HOWL May | June 2016

VOL. 3, NO. 3 MAY | JUNE 2016

FREE

ROCK OUT-SIDE! Your guide to summer music, fairs & festivals

LICKS FOR LOVERS Stroke Volume revs their engine in the studio

ART IN MOTION

Mutant vehicles invade Lowell for first Kinetic Sculpture Race

SIPPING PRETTY

10 things you need to know about tequila

howlmag.com | HOWL Magazine | 1

Sunday, May 22, 2016 Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell

Walk!

Volunteer!

Sponsor!

Join as an individual or put a team together — big or small

Volunteering at TeamWalk is fun and rewarding

Be a corporate sponsor or sponsor an individual or team

Ignite Hope, Inspire Courage, Join TeamWalk OR SHINE! | www.teamwalk.org 2RAIN | HOWL Magazine | howlmag.com

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978-937-6434

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FEATURES 7 WHERE TO EAT NOW GreenSpoon’s call for culinary freedom.

15 FOR THE RECORD Stroke Volume revs its engine in the studio.

22 ROCK OUT-SIDE! Your guide to summer music, fairs and festivals.

28 ART IN MOTION Mutant vehicles invade Lowell in city’s first Kinetic Sculpture Race.

GOING OUT 4 BRITISH INVASION Londoners Wolf Alice and fellow Brits The 1975 head to the Tsongas Center.

17 SOUND BITES Ruby Rose Fox’s powerful soul-driven rock gospel act heads to The Middle East.

MUSIC & MORE 10 SIPPING PRETTY Ten things you need to know about tequila.

18 STAR POWER Lowell Summer Music Series ushers in a new season of national acts at the region’s best outdoor urban concert venue.

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26 MAKING A MARK Gallery Z provides a new downtown haven for local art.

30 HOMEGROWN Go guide: Our favorite local farm fare.

33 THE PERFECT WEEKEND Lowell packs in many identities. Here’s your to-do list for dining, drinks, music, art, history and shopping.

On the cover: Stroke Volume. Left to Right — Angela Bruce, Michele Morgan, Kelly Dimbat and Michelle Heron.

Photo by Tory Germann.

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HOWL www.howlmag.com EDITOR & PUBLISHER Rita Savard PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jim Lichoulas III

SOUND HOT SHOWS MAY

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MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Hand MULTIMEDIA ART DIRECTOR Richard Francey

MAY

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PHOTOGRAPHY Tory Germann torygermannphotography.com Coleman Rogers colemanrogers.com Allegra Boverman allegraboverman.com Nancy Ho Lindsay Nolin DESIGNERS Carl Johnson Amelia Tucker

Lowell General Hospital celebrates its 125th anniversary with the legendary Steve Miller Band. 8pm, tickets $25. 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell.

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LIZ LONGLEY AT THE BULL RUN

Formerly of Boston, this wellloved local songbird now resides in Nashville and plans to show off her alt-country chops by doing what she does best — moving a crowd with vocals that thrill. 7:30pm, tickets $18. 215 Great Road, Shirley. bullrunrestaurant.com

SCARED SCRIPTLESS AT THE LUNA THEATER

House Thespian proudly presents their improve/sketch comedy troupe with a revolving cast every second Monday of the month. Free, all ages show. 250 Jackson St. at Mill No. 5, 4th fl., Lowell.

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GUSTER AT LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Great American alt-rock from this acoustic-pop threesome that all started in Medford. 7:30pm at Boarding House Park. Tickets $37 adv./$40 day of show. 40 French St. lowellsummermusic.org

MAY

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JENNY & THE GENTS AT UNCHARTED

Clever lyrics and catchy melodies from this local indie songbird and her talented band. All ages show.

103 Market St., Lowell.

JUNE

BENT KNEE AT THE HI-HAT LOUNGE

JUNE

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Unchartedstudios.tumblr.com

MAY

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EVENT DIRECTOR Heather Barker heather@howlmag.com TAP INTO OUR AUDIENCE ads@howlmag.com HEADQUARTERS Mill No. 5 250 Jackson Street, No. 404 Lowell, MA 01852

JUNE

Lunalowell.com

STAFF WRITERS Nick Tsui Victoria Wasylak Chris Flisher EDITORIAL INTERNS Richard Budd Jennifer Desrosiers

STEVE MILLER BAND AT THE TSONGAS CENTER

tsongascenter.com

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Mark Coletti ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Terry Badman

& SCENE

Genre defying art rock from Boston. Singer Courtney Swain’s intense vocals are nothing short of spectacular. All ages show. No cover. Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St. Millno.5.com

MAY

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CONNECT WITH US hello@howlmag.com

JUNE

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LOS SUGAR KINGS AT BACK PAGE

Highly skilled roots rock and reggae fusion. 9pm, free. 15 Kearney Square, Lowell. backpagelowell.com

Boston’s favorite funk and disco band. 9pm, tickets $17. 439 Market St, Lowell. zorbamusichall.com FITZ & THE TANTRUMS AT HAMPTON BEACH CASINO

Genre-smashing modern pop sextet. 8pm, tickets $19.75 adv./$25 day of show. 169 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton. casinoballroom.com FOUR LEGGED FAITHFUL AT BACK PAGE

Quartet of highly skilled traditional folk/bluegrass-inspired singer-songwriters. 9pm, free. 15 Kearney Square, Lowell. backpagelowell.com

Learn more about all local upcoming events at

Proudly Published in Lowell, Mass. by King Printing

howlmag.com

WOLF ALICE + THE 1975 AT THE TSONGAS CENTER

We can’t get enough of the evocative North London alt-rock of Wolf Alice led by vocalist Ellie Roswell. Prepare for disarming melodies, experimental textures and hooks that won’t leave your head for days. 8pm, tickets $37.50. 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell. tsongascenter.com

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BOOTY VORTEX AT THE ZORBA MUSIC HALL

MAY

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FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET MAY 13 | LOWELL CITY HALL madeinlowell.org

On the second Friday of each month find food trucks, live music, a beer garden and indie market in full swing outside City Hall, 50 Arcand Drive.

Presented by Made in Lowell.

THE FUN LIST MAY

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FIRST THURSDAY LOWELL

On the first Thursday of every month, downtown buzzes with an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, local dining and retail deals. Explore, shop and play. This is a perfect time to find that one-of-a-kind treasure.

JUNE

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FASHION SHOW & BRIDAL FAIR AT THE ONYX ROOM

Enjoy the latest in local not-so-traditional wedding attire and bridal fashion in support of lives affected by HIV and AIDS. 7pm, suggested donation $20; tickets required for evening fashion show, $15 reserved seating/$20 VIP. 122 Western Ave B Mill Studio Space, Lowell.

JUNE

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DIGS MARKETPLACE AT MILL NO. 5

Spring is in full bloom at this annual marketplace featuring vendors of vintage, handmade and artisanal items for the home and garden. 250 Jackson St., 4th fl., Lowell.

JUNE

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millno5.com MAY

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FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT LOWELL CITY HALL

On the second Friday of each month find food trucks, live music, a beer garden and indie market in full swing outside City Hall, 50 Arcand Drive. Presented by Made in Lowell.

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Millno5.com MAY

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DOG DAY AT MILL NO. 5

Blanket making, bake sale, dog adoptions and more. 12pm, free. 250 Jackson St, 4th Floor, Lowell.

FARM TO COCKTAIL BASH AT UNITED TEEN EQUALITY CENTER

Sample a variety of delicious fresh cocktails straight from the urban farm to your table. 5:30pm, free. 35 Warren St, Lowell.

LOWELL SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY 17-19 AT LUCY LARCOM PARK JUNE

Three day event celebrating the start of the season, featuring kids’ games, food, music, crafts, and outdoor movie, and more. 5pm-9pm, free. Lucy Larcom Park, Lowell.

PRINCE TRIBUTE AT THE LUNA THEATER

Freaky Friday Purple Party remembers the late great music icon with a live tribute on the Hi-Hat stage at 8pm, followed by a screening of Purple Rain at 9:45pm. Free. Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St., Lowell.

Today show hosts headline the 18th annual Middlesex Community College Celebrity Forum in support of MCC Foundation student scholarships. 8pm, tickets $90 and up.

50 East Merrimack St., Lowell.

utec-lowell.org

madeinlowell.com MAY

KATHIE LEE AND HODA KOTB AT LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

lowellauditorium.com

theonyxroom.org MAY

Experience more than 300 artists under one roof at this monthly exhibition. Noon to 5pm, free. 122 Western Ave. Lowell. westernavenuestudios.com

cultureiscool.org/downtown-lowell-first-thursdays MAY

OPEN STUDIOS AT WESTERN AVENUE

madeinlowell.org/summer-kick-off JUNE

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LGBT PRIDE PICNIC AT BOARDING HOUSE PARK

A fun outdoor family event celebrating the region’s LGBT community, featuring live music, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, games and activities. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Noon – 3pm. 40 French St., Lowell Greaterlowellhealthalliance.org

5.lunalowell.com

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GREENSPOON A CALL FOR CULINARY FREEDOM Photos by Jen Desrosiers

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here are restaurants that loudly announce their genius to the world, and others that go about the business of feeding people well without making a big fuss. Tom Le’s GreenSpoon is one of the latter.

Specializing in New American cuisine, the lowkey dining spot at 108 Merrimack St. is all about deconstructing traditional Western and Eastern meals and injecting dishes with unlimited creative freedom.

“These days, people want healthier options without sacrificing great taste,” says Le. “We aim to give them exactly that.”

howlmag.com | HOWL Magazine | 7

HOWL | Eat & Drink Loosely defined as farm-totable fusion food with French and Asian influences, New American cuisine can now include just about any ingredients or technique from around the world. In theory, says Chef Daniel Wainaina, that reflects our country’s melting-pot culture — and gives him room to play.

“I’ve always loved cooking,” Wainaina says. “My favorite thing is working with seasonal ingredients and then experimenting with those flavors to give people something familiar but also a little unexpected.”

The result is a menu that transforms classics with modern interpretations, like the couscous taco ($9). This creation comes front-loaded with healthy tidbits and it’s tasty to boot. Served up in a bowl, not a shell, the medley of organic pinto beans, fresh jalapeno, charred corn, tomato, avocado, red peppers, arugula and creamy house-made cilantro dressing is an experience that’s worlds away from what you’ll find at your standard taco bar.

After whiling away an afternoon at work, you can pop into GreenSpoon and find border hopping snacks like vegetable samosas with red cabbage slaw and yogurt sauce ($5), home fries prepared with lemon-harissa oil ($3.50), or pita chips and house made hummus ($4.50).

The menu also has some impressive vegetarian options including the wild mushroom melt smothered with roasted wild mushrooms, Swiss cheese

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and pear sauce on rye bread ($7), and the raw feast, a colorful bowl brimming with pickled cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, faro, red cabbage, beets, golden raisins, walnuts and orange-miso dressing ($9).

Carnivores craving meat can get food happy with Wainaina’s perfectly seasoned, melt-in-yourmouth steak tenderloin served with Yukon mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, carrots and mushrooms ($22). The lemonthyme grilled chicken sandwich is equally satisfying and a less expensive option pairing poultry with a zesty jolt of red pepper jam, aioli, sun-dried tomatoes, baby arugula and American cheese ($6.50).

Another bonus: smoothies and juices are freshly made to order.

We especially liked the tropical fest juice combining watermelon, orange, pineapple and ginger ($6).

“For us it’s all about longevity and health,” Le adds. “And that means being selective about every ingredient that goes into the food-making and knowing where it comes from. You can really taste the difference.”

WHAT: GreenSpoon, New American cuisine WHERE: 108 Merrimack St., Lowell WHEN: Mon.-Sat., 10am-10pm.

Closed Sunday.

INFO: 978-455-5605 greenspoonrestaurant.com

Chef Daniel (left) and owner Tom Le

Eat & Drink | HOWL

REALITY BITES RANDOM RANTING FROM A RESTLESS RESTAURANT MIND

By Scott Plath

1981’s Ramen Bowl | Photo by Allegra Boverman

HOT AND COLD, NEW AND OLD

new pubs if you choose. Me? When I’m in the mood for a pint, I’ll choose downtown Lowell’s independent soul every single time.

Lowell’s street-cred enjoyed an uptick last year when a badass ramen shop opened on main-street…so urban and hip; oodles of noodles in a rich and meaty broth.

You know who wasn’t a class act?

The dentist-guest at Cobblestones who handed his business card to his bucktoothed server — and said, “I can fix those teeth.” Seriously dude. Who’s going to fix your manners? She came into the kitchen crying. It wasn’t pretty.

Of course there are at least a couple Pho sites downtown that may be less smitten, wondering what the fuh… what public relations firm decided that ramen was the measure of cool like that. I’m confident that in-your-face NYC chef David Chang began soup’ing up ramen’s reputation back-in-the-day.

(FYI, “Fuh” is the correct way to pronounce Pho, but honestly, doing so makes me feel funny.)

Pho has been a big-bowl Lowell staple for as long as Chang was twirling chopsticks.

Mean people suck.

(I love that sometimes the most prescient lessons in life are found on bumper stickers.)

Here is a short list of other pet peeves of mine. (The long list would fill this issue!): • Why do cooks burn something, and send it out burnt side down? Guess what? That doesn’t un-burn it. Cook it again dude! Most people will wait patiently for it to be right.

His Momofuku restaurant group recently expanded with a new fastcasual concept in midtown Manhattan called Fuku. I’m still unsure if I love, or hate that.

• I twitch when a server says, “No problem.” Cool. Good to know you are not experiencing problems at your job, such as, providing more butter.

Speaking of Pho, I repeatedly squeeze in liberal amounts of the sideSriracha, only minutes later to sweatyself-admonish; “Too damn spicy Plath …you id-I-ot!” I’m still unsure if I love, or hate that.

(Am I sounding like an old curmudgeon? Cuz, I’m pretty certain that’s the way things are headed.)

Speaking of progressive noodles, Sizzling Kitchen (478 Merrimack St.) opened ‘a minute’ ago, offering more diversity than Lowell’s typical panSoutheast Asian venue. Check them out! Good chance the chef-owner will stop by your table, if not deliver a course. That’s special.

You know what else is special? On St Patrick’s Day, the busiest day of their year, Lowell’s Old Court blocked off a bar stool in memorial to a favorite, recently deceased guest. Class acts, these guys. Go ahead and visit shiny

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• Also, I hate, “Nope.” It translates for me as, “No. Dope.”

If you are in a dining room, and the water glasses are full, all the time, chances are you’re in an excellently run restaurant, with great sense of team.

Not half-full. Full-full.

Speaking of team, we like to say, “All oars in the water.” (My guys just groaned….Ok, ok, it’s me who likes to say it!) I used to say, “It takes a village” until I found out that’s what Hillary Clinton used to say. But I’m not going there.

Another basic, but favorite restaurant saying of ours is, “Hot food served hot, cold food cold.” That’s easier for us at

Cobblestones, as we happen to have crumbling, drafty windows on our kitchen “cold” line. (I don’t make this shit up!) We actually got a reasonable bid to replace some of those 157-yearold windows, but once our beloved downtown historic watchdog made his ‘recommendations’ the quote doubled.

The more things change…

I suppose if it’s not cucumbers or aging fruit, perfectly preserving things is expensive. You know, what isn’t?

When we re-up on plastic bags and duct tape next winter. Just sayin’.

Speaking of history, does anyone remember when choosing bleu cheese dressing for your salad actually cost an additional 25 cents? Once upon a time salad was still included with the dinner — just not the bleu cheese. What the…

Nowadays? (Old person word?) The salad is just as apt to actually be the main course, made of the “new” PR celebrity-vegetable, kale — which once upon a time was a trifling-yet-bouncy garnish that no one would actually think of eating!

What the fuh?

NOTE: A heartfelt “Thank you!” to the many recent donating and participating restaurants, chefs, vendors, sponsors, guests and our incredible staff who collaborated and volunteered along with Cobblestones Restaurant, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and No Kid Hungry/Cooking Matters to raise over $60,000 for hungry children in Massachusetts. We are both humbled, and blessed by your generosity.

SCOTT PLATH

along with his wife, Kathy, owns and operates Cobblestones in Lowell and Moonstones in Chelmsford. For additional ranting visit splath.com

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HOWL | Eat & Drink

SIPPING PRETTY: 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEQUILA!

By Richard Budd | Photos by Jen Desrosiers

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liquor as versatile as the shifting tall tales of its origin, tequila offers much more than a shot, a creepy worm and a burn.

Served over ice on a hot day, few spirits are actually as aromatic and flavorful.

“Tequila can transport you,” says William Entoriano, a mixologist at El Potro (124 Merrimack St.) restaurant where we found nearly 50 varieties of tequila behind the bar.

“It’s a piece of Mexico and with so many different kinds, you can taste notes of flavor from around the region like pepper, honey, florals, vanilla and more in a wellcrafted bottle.”

With such a wealth of options. it’s no wonder that America’s love for tequila has soared. Imports of tequila have grown 92 percent since 2002 — an average growth rate of 5.6 percent per year — according to the U.S. Distilled Spirits Council.

While the ever-popular margarita may be tequila’s bestknown offspring, there are many ways to enjoy the spirit.

1 | WHERE DOES TEQUILA COME FROM?

Tequila, named after the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico is only produced inside Jalisco and in some municipalities of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tampaulipas. Anything else — even if it’s made to near identical standards — is a mezcal, which is the term used for any spirit distilled from the agave plant.

(Therefore, all tequila is technically mezcal, but not all mezcal can call itself tequila.)

2 | HOW IS TEQUILA MADE?

The heart of the agave succulent, which resembles a pineapple, is roasted or steamed to release sugars for fermentation.

3 | HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE GETTING GENUINE TEQUILA?

Look for 100 percent agave tequila printed on the bottle label. This designation is allowed only to those bottles containing tequila with no added sugars.

4 | WHAT DOES REPOSADO MEAN?

Literally meaning “rest”, reposado tequila has matured in a cask between two and 11 months gathering some slight vanilla, caramels and other wood-associated flavors.

5 | WHAT DOES ANEJO MEAN?

We relied on our local bartenders to fill us in on a little tequila 101, and provide us with their favorite recipes for this agave-based liquor.

Cheers friends!

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It means old. So when you see anejo or extra anejo listed on one bottle, expect deeper, woodier, tannic notes like black tea and chocolate layered over the agave flavors. These tequilas have spent more time in casks.

6 | WHAT DOES BLANCO MEAN?

Blanco or silver tequila is unaged. It never hits wood and delivers the purest notes of agave.

7 | WHICH TEQUILA IS THE MOST POPULAR IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS?

Don Julio, Patron, Cabo Wabo and Hornitos are among the most requested tequilas in the Merrimack Valley.

8 | WHICH IS CONSIDERED THE MOST EXOTIC?

Don Julio Real goes for $40 a shot at El Potro.

9 | WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE WORM?

Tequila actually does not have a worm in its bottle. The worm, or gusano, is associated with mezcal. In the 1940s, a few brands started a marketing ploy attributing the worm to having aphrodisiac qualities causing an uptick in Americans eating mezcal-soaked larvae.

10 | THE BEST WAY TO DRINK TEQUILA?

Contrary to popular belief, tequila is not commonly consumed with a lime and salt in its home country of Mexico. Lime and salt is an American tradition adopted to hide the fiery sensation of tequilas that are rough-around-the-edges. If you’re not ready to go neat with your tequila, simply combine 100 percent blue agave blanco tequila with 1 part fresh lime juice and ¾ part agave nectar. Combine with ice, shake and serve over fresh ice or strain and serve straight up.

Eat & Drink | HOWL

LIFE BEHIND BARS HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING AT FUSE BISTRO? Just about four years.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BARTENDING? I started serving when I was 19, and I just always had a passion for mixing drinks and that kind of thing. I started bartending at one of my old jobs years ago and I’ve been doing it ever since.

WITH ALIA JONES FUSE BISTRO 45 PALMER STREET fusebistro.com

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING BEHIND THE BAR? Definitely the customer interaction.

I like the fact that I get to meet new people.

WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL & HOW DO YOU MAKE IT? A dirty martini, that’s just my thing.

Simple and satisfying with vodka and olive juice. I don’t like it too dirty and I don’t like it too clean.

YOU’D BE HAPPY IF YOU NEVER HAD TO MIX ANOTHER? Mojito. I absolutely hate mojitos.

WHAT’S YOUR CRAZIEST BAR STORY? When our big (firehouse) doors are open in the summer, we basically get a full theater

show of everything happening outside. One

time, things got way out of control at

(a neighboring bar) and a police officer was forced to pepper spray the entire crowd. We (the staff ) were all standing there watching and didn’t know what happened, and all of a sudden we were choking on pepper spray and all the employees had to run back inside.

IF YOU WERE A FLAVOR YOU’D BE? Salty.

IF YOU WEREN’T BARTENDING, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Baking cakes somewhere. I like to create things.

IF BARTENDERS HAD SUPERPOWERS YOURS WOULD BE? Mind reading.

FAVORITE PICKUP LINE OVERHEARD AT THE BAR? “Your last name is Steele? My last name is Steele too!” She was like, “We’re probably related.”

AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT YOU POUR YOURSELF? A glass of wine or a dirty martini.

Photo by Jen Desrosiers

MIXOLOGY 101 TEQUILA ISN’T JUST FOR MARGARITAS BLOODY HOT MARIA

LAVENDER COOLER

FUSE BISTRO, 45 PALMER ST., LOWELL

GARCIA BROGAN’S, 131 MIDDLESEX ST., LOWELL

Who says you can’t have tequila for breakfast?

• 1.5 oz. bacon & jalapeno house-infused tequila

Sweet and spicy — just like the HOWL Street Team.

Fruity and refreshing on a hot day.

• 2 oz. Don Julio blanco tequila • 1.5 oz. Licor 43 • Mango puree from 1 mango • 1 oz sour mix • 1 ½ oz. fresh lime juice

COBBLESTONES, 91 DUTTON ST., LOWELL

• House made Bloody Mary mix (secret Cobblestones blend) • Bacon powder, Old Bay, bacon garnish Rim a pint glass or mason jar with bacon powder and or Old Bay seasoning. Fill with ice, add tequila and fill glass with mix (for your own mix try blending 24 oz. tomato juice with 1 ½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon, 1 ½ oz. freshly squeezed lime, 1 tbs. Wocestershire sauce, 2 tsp. fresh horseradish, ½ tsp. salt, 1 tsp. Tabasco, 1 tsp. celery salt, ¾ tsp. freshly ground pepper). Garnish with your choice of bacon, celery, lemon, lime, jalapeno, blue cheese, olives.

• 2 oz. lavender infused tequila • 4 oz. fresh lemonade (best with freshly squeezed lemons) • 5 oz. jalapeno juice Combine tequila and jalapeno juice followed by lemonade, top with ice and stir.

MEXICAN STREET MANGO

• Dash of Tabasco Rim glass with cayenne pepper and sugar. Combine ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake it like you mean it. Pour over ice, add a strawberry and lime to garnish.

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HOWL | Eat & Drink

CHEAP EATS MEET MILL CITY’S GOURMET HOT DOG GUY

By Richard Budd | Photos by Jen Desrosiers

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self-proclaimed “Zen Foodist,” Brad Thibodeau is not necessarily a superhero but he has rescued plenty of locals suffering from lunchtime hunger pangs. You can find him peddling everything from handmade sausages and grilled cheese to duck and alligator meat hot dogs at the corner of Central and Middle streets.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A STREET CHEF AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?

I’ve been working food carts on and off my entire life, but I’ve been really looking forward the last several years to getting this particular spot. When it opened up, I jumped on it and I’ve been cooking here since the first week of January.

HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ALL OF YOUR COOKING IN LOWELL, OR HAVE YOU BEEN TO OTHER CITIES?

I worked Lawrence for years. I was the guy in front of the Claddagh (Pub), and also the Fenton Courthouse. I’ve really just developed an obsession with cooking from scratch and I was excited by the idea that Lowell would be ready for that, but I wasn’t sure. I just took the plunge and here I am.

HOW’S IT BEEN WORKING OUT FOR YOU SO FAR?

It’s fantastic! I sell out every day and everything’s made from scratch. I have fermented pineapple sauerkraut, ginger and lemon sauerkraut. I make sausages from scratch and the bread is all homemade — not homemade the way Subway is homemade, where they take frozen dough and throw it in the microwave. I activate the yeast, let it rise three times, turn it into a rosemary focaccia and then turn it into a grilled cheese. It’s really cool.

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WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR MOST POPULAR DISH?

The grilled cheese. Every week I have a special hot dog, so last week it was duck with a sweet French wine, and the week before it was alligator. I did alligator for a while and it was sold out constantly. But overall, it’s the grilled cheese.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO MAKE?

I love anytime I have to flambé the onions and peppers, that’s really fun.

It creates a chemical composition to the dish that’s sophisticated and unusual for a street cart. Anytime I’m cooking for someone and they eat something that changes their life in some way, that’s my new favorite dish. Even if it’s just a hot dog, if they’re blown away by it, that’s my favorite thing to cook.

ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR LUNCH CART?

Now that I’ve got the homemade baked bread down, I’d like to do a version of a steak and cheese with marinated steak.

$5 Off When You Spend $25

$10 Off When You Spend $45

ay Every Sund :4 0 from 1 5

Every Sunday from 10:15

SUNDAY BRUNCH Two Great Locations To Choose From Every Sunday!

“Enjoy sunny, bubbly brunches on our patio!”

Cobblestones of Lowell

91 Dutton St. Lowell, MA 978.970.2282 • cobblestonesoflowell.com

moonstones

185 chelmsford st (rt 110) 978.256.7777 • moonstones110.com

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photos by Tory Germann

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

FOR THE RECORD STROKE VOLUME

By Victoria Wasylak | Photos by Tory Germann

“Q

uick licks for lovers” – that’s how Billerica baddies Stroke Volume encapsulate their pulsating sound in a single quip. It fits, too, the same way their cover of The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb” creeps into your ears at a recent show at UnchARTed Gallery.

The ladies slink behind ‘80s-glam-rock-inspired stage names when in the game. Cherry Paradise (Angie Bruce) thunders on the drums, Lane Changah (Kelly Dimbat) holds the beat as rhythm guitarist, and Evilyn (Michele Morgan) channels her heavy metal background on lead guitar. Head riot girl Roxie Hazeldell (Michelle Heron) plays bass, provides the vocals, and cranks out the band’s catalogue.

The names all hint at something about each member’s personality or past; Roxie lifted the name from her great aunt, Lane Changah got the name from her driving strategies, and Evilyn is a nod to her past heavy metal days.

Their close-knit friendship peeks through their straight-faced interview as Cherry Paradise explains her name and Roxie interrupts.

“Well, being with her is like paradise,” Roxie says.

Game over. Five minutes into the conversation, their hokey camaraderie is already showing itself.

“Stroke Volume has history with one another,” Hazeldell adds. “I’ve known Cherry Paradise since we were in Bacharachattack together, Evilyn has been my best friend since age 11, and Lane Changah, I actually taught her daughter piano lessons many years ago.”

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HOWL | Music & Nightlife

Together, the band meets in “The Shed” for jam sessions that are part girls’ night out, part poetic justice.

The secret 20-by-20 practice space is an old workshop in Billerica that the girls happily cram into for practice, and potentially recording.

“The Shed is something that has evolved over time,” Lane Changah said.

“It’s equipped with vintage amps and drums, and we just show up and rock, and all the beer and alcohol we want is here.”

The space could be where the band records their first release this summer.

After two years of adjusting to each other’s diverse musical backgrounds and styles, it’s finally time to bring out the audio recorder.

“I think we’ve grown together because we all come from different playing backgrounds,” Evilyn said. “It took some time to get used to playing with one another, and now we’re finally feeling it out with one another.”

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After all, the band is a smorgasbord of rock genres, and then some. Evilyn comes from a hardcore background, Lane Changah was a band virgin, Cherry Paradise played Burt Bacharach covers with Roxie before the band, and Roxie Hazeldell is a classically trained pianist who taught herself bass to play in Stroke Volume.

The band is set to record their first physical release of original songs this summer. If the release is anything like their tumultuous original “Dream Date,” it’ll rumble and shimmy the way the ‘80s intended.

“We already have nine or 10 original songs at this point, so we really could make a whole album, but I do think we’re going to focus on three songs by the end of the summer to get quality recordings,” Lane Changah said.

“If we could even record an awesome set in the Shed, we might be able to do that and just have a single,” Evilyn said.

The ladies don’t get to moonlight as their rock ‘n’ roll alter egos often but when they do, they pack the bar.

Venues like O’Briens in Allston and Lowell’s UnchARTed become crowded for the band’s Heart, Led Zeppelin and Madonna-inspired sporadic sets.

“I’ve never seen so many girls in here,” joked a fan when the four women thrashed the stage at The Last Safe in Lowell. They were pretty much the only females in the room that night.

When the crowd cleared, the ladies remained a self-proclaimed “sisterhood” of axe-wielding proprietors of hard rock.

“Music is a pretty intimate thing, and playing music with strangers can be tough,” Hazeldell said. “I’ve written all these original songs and I have a drive to get them to sound a certain way, and I knew these girls would help me.

You’ve gotta to have some meat behind the bun, if you know what I mean.”

Hungry for more? Listen to the band’s music at strokevolume.us

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Music & Nightlife | HOWL

SOUND BITES

By Victoria Wasylak

IN BLOOM: ANNA MADSEN’S FLOWERING DEBUT

If you’re looking for the next lighthearted jam album to come out of the New England music scene, look away. Anna Madsen doesn’t have it for you. The alternative singer-songwriter from Concord, N.H., makes her mature full-length debut on Efflorescence, a record that’s equal parts pretend and passion. The 13-track album ranges from cello-infused alternative pop to European-style folk and tribal drumming, including a musical cameo from Genesis’ Anthony Phillips. Laced with imagery of morality and defiance, the record is even more pensive than her Palm Reader EP. “What if you let your sins define you?” Madsen asks. “To me, temptation feels a lot like a beautiful garden — welcoming and safe on the outside, but nothing but an illusion to the ugly consequences that hide on the other side.”

Songs like “Devil’s Garden” come from personal feelings of conflict, whereas “Irena’s Lullaby” is a song inspired by a real woman who smuggled Jewish children out of Nazi Poland.

“This record is really special to me because it’s a collection of stories and emotions that I’ve been carrying with me for a very long time,” Madsen said. “Many of the songs are autobiographical (like “Black Dress,” “Devil’s Garden,” “Madame Laree” and “Epitaph”) and others are stories that I’ve tried to bring to life.”

Efflorescence debuts on May 21 at Madsen’s release party at Amoskeag Studio, 250 Commercial St, Suite 2007, Manchester. Listen at soundcloud.com/annamadsen

Giannetti, cranks up the volume with a whirlwind of a record that draws equally on ACDC’s hard bluesy strut and Sabbath’s sinister swing.

Make no mistake. Johnson’s southern rock roots are still present, only turbocharged like a dirty El Camino speeding through the Mojave. Standouts on the album include “Ship in a Bottle,” leading with a simple, slightly lagging and sexy as hell drum beat that crunches into a nasty and melodic riff rivaling Toni Iommi for its sheer air guitar inducing power.

Crisp, fast and fun, the sci-fi doom rocker “Death Threat Ray Gun” tells the tale of an intergalactic hit man while bringing good taste and restraint to hard rock guitar in a way that’s never overly showy. All in all, the 10 songs on Murdock’s debut album prove that swagger, soul and songcraft still have a place in the heavy-rock underground.

Download Murdock on reverbnation.com/carljohnson

Photo by Coleman Rogers

RUBY ROSE FOX’S KILLER CASE OF THE BLUES

MURDOCK’S MEANINGFUL UPDATE ON A VINTAGE SOUND

Guitarist Carl Johnson is known on the local scene for his thumb-picked bluesy finger styling and crisp, classic tones reminiscent of Jeff Beck and Dickey Betts. But his latest project, Murdock, combining the powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Justin Beaulieu and bassist Frank

Fox isn’t leaving the blues to boys. On the decorated Boston singer/ songwriter’s first full-length album Domestic, she toys with an effortless mix of modern soul and whip-smart pop-rock, burning up everything in her musical wake. Recorded at Mortal Music Recording Studios in Boston, the 14-track record flaunts her signature throaty, deep vocals. Fox masquerades behind different personas, from Coco Chanel in the bitingly satirical “Dirty Dog,” to Frankenstein’s monster in the soul-rocker “Dance of Frankenstein.” Sewn together, Domestic is a fleshed-out and highly personal jam session classic. On the cover, she literally bears it all in a quasi-nude and Technicolor portrait inspired by surrealist historian Jen Cohen. The move proved to be as ballsy as her new record. “I felt like there was no way that her model [in the original] didn’t feel objectified, so I tried it myself,” she said. “I was wrong. I was extremely surprised to feel completely comfortable. I’m not sure how it will read as a mass-produced image. I have a feeling it might produce the opposite effect...which I’m ok with. It was worth the discovery.”

The Domestic release party is June 3 at The Middle East Nightclub, 480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Rock out at rubyrosefox.com

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HOWL | Music & Nightlife

LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC

SERVES UP SWEET SOUNDS UNDER THE STARS

By Victoria Wasylak | Photo Lindsay Nolin

W

hat do Peter Frampton, Guster and Mary Chapin Carpenter all have in common? You can catch all three playing this season’s all-star lineup at Lowell Summer Music Series.

“All of those three shows I have been working on for years and years and years,” says event organizer John Marciano. “It happens to be the year that they’ve all been landed.”

The three acts are just a few of the new acts to come to Boarding House Park this summer for Lowell’s premier outdoor concerts. Weird Al Yankovic, The Lone Bellow, Dr. Dog, and Colin Hays of Men at Work are all new shows for the everimproving music series. The stellar “Case/Lang/Veirs” showcase will feature Neko Case, k.d. Lang and Laura Veirs – all Lowell Summer Music alumni – playing onstage together for the first time.

“These are guys that are selling out (the) House of Blues — 2,500 seats for Dr. Dog one night, and for Guster two nights in a row!” Marciano said. “That’s a big deal.”

Returning favorites The Indigo Girls and The B-52s remain guaranteed crowdpleasers for all ages, and The Lone Bellow and Guster are geared to appeal to a younger demographic. While the series always offers a variety of genres and acts, 2016’s lineup is more of a musical cornucopia than usual, especially with Weird Al — the current bestselling show — sandwiched in the series.

“Last year the bar was set pretty high,” he said. “This year’s lineup is a very strong, diverse lineup that’s as good as last year.”

Every year, Lowell Summer Music Series faces the challenge of outdoing itself, a task Marciano factors into the both lineup and the entire concert experience.

Last year, the series worked on improving the site’s bathrooms, and this year, ticket

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pickup has been rearranged for smaller and faster box office lines.

“Revitalization is the name of the game here,” Marciano said. “We’re doing this series to introduce new and different people to Lowell, Massachusetts and all that Lowell, Massachusetts has to offer.”

Boarding House Park offers 30 premium seats in the two front rows of the venue, which are available with a $100 donation to the park along with the ticket price. Of course, Lowell residents still enjoy what Marciano calls the “Lowell advantage.” An annual tradition, people still come and plunk down their chairs, blankets and towels to secure prime lawn space after 7am on the day of the show.

“The premium seats are just a great idea for folks that are either coming from a distance, haven’t been here before, can’t put their stuff down early, things like that,” he said.

Buy beyond the two rows of VIP seats, fans who arrive early enough can snag prime real estate with their general admission ticket. Unlike the dreaded lawn sections of stadiums, there’s no lousy seat in the park, and fans can still get close to the stage without shelling out hundreds.

“You can be in the third row of this venue for just a little bit of your time and whatever that ticket price is, and that just isn’t happening anymore anywhere else,” Marciano said.

“Lowell Summer Music is still music for the people, and we can’t celebrate that enough.

Our goal is to have a cheaper price tag than the next guy, and a far better experience.”

LEARN MORE AND GET THE COMPLETE CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE AT LOWELLSUMMERMUSIC.ORG

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Arts & Culture | HOWL

ARTS & CULTURE HYPERTEXT PROVES PRINT IS FAR FROM DEAD

By Richard Budd | Photos by Jen Desrosiers

H

yperText Bookstore Café got its start like so many great things do — in a desire to avoid the hassle of a long drive to work.

“My sister and I both worked in the Cambridge area, and it was a long, traffic-y commute,” says coowner Sheila Cail, who lives in Lowell with her sister and fellow co-owner, Samantha Cail. “We wanted to basically be closer to home; tired of our old gigs and whatnot.”

HyperText occupies a cozy but reasonably spacious ground floor room at 107 Merrimack Street, with large picture windows looking out to the street. The Cails found it right off the bat, without even having to search for other options.

“Everything just happened very quickly,” says Cail, who felt Lowell was ready for something like HyperText. “All of the business parts of the city of Lowell opened a million doors for us and made it very easy for this to happen…it felt like a hopeful time to try it out.”

Initially, the focus was heavier on the café side of the business than selling books. But the results were surprising.

“I thought it would be all about coffee, but people are buying books!” Cail says. “We sank a lot more money into the café, and we’re selling more books than we are coffees, which is interesting.”

While it’s easy to assume there would be less of a demand for brick-and-mortar bookstores in the age of the e-book and e-reader, Cail has found that may not necessarily be the case.

“For me and for a lot of the people I talk to, we prefer the physical books,” says Cail, who reads e-books as well. “You spend all day looking at screens and the

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HOWL | Arts & Culture last thing you want to do when you’re reading at night is go to sleep while glued to another screen.”

Sales trends across the board reflect HyperText’s retail success. According to the Association of American Publishers, which collects data from nearly 1,200 publishers, e-book sales fell by 10 percent in the first half of 2015. All together, digital books accounted last year for around 20 percent of the market, while the surprising resilience of print has provided a lift to many booksellers.

ROCK

Nevertheless, Cail was open about the fact that the physical bookstore is not a profitable business, but remains optimistic.

“You don’t make a ton of money doing this, but it’s holding its own for the moment!” she says. “Bookstores offer a third place for people, they’re more about being a place for gathering and talking about ideas and meeting people.

There are people who are fiercely loyal and political about shopping local and supporting bookstores. And you can’t get, for instance, author readings on Amazon.”

Having a finger on the pulse of this local audience is only one of many things that prove valuable for Cail when handpicking which titles to stock, and yes, there is a lot of list reading involved.

“I guess it’s heavily my personal taste,” says Cail, who is an author of horror and science fiction, with a self-described eagle eye for those genres. “You’ll see that those sections are also not what you would find in an average store. There are some voices there that tend to get marginalized, like people of color and women, that you will find on my shelf.”

HyperText Bookstore Café at 107 Market St. is open Mon-Fri, 7am to 6pm; Sat-Sun, 9am to 7pm. For more info call 978-677-7191 and follow them at: facebook.com/HyperText-Bookstore

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER MUSIC, FAIRS & FESTIVALS by the HOWL Street Team

Summertime in New England 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.

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OUT-SIDE! BOSTON CALLING MUSIC FESTIVAL FRI. MAY 27 – SUN. MAY 29

CITY HALL PLAZA, BOSTON

Boston’s most famous music festival returns with an all-star lineup. Big names to get excited for in 2016 include Sia, Sufjan Stevens, Robyn, Disclosure, Haim, Janelle Monae, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and many more. bostoncalling.com

STRANGE CREEK CAMPOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL FRI. MAY 27 – MON. MAY 30

1 HEALTH CAMP RD, GREENFIELD

Come camp out for a weekend with great music, beautiful scenery, and fun for all ages. The 2016 lineup features great shows by acts like Max Creek, Zach Deputy, Ryan Montbleau Band, The Machine, Pink Talking Fish, John Kadlecik Band, and more. strangecreekcampout.com

NEW BEDFORD FOLK FESTIVAL SAT. JULY 9 – SUN. JULY 10

684 PURCHASE STREET, NEW BEDFORD

Voted one of “New England’s Greatest Celebrations” by the Boston Globe, this folk fest features some of the best in contemporary, Americana, traditional, blues and Celtic folk music. Some of the best acts to look forward to include Livingston Taylor, Kate Taylor, Cheryl Wheeler, Rory Block, RUNA, and over 50 other performers and grous. newbedfordfolkfestival.com

LEOMINSTER STARBURST FESTIVAL SAT. JUNE 11

DOYLE FIELD, PRIEST ST, LEOMINSTER

Kick off the summer in style at the annual Starburst festival. Events will include performances by the Leominster High School Jazz Band and magician Eddie Raymond, a craft table for the kids, and a “Pops” style concert performed by the 40-piece Starburst Band conducted by Robert Healy.

LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES FRI. JUNE 10 – SAT. 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 Patty Griffin, Guster, Peter Frampton, Los Lobos, Peter Wolf & The Midnight Travellers, “Weird Al” Yancovic, The B-52’s and more. lowellsummermusic.org

MUTTON & MEAD MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL SAT. JUNE 18 – SUN. JUNE 20

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. muttonandmead.com Band: Walk Off the Earth | Photo Lindsay Nolin

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HOWL | Arts & Culture

THE GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL FRI. JULY 8 – SUN. JULY 10

ONE COLLEGE DRIVE, GREENFIELD

ST. PETER’S FIESTA

WED. JUNE 22 – SUN. JUNE 26

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. stpetersfiesta.org

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 18

SAMPAS PAVILION, LOWELL

Music, dance and a dizzying array of traditional foods, along with one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing and art. africanfestivallowell.org

LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES FRI. JUNE 10 – SAT. SEPT. 6

40 FRENCH ST., LOWELL LOWELLSUMMERMUSIC.ORG Photo by Nancy Ho

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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 Dawes, NRBQ, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Dustbowl Revival, TheSuffers, Birds of Chicago 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

MOXIE FESTIVAL

FRI. JULY 8 - SUN. JULY 10

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 12 – SUN. JULY 17

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

Arts & Culture | HOWL

NORTH ATLANTIC BLUES FESTIVAL SAT. JULY 16 – SUN. JULY 17

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 Blues Caravan, Alexis P. Sutter, Toronzo Cannon, Mike Zito and The Wheel, Quinn Sullivan and more. northatlanticbluesfestival.com

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL FRI. JULY 29 – SUN. JULY 31

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 King Sunny Adé & His African Beats, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Lurrie Bell’s Chicago Blues Band, Jason D. Williams, Savoy Family Cajun Band, and more.lowellfolkfestival.org

Photo by Tory Germann

HARBOR PARK, ROCKLAND, MAINE

SOUTHEAST ASIAN WATER FESTIVAL SAT AUG. 20

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. lowellwaterfestival.com

BLUES ‘N’ BREWS Carolyn Wonderland plays Blues and Brews

SAT AUG. 2O – SUN AUG. 21

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 annual Blues ‘n’ Brews fest. This year’s rockin’ lineup includes Joe Louis Walker, Laurence Jones, Biscuit Miller & The Mix, Carolyn Wonderland, Christine Campbell, Gary Hoey and more. bluesnbrewsrotary.org

MARTHA’S VINEYARD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TUES SEPT. 6 - SUN SEPT. 11

NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL FRI. JULY 22 – SUN. JULY 24

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, Flight of The Conchords, Norah Jones, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Father John Misty, and case/lang/veirs are just some of the reasons to get excited, not to mention one beautiful backdrop to all the happenings — Newport Harbor. newportfolk.org

THE WHITE MOUNTAIN BOOGIE N’ BLUES FESTIVAL FRI AUG. 19 – SUN AUG. 21

NH ROUTE 175, NORTH THORNTON, NH

New Hampshire’s largest outdoor blues festival enters its 20th year with a bang in a weekend featuring blues artists, food vendors, craft vendors, a climbing wall, fireworks, and other fun activities. Among the many great acts to take the stage this year are Gracie Curran & the High Falutin Band, Albert Cummings, The Boston Blues AllStars, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, and Watermelon Slim. whitemountainboogie.com

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

LOWELL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL THURS SEPT. 8 – SAT SEPT. 10

LUCY LARCOM PARK, LOWELL

Grand tastings, live cooking demos, top chefs, sommelierpaired wine lists, craft brewers, music, art and more make this annual food fest a worthy stop on your summer to-do list. tlfwf.org

HAMPTON BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FRI SEPT. 9 – SUN SEPT. 11

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 clam chowder champion. hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com

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HOWL | Arts & Culture

MAKING A MARK GALLERY Z

S

howcasing local art since 2012, the former Zeitgeist Gallery has been reinvented as Gallery Z, under new ownership by artist Patty DiStefano. The updated venue includes a cozy café and is as much a community space as an art gallery, says DiStefano. Presenting exhibits and events year round from great art to great fun, the downtown Lowell cooperative is an ideal place for emerging artists to spotlight their talent.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE AREA?

I’ve lived in Westford for 32 years but I’m originally from the North Shore, Salem and Marblehead, born and raised in Revere.

WHY DID YOU OPEN AN ART GALLERY?

I took over the Zeitgeist Gallery in November 2015 in an effort to save it from extinction. The original owners felt they had taken it as far as they could.

I recognized the uniqueness of the space, being a double-sided storefront with a prominent location right in historic Lowell’s downtown district, and thought it would provide an excellent space to showcase local art.

Gallery Z is a combination artists coop, exhibit gallery, and now coffeehousestyle cafe’. We have taken an out-of-the-box business model approach and wish to represent both visual and performing artists. This comes from my background working with Jo-Ann Castano who started the Art Colloquium, a visual and performing arts gallery, in Salem, Mass. back in 1975. I am giving this gallery that 1960s style coffeehouse flavor by opening up a dining room area with low lighting, art on the walls and a quiet atmosphere where people can come and have an artisan, or, rather, artist created sandwich /coffee / tea / cake and sit and listen to musicians, poets, story tellers and playwrights perform, and maybe, just maybe bring back the art of conversation.

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Photo by Heather Barker

TELL US ABOUT GALLERY Z. WHAT SORT OF WORK DO YOU REPRESENT?

Arts & Culture | HOWL

HOW MANY PIECES SHOULD AN ARTIST HAVE BEFORE LOOKING AT GALLERY REPRESENTATION?

Anyone can submit a proposal to our planning committee. If they are looking for a solo exhibit they should have a significant body of work as our gallery is quit large — at least 12 to 14 pieces. In addition, we have the smaller gallery, which can hold 8 to 12 pieces.

We do have a call out for artists and group shows, as well as solo exhibits.

Generally they run for a month and we encourage the artist to give a discussion at least one evening during the shows exhibit.

HOW HAS YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE AS AN ARTIST SHAPED YOUR APPROACH IN RUNNING A GALLERY?

As an artist, and, I may add, as a mother of two artists, I really think I know a thing or two about the condition. And I know that in order for an artist to be creative, they need to be appreciated.

Art does not exist in a vacuum. So the need for an artist’s work to be seen is essential. Having said that, we also need to make a living — preferably through our art — so we need the community’s support. When you come to our gallery and make a purchase, you know you are helping to support local artists.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE ON THE DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD?

My goal is to create this relationship between the artist and the community, where we learn and appreciate the role art plays in our world and how very important it is to support artists because without them our world really would be, meh! We intend to represent as many art forms as there are available to us, and we are planning workshops and educational discussions, paint nights, etc. We wish to reach out to the people of Lowell and invite them to share in this rich and diverse assemblage of artists living and working right here in their very own community.

DO YOU THINK THE GALLERY SCENE HAS CHANGED IN THE LAST DECADE, AND DO YOU THINK IT WILL CHANGE SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FUTURE?

I am not an economist or a business professional but I became interested in the Lowell art scene because it is the only cultural center between here and Boston. In other words, without the artist’s community we would be a cultural desert this side of 128 and 495.

There is nothing culturally stimulating going on, so artists have really provided that essential cultural experience for me, and, I might add, even sparked a revival in the surrounding communities as well.

In big cities the art gallery tends to cater to collectors and upper classes.

The average person tends to shy away from them, but in the past few years help from local governments and endowment funding available to help artists, has in turn given artists the opportunity to sell work to average folks. With the invention of digital art and reproduction we can now afford to buy and display art in our homes. As long as we make a conscious effort to support local artists, galleries like this one will become the norm.

WHAT TOP THREE TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ARTISTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A LIVING THROUGH THEIR ART?

I would say to any young artist just starting out, what I said to my kids: If you want to be an artist you need to work hard, don’t get distracted, and be open to constructive criticism. Strive to create what you feel; your art should be a personal reflection of your inner self.

GREATER LOWELL IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MANY TALENTED ARTISTS IN THE AREA. WHO WOULD YOU NAME AS A CURRENT ARTIST TO WATCH?

DO YOU HAVE A “DREAM ARTIST” WHO YOU WOULD SOMEDAY LIKE TO REPRESENT?

Oh yes. A dream list would include artist Judy Chicago and her Dinner Party installation. But I would love to explore more of the artists here and give them all a chance to be a part of this gallery.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE BUY ORIGINAL ART INSTEAD OF BUYING A PRINT?

As long as you buy a print from the artist and not from Wal-Mart. I really think artists should sell both. But I do love original art. It holds its value, obviously, and will increase over the years. Original art becomes an heirloom that can be passed down to generations, and just appreciated for the love that the artist puts into it.

WHAT’S THE BEST REASON TO VISIT A LOCAL GALLERY, EVEN IF YOU DON’T BUY ANYTHING?

Human beings love to create. While you are living you should take the time to see what we are up to, go to galleries and see the art. Looking is free.

Appreciate what we do and we will keep doing it. Support the local artists

Gallery Z, at 167 Market St., is open Wed-Sun from 11am to 5pm. Following the grand opening May 14, look for later hours of operation on Friday and Saturday night. For more info call 978-692-5040, and follow them online: facebook.com/galleryzartistcoop

Wow! There are so many great artists that I would be criticized heavily if I pointed out just a few. I have my favorites like anyone else and obviously I am partial to the artists I have represented in my gallery, as well as all our coop members work.

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HOWL | Arts & Culture

ART IN MOTION MUTANT VEHICLES TO INVADE LOWELL

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hat do you get when mad scientists, er, artists cross Willy Wonka with Mad Max? Amphibious, human powered works of art, and on September 24, spectators will find a creative caravan of these vehicles rolling through Mill City in the region’s first Kinetic Sculpture Race.

The brainchild of UMass Lowell Fine Arts Professor Michael Roundy, the race sets contestants out on a fivemile course, beginning and ending on Market Street. Between start to finish, the man-made vehicles will have to work on land and water, including 50 yards of mud and the Merrimack River.

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Roundy says the idea behind the race stemmed from his days as an undergrad at California’s Humboldt State University in the ‘90s, when he witnessed a spectacle that was “wild, wacky and a whole bunch of fun.”

The first kinetic sculpture race traces its roots to Ferndale, Calif., in 1969 when artist Hobart Brown upgraded his son’s tricycle into a 5-weheeled pentacycle and was challenged to race down Main Street. Hobart didn’t win but over the decades since, the California race evolved into a three-day all terrain Kinetic Grand Championship including

treacherous dunes, water crossings and elaborate sculptures and costumes.

By the time Roundy was in college studying fine arts, the California race had moved its location to Arcadia, where Roundy’s college was located.

“It’s set up so all participants, spectators and race officials dress up in funky costumes, like a circus in some ways,” he explains. “The mash-up of steampunk, science, engineering, math and art really appealed to me. Growing up in a long line of do-it-yourselfers, building everything from furniture to working on cars, I love the hands on

Arts & Culture | HOWL

aspect of the race and always thought it would be great to have something like that here.”

When Roundy heard about a National Park grant offering funding for projects that would be both educational and engage the community, he threw his hat into the ring. While, he’s still waiting to hear whether the race will be a recipient of a grant, putting his ideas out there attracted some key partners, including Production Director Bianca Mauro, and got the ball rolling on fundraising to make the race a reality.

There are currently six teams signed, a combination of local artists and gear heads. Roundy hopes more will join the fun. Entries are free and will be accepted until the start of the race.

In an event where art and engineering collide, spectators should get to see some pretty interesting inventions. At annual kinetic sculpture races in California and Baltimore, Md., dozens of contestants gather to put their vehicles to the test. The visual riot of contraptions cover anything you can imagine from a giant pink poodle to chattering teeth, and seem straight out of the Beatle’s psychedelic phase.

Official rules for the Lowell race include some unusual — but fun — requirements, like all machines must carry a stuffed animal located on their vehicle (for moments you might break down and need something to snuggle up to), bribes can be used to encourage officials’ and spectators’ support (like homemade brownies), team uniforms, and an 8 percent total body wetness rule — the point is to have your vehicle stay out of the water after all.

Roundy envisions the race will really take off, especially since its location is a college town with plenty of engineers and artists in tow. In the future, he sees the race becoming a larger, 10-mile course, surrounded by other fairs and events to draw more people into Lowell.

“It’s intended to be a spectacle and, more than a race, it’s about being a whole bunch of fun.”

For more information on the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race, or to become a sponsor, visit lowellkinetic.com or email lowellkinetic@gmail.com

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HOWL | Homegrown

HOMEGROWN

GO GUIDE: OUR FAVORITE REGIONAL FARM FARE

By the HOWL Street Team | Photos by Tory Germann

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ARMER DAYS ARE HERE AND SO IS THE FOOD — THE REALLY GOOD, FRESH KIND. AS SPRING UNFOLDS INTO SUMMER, THERE’S A BIG BOUNTY OF NATURE’S BEST FLAVORS TO BE FOUND AT LOCAL FARMS. WE’VE ROUNDED UP OUR FAVORITE ROADSIDE STANDS AND FARMER’S MARKETS FOR DELICIOUS OFFERINGS THAT GO FROM LAND AND SEA STRAIGHT TO YOUR DINNER TABLE. BE SURE TO STOP BY SOON, AND OFTEN.

BROX FARM

1276 BROADWAY ROAD, DRACUT

Slow the car down and take a good long look, because when the weather warms up there is magic happening on Farmer Dave Dumaresq’s land. Spread out on table stands each morning, you’ll find a heaping selection of vine ripened tomatoes, picture-perfect peppers, several varieties of lettuce, fresh summer berries, fragrant herbs and much more. A vine ripened tomato isn’t anything like a store bought tomato, Dumaresq says.Tomatoes should be deep red, not pink. And look for cracks. It’s a sign the flavor is going to be that much more intense.

“Cracks are a good thing,” he says. “It gives the tomato a pungent beauty when it hits your mouth, and unless you grow them yourself, that’s hard to find.”

978-454-3434 | farmerdaves.net

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Homegrown | HOWL Homegrown | HOWL

SHAW FARM

VERRILL FARM

Since 1908, the Shaw family has been churning out quality local dairy products to the Merrimack Valley. We love the family’s unwavering commitment to its customers. At Shaw’s core is the belief that people always have a right to know how their food is made. No artificial growth hormones are used in Shaw’s milk and visitors are welcome to see the farm’s happy and well-cared for cows up close at the sprawling Dracut farm. Besides fresh milk — yes, this local farm still employs a milk man for home deliveries — they also offer 60 flavors of ice cream and a bakery that whips up everything from irresistible muffins to downright addictive pies.

When top chefs seek the freshest ingredients — think Groton’s Gibbet Hill Grill or 80 Thoreau in Concord, heck even Jasper White’s Summer Shack — they run to the farm, and in the cases we just mentioned, Verrill Farm is at the top of the list. Fresh basil, shaved fennel, tomatoes, carrots, snap peas, potatoes, kale; if it can be pulled from the dirt, Verrill has it. Family owned and operated since 1922, the farm also specializes in grass fed beef with no additives or preservatives.

204 NEW BOSTON ROAD, DRACUT

11 WHEELER ROAD, CONCORD

978-369-4494 | verrillfarm.com

BROOKDALE FRUIT FARM

41 BROAD ST., HOLLIS, NH

A great place to stock up the pantry, Brookdale connects us back to nature where, over rolling hills and acres of farmland, seven generations have lovingly tilled the earth so we can pick our own cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and more. The farm stand is also the best place for scoring a wide variety of fresh jams, jelly, preserves, raw honey, homemade breads, gourmet pasta and Valicenti Organico Red Gravy, a sauce culled from handpicked tomatoes and organic basil harvested right in Hollis.

603-465-2240 | brookdalefarms.com

978-957-0031 | shawfarm.com

WILSON FARM

PARLEE FARMS

Nothing makes us feel closer to spring than a walk through the fragrant floral greenhouse at this family farm that dates back to 1884. The potted plants and fresh cut flowers offer a nice burst of color, and the rows upon rows of produce, meats, cheeses and locally caught seafood make this spot a farm stand favorite. Overwhelmed with choices? Sip a cup of coffee and nosh on some fresh baked doughnuts while you contemplate.

10 PLEASANT ST., LEXINGTON

95 FARWELL ROAD, TYNGSBORO

Spring is prime strawberry picking time and the juicy sweet fruit is where it all started for owners Mark and Ellen Parlee, who began their farm adventure in 1988 with two acres of strawberries. Today, their farm boasts nearly 100 beautiful acres offering some of the finest pick-your-own crops in the area, including blueberries and peaches. But from early June to early July, strawberries rule here. We highly recommend the old fashioned shortcake from the Bakery at Mary’s Country Kitchen right on the farm. It’s exactly what you need to get revved up for hand picking in the fields. Entertaining guests? Nothing beats fresh muddled strawberries with a few basil leafs and some vodka on ice. Hello spring!

978-649-3854 | parleefarms.com

CHIP-IN FARM

201 HARTWELL ROAD, BEDFORD

A family-owned farm and country store known far and wide for their eggs, which happen to be pulled fresh daily from the farm’s happy, free-running chickens. They also stock an abundance of fruits, produce, their own grass-fed beef and other local products from neighboring farms.

While you’re there, check out the onsite petting zoo — a big hit with kids.

781-862-3900 | wilsonfarm.com

781-275-2545 | chipinfarm.com

KIMBALL FARM

400 LITTLETON ROAD, WESTFORD

For the young and the young at heart, Kimball’s not only makes their own ice cream in over 40 fantastic flavors, but also doubles as a mini-amusement park in the heart of a quaint New England town with an impressive minigolf course, bumper boats, batting cages, arcade and big outdoor barbecue tent. Kimball’s has grown over the years, opening ice cream stands in Carlisle, Lancaster and Jaffrey, NH, but the Westford location is housed in the same building where the family dairy barn first took off in 1939.

ATKINS FARM

1150 WEST ST., AMHERST

This little fruit stand has blossomed into a local farm-fresh grocery powerhouse. So much more than another place to get what’s fresh from the fields, adherents return for the specialties, including the deli, seafood and legendary bakery. We’re thinking about their sandwiches served on fresh baked bread now. And salivating.

413-253-9528 | atkinsfarms.com

978-486-3891 | kimballfarm.com

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HOWL HOWL| |Homegrown Homegrown

MILL CITY GROWS

97 CENTRAL ST., LOWELL

For all you do-it-yourselfers out there, Mill City Grows is where it’s at for urban food production in Lowell. Besides cleaning up vacant, blighted city lots and transforming them into lush community gardens, we love the fact that this local nonprofit is giving us regular folk an opportunity to take over a small plot for the summer for growing our own harvest. Bonus points for their travelling mobile market, which makes buying local a snap.

978-656-1678 | millcitygrows.org

SPRINGDELL FARM

571 GREAT ROAD, LITTLETON

Step through the door of this small town farm store and step back in time through nearly a century, when James and Marea Theodoros were working the land during the heart of the Depression. Jimmy’s brother, Tasso — a.k.a. “The Corn Boss” — worked the fields on his trusty tractor until 2005, when he passed away at the ripe old age of 101. These days, this gem of a farm is run by James’ daughter, Paula Cruz and his granddaughter, Jamie Cruz. Jamie, who learned the art of sowing seeds from Grandad, helped usher the family business into a new era with CSA shares, and a thriving updated farm stand with grass-fed beef and other meats. The Cruz women are also the proud owners of the Gibbet Hill Cattle Company in addition to other livestock, including chickens, pigs, goats and sheep. A true downhome family affair, Paula’s son, David, works as the farm mechanic and her youngest daughter, Jodee, helps manage the herd.

The farm stand is as much a part of the Littleton landscape as the lush vegetable fields themselves.

978-486-3865 | springdellfarms.com

TURNER’S SEAFOOD MARKET

4 SMITH ST., GLOUCESTER

There are fresh fish markets and then there’s Turner’s. With seafood offerings that come straight off the boats of nearby fishermen, their motto, “Anything fresher still swims,” is the real deal. This is some of the freshest catch to be had anywhere.

978-281-7172 | turners-seafood.com

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JONES FARM

246 ACTON ROAD, CHELMSFORD

WILKINS FARM STAND

20 SOUTH ROAD, PEPPERELL

The fresh food movement is a labor of love for Farmer Phil Jones, who focuses on the science of growing “super food” in his greenhouses year round.

Jones’ bio-nutrient dense crops have a higher ratio of nutrients to calories and are harvested with a method that replaces nutrients taken out of the soil in traditional farming. His farm stand is packed with produce, fruits, fresh flowers and the best offerings from other local farms including naturally raised grass-fed beef and free-range poultry from Lyn-Dell in Pepperell, and locally caught seafood from Cape Ann Fresh Catch.

Home of the famous mile-high apple pie, this charming small town farm lives up to its claims. The baked goods are out of this world and the roadside stand is packed with fresh fruits, veggies, mounds of potatoes grown right on the farm and a dizzying selection of potted plants and fresh cut flowers.

If anything, make your way here for some 4-berry pie before the fruits of summer slip into the past.

978-433-8974

978-256-8065 | jonesfarm.net

MILL NO. 5 & MILL CITY GROWs PRESENT

The Farm

MARKET 10 to 2

days Sun

fresh produce KIDS STORYTIME at 11AM

live music INDOORS

250 Jackson Street

Lowell, mass farmlowell farmlowell thefarmmarket

THINGS TO DO

OUT IN LOWELL THE PERFECT WEEKEND

Story and Photos

By Chris Krause Sweet Lydia’s

Sizzling Kitchen

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HOWL |Things to Do

W hen I moved to Lowell in January 2015, I really didn’t know what to expect.

But what soon struck me was the sharp contrast between my own positive experiences in the community, and my Boston friends’ perspectives of Lowell despite having never experienced the community themselves. I decided that more people needed to see the Lowell that I was seeing, and thus soon launched Out in Lowell on Instagram (@outinlowell).

Out in Lowell is a social media outlet dedicated to exploring all things local.

With every photograph, I’m there behind my iPhone in real time. I find that photography remains such an incredibly powerful way to tell a story, often in a way that words cannot. I hope to share Lowell’s story with more people, but I also hope to simply bring our community closer together. Lowell is on a journey, and we’re all a part of it. Join the storytelling online by tagging your photos with #outinlowell.

PS – You might be wondering, “What’s with the goat?” Go read HOWL’s story called “At Home on the Range: Meet the Lowell Goat.” You won’t regret it.

Interested in going out in Lowell? I put together your upcoming weekend schedule, which features some of my favorite spots in the city. Get out there!

FRIDAY DINNER AT SIZZLING KITCHEN 478 Merrimack St.

You won’t be disappointed with dinner at Sizzling Kitchen. Not only is their food incredible, their customer service is excellent too. You can tell the owners really care about their customers. I highly recommend the Pad Thai or the Bibimbap. I’ll be getting the Sizzling Dry Chicken next time I visit. Oh, and they have more than a dozen types of homemade macarons!

DRINKS AT COBBLESTONES 91 Dutton St.

After dinner, head over to Cobblestones and grab a few beers. I enjoy the bar here because of the variety of beers on tap, and they often feature Lowell’s very own Navigation Brewing Co. You also can’t go wrong with their old fashioned jukebox.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MORNINGS ON THE RIVERWALK

WAKING UP AT COFFEE AND COTTON

Foot of John St., behind Boarding House Park I like to wake up Saturday morning and run off all of those beer calories with a run along the Merrimack River. The Lowell Riverwalk offers some pretty amazing views that rival the Charles River Bike Path in Boston, but without the crowded pathways.

ART AND LUNCH AT UNCHARTED 103 Market St.

You’ll soon be hungry after your run or walk along the Riverwalk, so I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at UnchARTed. This place is so unique; it’s an art gallery with a café and a beer/wine bar. They also have a performance space for musicians. Grab a slice of pizza and enjoy the exhibits.

DESSERT AT SWEET LYDIA’S

Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St., 4th fl.

I love rolling out of bed on Sunday morning and heading over to Coffee and Cotton. There’s something special about this place that makes it my favorite spot in Lowell. Maybe it’s the countless Edison light bulbs that hang from the ceiling, or the irresistible blueberry scones, or the perfect lattes, or maybe just all of the above. It’s much more than a coffee shop; it’s a second home.

THE FARM MARKET AT MILL NO. 5 250 Jackson St., 4th fl.

After getting your caffeine fix, explore the Farm Market at Mill No. 5 from 11 am–3 pm, which features lives music, fresh produce, art, and countless local vendors and shops. I recommend catching a film at The Luna Theater before you head out.

PARKING GARAGE VIEWS

160 Merrimack St.

Leo A. Roy Garage, 100 Market St.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, then grab an early afternoon snack from Sweet Lydia’s, which is just around the corner from UnchARTed. The shop is known for their handmade marshmallow treats, but I’ve become obsessed with “The Alex Monster,” a chocolate candy bar stuffed with cookie dough and caramel.

One of my favorite aspects about Lowell is the architecture. The historical brick mills and the character they exude are one of the things that first drew me to Lowell. If you’re looking for a good view of the city or want to watch the sun set, find your way to a parking garage and take the stairs to the top floor. I recommend the Leo A. Roy Garage on Market St. While far from conventional, some of my favorite photographs were taken from atop a parking garage.

CANAL BOAT TOUR

National Park Visitor’s Center, 246 Market St. Starting Memorial Day weekend, the Lowell National Historical Park Service will resume their canal boat tours. This is great way to learn more about Lowell’s unique history on a sunny afternoon.

DINNER AT 1981 RAMEN BAR 129 Merrimack St.

End your Saturday with some delicious ramen from 1981 Ramen Bar. Don’t skip the appetizers here. I recommend starting off with the braised short rib and fontina cheese arancini, followed by a large bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen for your main course.

River Walk

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THE

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www.LowellSummerMusic.org No Ticket Fees!

More shows to be announced!