Author: Michael Witthaus

The Music Roundup 22/12/08

Local music news & events

• Songbird: Along with writing achingly beautiful songs, Antje Duvekot is a talented animator who’s made music videos for several of her contemporaries. Lately, she’s collaborating on a long-form project about Holocaust survivor Abe Piasek. Musically, she’s putting the finishing touches on a new, fan-funded album, and she did a stunning duet with John Gorka of Nanci Griffith’s “Working In Corners” that’s up on YouTube. Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge, 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, tickets $37 and $47 at themusichall.org.

• Perennial: Boston likes to think of Martin Sexton as its own; though the songwriter’s songwriter is a Syracuse native, he came up busking at T stops and on the streets of the city in the early 1990s. He’s gone on to headline storied venues like Carnegie Hall and The Fillmore. His latest album, 2020 Vision, was made virtually during lockdown. It’s described on the official Martin Sexton website as “a poetically emotive and elegantly evocative pandemic scrapbook.” Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, tickets $40 and $45 at tupelohall.com.

• Vocalizers: Before Straight No Chaser, Pentatonix and the Pitch Perfect movies, Rockapella brought contemporary a cappella into many music fans’ lives. The New York vocal group had forebears, but when it was the house “band” on the PBS series Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? its brand of human beatbox-driven harmonizing entered the mainstream. The group’s annual holiday show returns to Pinkerton Academy. Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Stockbridge Theatre, 44 N. Main St., Derry, $35 at pinkertonacademy.org.

• Fiddlacious: Born to play her instrument, Eileen Ivers remembers air fiddling a pink toy guitar at age 3. Since then, she’s earned a reputation as the Jimi Hendrix of the violin from her admirers. Although she’s won multiple all-Ireland fiddle championships and has toured with Riverdance, Ivers is an American, born in New York City. Her upcoming show is Christmas-themed; a highlight of past performances is the devotional song “Holly Tree.” Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $39 at palacetheatre.org.

• Hometown: A solo set from one of the area’s leading luminaries, Justin Cohn, may include a song from Rocking Horse Music Club’s rock opera, Circus of Wire Dolls. The singer-songwriter is one of the group’s standouts since he delivered a memorable lead vocal on 2018’s “Everywhere Is Home,” their debut single. Cohn has a great catalog of his own songs; he released the reflective, bucolic “Settlement Trees” at the end of last year. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m., Stark Brewing Co., 500 Commercial St., Manchester. See justincohn.com.

Nashville bond

Amanda McCarthy duos for hometown show

On a Thursday afternoon in late October, Amanda McCarthy played a set at Bobby’s Idle Hour, a no-nonsense bar nestled at the edge of Nashville’s Music Row. The busy performer had another gig scheduled later that evening, but this one was special, marking the release of “Lifeline,” a song that takes a healthy look back at a long-gone relationship.

“When I finished that song in the writing session, I was like, ‘Well that’s all I have to say,’” McCarthy recalled in a recent phone interview. “I think there’s something really cool about that feeling.” Begun a few years ago and completed with the help of her fiancé, Tom Shubsda, and Martin Butter, its finality shares common ground with Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well.”

At her side that day was Sam Ferrara, a singer-songwriter she’d worked with a lot since leaving New Hampshire just over two years ago, lately singing backup on Ferrara’s own ex-boyfriend burn, “Get Out of My Town.” The two will be making a trip North in early December, with dates at NYC’s Cutting Room and Over The Moon Farmstead in the Granite State.

“I played in New York City before, but she’s from there, so it’ll be really cool to meet her people and be with her in her home environment,” McCarthy said. “Then I’ll get to bring her to New Hampshire.”

The bond with Ferrara is one of many McCarthy has formed since her 2020 leap of faith to Music City. She’s been a part of several songs that have been recorded, co-writing Benn Park’s “Mountain Steep” and penning “Unwrite Every Song” with Emily Myers. “That was a special one,” McCarthy said. “She’s also one of my best friends.”

Though written years ago, “The Long Haul” recently helped April Cushman win a New England Music Award for Best Country Act. McCarthy still hews to the song’s message of tenacity in the face of challenge. “I’ve kept my expectations low but my work ethic high,” she said. “I’ve always been kind of an underdog in a way, and I have no problem working harder day by day, trying to figure it out.”

Her biggest success isn’t one song or even the award she received from Young Entertainment Professionals Nashville for being its most active member. “Being able to quit my job was certainly validating because it let me say I’m stable enough, I’m getting enough work that I can do this,” she said.

She’s aware it’s a crucible that’s not for everyone. “I was always a full-time musician up north and the big question was can I do this in Nashville,” she said. “I was able to, and that really gave me a confidence boost and let me know I’m on the right path, no matter where it’s going. Every time someone records a song I’ve helped write is validating, because it shows me that other people see the value in what I write, not just me.”

The move also helped her growth as an artist. “I’ve learned so much about songwriting from being here, and it hasn’t even been from anyone telling me that I was doing anything wrong. I think just being around so much of it, you absorb a lot, you get inspired by a lot. I’ve kind of become in tune with knowing how to really pull out my inner voice. But I can also become other people’s voices, which is a very cool way to switch things up — and my voice has gotten stronger.”

McCarthy looks forward to seeing friends and family and doing some tax-free Christmas shopping during her brief visit, which also includes a solo show at The Bar in Hudson on Dec. 4. Beyond that, performing at Moonlight Meadery’s home base is about more than music for her.

“The owners, Michael and Bernice, are my best friend’s father and stepmother, and she’s my maid of honor,” McCarthy said, noting that the bridal shower for her wedding next spring happened at the facility. “So not only are they part of an amazing music venue, but I have a very personal connection with them…. I’ve known them since I was a kid, so it’s very cool to be playing there.”

Amanda McCarthy & Sam Ferrara
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.
Where: Over The Moon Farmstead, 1253 Upper City Road, Pittsfield
More: amandamccarthy.com

Featured photo: Amanda McCarthy. Photo Credit Nash Bash Collective.

The Music Roundup 22/12/01

Local music news & events

• Song Circle: A series focused on singer-songwriters, Come On Up To The House has a trio of luminaries: Mark Erelli, Jesse Dee and Ali McGuirk. Erelli’s latest is the poignant “You’re Gonna Wanna Remember This,” a co-write with Lori McKenna. Dee is inspired by vintage soul — his Sam Cooke-flavored “Slippery Slope” is a good example — and McGuirk is a rising star, with a Signature Sounds debut recently released. Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., The Word Barn, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, $15 to $25 at thewordbarn.com.

• Genre-blender: A solid draw in their Midwest home and on the festival circuit, Tropidelic began hitting the Northeast a few years ago. The six-piece band fuses a lot of genres, including reggae and hip-hop, exuding positivity with a spirited call to activism. To illustrate their variety, 2018’s Heavy is the Head included eerie a capella, rage rapping and an uplifting ballad — and that was only the first three songs. Friday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m., Wally’s Pub, 144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton Beach, $20 at ticketmaster.com.

• Woofa goofa: A rousing tribute to the J. Geils Band, Whammer Jammer recalls the Boston sextet that had a habit of blowing headliners off the stage during its very brief period as an opening act; more than a few fans think it’s a crime that the stellar group isn’t in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With singer Rich Ashman standing in for Peter Wolf (who still performs solo), the group does a credible job of reviving their timeless sound. Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m., Stumble Inn, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com.

• Xmas shred: Transforming Santa season into a shredding surf safari, Gary Hoey provides a great way to get into the holiday spirit with his annual “Ho! Ho! Hoey!” show. The Dick Dale acolyte first donned his Kringle hat more than 25 years ago; the guitarist’s franchise now includes Hallmark greeting cards playing rocked-up holiday favorites. Hoey was also featured in the 2006 Danny DeVito film Deck The Halls. Sunday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $35 at tupelohall.com.

• Only one: With its bracing, metal-limned hardcore punk sound, Cro-Mags broke through with The Age of Quarrel in the mid-’80s, followed by Best Wishes, before internal strife split them in two. Last October, bassist-vocalist Harley Flanagan secured rights to the band’s name from its former singer, ending a protracted legal battle. With Flanagan the only founding member, the group kicks off a short tour in Manchester. Monday, Dec. 5, 9 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester, $20 at brownpapertickets.com.

Live for the season

Step out for a musical December

From big stages to small, national touring acts and regional heroes will fill the nights with mirth and melodies throughout December.

Here’s a taste of what’s coming.

• Bookend the month, and then some, with Recycled Percussion. The junk rockers close out their latest, Redonkulous, at their personal performance venue, The CAKE, with 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows (tickets $35 to $110) on two Saturdays, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, they’ll invade Manchester’s Palace Theatre ($35 and up) for a 13-show run that concludes on Jan. 7.

• Over at the Palace’s sister room The Rex Theatre, get festive and international with a week of holiday-themed events. On Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Boston-based jazz singer Rich DiMare serves up A Sinatra Christmas($29 and up), followed Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. by the Celtic fiddle mastery of A Joyful Christmas with Eileen Ivers ($39). On Wednesday, Dec. 14, Italy takes a jazzy bow with Anthony Nunziata: My Italian Broadway Christmas; the next day, it’s Eric Mintel’s Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas. The Spain Brothers offer a blend of holiday-themed Irish and American folk on Saturday, Dec. 17 (all shows 7 p.m., $29).

• At the state’s largest venue,the SNHU Arena, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra returns for the 21st time since their Manchester debut in 2001, on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m., as Keith Lockhart conducts the 2022 Holidays Pops Tour. Tickets are $55 and up at ticketmaster.com.

• At Concord’s Bank of NH Stage on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., Portland, Maine-based Spencer and the Walrus recreate The Beatles’ studio recordings with astounding accuracy, joined by a six-piece horn section ($38). The theme continues with well-regarded Talking Heads tribute act Start Making Sense on Saturday, Dec. 3. at 8 p.m. ($15 and $30). Tim Reynolds, who rose to fame through his collaboration with Dave Matthews, plays with his TR3 band on Friday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. ($36).

• The Capitol Center for the Arts hosts a trio of seasonal shows starting with The Seamus Egan Project’s Celtic Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. ($32 and up). The Capital Jazz Orchestra does its Holiday Pops show on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. ($27.50 and up) and the annual Morning Buzz Christmas Ball happens Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p. m. ($45, recommended age 18+)

• Tupelo Music Hall is packed from Day 1, as bluesman Popa Chubby stops by, with local favorite Brooks Young as an opener, on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. ($30). Guitar shredder Gary Hoey, whose Ho! Ho! Hoey! holiday show is synonymous with the season, plays Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. ($35 and up). Musicians’ musician Martin Sexton hits Tupelo Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. ($40 and up), and folk chanteuse Judy Collins offers hits and holiday songs Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. ($55 and up).

• At Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, guitarist and legendary side man Larry Carlton digs into Steely Dan’s catalog — that’s him wailing on 1976’s “Kid Charlemagne” — and plays other hits Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ($35 to $115). Singer-songwriter Dar Williams serves up erudite folk songs Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ($10 to $60), while British Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Matt Schofield plays Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. ($15 to $55).

• At the nearby newly renovated Music Hall Lounge, the utterly charming Antje Duvekot appears Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ($37 and up), and Thanks to Gravity, a band key to the early ’90s Seacoast scene chronicled in the 2012 documentary In Danger of Being Discovered, plays two shows, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. ($28 and up).

• 3S Artspace has a few live music events, including free ones like Mission of Burma’s Roger Clark Miller playing from his boundary-stretching album, Eight Dream Interpretations for Solo Electric Guitar Ensemble, on Friday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Small Pond tops a Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. show with Hello Shark and Sneaky Miles ($15). The headliners began in Portsmouth doing DIY shows, later opening for national acts like The Ballroom Thieves and Haley Heynderickx. Their sound is described as “swingy, laid-back indie rock with big hooks and undeniably catchy lyrics.” Boston emo stalwarts Piebald plays a 3S date on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 8 p.m. ($25).

Venues
Bank of NH Stage 16 S. Main St., Concord; ccanh.com
The CAKE Theatre 12 Veterans Square, Laconia; thecaketheatre.com
Chubb Theatre (Capitol Center for the Arts) 44 S. Main St., Concord; ccanh.com
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club 135 Congress St., Portsmouth; jimmysoncongress.com
Music Hall Lounge 131 Congress St., Portsmouth; themusichall.org
Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org
Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org
SNHU Arena 555 Elm St., Manchester; snhuarena.com
3S Artspace 319 Vaughan St, Portsmouth; 3sarts.org

Featured photo: Recycled Percussion. Courtesy photo.

The Music Roundup 22/11/24

Local music news & events

• Hail queen: Basking in the glow of a New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year, April Cushman plays a local microbrewery. Cushman was nominated in six NEMA categories, and she performed at the ceremony with guitarist Brad Myrick, who also picked up a nod that night. Cushman’s most recent album The Long Haul represents some of the region’s best music, so her shiny disc is much deserved. Friday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m., Backyard Brewery, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester. See facebook.com/aprilcushmanmusic.

• Rap represent: A celebration of the area hip-hop scene, Hellhound for the Holidays offers a long list of artists. The show is curated by Hellhound Crew, which includes Cody Pope, Byron G, 8-BZA, Fee The Evolutionist, Deja Solo, Even Tho, Trip Seat, Neek100 and more. Friday, Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, $10, see facebook.com/donebooking.

• Clam clowns: Due to a health issue, an evening with Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing is now switched to The Fools, Girard’s longtime group and sometimes musical comedy troupe. Born in “Home of the Fried Clam” Ipswich, Mass., the group broke through the 1970s Boston scene with its irreverent Talking Heads parody “Psycho Chicken,” later scoring a national hit with “It’s a Night for Beautiful Girls” and touring extensively. Saturday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $35 at tupelohall.com.

• Nineties redux: A fantastic double bill for music mavens is led by Sophie B. Hawkins. The singer is touring to mark the 30th anniversary of her smash debut, Tongues and Tails, with its ethereal breakout single, “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover.” Since that start, she’s acted and released five more albums, scoring a big Adult Contemporary hit with “As I Lay Me Down.” Talented singer-songwriter Seth Glier opens the afternoon show. Sunday, Nov. 27, 4 p.m., Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, tickets $55 and $65 at ccanh.com.

Bringing the Holiday Fun: Drinksgiving

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Wobble for a landing

This year’s pre-Thanksgiving options

The night before Thanksgiving is often called Drinksgiving. It’s Friendsgiving for the sober and sober-curious, the Pre-Gobble Wobble for others (OK, maybe the last one is an invented term). Historically for most watering holes, the day before Turkey Day (Wednesday, Nov. 23 this year) is the second busiest of the year, after New Year’s Eve. Whatever one chooses to call it, the evening offers a chance to meet up with old friends and contemplate a four-day weekend of overeating and familial bonding.

Here are a few options to consider, from concerts to karaoke, song pulls and serenades, with or without adult beverages.

• American Legion Post 69 (45 Washington St., Somersworth, 692-9898) Acoustic Radio plays. Tickets $8 at ticketleap.com.

• Amphora (Hood Commons, 55 Crystal Ave., No. 3, Derry, 537-0111) Eddie Sands is a versatile singer and guitarist who plays a variety of familiar songs.

• Area 23 (State Street, Concord, 881-9060) Open Mic Wednesday starts at the appropriate time of 6:23 p.m.

• Bonfire Country Bar (950 Elm St., Manchester, 217-5600) Nashville by way of New Jersey country singer Nikki Briar performs.

• Boston Billiard Club (55 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630) Drop some bucks on poker and dice, or play it safer at the weekly trivia.

• Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511) During the annual Holiday Stroll, get into the Christmas spirit with a light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, enjoy professional carolers or sing a few yourself at the Carol-aoke stand.

• Castaways Boat House (209 Ocean Blvd., Seabrook, 834-6030) High School Reunion Karaoke with DJ.

• Castro’s Back Room (972 Elm St., Manchester, 606-7854) Boo Boo Groove plays jazz and blues at this downtown cigar bar.

• Chapel + Main (83 Main St., Dover, 842-5170) Dan Blakeslee loves the sweet spot between Halloween and Christmas, so his show in Dover should be a treat.

• Chen Yang LI Riverside Lounge (520 South St., Bow, 228-8508) DJ Kenny P hosts karaoke at this beloved Chinese eatery’s downstairs bar.

• Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) Karaoke with DJ Manny starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888) Thanksgiving Homecoming Comedy Show stars veteran standup Kenny Rogerson.

• Club Victoire (111 N. Main St., Rochester, 332-9753) Enjoy rock covers from area band The Side Gig.

• Copper Door (15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677) In what’s becoming a tradition, area favorite Chad LaMarsh sings and plays guitar.

• Copper Door (41 S Broadway, Salem, 458-2033) As this location celebrated its fifth anniversary, Jodee Frawlee plays for diners and imbibers.

• Copper Kettle To Go (39 Main St., Wilton, 654-2631) Singer-songwriter Paul Driscoll performs for customers picking up treats for tomorrow’s feast.

• Crow’s Nest (181 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 974-1686) Bite The Bullet rocks the house.

• Davignon Snowshoe Club (218 Wilson St., Manchester, 623-8239) Jennifer Mitchell performs with her band at the show, which is open to the public.

• Defiant Records & Craft Beer (609 Main St., Laconia, 527-8310) Mike Loughlin brings his original rock tunes and this unique hybrid of vintage vinyl and craft beer.

• Derryfield Country Club (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) D-Comp Band is a regular favorite at this Manchester restaurant and bar.

• Dwyer’s Pub (96 Bridge St., Portsmouth, 319-6770) David Corson, a singer-songwriter praised for his personal lyrics and personable performing skills, plays an evening set.

• Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015) There’s trivia between music from Joe McDonald at 6 p.m. and Ben Harris at 10 p.m.

• Fody’s (187 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946) Two area musicians perform: Kevin Hopkins at 5 p.m. and Brian House at 8:30 p.m.

• Fratello’s (155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022) Singer and piano player Jordan Quinn performs covers and originals.

• Fratello’s Italian Grille (799 Union Ave., Laconia, 889-2022) Piano music from Richard Cumming.

• Getaway Lounge (157 Franklin St., Manchester, 627-0661) Mugshot Monday plays classic rock hits with Wally Nichols on drums.

• Giuseppe’s (312 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3313) Harmonizing husband-and-wife duo The Sweetbloods perform soothing cover songs.

• Granite State Music Hall (546 Main St., Laconia, 884-9536) Country singer Jodie Cunningham returns with Close Range. DJ Tim Parker hosts karaoke, along with mechanical bull rides.

• Hawg’s Pen Café (1114 Route 11, Farmington, 755-3301) Barrington rock cover band Daisy Cutter 6 plays favorites.

• Hermanos (11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669) Brian Booth plays covers.

• Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-5299) The James Montgomery Band is joined by Blues Music Hall of Famer Christine “Beehive Queen” Ohlman. Tickets $10 to $45 at ticketmaster.com.

• Lithermans Limited (126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784) Not music, but four music-themed taproom releases: One Hit Wonder, Keep On Keepin’ On, Soul Doubt and Cosmic Bakers.

• Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832) Sindicate plays its final show.

• Michael’s Flatbread & Grill (8 Stiles Road, Salem, 893-2765) The Regular Gents are an eclectic acoustic duo playing fun versions of songs spanning the decades.

• Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400) Pre-holiday comedy as former Fallon writer headlines Midweek Comedic Relief, with support from Alex Giampapa, John Balgio and Izzy da Rosa. $10.

• Nashua Garden (121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363) Three bands share the stage, beginning with Tumbletoads kicking off the night, followed by The Faith Ann Band, and then The Humans Being.

• Pasta Loft (220 E Main St., Milford, 378-0092) Plan B plays a special Thanksgiving Eve show.

• Pipe Dream Brewing (40 Harvey Road, Londonderry, 404-0751) Reggae rock stalwarts Supernothing play a free show.

• Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Amanda Dane Band performs in the nightclub.

• Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186) Get funked up and family-ready with Harsh Armadillo and The Bulkheads with a portion of the $20 and $25 tickets going to the Gather NH charity.

• Rage Cage (10 W. Hollis St., Nashua, 402-4196) Get the angst out of your system by smashing a few things in advance of the family gathering at this specialty venue dedicated to stress reduction through destruction.

• Riley’s Place (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 325-2177) Bat Magoon Band performs at a restaurant offering comfort, Cajun and barbecue.

• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313) Have fun, win prizes and enjoy classic rock, soul, blues and modern sound while playing games with Musical Bingo Nation.

• Sea Dog Brewing (9 Water St., Exeter, 793-5116) Dyer Holiday, duo from Lowell, Mass., play a mix of classic rock, country and folk music.

• Stark Brewing Co. (500 Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444) Two options on tap, Cox Karaoke and F.O.L.D. Glow Night ($10 event charge) with dancing lessons under black light. For the adventurous, wear white and neon colors, paint your face or bring light-up bracelets.

• Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) A show celebrating Ape The Grim’s new release i Deal, Too includes support from The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif & Akrobatik), Bakari JB, Rayel, Bugout and DJ Clashious Clay. $20, 21+.

• Strange Brew (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292) First Responders’ Night with Jake Pardee & Friends at this favorite downtown restaurant and tap room.

• Stripe Nine Brewing (8 Somersworth Place, Somersworth, 841-7175) Dancing Madly Backwards is back at a Somersworth microbrewery.

• Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210) Small Town Stranded, a longtime favorite area band, performs.

• Telly’s (235 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-8225) The 603s duo holds forth on Thanksgiving Eve.

• The Goat (50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677) NEMA Best Country Artist Winner April Cushman and free line dancing get things going at 7:30 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. by Sugah Rush — the Eric Grant Band sporting a dancier vibe.

• The Goat (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628) Alex Anthony returns.

• Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 427-8645) Hijacked plays rock ’n’ roll.

• To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947) Back to the ’90s party in the taproom from 3 to 9 p.m.

• Tower Hill Tavern (264 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, 366-9100) Trivia Night in the Lakes Region.

• Village Trestle (25 Main St., Goffstown, 497-8230) Live music with Bobby and Amberly performing.

• Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton Beach, 926-6954) Eric Marcs released his solo debut Hope in 2020, a collection of indie rock; he performs with his band Solid Ground.

Featured photo: Chad LaMarsh. Courtesy photo.

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