This Week 26/08/20

Friday, Aug. 21

Live Free and Take Five, a documentary about community theater featuring two New Hampshire companies, will screen today at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Academy of New Hampshire in Salem followed by a talk back with the director, according to cztheatre.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Friday, Aug. 21

Revising Creedence — “the only band whose members were personally selected by the original CCR members to perform CCR music with them” — will perform tonight at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, according to tupelomusichall.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Andres Institute of Art, 106 Route 13 in Brookline, will host a Vintage Pop-Up Mini-Market today from noon to 7 p.m. featuring 10 curated booths indoors (and air conditioned, organizers stress), according to a press release. Admission to the market is free, the release said. The market takes place before the 1920s jazz concert by Alexander’s Jazz Time Band at 7 p.m. at Andres; see andresinstitute.org for tickets to the concert.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Pembroke and Allenstown’s Old Home Day returns today with homemade crafts, merchants, information booths and vendors in Memorial Park from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; a parade at 10 a.m., and fireworks at dusk, according to pembrokeallenstownoldhomeday.org, where you can find a rundown of participating food concessions, crafters and other vendors and the line-up of live entertainment on two stages.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Candia Old Home Day takes place today starting at 11 a.m. with a parade on High Street Hill, passing Moore Park and concluding at Moore School, according to candiaoldhomeday.com. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. head to Moore Park for crafters and artisans, face painting, community organizations, cotton candy, family games, music, raffles and more, the website said. The Candia Historical Society will also open School House No. 1 during those hours for tours, the website said.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Dog Friendly NH will host Bark in the Park: Wag Around the World Festival today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rollins Park in Concord, according to a post on the Dog Friendly NH Facebook page. “Come wander through country and region themed areas, [and] enjoy international food trucks, live music, vendors, and a park full of fun and discovery” according to the post, which said the event would also feature a Kids Zone, shopping and more. The event is open to dogs who are “vaccinated, healthy, well-behaved with people and dogs, and comfortable on a leash,” the post said.

Saturday, Aug. 22

The NH Irish Festival takes place at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, this evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature Screaming Orphans, The Spain Brothers, The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio and Rory Makem, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 22

The GenX Takeover Comedy Tour comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts’ Chubb Theatre in Concord tonight at 8 p.m. featuring The Real Slim Sherri, Kelly Manno, Dadbod Veteran (Jon Wellington), The Professor Nick Harrison and Justin Rupple, host and emcee, according to ccanh.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Save the Date! Saturday, Sept. 26
The Jonas Brothers will perform on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the SNHU Arena in Manchester as part of The Burning Up Tour All Over Again, according to snhuarena.com, where you can purchase tickets. See jonasbrothers.com.

Featured image: Alexander’s Jazz Time Band.

Quality of Life 26/08/20

Not here, fanwort – not today!

According to an Aug. 17 press release by NH LAKES, “a vigilant Lake Host recently prevented fanwort, an invasive aquatic plant, from entering Newfound Lake, one of New Hampshire’s most pristine lakes.” After identifying fanwort among some plants tangled in his boat’s propeller, NH LAKES Lake host Aidan Nolan removed it, and reported it to the Newfound Lake Region Association. As a result, the invasive fanwort was stopped before it could establish itself.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In the same press release, NH LAKES highlighted the danger of fanwort. “This invasive, aquatic species can spread rapidly, crowd out native plants, disrupt habitat, interfere with boating and swimming, reduce shoreline property values, and negatively impact local tourism.” Visit nhlakes.org/invasive-species-prevention.

Gone and no longer forgotten

As reported online on Aug. 17, by the Concord Monitor and New Hampshire Public Radio, a new historical marker was unveiled in Concord on Sunday, Aug. 16, honoring William Penn Thompson, a pioneer of Black baseball in the United States. Erected by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, the marker, which overlooks White Park, celebrates Thompson’s life and career. Thompson was born in Virginia but moved to Concord sometime before 1891. “Thompson led an impressive career as a ballplayer, playing for the Cuban Colored Giants and the Philadelphia Colored Giants in the Negro Leagues,” the Monitor/NHPR story reported, at a time of strict segregation between Black and white teams and players. “This new addition is the first Black Heritage Trail marker in the city,” the article reported.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Thompson’s marker reads, in part, “Although discrimination denied him the opportunity to compete in the major leagues, Thompson’s extraordinary talent, perseverance, and showmanship left an enduring mark on the game. His contributions to baseball history secured his legacy as a pioneering athlete and one of New Hampshire’s most notable Black sports figures.” Visit blackheritagetrailnh.org/nh-black-history-marker-sites.

Traffic lights smarter than most of us

“The City of Manchester installed new technology to adjust traffic signals in real time at 22 busy intersections,” reported WMUR in an Aug. 13 online article. “The white, dome-shaped cameras use sensors and artificial intelligence to detect vehicles and pedestrians. The system then alters traffic signal timing to help traffic move as efficiently as possible.”

QOL score: +1, optimistically

Comment: “The project was funded through a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation, or SMART, Grants Program,” the WMUR article reported. “The Queen City was one of 34 Stage 1 SMART Grant recipients from 21 states to receive a collective total of $50 million.” View a map of the locations of the new traffic lights at infogram.com/untitled-1hmr6g83nvrxz2n.

QOL score last week: 56

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 59

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/08/20

Next season

New Hampshire Fisher Cats fans can start planning for the 2027 season. “The Fisher Cats kick off 2027 on the road before opening the home schedule with a six-game series against the Somerset Patriots (NYY) at Delta Dental Stadium from April 6 through April 11,” according to nhfishercats.com. The team is slated to play at home in Manchester for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and July 4 next year, the website said. Meanwhile, there are still two regular season six-game series left in this season’s lineup of home games. Catch the Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium next Tuesday, Aug. 25, through Sunday, Aug. 30, when the Fisher Cats play the Hartford Yard Goats. On Aug. 25 the team will play as the Manchester Chicken Tenders and on Saturday, Aug. 29, the team will play as the Manchester Coconut Tenders, when the first 500 fans will receive the third of three special Manchester Chicken Tender bobble heads, according to the website, where you can find ticket information. Other special events during this stretch of games include postgame fireworks on Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, the website said.

Walking tour

Arts Builds Community is offering walking tours to Manchester murals, according to a July press release. “Home to New Hampshire’s largest collection of community murals, Manchester has become an ever-growing outdoor gallery and we’ll show you the stories behind it,” according to artsbuildcommunity.com/art-tour, where you can book a walking, biking or private group tour.

ArtCity

ArtCity Nashua will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon to 8 p.m. and is a “one-day public art and culture festival transforming the Heritage Rail Trail and Tree Streets neighborhood into a vibrant destination for creativity, connection, and community,” according to a press release. “[F]rom Nashua City Hall to Chestnut Street, the Heritage Rail Trail will come alive with 15 new permanent murals, more than 20 muralists, street artists, two live music stages, local musicians, neighborhood businesses, creative vendors, food trucks, free art classes, dance cyphers, a community salsa hour, interactive art experiences, and an indoor gallery exhibition at 809 Lounge curated by Fallon Andrews of Pillar Gallery,” the release said. See instagram.com/artcityhq.

Alzheimer’s conference

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host an Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference in New Hampshire on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bedford Event Center, 379 S. River Road in Bedford, according to a press release. The conference is free to attend; advance registration at alzfdn.org/tour is recommended, the release said. Sessions will include “Finding Alzheimer’s Earlier: New Tests, New Treatments, New Hope,” “Preparing for Caregiving: Resources & Support,” and “Alzheimer’s Disease: Communication Strategies,” the release said.

The Franco Fest will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kimball Jenkins in Concord featuring live music, artisan vendors and more, according to the Franco American Centre’s Facebook page and facnh.com. The musical line-up will include Senie Hunt at 11:15 a.m., Josee Vachon at 1 p.m. and Catfish Howl at 2:30 p.m., according to a Facebook post.

CelebratEd welcomes Manchester students back to school with an event on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Victory Park in Manchester offering backpacks and school supplies, haircuts and clothing support, a family resource fair and school registration assistance, according to manchesterproud.org/celebrated.

The Autofair New Hampshire 10 Miler takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, at 8 a.m. with an out-and-back route described as a “flat & fast course along the banks of the picturesque Piscataquog River” in New Boston, the website said. This event offers 10-mile, relay and 5K options (5K has an 8:15 a.m. start time), according to the website, which lists Girls on the Run New Hampshire as the official charity.

Smoking Hot Comdey — 08/13/2026

on the cover

Need some laughs? The Hampton Beach Comedy Festival runs next Tuesday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 23, and is packed with comedians who will be familiar to fans of New Hampshire comedy shows. Michael Witthaus talks to Jimmy Dunn about this annual event and to comedian Jody Sloane, who will do hosting duties one evening. And he looks at more upcoming comedy shows. On the cover and above, comedian Jody Sloane in a photo image (photo by Chuck Shaw) given to us by her.

Also on the cover John Fladd brings you a trio of fests: The Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K & Brewfest (page 17) this Saturday in Londonderry; the We Are One Festival this Saturday in Manchester (page 16) and the Franco Fest next weekend in Concord (page 17). Michael Witthaus gets the details on the new exhibit “Art & Poetry: Dwelling Places” at Kimball Jenkins in Concord — catch the artist reception this Thursday and the Poetry & Pie event next Saturday (page 12). Michael also talks to Mountain Grass Unit ahead of the bluegrass/newgrass band’s Saturday show at The Range in Mason (page 23).

Read the e-edition

A graphic the shape of the state of New Hampshire, filled in with the New Hampshire flag made up of the crest of New Hampshire on a blue field.
Primary ballot Absentee ballots for the Sept. 8 state primary “have been mailed out to every city and town clerk’s ...
A graphic the shape of the state of New Hampshire, filled in with the New Hampshire flag made up of the crest of New Hampshire on a blue field.
Jalapeños alert According to an Aug. 8 press release, “Hannaford Supermarkets is recalling a limited number of deli and produce ...
The Big Story – Red Sox Actually Do Have a Plan: After two years of public doubts and much caterwauling ...
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Thursday, Aug. 13 Londonderry Old Home Day’s week of events continues today with a Color Run in the Town Common ...
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A talk with comedians Jody Sloane and Jimmy Dunn plus a look at upcoming shows Last summer, the official story ...
pastel painting of landscape in frame, hanging on wall
Words inspire art at Kimball Jenkins An upcoming exhibition at the Kimball Jenkins Estate will pair works of art with ...
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Pull them, freeze them, dry them, eat them Pull them, freeze them, dry them, eat them My vegetable garden is ...
two men dressed as Vikings fighting with swords and shields in grass field
Battles and more reenacted at History Alive 2026 in Hillsborough “We give people a chance to experience history, first hand,” ...
Family fun for whenever Farm party • Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, will hold a Kids Farm Party ...
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Donna, I purchased this at a local thrift store for $5. It was on a Saturday morning when they were ...
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• New tacos in Concord: Boston-based Mexican chain Anna’s Taqueria (annas.com) has opened its first location in New Hampshire, at ...
short haired woman sitting outside, holding guitar
The new Franco Fest has big plans One of the first hurdles the Franco-American Centre and organizers of next week’s ...
crowd of people seen from behind as they stand outside on sunny day watching performance on outdoor stage
We Are One Festival brings together African, Caribbean and Latino communities Sarah Georges is one of many Manchester residents who ...
group of runners starting road race in early morning
First a race, then concerts and brewfest Londonderry’s Old Home Days will be capped off by a 5K road race ...
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2 frozen strawberries 2 ounces jalapeño-infused tequila 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice dash cardamom ...
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Litvar, Being Here (self-released) As anyone who’s ever tried to achieve it knows, going internet-viral in a positive way through ...
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The Last House joins a vaguely defined but fun genre I think I like this genre that seems to be ...
• Free green: Enjoy traditional Celtic music in a bucolic setting as On The Lash performs a show courtesy of ...
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Mountain Grass Unit brings acoustic brilliance to The Range On Aug. 26, Mountain Grass Unit will make its Grand Ole ...

Kiddie Pool 26/08/13

Family fun for whenever

Farm party

• Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, will hold a Kids Farm Party on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to visitthefarm.com, where you can purchase tickets. The day will feature the Monster Obstacle Bounce House, face painting, snow cones, cotton candy, carnival games, pony rides, the tractor train and the petting zoo, the website said. Musician Matt Heaton will perform at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the website said.

Flying high

• Manchester Boston Regional Airport will hold Aviation Day on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a press release. The event will feature a touch-a-truck display in Parking Lot A along with a student-built aircraft from the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire and the STEM-MoBILE, “a traveling lab with demonstrations and hands-on activities from UNH Manchester,” the release said. Inside the airport at Baggage Claim 3-5, there will be information about airport and aviation jobs, interactive games, cookies from Alltown Fresh, cake from the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (with a cake cutting at 12:30 p.m.), popcorn and slushies, MHT swag and opportunities to wine prizes, the release said. See flymanchester.com.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry) is celebrating the end of summer vacation (sorry, kids) by being open daily Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 30, according to aviationmuseumofnh.org. The museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays), the website said. The museum will hold story times on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Thursday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. for families as part of regular admission. “Participants will enjoy reading several aviation-themed stories as well as additional activities,” the website said. The museum will run its Elite Flight Simulator on Saturdays, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., for ages 13 and up, according to the website, where you can find admission information.

Beach week

• The Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival will run Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 21, with a lineup of performances and events each day starting at 10 a.m. at the Hampton Beach Seashell Stage leading up to a giant costume parade on Aug. 21, according to hamptonbeach.org/events/childrens-events. On Monday, Aug. 17, events include Magician BJ Hickman at 10 a.m.; a Puppy Party with NHSPCA from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; Magician Fran Flynn at 2 p.m. and a screening of Wicked For Good at 7:40 p.m., according to the website. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, events include “magician, juggler, funny guy” Richard Clark at 10 a.m.; Lindsay and her puppet pals at 11 a.m., and touch-a-truck with vehicles from Hampton Police and Fire departments, the website said. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, events include “Shimmer & Shine: The Magic of Being You! Party Palace Show” at 10 a.m.; “Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium” at 11 a.m., and Drumatix at 1:30 p.m., according to the website, where you can download a full schedule.

Save the date

CelebratEd welcomes Manchester students back to school with an event on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Victory Park in Manchester offering backpacks and school supplies, haircuts and clothing support, a family resource fair and school registration assistance, according to manchesterproud.org/celebrated.

• Tickets are on sale now for Cat Kid Comic Club The Musical, based on the Dog Man spin-off series by Dav Pilkey, which will be on stage at the Chubb Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St. in Concord, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. See ccanh.com.

This Week 26/08/13

Thursday, Aug. 13

Londonderry Old Home Day’s week of events continues today with a Color Run in the Town Common at 5:30 p.m.; a touch-a-truck at Meetinghouse Pavilion at 6:30 p.m., and a Police Association Movie Night in the Town Common at 7:30 p.m., according to londonderrynh.gov/692/2026-Old-Home-Day. On Friday, Aug. 14, the Youth Home Run Derby starts at noon at LAFA Fields, a food truck alley at Londonderry High School assembles at 6 p.m. and there will be fireworks at the school at 9:15 p.m., among other events, the website said. The celebration culminates on Saturday, Aug. 15, with a baby contest at 8:30 a.m.; an Old Home Day Parade at 10:15 a.m.; an event on the Common with booths, a classic car show, kids’ games, an artists alley and other events, and the Rockland Trust Bank Boot Scootin Boogie 5K & Brewfest (see page 16), the website said.

Thursday, Aug. 13

The WWE Summer Tour 2026 comes to the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester, today at 7:30 p.m., according to snhuarena.com, where you can purchase tickets. Get a look at Tour highlights at wwe.com.

Saturday, Aug. 15

Karen Coulters will talk about her new book Finding Home on Lilac Lane at a special Bookstore Romance Day event today at 2 p.m. at Balin Books (375 Amherst St., Nashua, balinbooks.com).

Saturday, Aug. 15

Continuum Arts Collective will present Revel in the Meadow 2026 at Dover Elks Field, 282 Durham Road in Dover, today from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to continuumarts.org, where you can purchase tickets. The day will include two music stages, art activities for kids, more than 20 artisans and headlining acts “A Band of Brothers: An Allman Brothers Tribute, Seacoast Last Waltz Band, Ramble on Rose Band, Terrafunk, and Lightheaded Collective,” the website said.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Director Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break (R, 1991), starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a screening today at 7 p.m. at Apple Cinemas in Merrimack and Hooksett, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington, according to fathomentertainment.com, where you can purchase tickets. The movie will also screen Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at the same theaters.

Sunday, Aug. 16

The Concord Model Railroad Show, sponsored by the Concord Model Railroad Club, will take place today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Everett Arena in Concord, according to a flyer from the club. Admission costs $2 for adults, free for kids under 15 with an adult, the flyer said. The day will feature more than 20 dealers, a food stand, raffles and more, the flyer said.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Sunfox Farm in Concord continues its annual Sunflower Bloom Festival until day. The festival, which began last week, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and features live music, food trucks and other vendors, according to sunfoxfarm.org/sunflowerfestival, where you can find details on pricing, parking and more. Read John Fladd’s story about the event in the Aug. 6 issue of the Hippo; find it on page 16 in the issue, which is available in the digital library at hippopress.com.

Save the Date! Friday, Sept. 25
Get excited about fall with Guitar Monsters featuring Johnny A & Jon Butcher with special guest Dave Amato on Friday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St. in Derry, according to tupelomusichall.com, where you can purchase tickets to the show as well as separate tickets to the pre-show VIP meet and greet.

Featured image: Occupation Murder!

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