Author: Angie Sykeny

Angie Sykeny is a Hippo staff writer covering local arts, theater, music and pop culture. She can be reached at [email protected].

On The Job – Kamini Jorgensen

Kamini Jorgensen

Nonprofit events coordinator

Kamini Jorgensen recently joined Stay Work Play NH, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting New Hampshire as a place for young people to thrive, as its events and programs coordinator.

Explain your job and what it entails.

Right now I’m working from home, so … I usually have a couple of online meetings … and I focus on [organizing] a wide range of events and programs.

How long have you had this job?

Just over a month.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I started college at the University of New Hampshire, [pursuing] a degree in athletic training. After my first semester I decided it wasn’t [the major] for me. … I’ve always had people tell me I’m friendly and have the right [qualities] for being an event planner. I went to the ‘undecided’ counselor’s office … and they helped me find the Recreation Management and Policy major. … [After college] I was an intern at a wedding venue in Durham for one season, and then I [worked there as] the events coordinator for two years. Then I decided to look for a new job. I really related with [Stay Work Play NH’s] mission. I’ve lived in New Hampshire for 21 years, and I love it and can never picture myself leaving, so being able to focus on showing people how great it is to live in New Hampshire is what really attracted me to this job.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have a bachelor of science in recreation management, and I chose to focus in programming and event management, because it gives you a lot of options; you could go the wedding [planning] route, or do something with parks and rec, all kinds of different stuff.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Leggings and a T-shirt or anything comfy since I’m working at home. If I’m meeting someone in person I’ll dress business casual. If I have a meeting over Zoom I’ll dress business casual, at least from the waist up.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

At my previous job, [planning] weddings, everything was done in person. … I was around people all day. Working at home and only seeing people online has been a huge shift for me … but I’m enjoying it.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

When I started my professional career, I thought the only events planning [work] was weddings and big corporate events. I wasn’t privy to all of the knowledge [needed] for working for a nonprofit organization, so I wish I had [learned] a little more about that.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

The amount of time and the number of people that go into planning an event. I think a lot of people think all an event coordinator does is [organize] the physical event itself, but there’s a lot more that goes into it. [For example,] as a nonprofit, we rely a lot on sponsors, so [working with sponsors] is another thing I do.

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked at a pizza place in my hometown, in Henniker.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

I feel like there’s a lot of pressure, especially for younger people, to [play] a very traditional, professional role, but that’s not always what companies are looking for anymore. You don’t necessarily need to bend for the company you’re working for. Be yourself, and stay true to yourself.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Anything by Jodi Picoult.
Favorite movie: I’m a Marvel fan. Avengers: Endgame is probably my favorite.
Favorite music: I bounce between rap, hip-hop and country.
Favorite food: Burgers or spinach-artichoke dip.
Favorite thing about NH: No matter what season it is, there’s beauty every time you look out the window.

Featured photo: Kamini Jorgensen. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/10/14

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Handmade by women: Girls at Work (200 Bedford St., Manchester), a nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, will host its inaugural Women’s Artisan Fair on Friday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will feature handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods and a variety of artwork by local women, as well as music, food and opportunities to learn about the organization. Admission is a $10 suggested donation. Masks are required. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

• Last chance for the Arts Market: The last Concord Arts Market of the season is on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rollins Park (off Broadway Street, with parking at 33 Bow St.). The outdoor artisan and fine art market features 50 vendors, live music and a food truck. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.

• Virtual story and song: The Stockbridge Theatre in Derry presents a virtual show, “Letter and Spirit: The Rants, Chants, and Coos of a Literary Musician,” on Friday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. as part of its Homegrown Series, which highlights artists from New England. Regie Gibson and Valyn Turner will perform storytelling, spoken word poetry and music. The show is described on the theater’s website as “an intelligent, thoughtful, bluesy, jazzy, funky and touching exploration into what it means to live, laugh, and love as a human being.” Call 437-5210 or visit stockbridgetheatre.com.

The Manchester Community Theatre Players present SpongeBob The Musical. Courtesy photo.

• SpongeBob on stage: The Manchester Community Theatre Players will present The SpongeBob Musical from Oct. 15 through Oct. 23, in-person at the MCTP Theatre at The North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester) and as a livestreamed show. It features music by popular artists like the Barenaked Ladies, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, They Might Be Giants, John Legend and members of Aerosmith. “SpongeBob is a high-energy, fun musical that is perfect for 2021,” Tom Anastasi, MCTP vice president, said in a press release. “If you’ve seen the Nickelodeon cartoon, you’ll love seeing the characters come to life, but if you’ve never seen the cartoon series, you’ll still find the show to be fun and entertaining.” Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person for the in-person show and $20 per streaming device for the livestreamed show. In-person attendees must purchase tickets in advance and show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Visit mctp.info or call 327-6777.

• Stories from the Valley: The Manchester Historic Association will host a walking tour of Valley Cemetery guided by historians Dick Duckoff and Matt Labbeon on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. According to the Historic Association website, Valley Cemetery is one of the city’s oldest cemeteries and is home to the graves of many prominent citizens from Manchester’s history, such as Aretas Blood, Moody Currier and Ezekiel Straw. The tour will depart from the Chapel at the entrance of Pine Street. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for Manchester Historic Association members. Visit manchesterhistoric.org/events or call 622-7531.

ART

Exhibits

• “KICK-START!” Also known as “the shoe show,” this themed art exhibition from the Women’s Caucus for Art’s New Hampshire Chapter opens at Twiggs Gallery, 254 King St., Boscawen. The exhibit runs through Oct. 31. The shoe theme is expressed in a wide variety of works that include paintings, sculptures, artist books, drawings and mixed media pieces. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. Now through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Opens Oct. 23. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “1,000 CRANES FOR NASHUA” Featuring more than 1,000 origami paper cranes created by hundreds of Nashua-area kids, adults and families since April. On display now at The Atrium at St. Joseph Hospital, 172 Kinsley St., Nashua. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.

• “TOMIE DEPAOLA AT THE CURRIER” Exhibition celebrates the illustrator’s life and legacy through a collection of his original drawings. On view now. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

THEATER

Shows

•​ 9/12 New World Theatre presents. Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Now through Oct. 17, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

• BAREFOOT IN THE PARK The Community Players of Concord present. Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Fri., Oct. 15, and Sat., Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for youth age 17 and under and seniors age 65 and up before Oct. 13, and an additional $2 after Oct. 13. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

•​ CRUEL INTENTIONS THE ’90s MUSICAL The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Now through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• AMERICAN SON The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. The Peacock Players present. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Presented by Cue Zero Theatre Company. Oct. 22 through Oct. 24. Derry Opera House, 29 W. Broadway, Derry. Visit cztheatre.com.

Classical

• “FROM DARKNESS TO HOPE” The New Hampshire Philharmonic concert will feature Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Sat., Oct. 16, and Sun., Oct. 17. Visit nhphil.org.

•​ FALL CONCERT The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra performsTchaikovsky’s Tempest, Julius Eastman’s “Gay Guerilla” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org, 436-2400). Sun., Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35 for adults, $25 to $30 for seniors age 60 and up and $20 for students.

Shooting for the stars

SNHU student recognized for civic leadership

Jonathan Weinberg, a Concord resident and student at Southern New Hampshire University, will be presented with the Civic Leader of the Year award at the 2021 Rising Stars Awards on Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. The awards, an initiative of New Hampshire Public Radio and Stay Work Play, recognize New Hampshire young people who are working to make a positive impact in their communities. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in person with a limited capacity and broadcast live online; visit 2021rsa.eventbrite.

What does the Civic Leader of the Year award recognize?

It recognizes any type of political involvement or civic engagement [that is] helping to better one’s community or trying to get more people civically engaged, whether that’s in an elected position, or working with advocacy committees or groups that are trying to promote positive changes in the community.

What kinds of civic engagement have you been involved in?

Last year I decided to run for the school board in the Concord area. … I was involved with the gun violence prevention movement, helping to organize various marches. I helped with some Black Lives Matter protests. … I also have experience working in environmental advocacy, immigration, child care and affordable wages.

Are there any causes you’d like to get more involved in?

I’d love to expand my horizons. Mental health advocacy is something that’s been a growing passion of mine. As we saw during the past year, there were not enough beds available [at mental health facilities] for people who were waiting in the emergency room. … I’d love to get more involved in that, working to bring further investment to an underfunded system. … I’d also like to be more involved in reproductive rights advocacy.

Are any of these issues personal for you?

Immigration has some personal [significance] for me. As a Jewish person I’ve experienced anti-semitism. I’ve seen the kind of iniquitous, abhorrent behavior that people can show toward someone just because they’re from somewhere else, or because they look different. It motivates me to make sure that other people don’t have to feel the way that I have felt when I’ve [experienced] anti-semitic slurs. That’s also why I’ve been involved in advocating with equity and helping to promote Black Lives Matter protests. … I also have a personal connection with mental health. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for years but haven’t been very vocal about it. I want to make sure that we’re destigmatizing and raising awareness of mental health [issues] so that people feel safe in their communities to express what they’re going through.

How do you take care of yourself?

I use a lot of coping mechanisms. I try to run. I play piano. I try to do things that help me [maintain] a sense of equilibrium. When you’re dealing with all of these really challenging issues and something doesn’t go the way you hoped, you have to remind yourself that at least you’re doing something about it; don’t give up.

What is the biggest change you’d like to see in New Hampshire?

I think we need more investment in social programs, whether it’s [addressing] the opioid epidemic, homelessness, the mental health crisis, child care or the minimum wage. If we tackle one of those issues, it can help with the other issues as well, because they’re very interconnected. We also need to create programming that is more accessible, that [doesn’t require] filling out so much paperwork or going out of your way in order to receive [assistance].

What do you want to do after graduating from college?

I’ve thought about attending law school. I’d love to work … representing individuals who cannot afford representation or don’t have representation that’s adequate … and also work on immigration reformation.

What advice would you give to other young people looking to get more involved in their communities?

Sometimes, people are afraid to get involved because they don’t know what they’re going to do [to help], or they don’t feel like they have the right experience to speak on the matter. But there’s something powerful about getting involved in something just because you have that gut feeling that you should. Don’t let a lack of experience or a fear that you don’t know enough stop you from getting involved. Once you take that leap, you can learn more about it, and sometimes being new to something [allows you to] build a better foundation, which can be the most powerful agent of change in action.

Featured photo: Jonathan Weinberg. Courtesy photo.

On The Job – Ty Snitko

Ty Snitko

Prop maker

Ty Snitko of Dublin builds props and sets for films being shot in New Hampshire and throughout New England.

Explain your job and what it entails.

It depends on the kind of story being told. Sometimes I’m building on sound stages. About half of what you see in film is not [shot] on location; it’s [shot] on sound stages built by us. Other times, I’m building something on location, out in the real world, that has to be able to withstand the elements. Sometimes [the filmmakers] want some really crazy stuff built, so you have to be able to adapt and be creative.

How long have you had this job?

About four years.

What led you to this career field?

I’m an artistic guy. I’ve always liked making stuff with my hands, and I’ve always been a movie nerd.

What kind of education or training did you need?

You need some knowledge of construction and [using] hand tools, which I have from my background in being a handyman and a painter. But in every job, you learn something new.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Usually just jeans and a T-shirt, and something waterproof if I’m working outside in the elements.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

Everything was shut down for seven or eight months for me. Then, [jobs] started to trickle back in. Then, there was an influx; because everything was shut down for all of those months, there was an incredible need for content [after the shutdown ended]. Since then, [work] has been nonstop, and sometimes I have to work insane hours.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

I’d rather be slow than sloppy. When you rush your work, it gets done poorly. That’s something I’ve always known, but it really hit home when I started [this work].

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I’m a big fan of cinema, and I never appreciated how much work [is done] by the people behind the camera until I started doing [that work]. I think they all deserve more recognition.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a dishwasher at Del Rossi’s in Dublin.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

This is your job, not your life. It’s easy for this job to become all-consuming, but you have to remember to take time for yourself and your family.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tim Robbins, and The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Favorite movie: Taxi Driver and El Topo
Favorite music: Avant-garde stuff, like Mr. Bungle, Django Reinhardt — stuff you have to go looking for.
Favorite food: I once had this ginger chicken made by Japanese master chef Hiroshi Hayashi, and that’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever had.
Favorite thing about NH: The woods, and the people. Some of the people who live out here are crazy, but everyone still gives each other their space, and I appreciate that.

Featured photo: Ty Snitko. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/10/07

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Together again: Don’t miss the final weekend of Greater Tuna at The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). The long-running off-Broadway play by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard first opened in 1981 and is one of the most produced plays in American theater history, according to a press release. Two actors — Andrew Pinard and Eric Stanley — portray 20 different characters as they create a tour de farce of Tuna, a caricature of small-town life. Pinard, who is also the owner of the Hatbox Theatre, and Stanley are reprising the roles they played together in a production of Greater Tuna that ran at the Annichiarico Music Theatre in Concord in 1991, the release said. Showtimes are on Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.

• For the kids: The Palace Youth Theatre student actors (kids in grades 2 through 12) will present Clue Jr. High School Edition on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

•​ Call for art: Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) is accepting submissions of artwork for its annual holiday exhibit, “Small Works — Big Impact.” The exhibit, which will be on display during November and December, features small works of art priced affordably for gift buying. Local professional and non-professional artists are welcome. Artwork may include two- or three-dimensional pieces in any style and medium, with an exterior frame size limited to 13 inches in any direction. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 23. Artists are also invited to present their work at an opening reception at the gallery on Friday, Nov. 12. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

•​ Shoe show: The Women’s Caucus for Art’s New Hampshire Chapter has an exhibit, “Kick-Start,” on view at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) now through Oct. 31. Also known as “the shoe show,” the exhibit features shoe-themed art by two dozen artists in a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, artist books, small installations, photography, drawings and mixed-media pieces. “All the work is really different,” gallery director Laura Morrison told the Hippo earlier this month. “No one piece is like the other. We have things that are very serious, things that are just plain silly, things that are really powerful.” Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

ART

Exhibits

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. Now through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Opens Oct. 23. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Nov. 6 through Jan. 6.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Opens Nov. 20. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET Outdoor artisan and fine art market. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through October. Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.

• WOMEN’S ARTISAN FAIR Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, features handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts by women artisans. Fri., Oct 15, and Sat. Oct. 16. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

THEATER

Shows

•​ GLORIOUS The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Now through Oct. 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ CRUEL INTENTIONS THE ’90s MUSICAL The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Now through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

•​ 9/12 New World Theatre presents. Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Oct. 8 through Oct. 17, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

• BAREFOOT IN THE PARK The Community Players of Concord present. Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Fri., Oct. 15, and Sat., Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for youth age 17 and under and seniors age 65 and up before Oct. 13, and an additional $2 after Oct. 13. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. The Peacock Players present. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• MAMMA MIA The Palace Theatre presents. 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Oct. 15 through Nov. 14, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• AMERICAN SON The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Presented by Cue Zero Theatre Company. Oct. 22 through Oct. 24. Derry Opera House, 29 W. Broadway, Derry. Visit cztheatre.com.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Now through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

Classical

• “FROM DARKNESS TO HOPE” The New Hampshire Philharmonic concert will feature Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Sat., Oct. 16, and Sun., Oct. 17. Visit nhphil.org.

•​ FALL CONCERT The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra performsTchaikovsky’s Tempest, Julius Eastman’s “Gay Guerilla” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org, 436-2400). Sun., Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35 for adults, $25 to $30 for seniors age 60 and up and $20 for students.

•​ “SUITES AND SCHUBERT” Symphony New Hampshire presents music by Bach, Schubert and Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933. St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua). Fri., Nov. 5. Visit symphonynh.org.

Water works

BrightFarms to expand NH’s largest hydroponic farm

BrightFarms, a national indoor farming company that grows leafy greens, is partnering with lēf Farms in Loudon to build its first New England farm. The “megafarm” will eventually span 14 acres and produce 4 million pounds of leafy greens for retailers across the Northeast. Donald Grandmaison, the sales manager for lēf Farms, talked about the expansion and what it means for New Hampshire.

What brought lēf Farms and BrightFarms together?

Lēf Farms was started in 2016 and was the only hydroponic greenhouse of its size in New Hampshire — one acre, with the capacity [to expand to] 14 acres — and it still is. We started with the mission of bringing fresh, local baby greens to the market and getting it to the retailers within 24 hours of harvest. … That mission really parallels what BrightFarms does. … Ninety-six percent of baby greens are imported from California or Arizona … so it takes four to seven days for them [to get here]. BrightFarms is working to bring that product closer to the market. … One reason [they chose lēf Farms] is that we’re centrally located in New Hampshire and right in the middle of New England, so we’re only an hour to two hours away from every major distribution center for a lot of the Northeast retailers, [including] Hannaford, Market Basket and Shaw’s.

How does your hydroponic growing system work?

The type of growing we do is called NFT, [which stands for] nutrient film technique. We grow in 19-foot-long gutters and plant the seeds right on top of a soilless media that germinates the seeds. The roots penetrate down to the bottom of these gutters where water is run over the roof, so there’s a rich, dense nutrient solution that runs over the roots, and that’s [what makes it] hydroponic. … We use some really advanced technology [including] a completely automated system … with greenhouses that regulate temperature, humidity and light levels.

What do you grow?

We grow baby lettuces, like romaines and an iceberg hybrid; a crop called mizuna, which is a type of mustard green; and a red leaf and a green leaf. We have four products: a spice blend which has arugula and mustard in it; a smooth blend with a variety of soft, leafy lettuces; a red and green leaf blend; and a straight green leaf blend.

What does this partnership do for lēf farms?

BrightFarms is the leading indoor farming company in the country. They’ve been in the market much longer than we have, and they have resources and expertise that we simply didn’t have. They’re bringing a world-class model to our farm and expanding our farm from one acre to three acres within the year, which will impact the entire Northeast.

What does it do for New Hampshire as a whole?

One of the hardest things about living in New Hampshire is the limited growing season; you get to October and [don’t have many] options, but people want fresh local products year-round. We’re able to create a supply for that demand. … We [in the agriculture industry] are expecting that within the next five to 10 years 50 percent of all leafy greens that people buy at the retail level will be grown indoors, which is phenomenal. … There’s also the convenience factor: our products are in Hannaford, Whole Foods, Market Basket, Shaw’s and Star Market, which [adds up to] about 800 retailers … and we also work with more than 200 independent and local retailers, so if people are shopping at a retailer [rather than a farmers market], they can still get products from local manufacturers. That’s a huge win for New Hampshire residents.

What does it mean to you personally, to be a part of this project?

I’ve been working for lēf since the beginning. … Before that, I went to school for integrated agriculture and got degrees in plant physiology and growing, and I was the general manager of a farm in Concord for 13 years. I’ve always had an intense passion for growing food for locals. There’s nothing more rewarding than growing a crop and selling it right here in the region … especially when you think about how there are pockets of food insecurity throughout New England with limited access to healthy foods.

Featured photo: Donald Grandmaison. Courtesy photo.

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