Mahon About Town Nantucket Blog

Heather and Rose MacDowell, former summer island residents, have written a novel based upon their experiences in the front of house restaurant business called “Turning Tables”, published by Dial Press, and released just this month.

I know Heather from her time at 21 Federal, so I contacted her to get some background. Here’s what she wrote:

“Between the two of us, we lived on Nantucket off and on for ten years, the last year being ‘99. I worked at 21 Federal and Galley Beach, with many restaurants in New York and San Francisco in between. Rose worked at The Ropewalk, Cioppino’s, and The Tavern, so we have a variety of Nantucket restaurants covered. We decided to turn our restaurant experiences, (great and not so great), into a novel after we saw many books and TV shows about cooking and chefs, but none about waiters. We made our main character as naïve as we once were, and threw her into every embarrassing and difficult situation we could think of - many of which we’ve been through ourselves.

“Nantucket is a unique place to wait tables, in part because the clientele is largely made up of people on vacation, and the high season is fast and furious. While some guests are relaxed in spite of higher island prices and long waits for tables, others are unhappy if the weather and every restaurant meal aren’t perfect. Being on the service end of someone’s all-too-brief holiday can be stressful. But local restaurants can also be a great place to make friends, (not to mention money), and enjoy some of the best food and drink on the island.

“I also waited tables through the winter, and nothing makes you part of the community like serving Bloody Bulls to the same locals week after week. Nantucketers are lucky to live in a beautiful place with such a high concentration of terrific restaurants. If Rose and I were to (God forbid) ever wait tables again, we’d definitely want to do it there!

“Thanks so much for getting in touch, and we hope to make it to the island soon. It’s great to reconnect with the place where Rose and I made so many restaurant memories!”

I don’t think they’ll be waiting tables again. Their book has already garnered good reviews. Heather and Rose are already working on their second book, a sequel to “Turning Tables”.

Publishers Weekly says this: “Penned by twins who’ve paid their dues in the restaurant biz, this whip-smart debut chronicles a brief slice of the life of Erin Edwards, a marketing manager who loses her job and cashes in family favors to snag a wait-staff position at Roulette, a top-flight New York City restaurant . . . This page-turner reads like recent restaurant-linked memoirs, with accounts of unrealistic expectations, slippery tactics, critic and rival-driven anxieties and general kitchen mayhem . . . and is tons of fun, especially for those who’ve done time in the service industry.”

Claire Cook, author of “Life’s a Beach” and “Must Love Dogs”, says: “Turning Tables is tons of fun! Heather and Rose MacDowell’s twin voices blend seamlessly to create a delectable fusion of humor, heart, hope and keen observation-peppered liberally with some great waitress horror stories.”

Kirkus Reviews says “A spirited debut . . . The setting sparkles.”

Associated Press: “This novel will give you a new appreciation for what waiters and waitresses at fancy restaurants go through. And even if you don’t eat at fancy restaurants, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful story. “Turning Tables” is written by identical twins who drew on their own experience as waitresses at restaurants in New York, San Francisco and Nantucket, Mass . . . Surely there’s a movie in such a feel-good tale with outsized personalities, high-pressure action and an attractive young heroine. Until somebody makes it, the book will surely satisfy your appetite for a good tale.

Amazon has an excerpt from the book.

More on the book’s official website, www.turning-tables.com.
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Nantucket will be host to the first ever and hopefully first annual Nantucket Comedy Festival, which will run from Wednesday, July 30 through Saturday, August 2. More details to follow as I get them.

At the 7th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards yesterday, Thursday, February 7th, Nathaniel Philbrick received the nonfiction award for 2007 for “Mayflower”. The awards are presented annually to books from the previous calendar year that were published by Massachusetts authors or that convey important Massachusetts themes.

The Sea Gam: Stories of the Sea with Maurice Gibbs, originally scheduled for this Friday night, has been postponed.

COMMUNITY HEALTH
Dr. Maria Trozzi, director of the Good Grief Program at Boston Medical Center and co-author of ‘Talking with Children About Loss’, will address parents and other adults from the community on Tuesday, February 12, at 6 p.m. in the High School auditorium. Dr. Trozzi has appeared as an expert on family resilience and loss on CBS’s The Early Show, Good Morning America and Larry King Live. An assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, she is the director of the Good Grief Program at Boston Medical Center. The program, now in its 20th year, provides national training, crisis consultation, and direct services to children, parents, educators, and health professionals. The program’s mission is to help adults help children who are “facing life’s speed bumps.” For more information, contact Dr. Robert Pellicone at (50 228-7285.

BENEFITS
Second Annual Valentines Dance, sponsored by The Nantucket Historical Association, is Friday (8th) from 7 to 10:00 pm, with music by the Nantucket School of Music Jazz Band playing jazz and salsa. Salsa dance instruction will be offered, as well as complimentary beverages and snacks. Whaling Museum Gosnell Hall. Tickets available at the door.

The Children’s House 25th Anniversary Dinner/Auction, celebrating 25 years of the Children’s House, includes live auction packages with trips to St. Barths, Stowe, and Vieques; Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics tickets and more. Catered by EJ Harvey. Saturday the 9th from 6 to 10 pm. Contact Tracy Halik at 325-7955 or tracyor1@aol.com for tickets.

The Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament this Sunday the 10th benefits the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club. Registration at noon, play begins at 1 pm at Faregrounds.

The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum is throwing a Valentines Day Party from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm on Thursday the 14th.

The Queen of Hearts Ball benefits the Nantucket Lighthouse School. Silent auction, dancing to the Shingles. Come as you are or dig out your prom dress, ugly tux shirt, cupid outfit, or your best love get up. A king and queen will be crowned. Prizes for best two costumes. 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at the Box, Thursday the 14th.

ONE BOOK, ONE ISLAND EVENTS
Dr. Robert Kennedy of the Maria Mitchell Association and Dr. Sarah Oktay of the University of Massachusetts Field Station present “The Marlin, the Mako, and Man” and “Sailing a River in the Ocean: Charting Santiago’s Deep Blue Journey”. Free. Thursday (7th), 1:30 pm at the Whaling Museum.

‘The Old Man and the Sea’ In Words and Music closes out this years One Book, One Island with musical performances by Molly Glazer, Robert Behrman, Armen Ghazaryan, Susan McGinnis (a Shakespeare sonnet set to music), and Joshua Mencer. Also readings from ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, Walt Whitman, and Jose Marti, performed by members of the community: Ted Anderson, David Kopko, Chris Lohman, Bill MacEachern, Donald Noyes, Richard Ross, Pete Sawyer, Craig Spery, and Jim Sutherland. Poems by Dick Burns and Frank Cunningham. Free. Organized and presented by Len Germinara. Atheneum, Sunday the 10th beginning at 3.

SPEAKERS
Retired educator and Nantucket resident Chris Lohmann will discuss Melville’s Benito Cereno: The Unspeakable Story of Slavery. Free; bring your lunch. Whaling Museum, Thursday the 14th at noon.

MUSIC
The High School Chorus and Band presents a concert Thursday (7th) at 7:30 pm at the High School Auditorium.

The Nantucket High School present “Music Man” at the High School. Friday and Saturday nights (8th and 9th) at 7:30, and Sunday at 2.

NIGHTLIFE
At the Rose & Crown, it’s Poker Night on Monday’s, Trivia Quiz Night every Tuesday (at 7 pm), karaoke on Thursday (9pm), and DJ Bri Guy Friday and Saturday nights.

FILM AND VIDEO
Rock of Changes: Race, Faith, and Freedom on Nantucket will be shown by the Nantucket Historical Association at 12 noon, Thursday the 7th at the Whaling Museum. The film presents the history of school desegregation on Nantucket, and the efforts of the black community to bring it about through legislation. Free; bring your lunch.

La Vie En Rose stars Marion Cotillard in the life of Edith Piaf. Saturday night in the Great Hall at 7.

Tapping Maple Ridge explores the unexpected parallels between wind energy and maple syrup production, as part of the Sense of Place II: A Film Series About Community, Sustainability, & the Environment. Wednesday, February the 13th, 7:00 pm in the Great Hall.
Free Admission

THEATER
Phyllis Perelman hosts Armchair Theatre, and Grace Noyes directs A. R. Gurney’s ‘Ancestral Voices’. Bring a beverage, main dish, salad, or dessert to share; coffee provided. Potluck at 6; reading at 7. It’s at Sherburne Commons, 21 South Shore Road.

Nantucket Theatrical Productions and the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket present “Cupid’s Nightmare”, four short plays from the Short Play Festival. February 14, 15, 16, 22, 23 at 7 p.m., upstairs at the Methodist Church on Centre St. Admission is $10.

See the Arts & Social Calendar for more details on all events listed above.

For a more comprehensive listing of ALL Nantucket events, pick up the Nantucket Independent for my Community Calendar, or click here.

What were the top selling books on Nantucket in 2007? Local authors in bold.

First from Bookworks:

1) Harry Potter 7 by J.K. Rowling
2) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
3) Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
4) In the Heart of the Sea by Nat Philbrick
5) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
6) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
7) Mayflower by Nat Philbrick
Dangerous Book for Boys by Con & Hal Iggulden
9) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
10) Where’s Nat, A Nantucket Cat Adventure by Peter and Cheryl Barnes

Close behind Nat was The Road by Cormac McCarthy and The Prince of Nantucket by Jan Goldstein.

And from Mitchell’s:

1) Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
2) The Last Boat by Michael Hite
3) Nerve Damage by Peter Abrahams
4) Law & Disorder in Old Nantucket by Frances Karttunen
5) The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam
6) The Dangerous Book For Boys by Hal Iggulden
7) Life’s a Campaign by Chris Matthews
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
9) Whaleport by Mark Foster, illustrated by Gerald Foster
10) Schultz & Peanuts A Biography by David Michaelis

The Artists Association’s Artist-Patron Night is tonight, Thursday, August 23 from 6 - 8 PM.

Another special invitation to subscribers for a very special event - another House Concert, this time with critically acclaimed Josh Ritter, this Saturday (25th) from 7 to 10 p.m. You’ll never be in as intimate a setting with this artist just about to break out.

“You’re presently reading about what may be the best album of 2007,
Hands down, by the most under-accorded american musical genius…”

Amazon.com Editorial Review. The newest CD from Josh Ritter, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, has just been released.

Light appetizers, beer and wine provided. Space is very limited, and the first people who call will get the seats. RSVP to ykwon@ascap.com, 212-621-6264. The $25 ticket price will go to the artist.

Josh will also be at this next event:

The Atlantic, a magazine celebrating its 150th anniversary, and PlumTV have formed a multiplatform partnership that celebrates books, ideas, and the spirit of community. The first installment is called Bookmark 2007, which on Sunday presents the “Bookmark on the Beach” Festival, featuring a “civilized debate” on God between Christopher Hitchens, author of “God is Not Great”, and Atlantic Associate Editor and conservative blogger Ross Douthat, moderated by Paul Holdengraber. Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter will also perform. A cocktail reception with authors follows. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Nantucket Bookworks, 25 Broad Street, (50 228-4000. Bookmarks takes place on Sunday, August 26, starting at 5:00 p.m. at Jetties Beach.

An interesting dining event coming up next week, Tuesday, August 28, an “Outstanding in the Field” Dinner. Chef Seth Raynor of The Pearl partners with Outstanding in the Field to present a meal served at a linen-draped table set between the soil and the sky in the fields of Bartlett’s Farm. Outstanding in the Field (OitF) was founded in Santa Cruz, California, by chef/artist Jim Denevan. The goal: To bring diners literally to the source of the food on their plates. Since its first farm dinner in 1999, Outstanding in the Field has presented nearly 70 dinners in farmlands across North America. This is the first such dinner on Nantucket.

The night will begin with a leisurely tour of the farm, followed by a five-course al fresco dinner served family style, accompanied by wines paired with each course. Guests will be joined at the table by John Bartlett, whose family has farmed this land since the early 1800s, and other local food producers who have contributed ingredients for the feast.

Host Farmer: John Bartlett
Guest Chef: Seth Raynor -The Pearl
Guest Fisherman: Skip Bennett -Island Creek Oyster Farm
Guest Brewer: Randy Hudson of Cisco Brewers

All-inclusive per-person price of $200 per guest includes five courses paired with wine, and all taxes and gratuities.

For information and reservations, go to www.outstandinginthefield.com/events.html, or call 831.247.1041.

10% of proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Nantucket: www.sustainablenantucket.org

The jazz starts at Cinco, 5 Amelia Drive, Thursdays at about 7:30 out on the patio, and reservations are necessary. It’s the Richard Sylvester Trio or quartet or quintet, depending on who drops in. The music plus spillover into the bar and lounge have made Cinco a hot spot for Thursday nights.

And more Presidential candidates are coming.

Barack and Rudy has been here already. Hillary Clinton will be here for a Town Hall Conversation and reception on Friday, August 24, sponsored by Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley and Smith Bagley. Reception only is $1000, conversation and reception is $2300. Call Ambassador Bagley at 508-228-4279, or kgasperine@hillaryclinton.com.

Ann Romney, wife of Mitt, to the home of Marilyn Whitney, sponsored by Marilyn Whitney and Melanie and Bob Sabelhouse. Thursday, August 28. Reception with photo op, $500, 6 p.m.; Reception only, $250, at 6:30 p.m. Info at 857-288-6663, or JKilcoyne@MittRomney.com.

Details for all events are on the Arts and Social Calendar.

11th Annual Boston Pops with Natalie Cole, to benefit Nantucket Cottage Hospital, gets going at 7 p.m. Saturday night at Jetties, with conductor Keith Lockhart and host Tim Russert, sponsored by Nantucket Island Resorts Jill and Steve Karp. Ticket information and availability at 508-825-8181. Always a spectacle, the annual town beach party.

Best Bets for Music (Check calendar for all listings)

• Nantucket School of Music student Junyi Fitzgibbon is quite simply a child prodigy on piano. Here’s a fairly rare chance to see her perform Monday from 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm at the Methodist Church, performing solo works of Liszt and Scarlatti. Junyi also appears later in the week with “Young Pianists on Nantucket”, Junyi Wang Fitzgibbon, Samantha Reis, and Martina Ivanova, Thursday, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm at the Unitarian Church.
• Spookie Daly Pride at the Box tonight, Saturday. Not touring anymore, this wacky eclectic group comes together only to play at the Box. Each time could be their last.
• Livingston Taylor plays the Methodist Church Thursday night at 8:00 pm to benefit the Two Centre Street Preservation Project.
• I’ve written about Jamaican singer Nicole Miller before, and her synergy with singer/songwriter Jeff Ross. They’ll be playing together on Thurday and Sunday nights for the next few weeks at the Starlight from 9:30 to 1.

The first Nantucket Farmers and Artisans Market, sponsored by Sustainable Nantucket, opens today, Saturday, from 9 to noon at the Nantucket New School, 15 Nobadeer Farm Road, and will run for 9 Saturdays. The market, completely run by local vendors, will feature locally grown vegetables, berries, herbs, plants and cut flowers, eggs, baked goods and locally, hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, crafts and more. The market’s mission is to provide fresh, native produce directly from local growers to residents, to promote local cottage industry and to educate the community about the personal benefits of healthy eating and the economic benefits of supporting local entrepreneurs.

The Nantucket Arts Council Shakespeare by the Sea Festival kicks off on Saturday night with Seaside Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night, featuring a cast of on and off-island actors including Susan Burns, Ciaran Byrne, Tom Butler, Laurel Devaney, Christy Kickham, Chas Libretto, Len Germinara, Susan Lucier, Susan McGinnis, Adam Skogen, Amy Stiller, and AT Wilce, with original music by Kim D. Sherman, played by Robert Behrman and Armen Ghazarian. Saturday (11th) at the Unitarian Church at 5 p.m.; Saturday at 5 p.m. at Children’s Beach; Sunday and Monday at Children’s Beach at 6 p.m.

Films shown this week as a part of the Festival are: Richard III, 8:00 pm Monday, Nantucket Whaling Museum, and “Henry V” with Kenneth Branagh, released in 1989: Tuesday 8:00 pm Whaling Museum.

Marjorie Garber, the author of “Shakespeare After All”, speaks at the Coffin School on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm. Book signing to follow. Mick Hales, author of “Shakespeare in the Garden”, appears Thursday night at 6:00 pm at the Coffin School, with a book signing to follow.

Fashion shows are more frequent with higher energy this season. Sunday night I expect the best yet. It’s at the Box, with live southern rock by the Christopher Robin Band, and it’s called Live Music Couture, presented by Cisco Brewers, Triple Eight Vodka, and Nantucket Vineyard. Models will wear clothes from the Lauren Di Nardo Collection, Cheryl Fudge and Current Vintage. Admission is $20 at the door, $15 at Cisco Brewery, the proceeds to benefit Sustainable Nantucket. It all gets going at 9.

Authors and Speakers

Suzy Welch will moderate a Q&A session with Jack Welch on the topics of Winning and Leadership today at the High School Auditorium, Wednesday night at 8:00 pm.

You don’t often see Corey Sandler, but he does live here. Corey writes books. Lots of books. Look him up on Amazon. 164 entries there, some duplicates I’m sure, but it’s got to be 100 books under various categories: Business & Investing (29), Entertainment (19), History (6), Computers & Internet (70), Home & Garden (8), Professional & Technical (47), Science Fiction & Fantasy (7), Sports (13), Travel (49). I joined WNAN radio’s host of “The Point”, Mindy Todd, (9;30 am weekdays on 91.1) when she interviewed Corey about his new book ‘Henry Hudson; Dreams and Obsession. The Tragic Legacy of the New World’s Least Understood Explorer’ back in the middle of May. Here’s a podcast of that interview.

Corey calls Henry Hudson the “least known of the great explorers who went to the ends of the known world, though he profited nothing.” He describes Hudson’s trip to the North Pole when he tried to find a way from Europe to Asia, thinking it would not be frozen in summer, with no navigational cues (compasses are not accuarte that close to the magnetic pole, and there are no stars in 24 hour daylight. And in a later quest to reach the Bering Straight by sailing up the (now named) Hudson River, sailed just south of Nantucket on August 6, 1609.

Corey is speaking Monday night at 8 pm at the Atheneum, cosponsored by Nantucket Bookworks and the Atheneum. Pictured are Corey, Corey showing Mindy photos from the trip, and the interview.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMING WEEK:

One day last summer I ran into Jim Warwick from the Starlight who said he had a great blues player appearing that night, someone I shouldn’t miss. He was right. Chris Bergson can sing, and on the guitar, he’s among the best I’ve ever heard. He’s essentially an improvisational blues guitar player, not improvising within the chord the way it’s usually done, but reaching outside the chord the way a jazz musician does.

New York based guitarist/singer/songwriter Chris Bergson has performed with Norah Jones and Levon Helm, among others, and has appeared in New York venues such as Joe’s Pub, B.B. King’s, Jazz Standard, The Blue Note and The Living Room. “NYC singer/guitarist Chris Bergson’s smooth jazz-inflected take on the blues marks this young artist as a player who may just help extend the genre’s shelf life.” - Ted Drozdowski, The Boston Phoenix.

Chris is back for 2 nights only, this time at Jetties Restaurant, Friday and Saturday night from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, and there’s no cover. Check him out at two sites: Here, and then at MySpace

The Ozone Surf Classic has had sunny days but small waves for the last 2 years. Looks like partly cloudy and small waves for this year’s event on Sunday (5th) from 8 to 6. It’s basically one big beach party for all ages, and most people arrive around lunchtime. The Classic celebrates the life and memory of islander and surfer David Ozias with a surfing contest, music and a barbeque. All proceeds will be donated to local charities in David’s name. Entry forms are available at Juice Guys, Chicken Box, and Indian Summer. Here are photos from last year.

The Second Annual Canine Couture Fashion Show benefiting the Nantucket MSPCA homeless animal program gets going at 6:30 pm on Wednesday (8th). More than 2 dozen dogs will strut their stuff down the catwalk to win prizes for originality of design, creativity, presentation and collaboration. Open bar, appetizers, music, and auctions. Tickets are $150 and available at the MSPCA, Geronimo’s, Sandy Paws, Cold Noses & Vis-à-vis. This one was a sell-out last year, so buy now. Photos of the 2006 event.

The Annual Rock Run (50-mile beach run) takes place Saturday (4th) from 8 to 6: Soloists and teams are welcome. Pre-race meeting 6 PM on August 3 at Children’s Beach. Details and applications at www.therockrun.com.

The Week Ahead . . .

If you’re looking for something to do for a specific day, go right to the Arts and Social Calendar. Otherwise, here are the highlights for the coming week, arranged by genre.

NIGHTLIFE

• Chicken Box: Joshua Tree tonight through Saturday, Sextoy Party Monday to Wednesday. Spookie Daly Pride Thursday through Saturday.
• Rose & Crown:Every Thursday is Karaoke night. The AM Group Celebrates 15 Years of House Music, with special guests DJ Jamin and DJ Ian on Friday night. It’s DJ Bri Guy’s Video Request Dance Party on Saturday, and DJ Money on Sunday.

  Earth Got the Blues, jazz and blues every Wednesday of summer.

• The Muse: Fat Cats, Fridays, 6 to 9, and Air Band every Sunday night of the summer.
• Jetties Restaurant: Andy Bullington and Tom Stodart on Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30; Chuck Colley and Eric Wendelken acoustic fusion-guitar and standup bass Monday through Wednesday. on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm; 10 years old Maddie Kennedy and Ali on Wednesday nights.
• Cinco: Thursday night is jazz night, with the Richard Sylvester Jazz Trio from 7:30 - 10:30. Others sit in from time to time.
• Brant Point Grill: The Bob Lehman Trio Sunday through Tuesdays nights, 7:30 to 10:30. P. J. Moody plays Sunday Brunch from 11:30 to 2:30.
• Chanticleer in ‘Sconset: Bob Walder Latin Jazz and Flamenco, 8:30 - 10:30 pm in the Grill Room Monday through Wednesday.
• Summer House: Jamie Howarth Wednesday through Sunday nights.
• Club Car: Brian Buch, Saturday through Monday; Anthony Healey, Tuesday through Friday. 8:15 to 1 am.
• Starlight: Jeff Ross Wednesday through Sunday, 9 to 1.
• Even Keel Cafe: Piano Dave, Thursday through Sunday, all summer, 6 to 9.

CONCERTS

• John Buttrick: Noonlight Sonatas. Wednesdays at noon.
• The Cobbletones put on a crowd-gathering show in front of Zero Main (thank Paul and Noel for graciously allowing the show) every Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 and 9:15 pm.
• Wordstock is a new event this year, taking place Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 10 pm, at 42 Monohansett Road (between the airport and Surfside.)
• Blues After Hours is at Children’s Beach Sunday from 6 to 7.
• The NCMC String and Wind Ensembles perform Monday from 12:15 to 12:45 at the Methodist Church.
• Violinist Emil Chudnovsky performs Tuesday at 8 at the First Congregational Church as part of the Nantucket Musical Arts Society series.
• Nat Hewitt, fiddle and vocals, and Liza Constable, guitar and vocals, perform Thursday at the Noonday Concert Series at the Unitarian Church. That’s at noon.
• The NCMC Jazz Band plays Children’s Beach, Thursday at 6.

BENEFITS

• The Nantucket Garden Club’s 53rd Annual House Tour of 6 homes in Monomoy takes place Thursday the 8th, from 11 to 5, with Tea and Boutique in the garden at “Longevity”, 52 Monomoy Road.

SPEAKERS

• Jeffrey Goldberg. Bookmark 2007’s “Meet the Author” lecture, a production of The Atlantic and PlumTV. Atlantic Editor James Bennet will have a conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, journalist and author of “Prisoners”, which has been hailed as one of the year’s best books. Sunday, Bennett Hall from 3 to 5 pm.
• Artists Lecture: Glass Sculptor Christopher Ries. Whaling Museum, Sunday at 8 p.m.
• Lecture: Dr. John Howe, Project Hope President & CEO. Wednesday at 8, Unitarian Church.
• Jill Ker Conway: “Stories of Scientists Who are Women”. Coffin School, Thursday (9th) at 5:30.

• Annie Kay: Every Bite Is Divine. Bookworks, Friday from 7 to 8:30.
• Nancy Barr: “Backstage with Julia”. Mitchell’s Book Corner. Saturday 10 am to noon.
• Thomas Mallon: “Fellow Travelers”. Bookworks. Sunday from 11 to noon.
• Mary South: “The Cure for Anything is Saltwater”. Bookworks, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

In order to save their bankrupt school that’s seen better days, the girls of St. Godley’s Academy for Young Ladies decide to put on a musical version of Moby Dick. The satirical romp that ensues proves to be a world of double entendres and pastiche-y company numbers. This musical is for all ages, and will be performed by Nantucket’s first Resident Company, here from theater and drama schools around the country. Presented by the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at www.theatreworkshop.com or at the box office at the Methodist Church 508-228-4305.Bennett Hall, 62 Centre Street. Tickets and information:508-228-4305. www.theatreworkshop.com.

Aug 2,3,4,6,9,10,13,16,19,20,23,24,25 at 8 PM
August. 1,8,15 & 22 at 8:30 PM
Aug 8,9,10,15,16,22,23,24 at 2PM

COMEDY

• Comedy Improv: Methodist Church, Sunday, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
• Comedy Night with Kevin Flynn, Monday, Methodist Church, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

GALLERY OPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT: Art Cabinet Cultural Night
In the tradition of a European salon, the Art Cabinet presents an evening of classical music, a lecture, an art discussion, followed by jazz and champagne, built about the work of Amerell and Peter Weber. Christine Neudert will speak on “Art and Humanity”; John Dowland will perform a concert of Renaissance music for voice and guitar; Prof. Chiesa will speak on “The Pleasure of the Eye”; then jazz by “Blue Lion Music.” The studio is at 18 Dukes Road, but please call to reserve your spot. (50 325- 7202; artcabinet@nantucket.net. Saturday night from 6 to 9.

• Brigham Galleries: Florence Academy of Art, Friday, 6 to 8
• Gallery at Four India: John P. Osborne, Friday, 6 to 8
• Mielko Gallery: Tom Mielko, Friday, 6 to 8
• Old Spouter Gallery: Joan Albaugh, Friday, 6 to 8
• Pierce Galleries: American Impressionists, Friday, 6 to 8
• Round The Horn: John Merson and Carol Bunevich. Contemporary Art of Vietnam, Print and Painting. Friday, 6 to 8
• Woodcarving exhibit featuring Master Woodcarver Paul McCarthy and his students. Friday and Saturday, 10 to 4 at Arrowhead, 9 Wampanoag Way

MOVIES AT THE STARLIGHT

• Ratatouille: Monday and Tuesday
• Chuck and Larry: Friday through Sunday
• Harry Potter: Thursday (2), and Wednesday and Thursday (8 & 9)

Go to the Arts and Social Calendar for times.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMING WEEK:

I serve on several non-profit boards. Each one struggles to find new ways to raise money through innovative fundraising events. A Safe Place has one coming up, created and hosted by Susan and sculptor David Hostetler. This one has dinner and music, nothing new there, but you’ll also be photographed, Richard Avedon-style, for a black and white portrait by Sam Girton, a professional photographer and professor from Ohio University. Or, take your own portrait in a photo booth. Remember those? They’re digital now, but fun none the less, and your pictures will be available online after the event for viewing or purchase. All proceeds benefit A Safe Place, an organization absolutely crucial to this island, and one that needs your support this Sunday, 6 to 10. Call 508-228-0561 for tickets and info, and please mention you saw it here.

Friday night is the 6th Annual Strong Wings Adventure Benefit Night, 6 to 9, out at Strong Wings at 9 Nobadeer Farm Road. In the past, this has been a low key event that always deserved more attention, as the proceeds benefit the Strong Wings Scholarship Fund. This year live music has been added to the mix, the rarely seen anymore Swingdogs. Silent and live auctions, open bar by Cisco Brewers, food by Fusion of Flavor, door prizes and raffles. $100 per person. 228-1769 for info.

Calvin Trillin comes to town to talk about “My Life As A Deadline Poet”, Wednesday, 8 pm, Unitarian Church. I saw Calvin speaking in San Francisco when I lived there one winter - it was part stand up comedy, part reading from his books, and part very personal reminiscences. He’s written for the New Yorker for 40 years, and his most recent book is the New York Times Best Seller About Alice, about his wife who recently passed away. $25 tickets are available at the Atheneum. 228-3802.

The Annual Artists Association Nantucket Dinner and Auction takes place this Saturday night. It’s already sold out, but I thought I’d tell you something about it - maybe you’ll buy your tickets early next year. Bob Frazier sent me over the following: The auction started as an annual event in the 1940s as the Patron Plan, which quickly became the Artist-Patron Plan, since it matched an AAN artist (usually 25) and their work with an equal number of predetermined patrons bidding at a set price. By the 1970s, the event had evolved into a fundraising night using the classic auction format. This year, the auction represents a full blown gala benefit: a preview with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, live auction featuring Rafael Osona, sit down meal, special features, and dancing. Funds raised go to support such programs as the extensive workshop class program for adults and children, the growing Permanent Collection of recent Nantucket artwork (1920s to today), and to some extent the gallery operation that represents over 150 artists, from emerging local talent to established island icons. Special events at the 2007 benefit–titled “The Sky’s the Limit”–include: a surprise presentation on the recent Hot Glass glassblowing demonstrations, augmentations in Powerpoint, and a small auction of kites painted by AAN artists. For more details call the AAN offices at 228-0722, Alison Hall Cooley, ext. 4#.

If you’re looking for something to do for a specific day, go right to the Arts and Social Calendar. Otherwise, here are the highlights for the coming week, arranged by genre.

NIGHTLIFE

• Chicken Box: The Atlantics Thursday through Saturday, Porter, Batiste and Stoltz (PBS) Monday and Tuesday, then Audible Mainframe on Wednesday, and The Savage Brothers next Thursday through Saturday.
• Rose & Crown: Every Thursday is Karaoke night, and Friday brings Chris Annibell, presented by the A.M. Group. Saturday and Sunday it’s the Orange Crush 80’s Cover Band. Earth Got the Blues, jazz and blues every Wednesday of summer.
• The Muse: Fat Cats, Fridays, 6 to 9, and Air Band every Sunday night of the summer.
• Cinco: Thursday night is jazz night, with the Richard Sylvester Jazz Trio from 7:30 - 10:30.
• Brant Point Grill: The Bob Lehman Trio Sunday through Tuesdays nights, 7:30 to 10:30. P. J. Moody plays Sunday Brunch from 11:30 to 2:30 .
• Summer House: Jamie Howarth Wednesday through Sunday nights.
• Starlight: Jeff Ross Wednesday through Sunday, 9 to 1.
• Even Keel Cafe: Piano Dave, Thursday through Sunday, all summer, 6 to 9.
• The Cobbletones put on a crowd-gathering show in front of Zero Main (thank Paul and Noel for graciously allowing the show) every Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 and 9:15 pm.

CONCERTS

• Noonday Concert: Helen Hammond, soprano. Unitarian Church, Thursday at noon.
• Boston Virtuosi String Orchestra Organ & Timpani, Tuesday, 8 pm, Congregational Church.
• John Buttrick: Noonlight Sonatas. Wednesday noon.
• Noonday Concert: A. Ghazaryan, violin; R.Behrman, piano. Noon Thursday (26th), Unitarian Church.
• NCMC Jazz Band, Thursday (26th), Children’s Beach

BENEFITS

• The gun goes off for The Race for Open Space at 8 am Saturday at the Westmoor Club.

SPEAKERS

• Dr. Susan Hockfield, Friday at 8 pm at the Congregational Church
• Frances Beinecke, Natural Resources Defense Council, Monday at 8 pm at the Unitarian Church
• Historic Lighting with Don Carpenter. Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the Whaling Museum.

THEATER

• Faith Healer: Wednesday through Saturday nights until July 21st, at the Methodist Church
• Theatre Workshop of Nantucket presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Methodist Church. Wednesday-Saturday through July 28th, at 5PM.

COMEDY

• Comedy Improv: Methodist Church, Sunday, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
• Comedy Night with Kevin Flynn, Monday, Methodist Church, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

GALLERY OPENINGS

• 12 Orange: Kasia Baker, Virginia Joffe, Robert McKee, Hunter McKee, Ted Rabidoux
  and David Halliday. Friday 6 to 9.

• Easy Street Gallery: Painter Janis Sanders. Friday, 7 to 9.
• John Evans Gallery, Artists of the Gallery. Friday, 6 to 8.
• Old Spouter Gallery: M.J. Levy Dickson, Friday 6 to 8.
• Pierce Galleries: 19th Century American Landscapes. Friday, 6 to 8
• South Wharf Gallery on India Street: Molly Dee, Friday, 4 to 8
• Nantucket Artisans Collective Craft Show, Clay Art Studio. Saturday, 10 to 4.

MOVIES AT THE STARLIGHT

• Evan Almighty: Friday & Saturday
• Live Free or Die Hard: Friday & Saturday
• Transformers: Sunday and Thursday
• Harry Potter: Monday and Tuesday
• Fantastic Four: Wednesday

Go to the Arts and Social Calendar for times.

THEATER

• Faith Healer: Wednesday through Saturday nights until July 21st, at the Methodist Church
• Patience of Nantucket, Bennett Hall, now through Sunday (15th), 8 p.m. except 4 p.m Sunday.

COMEDY

• Comedy Improv: Methodist Church, Sunday, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
• Comedy Night with Kevin Flynn, Monday, Methodist Church, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

FRIDAY GALLERY OPENINGS

• The Gallery at Four India: “Old World meets the New World”, Solo Exhibit : Peter Layne Arguimbau runs through July 31.6 - 8 pm
• South Wharf Gallery: Anne Baldwin Sutherland, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Gallery Blue: Zerbe Sodervick, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Round the Horn: Sarah Brayer, 5 to 8 PM
• Brigham Galleries: Group Exhibition, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Capizzo Gallery: Barbara Capizzo, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• East End Gallery: Photographs of Celia Pearson. 6 to 8 p.m.
• Old Spouter Gallery: Robert Frazier and Howard Fraker, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
• Pierce Galleries: Geoffrey Smith. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Dane Gallery: Hot Glass Meet the Artists Reception, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

BOOK SIGNINGS

• Amanda Eyre Ward, Author of “Forgive Me”: Bookworks, Friday, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Peter and Cheryl Burns, “Nat, Nat the Nantucket Cat”: Mitchell’s Book Corner, Saturday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Clair Cook. “Life’s a Beach”: Bookworks, Sunday, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
• Ferenc Mate “Ghost Sea”: Bookworks, Sunday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
• Nantucket Atheneum Annual Used Book Sale, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

MOVIES AT THE STARLIGHT

• Transformers: Friday and Saturday
• Oceans 13: Sunday
• Evan Almighty: Monday and Tuesday
• Knocked Up: Monday and Tuesday