Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, it's still early. There's time to get out and about even before dinner or theater and - RIGHT now - there's a perfect reason to get a move on. So pull on the sneaks and hit the street, 'cause it's Art 'Round Town with a special feature.

Discover Portsmouth Center is taking part in the monthly gallery walk, ad is jam packed with happenings. You an catch the opening of "Bill Paarlberg: Illustrating Portsmouth" a thirty year retrospective. There's Bill's early illustrations, a number of current watercolors and even a chance to "become one with" his famous Portsmouth Monsters - bring a camera. The event features his latest monster as well. I made her aquaintnce and LOVED her! (And hurry, Dan Blakeslee may still be playing live!)

Then, just walk across the foyer to the Seacoast African American Culture Center for lots of reasons. First check out the incredible work by painter Cassandra M Gillens, one element in a multi faceted Gulag program/celebration.

You can also meet Susan Strickler - a lovely lady - and director and CEO of the Manchester Currier Museum. That kindly woman is loaning the center a contemporary work created by Portsmouth Richard Haynes and a group of young artists.

Do say hi to my longtime friend Vernis Jackson (SAACC founder). She's there with a big smile of course. Love that woman!

Finally head up the stairs to the second floor and catch the show by Richard.
G Lady arrived before the actual opening an dhte place was already hoppin'. Lots of faces from the re:Ports. years.


That's all I have to say. Have to get this out to you. Now go! Quick! And enjoy!

Your's in all things that broaden the mind and soul.

Gossip Lady

Photos: No. 1 The lovely Vernis Jackson and a piece by Gillens; an illustration by Paarlberg circa 1980s

Fun in the Sun

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well it's a spectacular day in the neighborhood; sun without that oppressive humidity and so many wonderful outdoor happenings.

So hat on folks and head to the great outdoors.

For the second and final day you can dunk The Seacoast Rep's Artistic Director Craig Faulkner at the Bow Street Fair. Stopped by yesterday - fine art, original jewelry, hand-painted rugs, and threads for an American Girl doll that will leave the queen green.

And yes there was a bit of mean pleasure in watching Craig teeter atop that tiny platform then - plop. Just so much aplomb one can have at a time like that, but he's holdin' his own.

After scoring a few lovely items, you can head to Prescott Park for music and "Peter Pan," or to the Seacoast Science Center for the Petite Art in the Park exhibition and sale. Time it right and you can do it all!

Whatever your pleasure get out and partake!
Yours in the wonder of the moment
Gossip Lady

Funny Boy

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

If you haven't seen the Gossip Lady Video featuring Juston McKinney, a Portsmouth native now doing the likes of the Leno and Conan O'Brien's shows, not to mention Comedy Central, than get a move on.

This guy is simply a hoot - had G Lady and DC (intrepid videographer) in stitches I tell you. Laughed my gloves off! Lost the hat when I watched his DVD "Middle Class Hole."

So do yourself a favor - check it out HERE. I do believe you'll be glad you did! What a cutiepatutie this boy is. Yes in deed.

Yours in a great laugh
Gossip Lady

High Flyin' Prescott Park

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

What a sight! G Lady took to Prescott Park last weekend and caught a bunch of high flyers being taught to take to the sky.

Watching the Blanchard boys Liam and Morgan (who play the Darlings in the Park's "Peter Pan)," along with Allyson Capetta and Megan Quinn (who alternate Peter and Wendy), learn to make weightless was worth its weight in gold!

Just watching their efforts to walk normally once strapped in their harnesses was a hoot - sort of Monty Pythonesque. (Photo ID's: littlest fella Liam; Morgan the big boy; Megan in pink and green; Allyson in navy).

This weekend you can catch them - harnesses hidden - at the Prescott Park Arts Festival opening weekend.

See you in the park!
Gossip Lady

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well my friends, GL made it to "Rent" last night - which got a well deserved standing "O," by the by.

If in doubt about heading to the The Rep, check out the latest GL Video HERE. The last 5 minutes of it are entirely music performed by the Portsmouth cast show; no mics, in a hall with bad acoustics, just a single keyboard accompaniment - and it's still incredible!

"Get the to the theater art lovers! You will NOT want to miss this one; No, no, no, no, no.

See that facial expression upon my visage? That is an earnest reaction to the lovely Ashley D. Kelley voice and co member Scottie McLaughlin. Don't take my word for it, check out the video. It speaks for itself.

Yours in the love of great voices
Gossip Lady

Going up!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

I took a stroll to the Prescott Park this week to get a peek at the set being constructed for "Peter Pan," this season's main stage production. Well let me tell you folks - especially those a tad disappointed with some sets in the recent past - they're out to wow, and WILL!

Um-um-um-um-um, that is a mighty fine looking set. It has things that move, hide, pivot and turn. Even sans color it's a beautiful thing.

Today, Friday, the crew is setting up the flying system. I plan on heading over this weekend to get a look-see at the rehearsal process. Word is Megan Quinn, one of the two actresses set to play Peter Pan, is a tad worried about chaffing. So, may I suggest if you head down you bring along some salve just as a kindness. Cookies of course, and salve.

One week from today, blisters or not, Megan and her counterpart Ally Capetta will be flying high in the park!

Till then, tata,

Gossip Lady

Oh thought I'd add a picture of the new rental table arrangements. Sweet little platform, nice arrangement. - You'll find me there - my usual post! GL

Rainy Day Things

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well another day for the plants. And God Bless 'um, they deserve their time in the - well under the clouds.

And so do you!

So suggestions for the day: I must recommend the Players' Rings double header . They are doing two Shakespeare based plays in rep, and on Sundays offer both! So today you can catch "Hamlet" at 2 then have a bit of vitals and be back for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” at 7. Get thee to the Ring!

That McCartin woman gave it a rave review - and I must agree with her. What a delightful thing to do on a rainy day eh? (The above photo is of a few of the shows' dashing boys - do NOT be fooled by those innocent faces).

If you'd rather have a bit of a walk about - and catch "Bard and company" next weekend, its final - be careful, well there's all those delightful galleries in town. Remember the plein aire artist out and about a few weeks ago in downtown Portsmouth? That's Erin Murray, and she's exhibiting at the Kennedy Studio. G Lady had a lovely visit with this talented lady. Check out the Gossip Lady Video interview.

And look below for a link to the Portsmouth Fine Arts Musuem's latest do's. Better yet look at it live!

So folks, rise and shine. Let art be your sun. I assure you it will light you up!

Off to see creative wonders
Gossip Lady