Join us in celebration of the life and times of “Gloucester’s Gabriel,” Sylvester Ahola (1902–1995) and the arrival of a newly restored portrait of the famous jazz musician. Enjoy a musical jamboree in the Museum’s auditorium, with a sampling of his music and a screening of a silent film featuring footage from his Lanesville and Big Band days. Bring along your instruments and your favorite stories of Sylvester Ahola. As his Finnish ancestry dictates, coffee and nisu will be served.

This program is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For more information call (978)283-0455 x10 or email [email protected].

Sylvester “Hooley” Ahola was born in the Gloucester neighborhood of Lanesville in 1902, a son of Finnish immigrants. He began his musical career as a drummer at the age of six, moved on to local bands while still a child, and by his twenties was playing in Boston, New York and California. Ahola quickly made his mark on the jazz scene, eventually joining the Savoy Orpheans in London. Later in life he returned to Lanesville where he pursued his other passion, ham radio operating, combining his love of music with technology and humor. He was also a devoted member of the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra.