The Hippo Press – Page 265

Fireworks, festivals, parades and naturalization ceremonies

Events happening in New Hampshire on and around the Fourth of July

By Katelyn Sahagian

ksahagian@hippopress.com

Independence Day is a time for cookouts, fireworks, parades and parties, as people say happy birthday to America.

One museum, Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, has been taking it a step further for the past 20 years by holding a naturalization ceremony in conjunction with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the United States District Court – District of New Hampshire.

“I’m so very much looking forward to it,” said Veronica Lester, the spokesperson for the museum. “The joy that radiates from the new citizens will be something quite special to witness.”

Strawbery Banke was settled by British colonists in 1623; they named the area for either wild strawberries that grew along Piscataqua River or an estate in England. Sometime later, it was given the name Puddle Dock and went from wilderness outpost to newcomer neighborhood. People lived in the area until the 1950s, when Portsmouth officials closed the neighborhood for urban renewal.

The new citizens will take their Oath of Allegiance on the museum’s lawn, Puddle Dock, named after the disbanded neighborhood. Lester said that the land Strawbery Banke is on has always been a place for immigrants, whether the first British settlers, or immigrants from across the world in the 19th century.

“It seems fitting that the naturalization ceremony occurs at the museum that is this neighborhood of newcomers,” Lester said. “It’s a special ceremony that takes place at this special location.”

In addition to the celebration at Strawbery Banke, here are some other celebrations happening in the Granite State.

Amherst Fourth of July Celebration

Two days’ worth of celebration and entertainment, featuring fireworks, a festival on the town green, and a parade with classic cars competing for awards.

When: Sunday, July 3, festivities begin at 6 p.m. with fireworks. A second day of festivities, including the parade and festival, begins Monday, July 4, at 9:45 a.m.

Where: July 3 events at Souhegan High School, 412 Boston Post Road. July 4 parade leaves opposite the Wilkins School, 80 Boston Post Road.

Visit: amherstnh4th.org

Brookline parade and fireworks

When: Monday, July 4, 10 a.m., parade will step off. The fireworks will begin shortly after dusk, around 9 p.m.

Where: South Main Street, traveling down Route 130 to Richard Maghakian Memorial School, 22 Milford St. The fireworks will be over Lake Potanipo, Max Cohen Memorial Grove, 3 Mason Road.

Visit: brooklinenh.us

Canobie Lake Park fireworks

Stick around after a day at the amusement park for fireworks over the lake. The fireworks show is timed to patriotic music and the amusement park recommends viewers to watch them by the daVinci’s Dream ride.

When: Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, 9:15 p.m.

Where: Canobie Lake Park, 85 N. Policy St., Salem

Visit: canobie.com

Concord Fourth of July Celebration

Featuring food, live music, fireworks and more

When: Monday, July 4, food vendors and live music begin at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m. (rain date is Tuesday, July 5).

Where: Memorial Field, 70 S. Fruit St.

Visit: concordnh.gov

Derry fireworks

When: Monday, July 4, dusk.

Where: Best viewing areas are Hood Commons, Crystal Avenue and Tsienneto Road

Visit: derry-nh.org

Exeter Independence Day Celebration

The American Independence Museum is hosting its 32nd annual American Independence Festival later than the holiday. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum and meet with vendors, learn about cooking during the Revolutionary War, and watch military reenactments.

When: Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 1 Governor’s Way

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 children 4 to 18, free for children under 4, veterans and active military, and museum members.

Visit: independencemuseum.org

Hampton Beach fireworks

When: Monday, July 4, 9:30 p.m.

Where: On the beach, across from B and C streets

Visit: hamptonbeach.org

Hopkinton Fourth of July Family Fun Day

Featuring a kiddie and main parade, family games, live music and a cookie bake-off

When: Monday, July 4, cookie competition drop off is from 9 to 11 a.m., kiddie parade begins at 11:30 a.m., main parade begins at noon and competition results are at 2 p.m.

Where: Parades begin at Hopkinton High School (297 Park Ave., Contoocook), then proceed through Fountain Square toward Contoocook Village Cemetery. Other festivities held at Houston Park, 41 Houston Drive, Hopkinton.

Visit: hopkintonrec.com

Laconia Celebration and Fireworks

Not only will Laconia be holding a parade and a festival full of vendors and live music, but there will be two different fireworks shows. The first will be at Opechee Park following the festival, and the second will be at Weirs Beach at midnight.

When: Sunday, July 3. The parade will start at 4:30 p.m., the band will start playing at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. A second round of fireworks will start at midnight.

Where: The parade will start at the Laconia High School, 345 Union Ave., and end at Opechee Park, 915 Main St. The second round of fireworks will be atWeirs Beach.

Visit: laconianh.gov

Manchester Independence Day Celebration

Enjoy fireworks, live music, and food vendors.

When: Sunday, July 3. Live music starts at 7 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Arms Park, 10 Arms St.

Visit: manchesternh.gov

Merrimack Fourth of July festivities

A weekend-long celebration featuring fireworks, live music, a road race, a pancake breakfast and much more.

When: The Merrimack Concert Association’s annual Patriotic Concert in the Park will be held Sunday, July 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The 25th annual Merrimack Sparkler 5K Road Race will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 4. The Merrimack Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. A parade will begin at 1 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Where: Holiday concert at Abbie Griffin Park. Road race begins and ends at the Merrimack YMCA, 6 Henry Clay Drive. Pancake breakfast and fireworks at Merrimack High School, 38 McElwain St. The parade will start at the Commons Shopping Plaza, 515 Daniel Webster Hwy.

Visit: merrimackparksandrec.org

Milford Family Fun Day and fireworks

The holiday kicks off with a 5K, followed by a bike parade, family fun, live music and fireworks.

When: Saturday, July 2, family activities start at 1:30 p.m., concert is from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Where: Keyes Memorial Park, Elm Street

Visit: milford.nh.gov

Nashua Fourth of July Celebration

Fireworks, live music, and hall of fame inductions.

When: Monday, July 4, children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., concert at 6 p.m. featuring The Slakas. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Where: Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St.

Visit: nashuanh.gov

New Boston Fourth of July Celebration

Featuring a parade, live music, a barbecue, ax throwing and the firing of the historic Molly Stark cannon.

When: Monday, July 4, parade begins at 10 a.m., fairgrounds will open at 4 p.m., opening ceremonies are at 5 p.m., and the fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Parade begins at the top of High Street and will end at the grounds of the Hillsborough County Youth Center Foundation, off River Road.

Visit: newboston4thofjuly.org

New London Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 1. Flares are at 9 p.m., fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Pleasant Lake

Visit: plpa.net

Portsmouth fireworks

When: Sunday, July 3, 9:15 p.m. (rain date is Tuesday, July 5)

Where: South Mill Pond, Junkins Ave. (across from Portsmouth City Hall)

Visit: portsmouthnh.com

Raymond Fourth of July Celebration

20th annual Fourth of July parade will have floats, horses, antique cars, clowns and more

When: Monday, July 4, parade at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Parade proceeds from Route 27 (Epping Street) down to the Raymond Town Common, onto Old Manchester Road and to Wight Street.

Visit: raymondareanews.com

Rye July 4th Celebration

When: Friday, July 1, live music will start at 7 p.m., fireworks will start at dusk.

Where: Parsons Field

Visit: town.rye.nh.us

Salem Independence Day Celebration

Featuring live music, food trucks, face painting, fireworks, a beer garden and more.

When: Saturday, July 2. Yappy Hour starts at noon, live music and face painting will be from 4 to 8 p.m., food and the beer garden will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and fireworks will start at dusk.

Where: The event this year is taking place at Tuscan Village, 9 Via Toscana.

Visit: townofsalemnh.org

Silver Lake Fireworks

When: Sunday, July 3, at dusk.

Where: Silver Lake, Hollis.

Visit: facebook.com/SilverLakeFireworks

Strawbery Banke Naturalization Ceremony

Come and celebrate Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in one of the oldest neighborhoods in New England.

When: Monday, July 4, 10 a.m.

Where: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth.

Visit: strawberybanke.org

Suncook River Family Resort Live Music and Fireworks

Live music featuring Nicole Knox Murphy and Mystical Magic will accompany a celebration with games, kayaking, a bonfire and fireworks.

When: Sunday, July 3. Music starts at 3 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Where: 2 Fanny Drive, Suncook

Cost: $8 for people ages 12 and older.

Visit: campsuncookriver.com

Featured photo: Photo courtesy of the Strawbery Banke Museum.

The Art Roundup 22/06/30

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

• Book Signing: Local author and second-grade teacher, Kari Allen will be at Gibson’s Bookstore for a signing of her newly published picture book, The Boy Who Loved Maps, on Wednesday, July 13, from 4:30 to 6 p.m at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 South Main Street, Concord). This is Allen’s first published picture book, it features illustrations by G. Brian Karas, a vetted and award winning artist. Books can be purchased at the event or pre-ordered online. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com.

Summer Exhibit and Sale
New Hampshire Art Association photographer Gary Samson will display his work in an exhibit titled “Unburdened Beauty: Portraits of Women in the 21st Century” at Creative Framing Solutions (410 Chestnut St., Manchester) from Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 31. Samson takes a unique approach in his photography, shooting on film and opting to use a large wooden view camera mounted on a tripod, in an attempt to slow the process and allow room for thought and conversation to be captured in the final image, according to a press release sent by the Association. Samson is a New Hampshire native and “the seventh Artist Laureate of New Hampshire and has been awarded numerous grants, fellowships and honors for his photography and film work over the past five decades,” the release said. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit will be open to view Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• Famed comedian: Craig Ferguson, best known from the decade-spanning TV show The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS, will be coming to the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St, Laconia) as a part of his The Fancy Rascal tour on Saturday, Sept 3, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39 and are on sale now — they can be reserved online or by phone — but are expected to sell out quickly. Ferguson, born in Scotland, has had an immensely successful career in the American entertainment industry. His resume features roles on several notable shows, including The Drew Carey Show, in addition to film writing, directing and acting, and voice acting in the animated films Brave and How to Train Your Dragon. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author. Visit coloniallaconia.com or call the box office at 800-657-8774.

• Spray paint art: Expressit Art Studio (140 Melendy Road, Hudson; 438-7885) will offer adults and youth age 8 and up the opportunity to come into the studio and try their hand at experimenting with mixed media: spray paint, paint and canvas on Thursday, July 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held both inside and outside the studio, as participants will get to experience full creative reign over their piece. One canvas is included in the price of the ticket, but participants may bring in an additional 9-by-12 or larger canvas if they wish to make more than one piece. The studio requests that participants bring a mask to protect from the fumes of the spray paint; the studio will supply goggles. Tickets to participate cost $35. Visit expressitarts.com.

Concerts on the Common
Londonderry Arts Council will host musician Veronica Lewis on Wednesday, July 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Londonderry Town Common (265 Mammoth Road, Londonderry) as part of their Concerts on the Common program. According to American Songwriter Magazine, “Veronica Lewis is one of the most promising torchbearers of American rock ‘n’ roll,” as an artist she mixes the technique of different genres to create a unique sound. Her lyrics are both “thought provoking and humorous.” Lewis is a New Hampshire native, according to a press release sent by Concerts on the Common, “Veronica fuses these crucial elements together with the true language of the blues, and the energy of the early rock and rollers, like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, to create a truly individual style that is completely Veronica Lewis.” Lewis has traveled nationally, performing for different audiences. Admission to the concert is free. Visit londonderryartscouncil.org.

ART

Exhibits

• “WARHOL SCREEN TESTS” In the mid-1960s, American multimedia artist Andy Warhol had shot more than 400 short, silent, black-and-white films of his friends at his studio in New York City. Warhol referred to the films, which were unscripted and played in slow motion, as “film portraits” or “stillies.” The exhibition will feature 20 of those films, provided by the Andy Warhol Museum, in loops across four large-scale projections. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On display now through July 24. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children age 12 and under and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org for more information.

• “ARGHAVAN KHOSRAVI” Artist’s surrealist paintings explore themes of exile, freedom and empowerment; center female protagonists; and allude to human rights issues, particularly those affecting women and immigrants. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On display now through Sept. 5. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children age 12 and under and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org for more information.

• “THE PEOPLE’S SCULPTOR: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOHN ROGERS” Exhibit celebrates the art of American sculptor John Rogers, who came to Manchester in 1850, and explores the influence that Manchester had on Rogers’ life and work. Presented by the Manchester Historic Association. On view now through September. Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and up and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, and is free for kids under age 12. Call 622-7531 or visit manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum.

• “WOOL: CONTEMPORARY FIBER ART EXHIBITION Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) through Sept. 2. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• ROBIN CORNWELL The New Hampshire Boat Museum will host a member reception on Friday, July 1 for local artist Robin Cornwell, whose work will be featured in the museum’s gallery (399 Center St. in Wolfeboro; nhbm.org) in July. Cornwell produces art quilts as well as bark paper paintings and woven placemats and rugs. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about Cornwell, visit robincornwellembellishments.com.

• “PIXELS, WOOD, CLAY” Two Villages Art Society presents an exhibition of work by artists Tony Gilmore, Rick Manganello and Caren Helm. The Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook). Aug. 12 through Sept. 9. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be an opening reception on Sat., Aug. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibition in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email tsink@concordnhchamber.com for more information.

• SUMMER MEMBERS SHOW Two Villages Art Society presents a mixed media art show at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) from July 1 through July 30.Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

Fairs and markets

• HAMPTON FALLS LIBERTY CRAFT FESTIVAL More than 75 juried artisans from all over New England will feature their work. Hampton Falls town common (4 Lincoln Ave.). Sat., July 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., July 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit castleberryfairs.com.

• GUNSTOCK FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR There will be more than 90 artisans displaying and selling their work. Gunstock Mountain Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford). Sat., July 2, and Sun., July 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit joycescraftshows.com.

• CRAFT FAIR AT THE BAY More than 75 juried artisans from all over New England will feature their work. Sat., July 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., July 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community House and Waterfront (24 Mount Major Highway, Alton Bay). Visit castleberryfairs.com.

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs one Saturday a month, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market dates are July 30, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. Rollins Park, 33 Bow St., Concord. concordartsmarket.net. The first market will be held on Saturday, June 11. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.html for more information.

• CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR The annual nine-day outdoor craft fair hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen features hundreds of craftspeople with vendor booths, plus special craft exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and more. Sat., Aug. 6, through Sun., Aug. 14. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Route 103, Newbury. Call 224-3375 or visit nhcrafts.org for more information.

• GREELEY PARK ART SHOW The annual outdoor juried art show hosted by Nashua Area Artists Association features a variety of artwork for sale. Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua. Sat., Aug. 20, and Sun., Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit nashuaarts.org/greeleyparkartshow.

Tours

• NASHUA PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR Self-guided audio tours of the sculptures and murals in downtown Nashua, offered via the Distrx app, which uses Bluetooth iBeacon technology to automatically display photos and text and provides audio descriptions at each stop on the tour as tourists approach the works of art. Each tour has 10 to 15 stops. Free and accessible on Android and iOS on demand. Available in English and Spanish. Visit downtownnashua.org/nashua-art-tour for more information.

Workshops and classes

• ART CLASSES Art classes for teens and adults, including Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). Five-week sessions. Classes met for two hours a week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES Art House Studios, 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, Manchester. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students. Visit arthousestudios.org or email arthousejb@gmail.comfor more information.

• GENERAL ART CLASSES Weekly art classes offered for both kids and adults of all skill levels and cover a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing and painting with pastel, acrylic, watercolor and oils. Classes are held with small groups of three to eight to five students. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Kids classes, open to ages 10 and up, are held on Thursdays and Fridays, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Adult classes are held on Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuition is pay-as-you-go at $20 per student per class, due upon arrival. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.

THEATRE

Classes/workshops

• STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS Monthly workshop series hosted by True Tales Live storytelling showcase. First Tuesday (except November), from 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtual, via Zoom. Registration is required. Visit truetaleslivenh.org for more information.

Shows

• ANYTHING GOES The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) presents the musical through July 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 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $52.

• FOOTLOOSE Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth; prescottpark.org , 436-2848) presents this outdoor musical through Aug. 14, with showtimes on most Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., and most Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with some matinee showtimes TBA. General admission costs $5, and reserved seating tickets cost $55 to $150.

• THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED] The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith; winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) presents this show Wednesday, June 29, through July 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Thurs., June 30, and Tues., July 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $29 to $39.

• INTO THE WOODS RGC Theatre presents this musical at Hatbox Theatre (inside the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) July 8 through July 17, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students, seniors and members and $19 for senior members.

•THE GREAT ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC SHAKESPEARE COMPANY presented by Granite Playwrights at the Hatbox Theatre (inside the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) from Aug. 19 through Aug. 28, 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.

• DISNEY’S FROZEN KIDS presented by the 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Seriesat the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) Tuesday, Aug. 23, through Thursday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10.

• LES MISERABLES presented by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) teen company from Aug. 25 through Sept. 4: Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for students and $30 for adults.

• CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90s MUSICAL presented by the Actorsingers at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua; actorsingers.org) Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28.

• SHREK THE MUSICAL presented by the Riverbend Youth Company at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford; svbgc.org/amato-center) from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28.

CLASSICAL

Events

• LISTEN AND LUNCH presented by Monadnock Music’s summer festival, David William Ross (guitar) performs at Depot Park in Peterborough, 12 Depot St, Thursday, July 7, from noon to 1 p.m., concert is free and open to the public. Visit monadnockmusic.org.

• TOWN HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA presented by Monadnock Music’s summer festival features a program of Weber and Schubert at Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove St, on Sunday, July 17, 3 p.m. Tickets: $35, Seniors- $25 Students and Under 18- $10. See monadnockmusic.org.

Piano to lift spirits

Sergei Novikov comes to New Hampshire

By Delaney Beaudoin

Having been in the United States for only four months, pianist Sergei Novikov found himself down on his luck and nearly homeless in 1991. Just three months later he would be playing piano for the president of the United States.

Born in Russia, Novikov displayed an affinity for music from an early age. Learning various instruments from the age of 6, he took up piano by age 8. After graduating from the Moscow School of Music at 15, he briefly played in a pop band, performing for stadiums of up to 100,000 people, before eventually emigrating from Russia to the United States. Novikov only briefly struggled to grasp his footing before he was hired to play piano at a restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine. It was there that he played for former President George H.W. Bush.

“Kennebunkport is where Bush’s family has their summer home. … Bush was president at that time, so he was in town, and that’s where he went, and he came to have dinner,” Novikov said. “He was so impressed with my piano performance that he took the time and actually came to me and shook my hand and told me that I’m a great talent. He was very impressed. Everybody was very impressed that he was impressed with me.”

After finishing his studies at the University of Maine, Novikov began his career doing piano concerts, which he continues to do to this day. As part of his current show, “Piano Concert Like No Other,” Novikov is set to perform Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. at the Kingswood Art Center in Wolfeboro, on Friday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the Seifert Performing Arts Center in Salem.

Lasting an hour and 15 minutes, Novikov’s performance is specifically designed to cover an array of music genres, incorporating more than 14 different styles.

“Every piece is different. … Every piece has a unique style, although you can describe it in one word: the whole program is sophisticated. So for people who love Chopin, for people who love Duke Ellington, for people who love even Johann Sebastian Bach, you know, they come to my concerts, and they’re not disappointed,” Novikov said. “On the one hand, it’s entertaining. On the other hand, it is deep enough for people to enjoy it and feel that it’s not just something that came and they forgot about it right away.”

In his 20-year career thus far, Novikov has performed live more than 5,000 times and sold more than one million albums. He has performed in front of countless celebrities and been praised by not one but two U.S. presidents. His dedication to his craft is fueled simply by his desire to make people happy through music.

“Everybody has their troubles, problems, everybody has their thoughts, you know, everybody has something on their mind. The music that I deliver takes the load off the brain, at least for the hour and 15 minutes of my performance, and they feel better, and they tell me about it afterwards,” Novikov said. “I always tell people that it’s a privilege, and I feel that I am privileged to be able to do that. I’m not performing magic and taking people’s problems away. But I make them feel better for a little while, [and] that’s already a great deal.”

In addition to making people happy, Novikov hopes to introduce people to the sector of music that has yet to be touched by commercialization.

“There is plenty of good music of any genre, whatever you like, so my message to people is to stop complaining about music being bad. Just you know, get busy finding good music, because it’s out there,” Novikov said. “I am proud to be in that group. I’m offering something that you don’t find every day anymore. It’s really a unique experience.”

Tickets to Novikov’s Wolfeboro and Salem performances start at $40. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the International Rescue Committee “to help assist Ukraine.” Visit speakingmusic.com.

“Piano Concert Like No Other”
• Where: Kingswood Art Center, 21 McManus Road, Wolfeboro
When: Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 to $45
• Where: Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem
When: Friday, July 22, at 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 to $45
Visit: speakingmusic.com

Featured photo: Photo courtesy of Sergei Novikov.

This Week 22/06/30

Big Events June 30, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, June 30

Bedford’s Family Concerts in the Park starts today at 6 p.m. at the Bedford Village Park Gazebo (off Bell Hill Road) with a performance by the Manchester Community Music School. The concert series continues with performances on Wednesdays and will run until Aug. 10. On Wednesday, July 6, catch Sixties Invasion (pictured, playing the music of the 1960s). The music will range from New Orleans jazz to rock, doo-wop, country, folk and other genres. Concerts are free to attend and bringing a lawn chairs or blankets (and a picnic dinner) is encouraged. bedfordnh.myrec.com.

Friday, July 1

The New Hampshire Boat Museum (399 Center St., Wolfeboro, nhbm.org, 569-4554) will be giving a Free Admission Day today because it will be closed for the Fourth of July. The current exhibits are “Letting Off Steam: Escaping to New Hampshire during the Golden Age of Steam” and “Who’s in the Boat? A Look at the History of the Sport of Rowing.”

Friday, July 1

Communities across the Granite State are doing Readings of Frederick Douglass’s Essay “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” The readings will all be taking place at noon today at Congregational Church of Amherst; Eagle Square in Concord; Dover Public LIbrary; Exeter Town Hall; Hopkinton Town Hall; Manchester City Hall Plaza; Nashua Library Gardens; Teixeira Park (Union Street, Peterborough); Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth); Rochester Performance & Art Center, Colonel Paul Wentworth House (Rochester), and Warner Town Hall. See blackheritagetrailnh.org/frederick-douglass-statewide-readings or call 570-8469.

Tuesday, July 5

Dover Public Library is giving Granite Staters a way to track down their heritage with a Genealogy Class beginning today at 6:30 p.m. The library welcomes everyone, experienced genealogists or newcomers, from across the state for free classes. Contact Anne Nelson at a.nelson@dover.nh.gov or call the library at 516-6050 for more information.

Wednesday, July 6

The Courtyard by Marriott (70 Constitution Ave.in Concord) is taking advantage of its patio with a nine-week lineup of live Music on the Patio, starting on July 6 with April Cushman. The music will play from 5 to 7 p.m. The series is free for anyone to enjoy. Find more live music on area decks in the Music This Week listing, which starts on page 34.

Thursday, July 7

Van Otis Chocolates is holding a Chocolate Happy Hour at its Manchester location (341 Elm St., vanotis.com, 627-1611) for chocoholics age 21 and older. Participants will get a tour of the chocolate factory and make their own special chocolate bark. Guests are invited to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy while they whip up their chocolate creations. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/o/van-otis-chocolates-15034673134.

Save the Date! Friday, July 15
Nashua’s Parks and Recreation department is starting Pics in the Park with a showing of Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993) at dusk at Greeley Park (100 Concord St.). The movie will be shown on a screen in front of the bandshell and is free to attend.

Featured photo. 60s Invasion. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/06/30

Free women’s hygiene products

A free women’s hygiene cabinet, organized by United Way of Greater Nashua and Girls Inc., has been set up outside of the Girls Inc. facility on Burke Street in Nashua. The cabinet, known as “Rosie’s Pantry,” is open during the club’s open hours, weather permitting, to distribute free women’s hygiene products to anyone who needs them. United Way of Greater Nashua volunteers will be outside Hannaford in Nashua on the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to collect donated products for the cabinet, according to a press release.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The cabinet features a depiction of Rosie the Riveter painted by student artist Isabella Zayas in collaboration with Manchester-based public art organization Arts Build Community.

Native plant globally extinct

The smooth slender crabgrass has been confirmed by the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau to be globally extinct, making it the first documented plant extinction in New Hampshire and the fifth documented plant extinction in New England since European settlers arrived, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The plant was native to New Hampshire and only existed at Rock Rimmon Park in Manchester. The confirmation of extinction was pending studies of a similar plant growing in Mexico and Venezuela, but that plant was recently determined not to be smooth slender crabgrass.

QOL score: -2

Comment: The smooth slender crabgrass is one of five rare plant species that used to grow in Rock Rimmon Park that are no longer there due to human activity, the press release said.

NH is the July 4 state

A recent WalletHub study ranked New Hampshire the ninth most patriotic state in the U.S. The study looked at 13 criteria, including the number of active duty military personnel, veterans, AmeriCorps volunteers and Peace Corps volunteers; civic engagement; community volunteer work; grand jury and trial participation and more. New Hampshire made the top 10 for three criteria, including Peace Corps volunteers per capita (7th), percentage of adults who voted in the 2020 presidential election (4th) and U.S. history or civics education requirements (1st).

QOL score: +1

Comment: Vermont is the only other New England state that made the top 10, coming in just above New Hampshire in 8th.

Gas prices are down again

The average price of gasoline in New Hampshire went down by 8 cents per gallon last week, averaging $4.86 per gallon as of June 27, according to a GasBuddy price report. The data is based on a survey of 875 gas stations throughout the state. Prices are still 20.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $1.91 higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel is currently at $5.80 per gallon, the report said.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: The price was down by 3.7 cents per gallon the week of June 20; here’s hoping the trend continues…

QOL score: 79

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 80

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 22/06/30

Covid-19 update	Last week	This week
Total cases statewide	330,116 (as of June 20)	331,496 (as of June 27)
Total current infections statewide	2,270 (as of June 16)	1,906 (as of June 23)
Total deaths statewide	2,570 (as of June 20)	2,576 (announced June 27)
New cases	1,282 (June 14 to June 20	1,434 (June 16 to June 22)
Current infections: Hillsborough County	965 (as of June 20)	939 (as of June 27)
Current infections: Merrimack County	294 (as of June 20)	316 (as of June 27)
Current infections: Rockingham County	764 (as of June 20)	682 (as of June 27)

Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Energy costs relief

Gov. Chris Sununu, along with legislative leaders and the New Hampshire Department of Energy, has announced a New Hampshire Emergency Energy Relief Program in response to the nationwide increase in energy costs. According to a press release from the Office of the Governor, the program will include $7.5 million in assistance to help 24,000 low-income families with the costs of cooling their homes during the summer; $7 million for the Electric Assistance Program, which provides assistance with energy costs on a tiered scale to households making less than 60 percent of the median household income; and $60 million to provide $100 bill credits to nearly every residential electric bill ratepayer in the state.

Pediatric Covid vaccine informative video

Dartmouth Health Children’s has created a video to inform the public about pediatric Covid vaccines. In the video, Susanne E. Tanski, MD, MPH, section chief of general pediatrics at Dartmouth Health Children’s, discusses the new emergency use authorization for Covid vaccines for children as young as six months old and answers commonly asked questions. “There are 19 million children who are six months to four years old who have not yet had access to this vaccine,” Tanski said in a press release. “This is a moment we have been waiting for.” Darmouth Health Children’s locations are booking pediatric vaccination appointments now, according to the release.

Applications open for Moose Plate grants

The New Hampshire State Conservation Committee is now accepting applications for 2023 Conservation Moose Plate Grants. Eligible grant applicants include municipalities, County Conservation Districts, nonprofit organizations engaged in conservation programs, public and private K-12 schools, County Cooperative Extension natural resource programs and scout groups that promote and support efforts to protect, restore and enhance the state’s natural and agricultural resources, and provide conservation leadership and guidance. Grant application information can be found on the New Hampshire State Conservation Committee website, scc.nh.gov. Applications are due on Sept. 9, and the grants will be announced in December and available to use in July 2023. The grants are made possible by funds raised through the sales of conservation license plates, known as Moose Plates. New Hampshire residents can purchase Moose Plates year-round at mooseplate.com.

Updates on new forensic psychiatric hospital

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Administrative Services and New Hampshire Hospital officials will hold the fourth public information session on a proposed forensic psychiatric hospital on Thursday, June 30, at 6 p.m. According to a press release from DHHS, the 24-bed secure facility will be built adjacent to New Hampshire Hospital, a psychiatric hospital located on Clinton Street in Concord, and will provide safe, skilled and therapeutic psychiatric treatment for forensic patients. The information session, which will specifically cover design updates for the new facility, will be held virtually over Zoom, accessible at nh-dhhs.zoom.us.

NH Retail Association president to retire

Nancy C. Kyle, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Retail Association, will retire at the end of 2022 after a 28-year tenure with the Association, according to a press release. Kyle has a long list of achievements. In 2020, during the pandemic, Gov. Chris Sununu appointed her to the Re-opening Task Force, where she was pivotal in helping retailers adapt to the new restrictions and stay in business.

The Association’s board of directors have selected the Retail Association of Maine to provide full association management to the NH Retail Association, the release said. Curtis Picard, the president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine, will become president and CEO of the New Hampshire Retail Association when Kyle officially retires, according to the release.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at the Retail Association, and wanted to make sure that when I left, the Association was in good hands,” Kyle said in the press release. “I’ve known Curtis for 15 years, and there is no other person I would even consider handing our Association over to.”

Hundreds of people gathered last weekend in Manchester, Concord and other New Hampshire cities and towns to protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, according to NHPR. The rallies were organized by Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund and other abortion rights activists and reproductive health care providers. A small group of anti-abortion activists also gathered in Manchester to celebrate the ruling, the report said.

A New Hampshire Historical Highway Marker has been installed in Raymond near the intersection of New Hampshire Routes 27 and 156 to commemorate the invention of chain link fencing technology by a Raymond resident Frank J. Mafera in 1930. The marker reads “CHAIN LINK FENCE INNOVATION” and includes a brief history of the fencing.

The United Way of Greater Nashua is looking for more than 100 volunteers to help distribute free school breakfasts and lunches to elementary school students in the Nashua School District. According to a press release, the meals, provided by the school cafeterias, will be distributed on at least one weekday per week from July 5 through Aug. 5 outside of five elementary schools. Register at volunteergreaternashua.org or call 438-2173 or email info@unitedwaynashua.org.

Author: The Hippo Press