Willie Alexander’s Persistence of Memory Orchestra
Friday, August 8th, 2025, 6:00pm, with food service by The Lobster Roller
Willie Alexander, punk music legend, musical innovator, and artistic icon, returns to Music on Meetinghouse Green with his band for a rocking evening. Gloucester’s own Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander shares his legendary talent as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist. With his roots in Boston’s punk rock scene of the 70’s and 80’s, Willie’s musical career has flourished for more than 50 years. Whether as a band member with the Lost, Bagatelle, Grass Menagerie and the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, or as front man for his own series of bands, Willie’s enduring popularity is a reflection of his unique musical voice and artistic vision. A true artist, Willie has expanded his work to other mediums including soundtracks for local filmmaker Henry Ferrini, collage and painting.
From Willie's Wikipedia Page:
He played with the Lost, the Bagatelle and the Grass Menagerie before becoming a member of the Velvet Underground in late 1971, joining fellow Grass Menagerie alumni Doug Yule and Walter Powers and replacing Sterling Morrison, who had gone off to pursue an academic career.
With the Velvet Underground, Alexander toured England, Scotland and the Netherlands in support of then-current album Loaded. After completing the tour on November 21, 1971, in Groningen, the band planned to start recording a new album, but band manager Steve Sesnick sent all of the band but Yule home, presumably to retain maximum control of the product (the resulting album was Squeeze, released in 1973) and effectively ending Alexander's time with the band.
After leaving the Velvet Underground, he enjoyed a checkered career, both solo and with his Boom Boom Band, that lasts to this day. In-between, Alexander teamed up with Powers to tour France in 1982 for French punk record label New Rose Records, in 1987 opening for Dramarama and in 2006 for a tour with the legendary Boom Boom band.
Alexander's 1975 single "Kerouac" was covered by Tim Presley on the album The Wink (Drag City, 2016) and his 1980 single "Gin" was covered by Luna on their covers album A Sentimental Education (Double Feature, 2017).
In addition to his storied music career, in 1994, Willie narrated a local film entitled Middle Street made by fellow Gloucester native, independent filmmaker Henry Ferrini. Willie has also contributed many songs to the soundtracks for Henry's other films.
Tonight’s non-profit organization
In the spirit of giving back to the community each concert is partnered with a Cape Ann non-profit organization. The public is invited to make a free-will donation (So if you can, please bring cash/check.) This week's organization is The Open Door.
About The Open Door
The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security.
Learn more about The Open Door.Become a summer series sponsor!
We are deeply grateful for grants from the Gloucester Community Preservation Act and the Massachusetts Cultural Council plus the generosity of individual donors. Each concert features talented local musicians and benefits Cape Ann non-profits through free will donations from the audience. Last year we raised over $18K in support of their important work in our community. Delicious food is available from local vendors for dinner on the lawn, making our summer music festival a relaxing way to start the weekends through early September.
Now all we need is your support as Sponsors!
If you would like to become a series sponsor, please scroll down to see the options available.
In thanks, your giving level and personal or business name will be featured on our season card and poster.
We hope that you will enjoy these summer evenings of great music with your family, neighbors and friends in support of our non-profit partners. Thanks for all you do to make Cape Ann such an amazing place to live!
Parking Info
Parking on the Green is limited to vehicles with disability registration plates or placards.
After 6, parking in downtown Gloucester is free and there are several lots nearby. When parking in and around the area, please make sure not to block our neighbor’s driveways.
Don’t forget!
We would love to have you join us for this event! If you would like to add a reminder to your personal calendar, select which calendar service you use from the dropdown below.
Willie Alexander, punk music legend, musical innovator, and artistic icon, returns to Music on Meetinghouse Green with his band for a rocking evening. Gloucester’s own Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander shares his legendary talent as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist. With his roots in Boston’s punk rock scene of the 70’s and 80’s, Willie’s musical career has flourished for more than 50 years. Whether as a band member with the Lost, Bagatelle, Grass Menagerie and the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, or as front man for his own series of bands, Willie’s enduring popularity is a reflection of his unique musical voice and artistic vision. A true artist, Willie has expanded his work to other mediums including soundtracks for local filmmaker Henry Ferrini, collage and painting.
Food service provided by The Lobster Roller Gloucester Meetinghouse, 10 Church Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation info@gloucestermeetinghouse.org false MM/DD/YYYY 90
Location
Address:
Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church
10 Church Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
