Former sportswriter Howie Newman’s encore career as a musician sometimes incorporates elements of his previous job covering Major League baseball. Photo/Submitted

Sportswriter’s ‘second act’ career is music to your ears

By David Wilkening, Contributing Writer MELROSE - Howie Newman is familiar with playing for older audiences at his “Music for Seniors” performances in the Boston...
Jay Gates with the real Rod Stewart Photo/Submitted

Celebrity performers started as ‘lookalikes’

By David Wilkening, Contributing Writer BOSTON - At least two of Boston’s best-known celebrity performers―and almost certainly many more―began their acts because they looked like...
Bob Moon appears at Park Grill & Spirits in Worcester.

Shrewsbury singer-songwriter, guitarist enjoys busy work schedule

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor SHREWSBURY – Many musicians were challenged by restrictions at performance venues from 2020 into 2021. Yet, singer-songwriter and guitarist...
Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing perform at The Cabot in Beverly in 2015. Photo/Joe Nett

Fools’ frontman, Ipswich native Mike Girard, also sings with Big Swinging Thing

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor IPSWICH – The Fools’ lead singer Mike Girard got the party started when the rock band debuted New Year’s...
Deborah Shine, 89, founded Star Bright Books, a children’s book publishing company located in Cambridge, in 1994.

Cambridge publisher brings the joys of books to kids

By Peg Lopata, Contributing writer Cambridge - Some people’s adventures involve travel, some people do it virtually or through reading. Deborah Shine, 89, has done...

Sudbury author helps others unlock their writing potential

By Deborah Burke Henderson, Contributing Writer SUDBURY - Students of all ages who take creative writing with Pamela S. Wight quickly realize her classes are...
Jackie French Koller signs copies of her books

Author, artist Jackie French Koller turns another page

By Kelley Walker Perry, Contributing Writer BOXBOROUGH – Jackie French Koller's imagination has made her life story anything but dull. "I've had an unusual career," she...

Stoughton historical reenactor brings Martha Washington to life

By Sherri Coner, Contributing Writer Stoughton - When Sandy Spector dons favorite items from her wardrobe, such as heavy wool skirts that sweep the floor,...

Hudson musician and published author is now creating artwork

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor HUDSON – Stephen Beccia of Hudson continues discovering ways to express himself creatively. As a musician, he has performed with...
Steve Bjork (center) with his children (l to r) 12-year-old twins Blake and Isaiah; Kari, 10; and Cheyenne, 14 Photo/Jeff Page

Comic, actor and dad is self-described as ‘almost domesticated’

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor WILMINGTON – Steve Bjork of Wilmington decided as a child to become a comedian. He achieved his career goal...