Adjusting to life in a pandemic has led to many uncomfortable firsts. Most fall somewhere on the spectrum between awkward and awful. But there are some silver linings.
With a stack of platinum albums and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction under her belt, Heart s Nancy Wilson had been encouraged to cut a solo record for ages. It s something the Bellevue, Washington-reared guitar hero says she s always wanted to do and all it took was a global pandemic to finally make it happen.
Just before the live music shutdown hit in March 2020, Wilson had settled into a new home in Northern California s Sonoma County. Despite decades in the biz, the studio apartment above her new garage was the first dedicated music space Wilson s had at home since trading Seattle gray for the Golden State years ago. At last she could make all the amplified racket she wanted and could leave all her gear out. With touring and full-band get-togethers also on ice, finally the time felt right.
Newark Drama Club to stream ‘We Will Rock You’
COURTESY OF BRENDA SCHOOL
Newark High School Drama Club’s cast and crew of the Queen musical “We Will Rock You: School Edition” have worked under COVID guidelines and challenges to produce the school’s first filmed musical.
The final product will be streamed at 7 p.m. May 14-15 and 2 p.m. May 16.
“It’s our most unique musical production to date,’’ director Emily Howard said. “Like every school district, Newark faced challenges when mounting a spring musical. Students had to be 12 feet apart when singing. In order to safely capture the audio, we took advantage of our recording studio right at NHS. Our soloists took turns singing in the booth over the musical tracks. It made us feel like real, professional musicians. For our ensemble sound, we captured the group on stage one night during a recording session. This gave students another unique experience.
Cat rescue. (Photographs courtesy of Methuen Police.)
It apparently takes a village to rescue cats trapped on a roof during some of the coldest days of the year.
Last week, Methuen Animal Control Officer Renee Falardeau, Methuen Fire Department, Sheehan’s Towing, Lawrence Animal Control Officer Ellen Bistany, New Bedford Animal Control Officer Manny Maciel and Andrew Joslin’s Tree Service tried several techniques beginning last Wednesday and ending with success on Saturday.
“A trap was placed on the roof with some creativity of the team in an attempt to capture these cold, hungry, and scared cats one by one,” a Methuen Police accounting of one of the rescue attempts read. “The team watched as one of the cats entered the trap. As they held their breath in anticipation, the cat set off the trap and narrowly escaped back onto the roof. They were so close to saving one of the cats. While this was disappointing, they did not let that deter them and continued the rescue operat