Cruisin' to the Tree

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The Cut - Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar

The Jon Butcher Axis has been rocking rooms big and small off and on for 44 years, from their early start at the legendary Rathskellar ('The Rat') and The Channel Club in Boston, to 20,000 seat arenas across the U.S., touring with the likes of Def Leppard, Rush, The J. Geils Band, The Scorpions and INXS. Multiple videos on MTV and ferocious live shows helped them build a loyal and dedicated following, especially across New England. But all good things must come to an end. Recently, Jon Butcher announced via social media (see below) that he would be putting AXIS to bed after a couple Spring dates to close out their amazing history. Jon is and will remain as busy as ever with his other projects, but he feels it's time to give AXIS fans a couple more chances to see him and his longtime bandmates Chris Martin and Marty Richards playing a bunch of those classic songs one more time. There are just two shows remaining as of this writing, so don't miss your chance to catch them one last time.
*Jon Butcher Axis post from their Facebook&nbsp;page on February 28th, 2026.
Dear Fans, Friends &amp; Family
It is with a bittersweet mix of gratitude and appreciation that I announce that AXIS will play its final shows this Spring before calling it a day. And what a day it was! I'll be posting pics, music and more leading up to our final two shows in the coming weeks. And thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sticking with us. I sincerely hope to see you at one of the shows for HOLY WAR, LIFE TAKES A LIFE, OCEAN IN MOTION and more!
 Special Guest Johnny A
The name ‘Johnny A.’ might not be so mainstream, but there’s no doubt that it’s synonymous with guitar.
His passion began at the age of thirteen, when he first saw the Beatles in Boston, followed two years later by an in-person witnessing of Jimi Hendrix. From there, he was hooked, getting a cheap beginner guitar to try and play along with his early heroes — which also included Yardbirds icons Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Soon enough, Johnny A. got it.
By the 1970’s, he was forming bands in the New England area, drawing attention from several established musicians, like Derek and the Dominos’ keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Johnny A. became Music Director of J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf’s outfit, coordinating the onstage arrangements, playing on several tours and co-producing Wolf’s 1996 album, *Long Line.* What’s more, he was even asked to join The Yardbirds as their lead guitarist in 2015.
All this is to say that Johnny A. has the chops, and that’s not to mention his prolific solo career. Spanning three full-length albums, Johnny A. has earned a Grammy Award nomination, the honor of Boston Music Awards, “Blues Artist of the Year 2010,” and a spot in the revered Boston Music Hall of Fame. Ever the restless spirit, Johnny A. continues to glide across genres effortlessly, exploring elements of jazz, soul. He still fervently carries on the tradition of the legends he respected as a teen.

Local Event: Jon Butcher Axis - The Final Show - with Special Guest Johnny A

Gloucester

Jon Butcher Axis - The Final Show - with...

The Jon Butcher Axis has been rocking rooms big and small off and on for 44 years, from their early start at the legendary...

Jon Butcher Axis - The Final Show - with Special Guest Johnny A

First Spiritualist Church of Salem, 34 Warren St., Salem, MA

Join us at 6:30 pm EDST for a night of spirit greetings from your loved ones. Enjoy inspired, loving messages from the folks you miss most and be reassured that the life of spirit is joyous. Mediums will try to reach everyone in attendance (we'll do our best, although not everyone may receive a message). This is a friendly gathering filled with inspired, loving messages followed by a social with sweet treats and beverages. $15 per person. Registration in advance is recommended. Go to https://www.1stspiritsalem.org/general-5

Local Event: Gallery Readings: Connecting with your loved ones in spirit

Gallery Readings: Connecting with your loved...

Join us at 6:30 pm EDST for a night of spirit greetings from your loved ones. Enjoy inspired, loving messages from the folks...

Gallery Readings: Connecting with your loved ones in spirit

Larcom Theatre

Prepare for an exhilarating tribute concert honoring two iconic musical legends. Award-winning artist Robert Black and his band will take you on a journey celebrating the timeless legacies of Johnny Cash and Creedence Clearwater Revival.&nbsp;

Feel the electrifying energy as Robert Black delivers a captivating performance of Johnny Cash's classics like "I Got Stripes," "Cry Cry Cry," "A Thing Called Love," and other iconic hits. And experience the spirit and sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival as Robert Black and his band, Sweet Hitch-Hiker faithfully recreate CCR's greatest hits, including "Sweet Hitch-Hiker," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "I Put a Spell On You," and more.&nbsp;

Robert Black’s authentic portrayal of Johnny Cash and John Fogerty, combined with his exceptional vocal talent, stage presence, and costuming, promises an evening filled with pure entertainment. Join us for a night filled with nostalgia and musical brilliance as we pay homage to these legendary artists.

Local Event: Johnny Cash + The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience

Johnny Cash + The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater...

Prepare for an exhilarating tribute concert honoring two iconic musical legends. Award-winning artist Robert Black and his band...

Johnny Cash + The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience

"Everybody Wants Some" is the ultimate tribute to the legendary Van Halen, dedicated exclusively to the electrifying David Lee Roth era. With a reputation for delivering high-octane performances, this band is rapidly becoming the go-to act for Van Halen fans and talent buyers alike.
At the heart of their sound is "Shreddy," whose guitar prowess channels the iconic Eddie Van Halen with jaw-dropping accuracy. His shredding skills, combined with the band's uncanny stage presence, transport audiences back to the golden age of rock. Fans can expect to hear all the hits and classic album tracks that defined a generation, performed with the energy and precision that Van Halen themselves would be proud of.
"Everybody Wants Some" is not just another tribute band; they are the real deal. With a year's worth of high-quality content about to be unleashed, they are poised to prove why they are a premier talent in the tribute band game. Already a top draw in New England, the band is setting their sights on national stages, building their credibility one show at a time. Whether you're a booking agent, talent buyer, or a die-hard Van Halen fan, "Everybody Wants Some" delivers a concert experience that is second to none.

Local Event: Everybody Wants Some – A Tribute to Van Halen

Everybody Wants Some – A Tribute to Van Halen

"Everybody Wants Some" is the ultimate tribute to the legendary Van Halen, dedicated exclusively to the electrifying David Lee...

A Farewell to Kings (AF2K) is a tribute to the iconic Canadian band, Rush. Based in New Jersey, the band is composed of four passionate musicians equipped with the high caliber gear to faithfully recreate the timeless music of Rush: Zack James (Vocals), Aaron Leone (Guitar), Adam Cyran (Bass/Keys), and Johnny Vines (Drums/Percussion). AF2K brings authentic presentations of the musical eras and tours created by the “Holy Triumvirate” Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart, back to the stage and to life for Rush fans young and old. From the epics to the hits and deep cuts, AF2K pays precise attention to detail and is a musical experience unlike any other tribute.

Local Event: A Farewell to Kings - Rush Tribute

A Farewell to Kings - Rush Tribute

A Farewell to Kings (AF2K) is a tribute to the iconic Canadian band, Rush. Based in New Jersey, the band is composed of four...

1634 Meadery

As the 1634 Meadery turns 11, we party with Boston's infamous Viking Irish on Saturday, May 30th from noon til 5pm!&nbsp; Fun event for the whole family (and bring fido! There'll be fun for him too!).&nbsp; Watch Viking re-enactors battle it out on Short Street!&nbsp; Food trucks, snack vendors, craft vendors, mead flights, mead slushies, free tours, free Viking photo booth, free games, free honey tasting, bee and wolf education, face painting and more!&nbsp; Rain or shine, Vikings ain't scared of a little rain!

Local Event: Viking Block Party

Ipswich

Viking Block Party

As the 1634 Meadery turns 11, we party with Boston's infamous Viking Irish on Saturday, May 30th from noon til 5pm!  Fun event...

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of Salem's creative heritage. This free, family-friendly event transforms historic downtown Salem into an immersive artistic experience, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually.
What to Expect
Explore a juried visual arts gallery at Old Town Hall featuring 60+ works by regional artists competing for Best in Show and the John Boris Memorial Award. Browse a curated artisan marketplace across downtown Salem on Saturday and Sunday, with local makers offering ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, prints, and more.
Experience live performances across multiple outdoor stages throughout the weekend, including music spanning folk to hip hop, dance from flamenco to contemporary, circus arts, poetry, and more. Watch 12 talented muralists transform blank canvases into vibrant 8'×4' artworks during the Mural Slam at Artists' Row, then vote for your favorite via QR code to determine the People's Choice winner.
Participate in hands-on art-making activities, contribute to the festival's signature Community Art Project, and kick off the weekend Friday evening with the Tiny Art Spree—a fast-paced art exchange fundraiser where $20 tickets give you the chance to take home original artwork.
Festival Highlights
Friday, June 5 (5:30-8:30 PM): Gallery opening, performances at Derby Square, and Tiny Art Spree at 7 PM
Saturday, June 6 (11 AM-7 PM): All festival components active—gallery, artisan marketplace, performances, mural slam, community art, interactive activities
Sunday, June 7 (11 AM-6 PM): All festival components continue through closing
Locations &amp; Access
The festival spans downtown Salem's most beloved spaces: Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Artists' Row, Armory Park, the Pedestrian Mall, and areas near the Peabody Essex Museum. Essex Street and Front Street close to vehicles Saturday and Sunday (8 AM-7 PM), creating pedestrian-friendly festival zones.
Free admission to all events and activities. Bathrooms are available at Artists' Row, the NPS Visitor Center, and Destination Salem. Rain contingency plans ensure performances continue regardless of the weather.
Supporting Local Creativity
Produced collaboratively by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective MA, the Salem Arts Festival strengthens Salem's creative economy while providing platforms for emerging and established artists. The event embodies community connection, economic revitalization, and the celebration of diverse creative voices.
This special "Salem 400+" edition honors Salem's deep artistic roots while looking forward to the next chapter of creative innovation in this historic city.
Plan your visit at salemartsfestival.com

Local Event: Salem Arts Festival 2026

Salem Arts Festival 2026

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of...

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