Arts & Culture
ALAN JOSLIN PHOTO Rockin' the Stars T 50
The little music hall on the water has become a whopping success. The Shalin Liu Performance Center, which opened in June 2010, now plays to sold-out
concerts every summer. The
program offers an ever richer variety and performances 52 weeks a year. For the first time ever, this summer the
Shalin Liu will present the Rockport Jazz Festival, starring national headliners including Roy Hanes and Ellis Marsalis. Organizers hope this festival will have the chops to rival such great jazz festivals as Newport's. Including the Jazz and Chamber Music
Festivals, this summer's music offerings encompass Celtic, folk, big band, swing, banjo, Paula Cole, Judy Collins and even baroque and medieval music. Met HD simulcasts, free family
Cape Ann Guide 2012 ~ Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport
concerts and master classes continue too. Nationwide, performers have heard the buzz
from other musicians about what a great place to play the Shalin Liu is, and ask to come here, drawn by the close connection between audience and performer, and the crystalline acoustics. Oh, and that view. Planning its expansion cautiously, Rockport
Music has grown from 24 events a year to 150, surpassing its five-year plan in the first year. With only 330 seats
cover less than half the budget, so raising money is a constant effort. Despite all
outdone itself in its third season, with more concerts than ever this summer. So once again we say, bravo, Shalin Liu. Bravo. For a full schedule of events, www.rockportmusic.org or call 978-546-7391.
to sell, ticket revenues this, Rockport Music has visit