The Guitar Society of Cape Ann is all about building and nurturing a community of listening and learning through guitar related concerts, workshops, and meetups. Due to its maritime heritage, Cape Ann’s culture is inherently diverse, and we seek out, represent, and learn from that diversity through the guitar. The society amplifies local voices and brings visiting artists and teachers to Cape Ann, connecting our local communities with the global guitar family - music as cultural diplomacy. We seek to expand the repertoire through commissioning projects and collaborations with other local arts and historical organizations.
Our annual guitar festival brings global talent to Cape Ann, and showcases our resident experts, students, and enthusiasts.
A little about us
Classical guitarist and Rockport native Brendan Evans has performed and won awards throughout North America and in 13 countries globally. Currently residing on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Brendan performs and teaches locally and internationally, is the founder of the Cape Ann Guitar Society, and enjoys playing in various groups, including the original project Nightowls. Brendan holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in classical guitar performance from the Oberlin and San Francisco Conservatories. While pursuing his undergraduate degree Brendan spent a year studying flamenco guitar in the cities of Granada and Cordoba, Spain.
Rebecca Laibson Popell has been a criminal defense attorney, a proponent of criminal justice reform, a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the dependency system (CASA) and President of the Board of We Players, San Francisco’s leading site-specific theatre company. She holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. A passionate amateur vocalist, since moving to Gloucester in 2022 Rebecca has fallen in love with the musical culture of Cape Ann.