Notes from Land's End: February 21

Offseason – The Television Series

By Laura Shabott 

February 21st, 2012 

Nathan Butera and Jake Fink

When I heard that locals were making a television series about Provincetown’s offseason, my first thought was: “I’m living it so why would I want to see a show about it, right?”


That was until I watched the OFFSEASON YouTube sizzler reel. NYU Film School MFA graduate (2005) Nathan Butera has created a winner of a show. He deserves a round of advanced applause for the professionalism and production quality that snarky, year-rounder me didn’t think was possible to create at the end of the world.

Provincetown.com

Nathan was kind enough to answer some of my burning questions about OFFSEASON:

Q: What inspired you to write and produce this television series?

A: I was in the middle of a divorce from the relationship that had initially brought me to Provincetown. When the marriage failed, I had already lived here for two winters. During that time, I was drawn to the theater and cast in OUR TOWN and THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. I directed short plays and attended the Playwrights Lab.


However, I’m a filmmaker at heart and considered leaving Provincetown for Los Angeles. When I really took the time to look around me and noticed all the untapped talent, stunning landscapes, classic architecture and all the writers, it was one of those ah-hah moments. This town has its own television station, radio station, airport, marina, art museum and cinema. I said to myself, “Duh, if I can't make films HERE, then I have no business going to LA anyway.”

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Notes from Land's End: February 14

Stanley Kunitz, provincetown.com 

Provincetown's Poets WAX about Love

By Laura Shabott
February 14th, 2012 

Provincetown is rich with works of ardor written by authors and playwrights who call our beloved town their muse. Let’s begin this Valentines Day online poetry slam with a brilliant jewel by former Poet Laureate and Fine Arts Work Center co-founder Stanley Kunitz:

Tennessee Williams, courtesy of Nola.com

YOUNG LOVE

At his incipient sun

The ice of twenty winters broke,
Crackling, in her eyes.

Her mirroring, still mind,
That held the world (made double) calm,
Went fluid, and it ran.

There was a stir of music,
Mixed with flowers, in her blood;
A swift impulsive balm

From obscure roots;
Gold bees of clinging light
Swarmed in her brow.

She is a tree in spring
Trembling with the hope of leaves,
Of which the leaves are tongues.

Her throat is full of songs,
She hums, she is sensible of wings
Growing on her heart.

Tennessee Williams changed the world with A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and THE GLASS MENAGERIE. His deep understanding of love and heartbreak is just as profound in this delicate piece: 

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Notes from Land's End: February 7

Mark Your Calendar! Provincetown's Most Anticipated Summer Events
By Laura Shabott 
February 7th, 2012

Carnival - courtesy of Sue Harrington

When I worked at the front desk of the Boatslip Resort, callers were surprised to find out that we were already sold out for their favorite Provincetown week. 

Don’t let this happen to you! Here are the 2012 dates for some of the town’s most spirited high-season holidays.

1. May 28 Memorial Day Weekend -provincetownforwomen.com

Portuguese Festival - provincetown.com 

For the young and young at heart, this word-of-mouth annual convergence of partying lasses kicks off the summer. Bring your cooler and a pack of close friends. Whooo-Hoooo! 

2. June 13-17 Annual Provincetown International Film Festival – ptownfilmfest.org

Touted as the ‘New Sundance’ by independent film aficionados, this festival is a powerhouse event for the LGBT filmmaker. If you love ground-breaking cinema, don’t miss it.

3. June 21-24 Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet – provincetownportuguesefestival.com

Honoring Lands End’s legacy as a Portuguese fishing community, this weekend is a celebration of a fun-loving and passionate culture. There’s a parade, luscious foods, dancing and the Blessing of the Fleet.

4. June 29 – July 8 Circuit Week- onlyatthecrown.com, davidflower.com

The town is packed with abs-solutely fabulous men from all over the country. Come dance on the piers, frolic along the beaches, rent a bike and be where the “Boyz” are.

5. July 4 Parade and Fireworks- provincetown-ma.gov
Provincetown loves to celebrate our country’s independence. The parade starts at 11am, beginning in East End at the Harbor Hotel (formerly Cape Inn) and finishing at Commercial and Franklin. Fireworks, beginning at dusk from any bayside beach, are always exciting!
6. July 7-15 Bear Week – ptownbears.org

Bear Week - provincetown.com

Big is beautiful in this massive meeting of the “Bears”, an international men’s group one million strong. Thousands of fun-loving, restaurant-grazing, sun-worshiping crowds and their friends, the Cubs and Otters, take over the town for an amazing week.

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Notes from Land's End: January 31

How Do I Love Thee? With a romantic getaway!

By Laura Shabott
January 31st, 2012 

Valentine's Day - ptown.org

Provincetown is the perfect place for Valentines Day Weekend. It’s not too late to reserve a room and join us at the tip of Cape Cod to celebrate this holiday for lovers. Here’s a sampler of the surprising number of accommodations, restaurants, galleries and shops open for your pleasure.

The Crown and Anchor is offering a complimentary third night with a two night reservation. Chocolates and a bottle of sparkling rose await you in this cozy, well-appointed downtown hotel. Cuddle next to a fireplace overlooking the harbor and who knows what might happen! Their Central House Restaurant has a four course aphrodisiac menu, with a 20 percent discount (alcohol excluded) for hotel guests.

Courtesy of Brad Fowler
Song of Myself Photography
songofmyself.com

Right down the street from the Crown, Coastline Tattoo is ideal for those lovers that want to commemorate the holiday with a permanent valentine. Located at 290A Commercial Street, select one of their stunning designs or create your own. Take advantage of their 10 percent discount for this weekend.


Gallery hoppers will be delighted with “Feel the Love”, an art happening at Four Eleven Studio and Gallery. This gender-bending knitting installation marks the resurgence of “knit-one, pearl-two” among the men of our community and beyond. Hot soup and wonderful artists are an awesome way to start your Saturday night on the town.
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