Tag Archives: entertainment

July 18, 2025

Salem Cat Museum (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 13, 2025

Location: 107 Boston St, Salem, MA (30 minutes northeast of Boston, MA, 1.5 hours southeast of Concord, MA)

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm.

Parking: Free, unmetered parking is available across the street from the museum on Boston St. Do not park in the parking lot behind the museum as this is reserved residency parking.

Cost: Free

Website: Salem Cat Museum

Summary: The Salem Cat Museum in Salem, MA, has a variety of works of art and activities involving all things cat for people of all ages to enjoy!

Cats and witches have always been connected to each other. So, it makes perfect sense that a new cat museum would open just steps away from the heart of Witch city.

The main feature of the Salem Cat Museum, which opened in November, 2024, is a gallery of artwork, all cat related of course.

The art gallery changes periodically (new pieces will be installed Aug 7). But, not all of the works of art changed. Some works of art are part of their permanent collection.

The gallery includes everything from portraits of cats to some more lighthearted works of art and even some bizarre pieces. And, some of the works of art include familiar Salem landmarks such as the Salem Witch Museum in the background of one of the pieces.

“Cheers” by Diane Teeter (Queens, NY)

Acrylic on paper

“Frolic” by Lauren Barbieri (Newburyport, MA)

India ink on paper

“Brunnhilde II” by Stacie Dolin (Peabody, MA)

Linocut print

Cat Vase by an unknown artist

Porcelain ceramic

“Attack of the 50 Foot Kitty” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)

Acrylic on canvas

“Cat With Butterfly” by Jacqueline Sokol (Beverly, MA)

Acrylic on Canvas

“The Monarch Guides” by Diane Teeter (Queens, NY)

Acrylic on wood

“Ghost Kitty” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)

Acrylic on canvas

“Dumpling!” by Emily Kwong (Beverly, MA)

Acrylic on canvas

“Salem’s Black Cat: My New Toy” by Wendy Snow Land (Salem, MA)

Acrylic on canvas board

This work of art did not have a sign with any information.

“Candy Cat Girlfriend” by Jane Tardo (New Orleans, LA)

Collage quilt

“Cat Temple” by Matthew Crumpton (Los Angeles, CA)

Arcylic on birch panel

“The Halloween King” by Wendy Snow Land (Salem, MA)

Colored pencil on paper

“Little Devil” by Wendy Snow Lang (Salem, MA)

Colored pencil on paper

“Rainbow Cats” by Elise Towle Snow (Salem, MA)

“Meows” by Michelle Dumas (Salem, MA)

Sequin art on upcycled image

“Secret Keepers (Lynx)” by Andrea Guzzetta (los Angeles, CA)

Oil on panel

“Surf Cats” by Zuly Palomino (Providence, RI)

Mixed media retablo collage

“Cat With Flowers” by Feliz Camille Tu (Brooklyn, NY)

Risograph print on paper

Rainbow Cats by J Morrison (Brooklyn, NY)

Screenprint on paper

“Ella” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)

Acrylic on canvas

“Cat Cross” by J. Morrison (Brooklyn, NY)

Screenprint on paper

“Sunbeams” by Laura Casazza (Southbury, CT)

Print on paper

The museum also showcased some ceramics, trinkets (particularly Hello Kitty! merchandise) and other cat-related decor throughout the museum!

Located next to some of the art was a cat doll with some treats in it! Visitors were encouraged to take one home for their kitty. I know from personal experiences, cats do like to chase the springs and (sometimes) return them for you to throw over and over! I haven’t tried the corks before though.

And there are many more amazing works of art in the gallery part of the museum!

The museum has a reading area with comfy chairs to sit and peruse the books in the library.

There is also a mirror for visitors to write their names, the names of their cats or messages on. Drawings of cats, “hiss” and “meow meow” are just some of the things written on the mirror when I visited.

The museum also includes an activity area for visitors of all ages to make cat faces!

This is one of the “must see” Salem attractions off the beaten path to see while still avoiding the throngs of Halloween revelers which are sure to overwhelm Salem in the upcoming weeks, especially since Halloween season seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year there (more on this in a later post).

19 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in cats, Massachusetts, museum, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel

November 23, 2024

Phantoms By Firelight (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 26, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Prices tanged from $14 to $45 depending on your age and when you bought them. More information can be found at the link below

Ticket prices

Universally Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free parking is included in the ticket price

Website: Phantoms By Firelight

Summary: Performers entertained visitors with gravity defying acts, fire breathing and other jaw dropping tricks!

Fiery frights awaited all at this year’s Phantoms By Firelight event at Old Sturbridge Village.

An array of performers, dare devils and acrobats entertained countless visitors last month at Old Sturbridge Village.

Perhaps this event should have been titled, “don’t try this at home.”

The family friendly event included card tricks by Magnus The Magnificent.

There were also games like this World Scramble game. Can you guess the phrase hidden in this world scramble?

After all the fun and games, it was off to the Village Common to watch Alexander the Upside Down Man.

The feats of strength by Andrew were very impressive!

Whew! I got sore and tired just watching Alexander!

Next on the list of things I’ll never be able to do was the rope climbing extraordinaire Philomena.

But, before the show got started, the ring master got the crowd pumped up for the event!

After all that climbing, Philomena took a well deserved rest!

After the show, I was able to take a photo of the star of the show!

As the evening wore on and darkness fell upon the village, The performers kept everyone warm and entertained! Ignatius and Anastasia, aka the Masters Of The Flame, kept everyone enthralled with their fiery tricks! I liked the contrast of the agility and graceful of Philomena and the pure rock and roll daredevil action of Ignatius and Anastasia!

After that breath taking display, it was on to the Cyrkus Vampyr Finale Ultimo. As the name would seem to suggest, this was the finale of the evening.

This performance included some awesome acrobatics and more fun with fire!

There were also additional shows at the event. In the spirit of the Halloween season, there were some macabre events like this re-enactment and info session about wakes. This event was both respectful and informative.

There was a lot of differences from wakes during the early 1800s. For instance, during the early 1800s, which is the time frame Old Sturbridge Village is based, people didn’t take visitors for wakes. People’s wakes were very different. People mourned and reflected on their own. A casket with a mannequin represented how the people would mourn.

The lighting and decor added to the atmosphere of the event.

The performers at the event were not the only people who dressed up! Some of the visitors also wore costumes or other decorative items.

In addition to all of the performances, there was a Clues & Candy game where they had to collect stamps to complete a picture. The lucky ones who completed the tasks were rewarded with a treat pick up! There were also demonstrations of casket making, musicians and spooking story telling!

Despite all of the fire and death defying acrobats (or maybe because of it), the Phantoms By Firelight event was a big hit with both old young!

Please see below for videos from the event!

19 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in acribatic, fire, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, photographs, photography, photos, Sturbridge, Uncategorized

July 8, 2024

2024 Donna Summer Disco Party (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: June 27, 2024

Location: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Summary: Boston City Hall Plaza hosted a family friendly, free celebration of Boston native Donna Summer and all things disco!

Disco lives on! At least for one night Boston, MA!

For the past 10 years, Boston has kept Donna’s legacy alive with their Donna Summer Disco Party, A native of Boston, MA, Donna Summer, a 5 time Grammy winner and inductee in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the city.

The event included dancing, roller skating and, of course, music!

People came to the party dressed to impress!

Some of the accessories from their outfits lit up! This nice lady showed off her earrings. Yes, they change colors!

And this tierra lit up!

People even got dressed up to go roller skating! (more roller skating photos later)

Hundreds of people attended the event which made for a crowded dance floor. But, people still found a way to get their groove on!

And, of course, what would a dance party be without a “Love Train?”

The event, which took place between 5 and pm provided some great lighting, I especially like how the setting sun shone off people’s hair.

There was also hula hooping and jump rope for people to enjoy!

The highlight of the evening was the roller skating, especially for the photo opportunities! I try to catch people in their natural state. But, everyone seems to want to smile whenever they see a camera!

The event was pet friendly and I saw quite a few different pets at the disco party.

From left to right is Millie and Walter

And from left to right are Bandit Amadeus and Whitey Bulger. Walter is giving them some serious side eye!

The event was topped off with a musical performance by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O’Mega Red.

It was really fun and refreshing to see so many people come together and have fun while expressing themselves freely.

If you missed the event, don’t worry! The Donna Summer Disco Party is an annual event! So, I’ll see you next year. Just don’t forget to bring your roller skates!

Please see below for videos from the event!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancing, disco, donna summer, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, roller skating

January 13, 2019

Westfield 350th (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 31, 2018

Location: Amelia Park, 21 Broad St, Westfield, MA

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes, although it’s not stated specifically on the website for the event, I saw a few dogs there

Highlights: ice sculptures, ice skating, family friendly, parade, campfires with smores and marshmallow roasting

Summary: the city of Westfield, MA celebrated its 350th birthday with their first “First Night.” The first night celebration included a variety of family friendly events and activities on New Year’s Eve.

Website: Westfield 350

img_2227

“Party like it’s 1669.”  That was the theme of the first night in Westfield, MA.

Yes, in 2019, well now, Westfield MA is celebrating its 350th anniversary.  There will be sure to be other commemorative events.  But, the kick off celebration was actually in 2018 albeit on New Year’s Eve.

It was the first first night in the city of Westfield and they pulled out all the stops.

The free event featured a juggler, ice sculptures and ice skating.

img_2261-2

I particularly liked how the the lighting around the ice sculptures changed colors.  the 350 on some of the sculptures signified the 350 years of the city of Westfield.

Guests were able to skate for free (some better than others).  I’m always impressed whenever I see someone do something that requires a special skill, particularly skating.  I never learned. But, maybe some day.  It’s also inspiring and fun watching people try.

This activity was a little different.  I’m not sure what it’s called.  But it looks fun and the kids enjoyed rolling around in the balls.

The Witches Of Whip City were also at the event.  “Whip City” is a reference to Westfield’s nickname which is a reference to their past.  During the 19th century, Westfild was a leader in the buggy whip industry.  Things have changed and there is currently only one whip business in the area (Westfield Whip https://www.westfieldwhip.com/).  But, the city has retained this title.  It is why you may see some businesses with the name “Whip City” attached to it (Whip City Music, Whip City Brewing, etc).  I will delve into this and other historic New England historical factoids later in a new feature to my Facebook page that I will discuss on that page later.

img_2341

Unfortunately (and of course), it began to rain during the event, proving the old New England weather cliche to be true (“don’t like the weather? just wait a minute”).  So I was unable to photograph some of the other attractions there such as a multi layered cake that was, unfortunately, made out of wood.  There was also campfires for toasting marshmallows and Smores which, obviously, weren’t very useful during the rain.

It’s unclear whether the city will continue this festivity in the future.  But, based on the turnout and the fun had by all I would say it is likely.  And I’ll be there.  Maybe I’ll bring my skates this year!

Similar places I’ve visited:

Westfield Fair

Northeast Reenactors Fair

Things To Do In The Area:

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hal Of Fame

 

 

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Massachusetts, New Year's Eve, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Westfield