Author: admin
A little dirt, a little risk
Learning and fun on Head’s Pond Trail in Hooksett
By Dan Szczesny
danszczesny@gmail.com
I can’t think of a better word than feral to describe my daughter’s love for the outdoors, so for now, I’m going with that.
We’ve raised Little Bean to be as unafraid of the traditional challenges of nature as possible. Mud. Wind. Snow. Dirt under the fingernails. All fair game.
The constraint of goal-setting when on the trail can often stifle exploration. The mountaintop will always be there, but hey, look at that cool rock! That sort of thing.
There’s a whole line of child psychology, in fact, that studies a developing field called Risky Play. Remember when you were a kid and you spent basically the whole day outside, unsupervised, doing things that adults today would be horrified to learn you were doing? Well, folks like Mariana Brussoni, a professor at the University of British Columbia, remembers. She says it was good for you, and a little of that today would also be good for kids.
Risky Play done in the context of a relatively safe space is “really a fundamental way for them to figure out the world — how the world works, how their body works,” she says.
This was on my mind recently during a hike with Little Bean along the Head’s Pond Trail in Hooksett. This amazing little jewel of a rail trail sits right off Route 3 and is built along a 1.7-mile section of the old Portsmouth and Concord Railroad line, which dates back to 1847. Back then, it connected the coast to the capital and ran right through Hooksett. Today, it’s a super fun family hike during any season. Flat. Wooded. Water and rocks all over.
We love this trail, in part because it’s the home of Sheep Rock, a huge glacier erratic that looks like a sheep head, and a rock that we included in our Field Guide NH Rocks That Rock. On this trip, we were thrilled to have a crew from New Hampshire Public Radio accompany us to the rock.
All that was great. Except for the ice. And except for the fact that my daughter wanted badly to engage in Risky Play, the one thing we taught her to do and the one thing I wished, just this once, she wouldn’t!
How would this group of professionals with microphones and an itinerary react to my daughter taking great running head starts and sliding on the ice on her knees, screaming at the top of her lungs? How would they react to her being distracted by a cool branch or an icicle in the middle of asking her a question about rocks?
Well, pretty well, it turns out.
To their credit, the crew took their cues from Little Bean, letting her lead in her own way, letting her be a little crazy because sometimes crazy just means joyful and joyful is OK.
Push too hard and you’ll lose them. Keep them boxed up and they won’t come back. Let them be in a little bit of controlled danger to find their own footing.
There’s a more universal lesson here as well about the power of creating your own story, of building memory and self-worth. There’s lots of places to do this, but hiking with kids, I’ve found, lends itself best to forging bonds, building a history and boosting confidence.
But you need to be patient. And you need to exist in the same space as your kid, not the other way around.
We reached our destination that day, and by the time Little Bean sat atop that rock shaped like a sheep, her knees were filthy, her hair was a tangled web and she had bruises on both elbows. In other words, it was a good hike, and more importantly, it was her hike.
Featured photo: The author’s daughter sits atop Sheep Rock, just off the Head’s Pond Rail Trail in Hooksett. Sheep Rock is listed in the NH Rocks That Rock 25 field guide, a collection of the state’s most famous and historic rocks and boulders. Courtesy photo.
Summer Adventures — 02/24/22
Dogs Versus Cats — 02/17/22
Sweets made with love – 02/10/22
Axes with friends – 02/03/22
The rail trail connection
Imagining a walkable New Hampshire
By Dan Szczesny
news@hippopress.com
This all started with a troll; more specifically, the Heritage Troll, a large wooden sculpture built by artist Tom LeComte and placed along a trail behind Stark Park in Manchester. My daughter, ever the little explorer, took about one minute to find the troll, and about 10 seconds to ask, “Are there more?”
Finding the answer to that question took me down a decades-long road of city planning and sustainable design, all of which may be coming to a head this spring in a way that could change the infrastructure of transportation in the Merrimack Valley.
But first, the troll.
The installation is part of the newly refurbished trail system behind the park that organizers call Walk in the Woods. In the summer and fall of 2021, the lower 15 acres of Stark Park were redesigned and landscaped back to the walking park originally envisioned when the Heritage Trail was designed and built along the Merrimack River. Charming bridges now span babbling brooks, park benches are set up to rest weary feet, and a tree troll — sitting nearly as high as my daughter is tall — now casts a watchful eye out over the river.
During our hike I noticed how close the new (old) trail system is to the Merrimack River. But there are no spur trails to take a walker out there and the reason is the active set of railroad tracks that runs from Manchester to Concord along the river and divides the park from the river.
For 12 years various biking/walking and developing groups have been trying to convince Pan Am Railways to allow rail trails to be built alongside their active tracks, said Jason Soukup, the board secretary of Manchester Moves, one of the organizations working on rail trail projects around the city. The problem right now is liability.
“We found a gap in New Hampshire law, compared to other states like Maine, in the current Rec Use Law on the books that doesn’t protect the railway,” he said. “We’re trying to change that.”
Last year Pan Am sold the railway to CSX Transportation, a railway company that already has established active use railroad lines right next to rail trails around the country.
“If we give them liability protection, they’ll do it,” said Soukup.
On Jan. 20, House Bill 1579 (The Rail with Trail Bill) was introduced into the House Judiciary Committee for study. This May, when the railroad sale is finalized, supporters say passing the bill will protect the railway from liability and open the door to rail trail development.
Beside Manchester Moves, the bill is supported by a wide coalition of rail trail supporters, including the New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition, The City of Manchester, the Friends of Stark Park, New Hampshire DOT and the Rails to Trails Conservancy in Washington, D.C.
While it may seem strange that such a coalition is putting this much support behind a fairly obscure bipartisan bill, there’s a much larger picture here to consider.
Should the bill pass and the railway relent to allow a rail trail to be built alongside its tracks, that would connect a critical 31-mile “gap” in the Granite State Rail Trail. The nearly contiguous 125-mile rail trail that runs from Salem to Lebanon is missing one critical section: the piece between Manchester and Concord. Connect that part along the active tracks, and one could in theory walk or bike the entire length of the trail without having to touch a road.
“Imagine, for tourism and connectivity, being able to get on your bike and ride safely wherever you want,” Soukup said. “A community you can connect to without having to use a car is a better community.”
Rail Trail supporters have never been so close to making the statewide corridor a reality. And rail trails, in general, make perfect routes for beginner walkers who want to experience hiking during all seasons.
But while we wait for May, Walk in the Woods and the Heritage Trail, which continues on for another two miles behind the Youth Services Center off River Road, is open for exploration.
Meanwhile, to answer my daughter’s question, the Manchester Trolls may well be multiplying. Word has it that plans are in the works to find homes for several others, including somewhere along the Rockingham Trail. And don’t be surprised if Arms Park suddenly becomes a troll home.
“This all falls under the umbrella of making our neighborhoods better,” Soukup said. “We want to encourage people to stay here, explore local places, and that means investing in those places.”
Dan Szczesny is a long time journalist and hiker and a member of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footer club. He’s written travel memoirs about Nepal and Alaska and about hiking with kids. His latest books include The White Mountain: Rediscovering the Hidden Culture of Mount Washington and NH Rocks That Rock: An Adventure Guide to 25 Famous Boulders in the Granite State. He lives in Manchester with his wife and daughter. See danszczesny.com
Featured photo: The author’s daughter finds the Rail Troll, a sculpture by artist Tom LeComte. Photo by Dan Szczesny.
Ice Season – 01/27/22
Out in the snow – 01/20/22
Music this week – 22/01/20
Thursday, Jan. 20
Bedford
Copper Door: Clint Lapointe, 7 p.m.
Brookline
Alamo: open mic, 4:30 p.m.
Concord
Area 23: Paul Driscoll, 7 p.m.; Ryan Williamson, 8 p.m.; April Cushman, 9 p.m.
Hermanos: Craig Fahey, 6:30 p.m.
Derry
Fody’s: music bingo, 8 p.m.
LaBelle Winery: The Joshua Tree, 6:30 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Chris Fraga, 7 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: Max Sullivan, 5 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Ross McGinnes, 6 p.m.
L Street: live music, 6:30 p.m.; Karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Wally’s: Chris Toler, 9 p.m.
Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: karaoke with DJ Jason, 7 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Londonderry
Stumble Inn: Mica Peterson Duo, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Angel City: open mic with Jonny Friday, 8 p.m.
Currier: Old Tom and The Lookouts, 5 p.m.
Fratello’s: Austin McCarthy, 5:30 p.m.
KC’s: Jessica Olson, 6 p.m.
Strange Brew: Becca Myari, 8 p.m.
Meredith
Giuseppe’s: Joel Cage, 6 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Chris Powers, 5:30 p.m.
Milford
Stonecutters Pub: Blues Therapy, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: DJ Rich Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Johnny Angel, 5:30 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Dave Gerard & Tim Theriault, 7 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Chad Lamarsh, 7 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Take Two, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 21
Brookline
Alamo: Robert Allwarden, 4:30 p.m.
Concord
Area 23: The Blues Express, 8 p.m.
Deerfield
Lazy Lion: NKM, 6 p.m.
Derry
Fody’s: Joe Macdonald, 8 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Johnny Angel, 8 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: Jack Shea, 5 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: BassTastic Duo, 6 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Don Severance, 6 p.m.
The Goat: Alex Anthony, 8 p.m.
L Street: live music, 6:30 p.m.; karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Wally’s: KICK, 9 p.m.
Whym: Corinna Savien, 6:30 p.m.
Henniker
Pats Peak: Charlie Chronopolous, 6 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102 Tavern: karaoke with George Bisson, 8 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Tower Hill Tavern: DJ Kadence with karaoke, 8 p.m.
Londonderry
Coach Shop: Ralph Allen, 6 p.m.
Stumble Inn: Another Shot, 8 p.m.
Manchester
Angel City: musical bingo, 6:30 p.m.; Austin Worthington, 9 p.m.
Backyard Brewery: Maddi Ryan, 6 p.m.
Bonfire: live music, 9 p.m.
Derryfield: Souled Out Show Band, 9 p.m.
The Foundry: Ryan Williamson, 6 p.m.
Fratello’s: Jordan Quinn, 6 p.m.
Murphy’s: Steve Haidaichuk, 9:30 p.m.
South Side Tavern: Cox Karaoke, 9 p.m.
Strange Brew: Mica’s Groove Train, 9 p.m.
To Share Brewery: Kevin Horan, 6:30 p.m.
Meredith
Twin Barns: Justin Cohn, 5 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Marc Apostolides, 6 p.m.
Milford
Pasta Loft: Road House, 9 p.m.
Stonecutters Pub: DJ Dave O with karaoke, 9 p.m.
Nashua
Boston Billiards: Max Sullivan, 5 p.m.
Fody’s: Marlena Phillips, 7 p.m.
Fratello’s: Josh Foster, 6 p.m.
New Boston
Molly’s: live music, 7 p.m.
New Market
Stone Church: Amulus with The Chops, 9 p.m.
Northfield
Boonedoxz Pub: karaoke night, 7 p.m.
Portsmouth
Gas Light: Max Sullivan, 9:30 p.m.
Goat: Chris Toler, 9 p.m.
Thirsty Moose: Eric Marcs & Solid Ground, 9 p.m.; Dom Colizzi, 9 p.m.
Salem
Jocelyn’s: Brian Walker, 9 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Midnight Sound Society, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 22
Alton Bay
Dockside: Tim T, 8 p.m.
Auburn
Auburn Pitts: live music, 7 p.m.
Bow
Chen Yang Li: Chris Lester, 7 p.m.
Brookline
Alamo: The Incidentals, 5 p.m.
Concord
Craft Brewing: Paul Driscoll, 3 p.m.
Hermanos: Lucas Gallo, 6:30 p.m.
Penuche’s: The Special Guests, 7 p.m.
Deerfield
Lazy Lion: live music, 7 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Rob & Jody, 8 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: Chris Cyrus, 1 p.m.; Tim Parent, 5 p.m.
Shooters: Max Sullivan, 6:30 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: Justin Cohn, 6 p.m.
Hampton
The Goat: MB Padfield, 9 p.m.
L Street: live music, 6:30 p.m.; karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Wally’s: Jonny Friday Band, 9 p.m.
Whym: Pete Peterson, 6:30 p.m.
Henniker
Pats Peak: Karen Grenier, 5 p.m.
Hudson
Luk’s: Ryan Williamson, 6 p.m.
Lynnn’s 102 Tavern: Off the Record, 8 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: Time Bandits, 8 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Londonderry
Coach Shop: Justin Jordan, 6 p.m.
Stumble Inn: Acoustic Tandem, 3 p.m.; Mt. Pleasant Band, 8 p.m.
Manchester
Backyard Brewery: Mikey G, 6 p.m.
Derryfield: Last Kid Picked, 8 p.m.
Elm Street House of Pizza: Brian Walker, 7 p.m.
Fratello’s: Tim Kierstead, 6 p.m.
The Foundry: Kimayo, 6 p.m.
The Goat: Paul Wolstencroft, 9 a.m.; KICK, 9 p.m.
Great North Aleworks: Kevin Horan, 3 p.m.
McIntyre: Paul Lussier, 5 p.m.
Murphy’s: Zach Newbould, 9:30 p.m.
Strange Brew: South Michigan Avenue, 9 p.m.
To Share Brewery: Drag Queen Bingo, 3 p.m.
Meredith
Twin Barns: Malcolm Salls, 5 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Marc Apostolides, 6 p.m.
Milford
Pasta Loft: The Pop Farmers, 9 p.m.
Nashua
Fratello’s: Lou Antonucci, 6 p.m.
Liquid Therapy: Brian Wall, 6 p.m.
White Birch Brewing: Chad Verbeck, 3 p.m.
New Boston
Molly’s: live music, 7 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Henley Douglas, 9 p.m.
Portsmouth
Gas Light: Jordan Quinn, 9:30 p.m.
The Goat: Mike Forgette, 9 p.m.
Thirsty Moose: Ben Lyons, 9 p.m.; Redline, 9 p.m.
Rochester
Revolution Tap & Grill: Joe McDonald, 1 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Francoix Simard, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 23
Alton Bay
Dockside: Matt & Steve, Wooden Nickels, 4 p.m.
Bedford
Copper Door: Marc Apostolides, 11 a.m.
Brookline
Alamo: Chris Powers, 4:30 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: WoodWind & Whiskey, 11 a.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Steve Sibulkin, 6 p.m.
L Street: live music, 6:30 p.m.; karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Whym: Max Sullivan with Anthony LiPetri, 3 p.m.
Hudson
Lynnn’s: Vinyl Legion, 5 p.m.
Laconia
Belknap Mill: open mic, 2 p.m.
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Manchester
Strange Brew: jam, 7 p.m.
Nashua
Stella Blu: Bend and Brew, 10:30 a.m.
Northfield
Boonedoxz Pub: open mic, 4 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Nate Comp, 11 a.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Pete Massa, 8 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 24
Hudson
The Bar: karaoke with Phil
Gilford
Patrick’s Pub: open mic w/ Paul Luff, 6 p.m.
Hampton
L Street: karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Londonderry
Stumble Inn: Lisa Guyer, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Phil Jacques, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: live band karaoke, 8 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Doug Thompson, 5:30 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: karaoke night, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Justin Jordan, 5:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: musical bingo, 7 p.m.; Alex Anthony, 9 p.m.
Press Room: open mic, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 25
Concord
Hermanos: Paul Bourgelais, 6:30 p.m.
Tandy’s: open mic night, 8 p.m.
Hampton
L Street: karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Shane’s: music bingo, 7 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: line dancing, 7 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Doug Mitchell, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.
KC’s Rib Shack: Paul & Nate open mic, 7 p.m.
Strange Brew: David Rousseau, 7 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Justin Cohn, 5:30 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: musical bingo, 8 p.m.
Fratello’s: Clint Lapointe, 5:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Seabrook Idol, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 26
Concord
Area 23: open mic, 6 p.m.
Hermanos: Brian Booth, 6:30 p.m.
Tandy’s: karaoke, 8 p.m.
Derry
Amphora: Ted Solovicos, 6 p.m.
Hampton
Bogie’s: open mic, 7 p.m.
L Street: karaoke with DJ Jeff, 9 p.m.
Wally’s: Chris Toler, 7 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Under Raps, 7 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: Musical Bingo Nation, 7 p.m.
Laconia
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Jeff Mrozek, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: country line dancing, 7 p.m.
Stark Brewing: Cox Karaoke, 8 p.m.
Strange Brew: Howard & Mike’s Acoustic Jam, 8 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Jessica Olson, 5:30 p.m.
Milford
Stonecutters Pub: open mic, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fratello’s: Chris Cavanaugh, 5:30 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Rhosalyn Williams, 12 p.m.
Rochester
Porter’s: karaoke night, 6:30 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Fred Elsworth, 7 p.m.
Somersworth
Speakeasy: open mic night, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan 27
Bedford
Copper Door: Jodee Frawlee, 7 p.m.
Brookline
Alamo: open mic, 4:30 p.m.
Concord
Hermanos: Brian Booth, 6:30 p.m.
Derry
Fody’s: music bingo, 8 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Justin Jordan, 7 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: Chad Verbeck, 5 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: D-Comp Duo, 6 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Just the Two of Us, 6 p.m.
Wally’s: Chris Toler, 6 p.m.; Joe Samba, 9 p.m.
Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: karaoke with DJ Jason, 7 p.m.
Laconia
Belknap Mill: Palomino Motel, 7 p.m.
Fratello’s: live piano, 5:30 p.m.
Londonderry
Stumble Inn: Mugsy Duo, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Currier: Kevin Horan, 5 p.m.
Fratello’s: Clint Lapointe, 5:30 p.m.
KC’s: Joanie Cicatelli, 6 p.m.
Strange Brew: Jam Tomorrow, 8 p.m.
To Share Brewery: Ted Solovicos, 6:30 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Austin McCarthy, 5:30 p.m.
Tomahawk: Chad Lamarsh, 6:30 p.m.
Milford
Stonecutters Pub: Blues Therapy, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: DJ Rich Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Tom Rousseau, 5:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
Clipper Tavern: Max Sullivan, 9 p.m.
The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Pete Peterson, 7 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Amanda Cote, 7 p.m.
Shows
• Dave Gererd and Tim Theriault Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., Stone Church
• Anthony Geraci & the Boston Blues All-Stars Thursday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Venue
• An Evening with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals Friday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m, Palace Theatre
• Red Hot Chilli Pipers Friday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• Ambrose Akinmusire Friday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Friday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Fred Hersch Trio Saturday, Jan. 22, at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
• Funtcase & SweetTooth Saturday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., Jewel Music Venue
• Amulus/The Chops Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• Who’s Bad (tribute to Michael Jackson) Saturday, Jan. 22, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Beechwood & Boomsoss Saturday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord
• The Skunk Sessions Saturday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Portland Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series Sunday, Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• Citizen Cope Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall
• Eddie 9V Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• Nicholas Payton Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• Juggalo Jump-Off (Insane Clown Posse tribute) Thursday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m., Jewel Music Venue
• Bearly Dead Thursday, Jan. 27, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• Alicia Olatuja Quintet Friday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues
• Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Friday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• Keb’Mo’ Friday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m., Music Hall
• Classic Stones Live Friday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Saturday, Jan. 29, 7:30, Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues
• The Bulkheads/Adrienne Mack-Davis/Villains Row Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Superunknown: A Tribute to Chris Cornell Saturday, Jan, 29, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Rachel & Vilray Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., The Historic Theatre/Music Hall
• Blitzkid The Reunion Kickoff Tour Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Jewel
• Joel Ross Quintet Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• Juston Cohn & Dario Castro Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Stone Church
• Mike Block Trio Thursday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m., Stone Church
• Shemekia Copeland Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• Foreigners Journey (tribute to Foreigner and Journey) Thursday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• King Solomon Hicks Friday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
• The Soggy Po’ Boys Friday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Enter the Haggis Friday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord
• Phil Vassar Friday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• Cowboy Junkies Friday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., The Historic Theatre/Music Hall
• Tusk (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) Friday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• The Brother Brothers Saturday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., Bank of NH Stage, Concord
• Cash Unchained — The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute Saturday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., Cap Center
• Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing Saturday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• Lucky Chops Saturday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz
• Sister Dee & Dis N’ Dat Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre — Aqualung 50th Anniversary Tour Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Mike Dawes and Yasmin Williams Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord
• Pink Talking Fish (Pink Floyd/Talking Heads/Phish tribute band) Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 6, 1 p.m., The Historic Theatre/Music Hall
• Taylor O’Donnell Monday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m., Johnson Theatre, UNH Durham
• Bird Friend/Mike Cote Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Stone Church
• Peter Parcek Band Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues