water Festival
Sat. Aug. 15 Sampas Pavilion, 560 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell Celebrating water as the essence of all life, festival highlights include colorful performances by the world renowned Angkor Dance Troupe and competitive long boat racing on the Merrimack River. Of course, the day-long event has everything else you’d expect from one of the city’s best annual and culturally rich bashes including plenty of music, amazing food, original art and unforgettable live entertainment. 9am-7pm | lowellwaterfestival.com
Blues ‘n’ Brews
Sat. Aug. 22 79 Powers Road, Westford You’ll find some of the area’s top blues bands and dozens of regional craft brewers at Nashoba Valley Ski area for the 13th annual Blues ‘n’ Brews fest. Noon to 7pm | bluesnbrewsrotary.org
Pig & Pepper BBQ Fest
Sun. Aug. 24 79 Powers Road, Westford Carnival games, amusement rides, vendor booths and live local bands all serve as a backdrop to this annual all-you-caneat carnivore convention. Bring some wet naps. Noon to 7pm | skinashoba.com
Purchase Advance Tickets: www.lowellsummermusic.org Box Office at Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell
Lowell Food & Wine Festival
Fri. Sept. 11 – Sun. Sept. 13 Lucy Larcom Park, Lowell Grand tastings, live cooking demos, top chefs, sommelier-paired wine lists, craft brewers, music, art and more make this second-annual food fest a worthy stop on your summer to-do list. tlfwf.org
Prices increase when purchased day of show Premium seating available in first two rows BOARDING HOUSE PARK:
Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival
French & John Streets, Downtown Lowell
Thurs. Sept. 8 - Sun. Sept. 13 9 State Road, Aquinnah A film festival island-style combining the laid back beaches of Martha’s Vineyard with the best feature and short films from around the world. Did you miss Sundance, Berlin and Cannes? Here’s your chance to catch up while catching some sun. mvfilmsociety.com
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Fri. Sept. 11 – Sun. Sept. 13 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, N.H. Sample the flavors of the seacoast at New England’s largest seaside festival with more than 50 restaurants joining together for a hefty menu of ocean-fresh delicacies. Find entertainment on three stages and the famous chowder cook-off where locals vie for the title of tastiest clam chowder. Lactose intolerant and totally worth it. Fri. 4 to 9pm; Sat. 10am to 9pm and Sun. 10am to 6pm hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com
Scan this QR code on your smartphone to check out our website for more information!
Friday, June 19
Friday-Sunday, July 24-26
Friday, August 14
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD JONNY LANG
LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS
Saturday, June 20
Schedule at lowellfolkfestival.org FREE Traditional Music on 5 stages Thursday, July 30
ANI DIFRANCO
TOWER OF POWER
Friday, June 26
Friday, July 31
MIKE GORDON Thursday, July 9
THE WOOD BROTHERS Friday, July 10
OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE Saturday, August 1
GORDON LIGHTFOOT
PAT BENATAR
Friday, August 7
& NEIL GIRALDO
LYLE LOVETT & HIS LARGE BAND
Friday, July 17
CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD
Thursday, August 13
Saturday, July 18
DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM
free fun for kids!
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
Thursday, July 9 BEN RUDNICK& FRIENDS Tie-Dyed Family Band
Saturday, August 15
WARREN HAYNES Saturday, August 22
WGBH’S A CELTIC SOJOURN WITH BRIAN O’DONOVAN Thursday, August 27
JOHN HIATT & THE COMBO THE TAJ MAHAL TRIO Friday, August 28
LAKE STREET DIVE Saturday, August 29
MELISSA ETHERIDGE “THIS IS M.E. LIVE”
10AM Art & Natural Snacks, 11AM Stage Show, Noon Trolley Rides
Wednesday, July 15 Wednesday, July 8 L’IL IGUANA SAFETY SHOW CURIOUS CREATURES Reptiles & Other Animals Up Close Fun Musical Safety Messages
10 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
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Thursday, July 16 STACEY PEASLEY Award Winning Music for Kids
Wednesday, July 29 BENJAMIN THE CLOWN Moscow Circus Juggling Clown
Wednesday, August 5 YO-YO PEOPLE World Yo-Yo Champions
Wednesday, August 12 AIRBORNE COMEDIANS UniCycling Juggling Buffoonery
Thursday, July 30 BONAPARTE Boston's Hottest Magician
Thursday, August 6 ROBIN HOOD Classic Theater For Kids
Thursday, August 13 JOSH & THE JAMTONES Jammin' Reggae Band for Kids
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 11
An evening in Lowell with the King of Blues By Nick Tsui
“I’m proud to shake hands with a lot of people. A handshake is like a seal. Like, ‘Hey man, this is beautiful.’ ” -B.B. King
O
n a cold November day in 2005, I headed downtown with the hope of landing the signature of a legend for my new guitar project. I’m a collector of music merchandise and memorabilia. Some people collect to sell. I collect to preserve moments in time that mean something to me. Every poster, photo, stray drum stick, concert tee, backstage pass — all of it kind of feels like being surrounded by old friends with great stories to tell. The guitar project began as a way to collect as many signatures as I could on an acoustic from the greats who inspire not only me, but legions of people with their talent and love for music. I had already made some headway, having been lucky enough to meet and get Joe Perry of Aerosmith to sign. But 10 years ago I was younger and less experienced in the ways of the world, and the idea of actually meeting someone like B.B. King — the “Ambassador of the Blues,” a world icon, and the guitarist to which legends like Perry, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, and countless other players took their cue — seemed a long shot. Yeah, I was nervous. Crazy nervous.
With all its history, The Lowell Memorial Auditorium felt like the perfect place to see someone like B.B. King for the first time. The intimate room has great acoustics, and I watched in awe from the front of the balcony as he wooed the crowd with song and story. With his famous guitar, Lucille, in hand, he threw out pins, pics, and even signed a few signatures from the stage.
I tried to be professional and go through the proper channels, starting with King’s manager at the time, Tina France. Let’s just say that she was less than helpful and I knew I had my work cut out for me. I was also trying to find my way to Robert Cray, and upon talking to someone at The Rosebud Agency, by chance, discovered that King would not, or rarely, sign any guitar that wasn’t a Gibson. So I did the only thing I could think of: I went to Home Depot and picked out a few brochures on different types of wood for flooring and porches and began slicing them up until I had enough to make a symmetrical headstock cover. I took a Sharpie, drew a Gibson logo on top and put the tuning pegs back in place. I made no further advancements through email or phone. I would be going down there with nothing but my wit, will, and a guitar with a hack headstock in hopes that nobody got wise.
I know what you’re thinking. It’s okay. At 20, sometimes the only road that makes sense is the long one. The day of the show I packed up and went over the plans in my head. My parents were watching Calendar Girls in the living room. When I heard King’s unmistakable voice in the film, singing “You Upset Me Baby,” I took it as a sign. Standing outside the Lowell Memorial Auditorium wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had. It was freezing and waiting outside for King, I felt like I was trying to land a 900-pound tuna with a twig. The day turned into night. The back entrance to the auditorium was desolate for many hours without a soul passing by. Nothing but a bus, which I knew had to be King’s. Several hours later, a well-dressed man and woman came walking up the entrance: Jacques Raymond and Sunny Crownover, who were opening for King.
We spoke for a few minutes and I shared my story. They must’ve felt bad I was waiting out there that whole time because Jacques brought me inside. They tried to get me in as part of their entourage but it wasn’t meant to be. We parted ways and I ended up back outside. I spent six hours outside before there was any movement. All of a sudden, members of King’s band started shuffling around. I knew the moment was coming soon, but before King was ready to be taken off the bus, his personal assistant, Norman Matthews, had come out to confront me as I was the only one in the way of King and the stage. He gave me a mouthful; “This man is sick. It’s cold out and you people have to keep getting in his way!” I felt bad, but I knew I had to stand my ground. King emerged from the bus just before he was due on stage. When I asked if he would sign my guitar he turned to me and asked, “is she a Gibson?” “Yes,” was all I could manage to reply. “I’ll sign it after the show,” was all he said as he was quickly ushered inside.
One of the last of the old guard, King infused elements of jazz into blues and made a clean cut and polished image for himself. Unlike most bluesmen who made their fame in Chicago, B.B. cut his teeth in Memphis before the days of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, landing a radio station spot at WDIA after coming up with a jingle for a drug tonic named Pepticon. From the cotton fields of Mississippi to the world as his stage, Riley B. King was a person of epic proportions in every way possible. He had style and class, and was always generous to his peers and fans. When the show was over, I quickly ran to get my guitar and attempted to find my way back to where King was. As I made my way around the auditorium, I saw a curtain and some people standing in line. I could only assume these people were waiting in line to meet King. Everyone made small talk while waiting. In front of me was drummer Daniel Banks and his father Douglas. Danny had been about 11 at the time, by far the youngest there, and a drum prodigy. Having been on The Late Show with David Letterman, some of the people in line already knew him. When we finally made it up to The King of the Blues, he spent a lot of time encouraging Daniel to do well in school and to keep perfecting and honing his talent. Hearing King give him this kind of advice was not only inspiring, it was like listening to Morgan Freeman narrating your life.
I got a few minutes with King next, and told him that the show was great and that I had brought my guitar for him to sign. He told me that he said he’d sign it earlier and that he’d do it now. I’m not sure if he noticed the headstock or not, but he took the pen I had and signed a beautiful full signature that took up a large portion on the right side of the guitar. Douglas was kind enough to take a photo of us together and I said goodbye. As I was exiting the auditorium I ran into his assistant, Norman, once again. He looked at me and asked if B.B. signed the guitar. I told him that he did. He pondered for a minute, then let out a cackling laugh. “You did really well. I’m really happy that you got what you wanted.” He then shook my hand, handed me a guitar pick and a lapel pin and walked away; it wasn’t one of the cheap plastic ones that King threw out into the audiences by the handfuls every night, but one of the metal ones he would wear on his tuxedo during shows.
I honestly couldn’t even tell you when I first heard or knew of B.B. King. For me, he’s been ever present. He died in Las Vegas on May 14, 2015, at the age of 89. It’s safe to say that King lived his life to the fullest, giving more to the world than he ever knew. B.B. had been on tour since the 1950s. The road was his home. The music, his soul. The fans, his heart. The man may no longer be a presence on a stage. But his songs and stories will live on forever.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE SUMMER ENDS By The HOWL Street Team
Have a shack attack
When you want to brush off the sand and go straight for some delicious clams, chowder or lobster rolls, you simply can’t beat the fresh ocean fare at landmarks like The Clam Box, 246 High St. in Ipswich; Woodman’s, 121 Main St. in Essex; The Clam Shack, 2 Western Ave. in Kennebunkport, Maine; or Browns Lobster Pound, 407 N.H. Highway 286, Seabrook, N.H.
Pretend to be Gatsby
The gilded mansions of Newport Rhode Island are places where us penniless plebes can live out our wildest aristocratic fantasies. Tours are available and average from about $10 to $26. Make sure to put the Green Animals Topiary Garden on your list. The oldest topiary garden in the United States, wandering around these giant verdant figures feels like stepping onto a Tim Burton set.
See a movie outdoors
Buckle up and take your friends and family for a real nostalgia trip. In today’s IMAX and HDTV era, the simple chirping of crickets alongside your summer blockbuster is refreshingly low tech. The Milford Drive-In Theater, 570 Elm St., Milford, N.H.; The Medford Twin Drive-In, 35 Milford St., Mendon; and The Wellfleet Drive-In, 51 U.S. 6 in Wellfleet, are close enough for a one-night excursion.
Catch a wave
Channel your inner Johnny Utah and head to Hampton Beach (if you don’t know the name, then you should also put watching Point Break on your to-do list). You’ll find adult surf camp for novice surfers 18 and older every Thursday from 6-7:30pm. Reservations required and equipment provided, $25. Monday night is ladies night from 5:307:30, also $25 per person. Get more info at cinnamonrainbows.com
Fly a kite
Few things can take you back to your childhood like running in an open field with a kite flying overhead. The Anne Welcome Regatta Field along Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell is a perfect spot.
Sip a fruity drink by the water
Nothing says summer quite like drinking an exotic beverage while you relax in balmy breezes. We recommend checking out the Nashoba Valley Sunset Tiki Bar for crossing this off your to-do list.
Eat local ice cream
Chill out with a cone or cup of your favorite frozen treat sourced from local cows. Try Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Rd., Westford; Shaw Farm, 204 New Boston Rd., Dracut; and Sullivan Farms, 176 Middlesex Rd., Tyngsboro; Great Brook Farm, 984 Lowell St., Carlisle.
Taste summer in a glass
The season’s garden and farm-fresh bounty translates beautifully to backyard cocktails. Do it yourself by muddling up a few large fresh strawberries, and adding a leaf of basil to an ounce of your favorite chilled gin, vodka or tequila, and you have the perfect farm-to-table cocktail. Also experiment with combining cucumber and watermelon, peaches and mint, and blueberries with lemon juice, brown sugar, ginger ale and rum. Summer never tasted so good.
Explore the Polar Caves
A network of granite caves formed by glaciers during the ice age, you’re guaranteed to find some underground adventure in rocky passageways that have names like Lemon Squeezer, Orange Crush and the Judgment Hall of Pluto. 705 New Hampshire 25, Rumney, N.H. | 603-536-1888
Eat homemade pasta at a farmhouse
Fat Moon Farm hosts outdoor dinners monthly at their beautiful and rustic Westford farm. A professional chef cooks a full-course meal with most ingredients sourced right from the fields. Thefatmoon.com
THE HOT LIST
Play with fire
The lighting of 100 bonfires just above the water’s surface at sunset in Providence, R.I., is something to behold. 2014 marked 20 years since the installation was created by Barnaby Evans. That means the city’s carnival atmosphere centered around the fiery showpieces are bigger and better than ever. Check waterfire.org for schedules.
Shop a local farmer’s market
Nothing tastes better than food plucked right from the vine. Check howlmag.com for a list of area farmer’s markets and hit one up before the season ends.
Be fast and furious
From thundering top fuel dragsters to fire-breathing jet powered funny Go on a picnic cars, the New England Dragway is Pack a lunch, grab a friend and head a playground for motorheads and to the Merrimack River. Lowell’s speed demons. Channel your inner River Walks — along Pawtucket Vin Diesel and count how many Boulevard and behind the Tsongas mullets you can spot in one place. Arena — have ideal spots for plant- 280 Exeter Road, Epping, N.H. | ing yourself along a patch of grass 603-679-8001 and watching the world go by. howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 15
WESTERN AVE STUDIOS
photos by Tory Germann
westernavenuestudios.com
Visit a lighthouse
The beacons of light along the rocky shorelines of New England are some of the most stunning in the world. The Stonington Harbor Light in Connecticut has a museum and panoramic views of New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut from the granite octagonal tower. Eastern Point in Gloucester is a close commute and for some beauties to explore along the Cape, try Sandy Neck in Barnstable, Highland (the Cape’s first lighthouse) in Truro, and Nauset in Eastham.
Go back in time
Wild Bill’s 45-acre Nostalgia Center in Middletown, Conn., has an oddities store, a fun house, and a massive jack-in-the-box. Kitsch doesn’t get any better. 1003 Newfield St., Middleton, Conn. | 860-635-1226
Dine alfresco
When the beautiful day beckons from your office windows, heed the call. Take a lunch break outdoors. See howlmag.com for a beefy guide to alfresco dining.
Gaze at the stars
Impress your date by heading into the city for a glimpse of the night sky up close and personal. Boston University’s Coit Observatory is open to the public from 8:30 to 9:30pm every Wednesday, weather permitting. 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | 617-353-2630
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Ride the liquid lightening
Canobie Lake Park’s Flume ride combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the relief of a water slide. The ride’s climax is a 40-foot drop that plunges you into the water. Thrill-seekers can opt for The Boston Tea Party ride, with a 50-foot drop that creates a wall of water 100 feet wide. 85 N. Policy St., Salem, N.H. | 603-893-3506
Find a food festival
Foodies can get their fix at plenty of summer’s biggest events showcasing all kinds of culinary delights, including the Lowell Folk Festival, The Southeast Asian Water Festival and The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Also look for the second-annual Lowell Food & Wine Festival Sept. 11-13 at Lucy Larcom Park. featuring the region’s top chefs and sprits. 16 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
pizzutiweddingphotography.com
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 17
Behind the drink
Pitcher-perfect margaritas
For showers, rehearsal dinners, private functions … celebrate in one of our award winning restaurants!
By The HOWL Street Team Photos by Nancy Ho
The Classic Margarita You can’t go wrong with an original. Try a classic ‘rita at El Potro Mexican Grill (124 Merrimack St., Lowell), where the bar is stocked with around 30 different kinds of tequila.
Either Way, You’ll Look Fabulous!
2 oz. blanco tequila 1 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. lime juice
Like most cocktail lore,
there are conflicting theories about the origins of the margarita. One of the most popular stories credits Carlos “Danny” Herrera with developing the drink at his Tijuana-area restaurant, Rancho La Gloria, around 1938. As the legend goes, Herrera dreamed up the cocktail for one of his customers, an aspiring actress named Marjorie King who was allergic to all hard alcohol other than tequila. To make the liquor more palatable to his fussy client, he combined the elements of a traditional tequila shot—a lick of salt and a wedge of lime—and turned them into a refreshing drink. Another top contender for the inventor title is Margarita Sames, a wealthy Dallas socialite who claimed she whipped up the drink for friends at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. Among her well-connected guests was Tommy Hilton, who eventually added the drink to the bar menu at his hotel chain. Wherever it began, we love the way a margarita has the power to instantly transport us to summer. So for the love of sunny places, here are some tasty takes on the classic tequila-lime combo, courtesy of some of our favorite local bartenders.
18 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
The Pomelo Margarita Since pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants, we like to think of this delicious concoction from Fuse Bistro (45 Palmer St.) as a friend with benefits. 2 ounces of house infused grapefruit tequila. 3/4 oz. of house-made triple sec 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice 3/4 oz. simple syrup 3/4 oz. of pomegranate juice Shake ingredients with ice and serve in a rocks glass full of ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. 1800 Elderflowers A favorite at the Back Page lounge (15 Kearney Sq., rear), the addition of St. Germain sweetens the sourness. The perfect celebration of spring in a glass. 1 1/2 oz. 1800 Resposado tequila 1/4 oz. Cointreau 1/2 oz. St. Germain splash of sour 1 1/2 oz. of fresh squeezed lime juice Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Breakfast Margarita Who says you can’t drink your breakfast? Here’s a ‘rita that’s fresh and light enough to have instead of a Bloody Mary or mimosa with breakfast. 1 1/2 oz. blanco tequila 3/4 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. mango nectar 1 oz. fresh tangerine juice 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/4 oz. ginger juice Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a tangerine or lime wedge.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and salt. 110 Margarita A HOWL editor’s pick for best ‘rita, this signature drink at 110 Grill in Chelmsford (119 Chelmsford St.) is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet, made with fresh orange peppers, lime and cilantro.
8 private rooms, 25 years of exceeding your guests’ expectations! Book Your Party! Rooms available for parties from 10 - 200 people Ask for Peggy at moonstones, 978-256-7777 or info@moonstones110.com
2 oz. Lunazul Reposado Tequila 1 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. light agave nectar 1 oz. lime juice 2 one-inch orange bell peppers
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Muddle the pepper pieces in the bottom of a shaker tin. Fill the shaker with ice just short of full and add tequila, Cointreau, lime, and agave nectar. Shake and dump into a short collins glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Watermelon Cucumber Margarita Cool down with this watermelon-and cucumber-infused take on the classic Margarita. Our favorite right now is made with love and a skilled hand at Blue Taleh (15 Kearney Sq.). 8 oz. tequila 4 oz. fresh watermelon juice 4 oz. cucumber juice (from about 1 cucumber peeled, diced and seeded) 1 tsp. salt 4-6 tsp. agave syrup 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup Cointreau
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Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Garnish with fresh cucumber wheels and serve in salt-rimmed highball glasses or Mason jars.
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Get Food Happy
CALENDAR
J U N E 3 Wednesday
6 Saturday
Open Studios > Visit Greater Lowell’s imagination empoQuinn Sullivan > When he was just 8-years-old, Sullivan’s rium, better known as Western fretwork won over blues guitar Avenue Studios, where more legend Buddy Guy, who invited than 300 artists open their Sullivan to play on his Grammy doors to the public on the first nominated album, “Skin Deep,” Saturday of every month. Find that included performances by original paintings, prints, sculpEric Clapton, Robert Randolph, ture, glass blowing, photograDerek Trucks and Susan Tede- phy, jewelry, clothes and more. schi. Guy then took Sullivan on Noon-5pm | 122 Western Ave. westernavenuestudios.com tour with him. Now 15-years4 Thursday old, Sullivan is becoming known as a blues rock guitar player who makes every note count. 5:30pm doors open, 7:30pm showtime The Bull Run Restaurant Rock for a Cause > A dizzy215 Great Rd., Shirley, MA ing lineup of indie rock at The bullrunrestaurant.com First Thursday > Kickstart Worthen to fight childhood the weekend with live music, cancer, featuring 88 Rangers, 5 Friday art, shopping and dining deals. The Jonee Earthquake Band, On the first Thursday of every The Cowpunks and Rhode month, downtown Lowell Iceland. 21+show. $6 cover. Probuzzes with art mongers. Check ceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s out the full list of galleries and Foundation. boutiques opening their doors 8pm | 141 Worthen St., Lowell for exploring and shopping at worthenhousecafe.com cultureiscool.org. 5-9pm | Downtown 7 Sunday Lowell Lines> See historic Lowell through a new lens in this month-long art show at The Loading Dock Gallery combining the photography of Daniel Mathieu and watercolor works by Jean Curley. June 3 – June 28. 5-7pm opening reception Sat. June 6 | 122 Western Ave., theloadingdockgallery.com
ALIVE Photo Exhibit > Artist Kim Hak reveals a moving collection of photography featuring objects entrusted to him by local Cambodian families 40 years after the Khmer Rouge regime wiped out nearly 2 million Cambodians. First showing June 4 at 6pm, and continuing every Saturday and Sunday this month from noon to 4pm. Ayer Lofts | 172 Middle St. ayerlofts.com
Burlesque & Cabaret > School’s out and the Gypsies are back. Bigger, bolder and badder than ever, the tantalizing crew of Gypsy Layne Cabaret & Co. are back at the Iron Horse showcasing their outrageous artistry. 7pm | $15 adv., $18 door | 20 Center St., Northhampton iheg.com
Farm Market > Join the locavore movement every Sunday at Mill No. 5, where you’ll find everything from fresh picked produce to meats, dairy, baked goods and organic products from the region’s independent farms. 10am-2:30pm 250 Jackson St., 4th fl. millno5.com
8 Monday
Buck-a-Shuck > Get food happy 3-6pm every Monday at Moonstones when fresh New England oysters are $1 each. Outdoor patio is now open. 185 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford | moonstones110.com
12 Friday
20 Saturday
Suits & Brews > Wicked Original clothing boutique and Made In Lowell present a night slinger and his smoking hot backing band hit The Back Page. of craft beer tasting alongside vintage and one-of-a-kind fashNo cover. ion finds at Mill No. 5. Vendors, 9pm | 15 Kearney Sq., Lowell | style lounge, fashion show backpagelowell.com 10 Wednesday and live entertainment. Bring 14 Sunday friends to swap or drop. Left over clothes will be donated to Boomerangs. $20 tickets include unlimited tastings and food samples. 6pm-9pm 250 Jackson St., 4th fl. madeinlowell.org Backyard River Fest > Relax, Open Mic > See why Steve play and shop every Sunday at Clements’ open mic has become the Tsongas Center’s open air a Mill City institution every market and free concert along Wednesday at The Back Page. the Merrimack River. A seasoned musician who has 10am – 5pm | 300 Martin toured and played with the Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell | best, Clements provides a full tsongascenter.com sound experience with a cast of talented professionals and regRetro Cinema > Celebrate the 18 Thursday ulars who love playing all styles 40th anniversary of the classic of music. Backline includes a thriller that made us all afraid full drum kit, an acoustic guitar, to go in the water. Jaws screens a Yamaha P-80 piano (when all day at The Luna Theater. requested before hand), extra 250 Jackson St., 4th fl. percussion and amps. lunalowell.com 8pm | 15 Kearney Sq., Lowell Luna Sessions > Free live jazz backpagelowell.com 21 Sunday and craft beer on tap every Thursday at The Luna Theater.
11 Thusday
Chris Fitz > Blues rock guitar
8:30pm | 250 Jackson St., 4th fl., Lowell | lunalowell.com
19 Friday Brunch that Rocks > Salute dad by kicking off Father’s Day with an all-you-can-eat brunch at the landmark Glenview Pub featuring a meat-carving The Wailers & Rusted Root> station, omelet station, lobster A night of musical intuition, Kenny Wayne Shepherd > mac-n-cheese, steamed shrimp, freedom and virtuosity at the Guitar-driven blues rock with Hampton Beach Casino Ballplenty of note-bending soul and salad bar, dessert station, and all room with Rusted Root, the funk for fans to sink their teeth the fixin’s that make brunch our favorite meal of the day. Reserve legendary Wailers and Boston’s into. Part of Lowell Summer early because the food here is own Adam Ezra. 18+ show. $25 Music Series. Also featuring in demand. Acoustic rock and advance tickets, $30 day of Johnny Lang. $49 advanced blues by Mike Gacek. show. tickets. 10am-2pm | 248 Princeton St., 6pm doors open | 169 Ocean 7:30pm | Boarding House Park, Chelmsford 40 French St., Lowell | lowellBlvd., Hampton, N.H. glenviewpubandgrill.com summermusic.org casinoballroom.com
25 Thursday
Lowell Spinners > Nothing says summer like taking in a baseball game under a starry night sky. The Lowell Spinners, a minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, kick off their season opener against the Aberdeen IronBirds (New York). Tix start at $7. Get the complete schedule at lowellspinners.com. 7:05pm | LeLachuer Park, 450 Aiken St., Lowell
Thru-My-Lens Photography Project > Eight one-use cameras were handed out to eight homeless guests at the Living Waters Center for Hope. The locals were asked to photograph images they felt depicted their lives, their difficulties and their hopes. The world through their eyes will be unveiled and on display at The Brush Art Gallery. 5-8pm | 240 Market St., Lowell | thebrush.org
30 Thursday
Phish Food > Phish bassist and founding-member Mike Gordon hits Lowell Summer Music Series complimented by some “secret synthetic mad scientist gadgetry” on and around the stage. $34 advanced tickets. 7:30pm | Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell | lowellsummermusic.org
27 Saturday Booty Vortex > Shake your money maker all night long with Boston’s best high-energy funk and disco band at Olympia’s Zorba Room. 8pm | 439 Market St., Lowell | zorbamusichall.com
Lofts at Perkins Park Residences At Perkins park 39 Perkins Street · Lowell · MA (978) 275-9669 Perkinspark@hallkeen.com
By Chris Flisher
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ARIES (March 21-April 19)
The universe may be throwing you a sweet surprise over the coming month. Uranus, still in Aries, will be in a pleasing alignment to both Venus and Jupiter in your creative fun house. Uranus tends to deliver the unexpected but when aligned with loving Venus and the great amplifier, Jupiter who knows what could happen. This may be an important month to pay attention to your dreams, especially the ones that seem incredibly outlandish and bizarre. Remember that cooler heads prevail, particularly when the unexpected appears. With Venus involved and all the action occurring in your creative arena, you may be blessed with a truly innovative idea that simply drops out of nowhere, into your lap.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Your days with Jupiter in Leo are winding down, so use this as an opportunity to maximize your impact. If you have projects in the queue, now may be the time to push them to closure. As Venus moves into close proximity with Jupiter the time may be perfect for crossing over a finish line. Once you are across that deadline point, you’ll be able to focus on starting something new, possibly new training of some sort. Your motivation may be running high so you’ll want to capture that momentum and push things through. You may have great energy for unexpected insights that may augment your race to finish something big.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Change may be on your domestic front this month. While that may seem a bit daunting at first glance, the ultimate outcome may be just what you need. You may have been tolerating a situation for some time now, but a sudden turn of events may provide the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate where you are and where you could be going. You may decide to cast your fate to the wind and a step outside of the familiar may be just what you need. Emphasis may be on relationships which may fit with the domestic shifts underway. Expect to spend some time researching. You’ll be glad you did.
If you align yourself with motivated and interesting people you may find a significant lift to your own creative endeavors. Sometimes you just need that outsider push to spark you to completion. With that in mind you may get some real tangible outside support from large entities who are there to help you down the road. This may be an excellent time to reach out to institutions for financial aid, grants, and other forms of support. You may be surprised at the attention you are able to draw as you stand ready to start off in an entirely new direction very soon. The momentum may be real and there may be a spark of excitement in the air.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your ruling planet, Mercury, may be running the show this month and that may be just fine. If there is one thing you can do; it is communicate. That particular skill may come in quite handy as you delve into financial discoveries and spend an inordinate amount of time researching and qualifying. You may be quite pleased with the discoveries that unfold over the course of the month. Expect to be in a collaborative venture with others who may be able to leverage your investigative powers, turning out an unexpected outcome. Quick thinking may be your best asset this month, so turn it on.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Not only does the Sun enter Cancer this month, but he is joined by fiery Mars. The planet of motivation and ambition is a hardy one to have on your side during your time of the year. When combined with the power of the Sun you may be an unstoppable force. With that in mind you may see some rather unexpected shifts regarding your career during this time. These may be highly beneficial and lucrative; however, some concessions may be required especially with your relationships. Take a long, hard look at the costs attached with such an alteration and see if the ends are worthy of the means. 22 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
Expect to see a lot of activity in your career this month. Mars will be moving through that area of your life and Mars likes action. Meetings, discussions, and plans for moving forward may be on your agenda and in a very animated manner. This theme may be particularly noticeable when working with others. Collaboration may be a key area to spend your time. Remember you may have wonderful ideas but you may be hampered in some regard to completing. The best way forward may be to seek out others who can fill in the blanks. Once you understand this energy you may find that projects get off the ground much faster. As long as you take the lead you may be surprised how nicely things fall into place.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov 21)
This should be an excellent month for expanding your skill set. Training on new programs, seeking out new mentors, and enrolling in classes are all highly favored during this period. You may find that much of what you tackle this month has a direct impact back on your career. The more you can learn, the more valuable you will be to your employer. The surprising shifts that may come your way as a result, may be exactly what you have been working towards. With your ruling planet, Mars in your education and travel arena, you may find that just about anything you undertake will significantly add to your own personal worth. Step up.
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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
The possibility for a legal matter may appear this month and you may even be happy it does. Legal matters may scare off some folks unless, of course, it airs in your favor. This same theme also exists for large organizations, elderly relatives, and genealogy. With that in mind you might hear of an inheritance or be facing a decision regarding a legal matter that may involve an elderly relative who may need your advice. This may be a month when relationships, in general, take on a greater weight for you. That may mean spending more time focused on them and helping out in any way that urges you to be responsible.
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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You may be taking a significant step towards shifting your primary relationship. That can be a host of ideas from committing to a new way forward, spending more time together, or simply leaning on someone who is close to you. You may find that you are motivated to making things work and you have plenty of insight and ambition towards that end. Relationships can extend to friends and family as well, but it appears as if harmony will be the responsible goal for all types of interchanges between you and others. Your work ethic may rise to the top and show off your ability to do the right thing, always.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Your daily occupation may be first and foremost in your range of ambition. You may have goals and ideas that you may want to address with action rather than empty words. You may be driven to solve a daily work problem, start a new routine, or spend more time improving your daily patterns. This may extend into health and fitness as well. A new exercise regimen or a dietary shift may also be on your mind as you seek to engage a more positive lifestyle. This may draw new people to you and raise your visibility considerably. You may find that by adopting a new life pattern that you are now more likely to bring the right people to your realm of influence. This may have positive results especially if you are looking to be with new people.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your creative drive may be completely amped this month as you begin to collate ideas for new ventures. You may find that departures from your normal routine are helpful in shaking your inventive spirit in the most productive ways. You may seek to gain the support of family members who may be uncertain of your plans. If you can pay special attention to people who want to help you may find the answers lies there. This may be a long hard look but worthy in the grand scheme of things. This opportunity may allow you to scrutinize your alliances and pick only those that further your plans in the most positive manner. Seek clarity.
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howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 23
Northeast Comic Con By The HOWL Street Team
Aspiring superheroes, supervillains and monsters will descend on
Wilmington June 20-21 for the Northeast Comic Con.
This is ground zero for fans looking to sample a lineup of pop culture memorabilia, guest appearances from TV and film stars, top comic creators, game publishers, and good-natured geeks dressed up as their favorite fantasy characters. Comic books and the world of superheroes they have spawned are at the heart of the event, but it also doubles as a camp-tastic playground for rubbing elbows with the likes of Batman, the man behind S.H.I.E.L.D.’s superspy Nick Fury, and a cast member of Sharknado. Another contributor to the Comic Con’s growing popularity is the visual feat that is cosplay (short for costume play), where people dress up, often elaborately, as their favorite characters and have their pictures taken with fans (all you have to do is ask). Our June cover model, Linda Thach, says cosplay is not only fun, it attracts brainy, creative and forward thinking people who love harnessing the power of imagination. “A lot of people kind of look at us like, ‘who are these people who go to conventions and dress up in weird costumes, and why would anyone do that?’ ” Thach says. “It’s a labor of love and more than just an extension of Halloween. It’s an art form that’s half craftsmanship, half showmanship. And the conventions are just one big party celebrating all the things about comics, anime, video games and pop culture. I think it would be hard for anyone not to have fun in a place like that.” The Northeast Comic Con: 99 Fordham Rd., Wilmington | Sat. June 20, 10am-6pm and Sun. June 21, 10am-5pm | advanced tickets on sale at necomiccon.net
2015 Highlights Celebrating Henson: Batman:
Before Christian Bale and Michael Keaton, there was Adam West. Best known for the title role in the 1960s ABC series Batman and its theatrical feature film, West has also done voice work in Family Guy, The Simpsons, Futurama and Johnny Bravo.
Jim Steranko:
Besides being a magician and professional fire-eater, Steranko broke artistic barriers in comic book art for literally thinking outside the box. He came up with fresh innovations in sequence that allowed more breathing room on the page and tapped into forms of surrealism, op art and graphic design. His most famous comic work was with Marvel’s 1960s superspy feature Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Hip Hop & Comics:
Moderator Patrick Reed, editor of Depth of Field Magazine and writer for Comics Alliance, MTV Geek, Sony Music, and CBR hosts a panel and Q&A about hip-hop music and comics featuring recording star ESOTERIC, legendary graffiti artist Eric Orr, and Keith Haring, the collaborator and creator of Rappin’ Max Robot, the first-ever hip-hop comic.
Gigi Edgley, who starred in the Jim Henson produced sci-fi television series Farscape and currently hosts the Jim Henson Creature Shop Challenge on the Syfy channel, will be joined by puppeteer Bill Diamond (Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal and The Muppet Caper) to lead a Sunday panel on Henson’s legacy.
Super Cars:
Photo ops with the Batmobile and Batcylce from the 1966 TV show, and in Back to the Future II, Marty McFly took the DeLorean time machine to 2015 to settle some family issues — little did he know it would end up at the Northeast Comic Con.
The Beatles:
A panel and Q&A featuring Chachi Loprete, host of Breakfast with The Beatles on WZLX, and Vivek Tiwary, 2014 Eisner Award Winner for his graphic novel The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story.
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Magazine Mash-up
Lowell gets a graphic makeover
1
How many poses does it take to nail a HOWL cover shot? When you have an eagle-eye photographer like HOWL’s own Tory Germann, usually the first shot gets it done every time. True story. Germann shoots several frames in a sitting, but we often end up going with what she captures right out of the gate. For the summer issue, we had our sights set on a fun image to play up some of the blockbuster music, movies and events coming down the line.
3
2
Enter our wizard of graphic’s Mark Coletti, who reworked Tory’s real-life shots into an incredible mash-up of pop art that made our 4-foot-11 model, Linda Thach, larger than life over Market Street — and lending to this issue’s cool comic vibe. Visit howlmag.com for more behind the scenes.
HOWL speak
If you had to choose one super power, what would it be and why? Rita Savard Editor-in-Chief
Linda Thach Cover Model
“Telekinesis. The power to move you baby.”
“Teleportation. How convenient would it be to be in one place, and then another in an instant?”
Tory Germann Photo Editor
Sarah Hand Managing Editor
“Invisibility. I could get into a lot more places with my camera.”
“Manipulate the weather. No more goosebumps or cold feet. ”
Mark Coletti Deputy Art Director
Richard Francey Art Director
“Shape-shifting (animals, primarily bears and lions). It would be useful for public service announcements. ” 26 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
“Morph into David Bowie. Ziggy Stardust, Labyrinth, Ashes to Ashes — the many faces of Bowie can rule the world! Or at least get you in the door at a really cool nightclub. ”
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 27
THE ART of BEAUTY
Barbara Rodriguez PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST
Bridal and Editorial beautybyb@icloud.com +1 857.719.1400 www.masque-era.com
photos by Tory Germann
Fun Facts Beer Steins It’s hard not to miss the wall of steins inside the Glenview. Steven Sampsonis was an avid collector. There are 160 total, hailing from places around the world.
It’s hard to say exactly when the
adventure began. But a faded 1940s photograph of Alexander Sampsonis, dressed in a U.S. Army overcoat while stationed in Germany, is a good place to start.
The Landmark Glenview Pub & Grill Serves Tried & True Classics With a Twist Story by Rita Savard | Photos by Tory Germann
Stephanie, Ted & Colm
Sampsonis fought in the Battle of The Bulge. After surviving the horrors of that bloody scrimmage, he served his fellow officers the best way he knew how.
The Glenview’s menu just went through a major revamp, marking the first change-up in food, and pricSampsonis worked out a deal with ing, since 2001. While some longtime some local merchants — his cigacustomers grappled with sticker shock rettes in exchange for fresh straw(old habits and $10 dinners die hard), berries, sugar, milk, heavy cream the new menu stays true to the restauand eggs. rant’s famous staples — slow cooked prime rib, the fattest lobster roll in On the front lines, he gave the the region, barbequed baby back ribs men a taste of home. “Sometimes the best things in life that fall off the bone — and introduces are the simple things,” says Stepha- a new lineup of homecooked dishes made from locally sourced ingredients nie Sampsonis-Keogh, Alexander’s that draw from years of Sampsonis granddaughter. “Cooking brought family recipes. my Papou joy.” He had their backs. And he made them strawberry ice cream.
Carrying on the legacy of her beloved Papou, and her father, the late Steven Sampsonis, Stephanie and her husband Colm Keogh are firing up the kitchen of Chelmsford’s landmark Glenview restaurant, and showing that an honest use of basic ingredients is all you need to create dishes that are memorable, rich and deliciously satisfying. Alexander Sampsonis (left)
olive oil and served with arugula, feta and fresh berries ($15.99). Beef stroganoff slow roasted for three days in burgundy, beef stock, herbs and pureed beets, then topped with sour cream, crispy onions and served over egg noodles ($16.99). A portobello mushroom grilled with balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic and topped with spinach, roasted red pepper and buffalo mozzarella on a kaiser bun ($9.99).
Wild caught salmon cooked in
What’s in a Name? The restaurant was named after the neighborhood’s telephone exchange, which in the 1950s was referred to as “The Glenview” section of Chelmsford. Wooden Indian The famous 6-foot carved statue, added to the pub room by Steven Sampsonis, has ended up on patrons’ lawns more than once as a prank. Visit The Glenview 248 Princeton St., Chelmsford 978-251-3591 glenviewpubandgrill.com
Sitting in the pub room, Stephanie pours through piles of hand written recipes. Some show battle scars from life in a busy kitchen — coffee and olive oil stains, secret sauce marks. All preserved in shoeboxes, scrapbooks and file folders. All passed down the family line. “It’s really amazing,” says Ted Nypaver, a restaurant manager who came on board because he loved the Sampsonis family story.
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“All of his recipes are really just lists of ingredients with no procedures for explaining how much of what goes into the dish. That part was all in his head.” After World War II, Alexander Sampsonis opened up his own restaurant, The Continental, on Route 1 North in Saugus. Edith Hodsdon was hired as a coat check girl and quickly graduated to a Jill-of-all-trades at the restaurant, keeping Alexander organized. For three years, he asked her to go out on a date with him. For three years, she politely declined. “Finally, his persistence paid off,” Stephanie laughs. The couple had their first date. A year later, they were married. Alexander’s son, Steven, also found his calling in a kitchen. Left to his own devices, Steven — a fisherman and motorcycle enthusiast at heart — would invariably find something to do with his hands. Cooking gave him a sense of purpose because, says Stephanie, on a very basic level he “enjoyed cutting stuff up and putting it in pans.” Steven bought the Glenview in 1996. Stephanie’s childhood memories are full of family dinners, a big steam kettle always full of tomato sauce and “Dad stirring his secret sauce with a big wooden paddle.” “He was a master of big-batch cooking,” adds Colm. “He did everything big. Laughed big, cooked big — he was a presence that got your attention.” When Steven wasn’t cooking, he was fishing, hunting or out riding his custom built motorcycle, 32 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
“The Boston Butcher,” which was featured on the cover of American Iron Magazine. Some also saw Steven Sampsonis as an artist. He carved meat with a quick and steady hand, and possessed a seemingly otherworldly know-how for using basic ingredients to create rich and complex flavors. When Steven died in 2010, Stephanie was working as a restaurant manager at an upscale Boston hotel. Returning home to Chelmsford, she knew she didn’t want to be anywhere else but The Glenview, continuing the trend her grandfather and father began 60 years ago. “When it comes to eating, it doesn’t get better than the food that has been served at the family dinner table for as long as you can remember,” Stephanie says. Her imprint is taking those tried and true home cooked meals and giving them a modern twist. Like her personal favorite, the lamb flatbread foldover ($16.99) — slow roasted in herbs and spices, shaved thin like Dad used to, with lettuce, yogurt sauce and a garlic dip on the side. Let’s not forget the hand-cut fries dusted in parmesan and oregano. “My heritage is Greek so the lamb dinners prepared by my family will be forever burned into my favorite memories,” she said. “What we’re doing at the Glenview right now isn’t about losing history, it’s about adding to it.” At the updated Glenview you’ll find Steven’s signature slowroasted and hand carved meats (including Yankee Pot Roast that takes three days to stew before making it on a plate) and new additions influenced by Stephanie’s
Dublin-bred husband, Colm. The popular Irish Nachos — homemade crispy chips baked with Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, scallions, tomatoes, and served with a white BBQ dipping sauce and guacamole — are crazy addictive. Lucky for us all, they come in a smaller, tapas-style size and a share-with-friends size ($8.99, if you’re in a sharing mood). Mick’s Grill, named after Colm’s dad, is a combo of two Irish breakfast sausages, thick cut bacon, biscuit, two fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms and — the twist — New England baked beans ($14.99). In addition to the whopping 18 beers on tap, there’s an affordable bar menu with small side samplers ranging from $2.99 to $5.99. And other home cooked add-ons, like the “soon to be famous stuffed meatloaf” ($14.99), filled with spinach, prosciutto, roasted red pepper and provolone cheese have been Grandma-tastetested and approved.
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Despite some changes — including the welcome addition of an out-of-this-world gourmet brunch spread every Sunday (seriously, people are lining up for this under $20 all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, so don’t miss out) — some things remain timeless. “The bar has gotten bigger,” says Margie Dearborn, a 25-year employee who was there before Steven Sampsonis. “But it’s always been a reliable old meeting place, where strangers make fast friends. And the bigger it gets just means more friends and memories to make.”
AT M A H O N E Y ’ S REGISTER To learn more or to RSVP call
WWW.MIDDLESEX.MASS.EDU/CF15 an evening with
William Shatner Award-winning actor, producer, writer, recording artist, and philanthropist
Thursday, June 11 at 8 p.m. • Lowell Memorial Auditorium Tickets on sale
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NOW! Note: Price includes a mandatory $2 restoration fee charged by the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Tickets may be purchased: By calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium Box Office at 866-722-8881 or online at www.lowellauditorium.com or in person at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium Box Office located at 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA.
For group sales of 15 or more, Jocelyn Prieto at 978-934-5751 or email jprieto@lowellauditorium.com All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
Special thanks to The TJX Companies, Inc., Presenting Sponsor for all seventeen years!
For information on how to become a Forum sponsor, call Dennis Malvers at 781-280-3514.
howlmag.com | Howl Magazine | 33
What’s for dinner?
Jaws returns to the big screen.
Jaws Turns 40 “I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.” – Kurt Cobain
Soaked In Bleach Rehashes Cobain Murder Theory By Erika Wesier
Conspiracy theories surrounding Kurt Cobain’s death are
alive and well in Benjamin Statler’s docudrama, Soaked In Bleach. On April 5, 1994, in the guesthouse behind his Seattle home, 27-year-old Cobain was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the head. A note left behind by Cobain helped investigators rule the death as a suicide.
But for more than 20 years, some have questioned whether the rock legend’s death was actually caused by his estranged wife, Courtney Love. Soaked in Bleach revisits the story through the eyes of Tom Grant, a private investigator hired by Love in 1994, when Cobain went missing. After digging into the details, Grant determined there was significant evidence to suspect foul play and the motive pointed directly to the woman who hired him.
&
The film develops as a narrative mystery with cinematic re-creations, interviews with crucial experts and witnesses, and the examination of evidence from the ‘94 case.
By Rita Savard
Before June 20, 1975, there was no such thing as a sum-
mer blockbuster. Enter Steven Spielberg, a killer great white, a jackpot of one-liners (You’re gonna need a bigger boat), and you’ve got something big. Jaws was actually bigger than big. It was huge. And it managed to keep a lot of people out of the water. “My little brother wouldn’t even go in our backyard pool after that,” laughs Jaimie Arsenault, a self-described Jaws fanatic from Lowell. What else can anyone expect from a film version of Peter Benchley’s bestseller about a man-eating shark who comes to dinner at a summer resort community? Jaws played in theaters for months and earned more than $470 million — remaining the biggest box-office hit of all time until George Lucas bumped it from the top spot two years later with another summer smash, Star Wars. Following Alfred Hitchcock’s style of building suspense (we don’t see a whole lot of shark until later in the film), Spielberg did wonders when setting his camera out to sea, giving us what we wanted — a shark’s-eye view of vulnerable and naked limbs splashing just offshore, a fin the size of a child knifing through the water and bodies disappearing beneath the waves. Throw in an actor like Robert Shaw, who plays briny, madman fisherman Quint, and it adds to the horror. One of the film’s greatest scenes has Quint, with an Ahab-like glint in his eyes, retelling his real-life nightmare aboard the sinking U.S. Navy cruiser, the USS Indianapolis. After being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1945, hundreds of men were eaten by sharks before help arrived. The memory makes Quint even more determined to see this particular shark go down.
INDIE FILM THEATER
Grant shares a series of alleged holes in the case starting with the Seattle Police Department’s rushed verdict. From a lack of usable fingerprints on the shotgun to too much heroin in Cobain’s body for him to actually pull a trigger, Grant rules out suicide. Love and Cobain were also going through a divorce. She’d get more money from a suicide than from a divorce, Grant says. With a suicide, Love would inherit and control the entire Cobain and Nirvana estate. Whether you believe in the conspiracy or not, Soaked In Bleach gives a compelling argument and inside look to Cobain’s death.
Playing this month at The Luna Theater, lunalowell.com 34 | Howl Magazine | howlmag.com
But that is the classic appeal of Jaws and why, 40 years later, it still works. Unlike zombies, vampires or demons, the black-eyed, razor-toothed mechanical marvel of this film (nicknamed Bruce by the cast) cuts closer to home. Sharks are real and the thought of what could be strikes at a primal fear in all of us. Anyone under 12 may want to stay home. Playing at The Luna Theater June 20. Visit lunalowell.com for showtimes.
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