The Hippo Press

This Week 25/03/27

Friday, March 28

The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, anselm.edu) will present a staging of Guys & Dolls by the Anselmian Abbey Players starting tonight. . Today and Saturday, March 29; Thursday, April 3; Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, the curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, March 30, there will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for Saint Anselm students. Visit tickets.anselm.edu.

Friday, March 28

Ally the Piper takes the stage tonight at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) with an electrifying bagpipe show that blends classic rock and heavy metal covers with fresh, original music. Tickets are $35.

Saturday, March 29

Symphony NH (6 Church St., Nashua, 595-9156, symphonynh.org) will stage performances of Hollywood Hits this weekend. There’s a show tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre (22-98 Bypass 28, Derry, 437-5210, pinkertonacademy.org/stockbridge-theatre) and another tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, at 3 p.m. at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com). This show presents majestic and beautiful music from some of the world’s greatest films of all time. Tickets at the Stockbridge Theatre start at $40 through the Theatre’s website, and tickets at the Chubb start at $35.75 through the Capitol Centre’s website.

Tuesday, April 1

Celebrate the2nd Anniversary of the opening of Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St, Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 7 p.m., showcasing artists from across New Hampshire’s rich performing arts scene. Enjoy performances by Nashua Community Music School String Ensemble, Ukestra, the Symphony NH Brass Ensemble, Ruby Shabazz (pictured), Y Dance in Motion, Peacock Players, and Actorsingers. Presented by Nashua Community Arts. Tickets are $10.

Wednesday, April 2

Join New Hampshire Humanities (117 Pleasant St., Concord, 224-4071, nhhumanities.org) today for “The Beginner’s Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing” at 7:30 p.m. at the Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum (5 Abbott St, Nashua, 883-0015, nashuahistoricalsociety.org/florence-h-speare-memorial-museum). Historian and author Erin Moulton presents techniques and teaches the meaning behind cemetery iconography, abbreviations and epitaphs. Copies of her book The Beginner’s Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing: Scavenger Hunt and Workbook will be available for purchase at the close of the program.

Wednesday, April 2

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the Walker Lecture series presents the NH Ukeladies at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord, 228-2793, theaudi.org). This event is free and open to the public. Visit walkerlecture.org.

Save the Date! Saturday, April 5

R&B singer-songwriter and rapper Jeremih will perform at the SNHU Arena on Saturday, April 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30 through ticketmaster.com.

Featured photo: Jeremih. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/03/27

Free prom dresses

Missy’s Closet Thrift Shop (13 Hazel Lane, Manchester, 978-7872, facebook.com/MissysClosetBoutique) is in the midst of its biggest event of the year, Free Prom Dress For Teens. Throughout the year the Missy’s Closet staff collects prom dresses, suits, make-up, jewelry and anything else teens may need for prom. These are given away to teens entirely for free, according to a press release.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Teens can shop for prom necessities at 68 March Ave. in Manchester on Fridays (4 to 7 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) until April 6.

Nevertheless, they persisted

As reported by WMUR in a March 19 online article, an Exeter coffee bar owner has used a negative review as a way to promote business. The shop, Flamingos Coffee Bar, recently received a two-star review online, with the comment, “Place was disgustingly pro women and just walking inside I immediately felt unwelcome as a male … probably wouldn’t return.” “Logan says she initially thought, ‘Ouch’,” the WMUR article read, “but her mindset quickly shifted from offended to empowered. ‘It’s actually a really great motto,’ she said. ‘It’s a great slogan.’” Since then, Logan has used the phrase “Disgustingly Pro-Women” sell popular merchandise with the motto on it.

QOL score: +1

Comment: See the “Disgustingly Pro-Women” merch at flamingoscoffeebar.com/merch.

Tolls, now 20 percent more annoying

In a March 19 online article, New Hampshire Public Radio reported that “the open road tolls in Hooksett on Interstate 93 will be closed starting in April until about Memorial Day. In the meantime, all traffic will be directed through the traditional cash and EZ Pass Lanes.” According to a March 18 press release from the Department of Transportation (dot.nh.gov) the shutdown is “to replace the full ORT system equipment. The anticipated start date is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, weather dependent. The work is expected to take approximately two months with an anticipated reopening prior to Memorial Day 2025.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: As recommended by NHPR, “Travelers can check traffic conditions at NewEngland511.org before heading out.”

Trophy fish

In a March 20 press release, the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game (nhfishgame.com) announced the winners of 2024’s Trophy Fish Program. Two new state records were set in 2024. Douglas Shanahan of Laconia bested the former pumpkinseed mark with a 10.75-inch long, 1-pound 3.92-ounce specimen from Winnisquam Lake last May. Stephen Whisler, age 13, of Portsmouth, set a new state record for the species with a 21.75-inch long, 6-pound 4-ounce sea raven taken in the Atlantic Ocean off Hampton in July.

QOL score: +1

Comment:For a list of New Hampshire trophy fish, and to learn more about the program, visit wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/trophy-and-record-fish-program.

QOL score last week: 60

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 61

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].

News & Notes 25/03/27

Taco proposal

The Greater Manchester Chamber is holding a Taco Tour Manchester proposal contest for someone willing to propose at the Thursday, May 8, Taco Tour, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Manchester. The winner will receive an engagement ring from Day’s Jewelers (valued at $7,000) and professional photography to document the moment at the tour, the release said. Enter the contest at tacotourmanchester.com/proposal by April 30.

Egg!

The peregrine falcons at Brady Sullivan Tower in downtown Manchester welcomed their first egg of the season on the morning of March 22, according to the daily log. You can watch the couple and their progress at the Peregrine cam at nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam, where the New Hampshire Audubon offers three live views of the nest with support of Peregrine Networks and Brady Sullivan Properties, the website said. The log also has a link to a document with basic information about the nest and a look back at previous seasons of peregrine falcons who have occupied it and the chicks that hatched there.

RIP to a K-9

The New Hampshire State Police Canine Unit announced the death of K-9 Wyatt, a Plott Hound who worked with the state police since 2015, according to a press release. Wyatt and handler Trooper First Class Kevin Devlin specialized in search and rescue as well as detection of human remains, the release said. “Wyatt passed away … after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that had spread throughout his chest and lungs,” the release said. “K-9 Wyatt was a cherished member of the New Hampshire State Police family, an essential part of the Canine Unit,” said Colonel Mark B. Hall in the release. “Today we mourn his passing and remember his years of exemplary service. Trooper First Class Devlin and K-9 Wyatt were instrumental in bringing closure to families throughout New Hampshire and beyond.”

Gardening & climate

The Atkinson Garden Club will host a presentation by UNH Master Gardeners Betsy Coes and Mike Koutelis on “Gardening in a Changing Climate” on Wednesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Kimball Library, 5 Academy Ave. in Atkinson, according to a club email. The event is free.

Sustainability

The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford) will hold the 2025 Souhegan Sustainability Fair on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food pantry SHARE, according to a press release. The fair will feature live music, food, a guided hike, a story walk, kids crafts, 34 exhibits, presentations and more, according to the release. Admission is free.

The Bach’s Lunch on Thursday, April 3, 12:10 to 12:50, at the Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St. in Concord, will feature a lecture on “Raga Music Composition.” “Hari Maya Adhikari and David Nugent will present a lecture on traditional Indian string instruments and their use in the creation and performance of Raga music,” according to a press release. The event is free; see ccmusicschool.org.

Keep those St. Patrick’s Day celebrations going: Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade steps off at noon on Sunday, March 30, running down Elm Street from Salmon to Central. Join in the fun by running in the Shamrock Shuffle at 11 a.m. (a kids’ fun run starts at 10:30 a.m.). See millenniumrunning.com/shamrock for details on the 2-mile run/walk and visit saintpatsnh.com for more on the parade.

The Southern NH Skating Club will hold its “All the Best” 60th annual ice revue on Saturday, March 29, at 1 and 7 p.m. at JFK Coliseum (303 Beech St. in Manchester). Tickets cost $10 for adults, $6 for children and seniors. See snhsc.com.

The Nashua Garden Club will hold a workshop on figs on Wednesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 121 Manchester St. in Nashua, with Jay Guarneri, who will discuss growing figs in cold climates, the different flavor classes of figs and more, according to a club email. Admission is free; see nashuanhgardenclub.org.

125 exciting things to do in the spring — 03/20/2025

Like a newly hatched chick, spring is a season full of possibilities — and events! In this week’s Hippo, we look at 127 fun ways to spend this season, which for our purpose runs until Memorial Day weekend (yeah, yeah, we know what the calendar says). FInd arts, theater, music, food events and so much more to brighten up this sometime sunny, sometimes rainy time of the year.

Also on the cover The NH Jewish Film Festival is a statewide, multi-week event that will feature screenings at theaters in Manchester, Concord, Merrimack and more as well as virtual screenings. Michael Witthaus gets the details on this festival that starts Sunday, March 23, on page 17. John Fladd looks at the United Way of Greater Nashua’s upcoming “Cheers to the Community Night of Wine and Comedy” event (page 21). And that comedy show on Saturday, March 22, is one of several comedy events this weekend. Michael Witthaus talks to comedian Zane Lamprey about his show on Saturday at the Henniker Brewing Company on page 26, where you will also find our rundown of other comedy shows this weekend and beyond. Is music more your style? Check out the Music This Week, which starts on page 27.

Read the e-edition

News & Notes 25/03/20

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Family fun for whenever

More maple

The sap season fun continues at some area maple sugar farms.

• Ben’s Sugar Shack, 8 Webster Highway in Temple, will continue its tours of the maple sugaring process throughout March, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dress for the outdoors; see bensmaplesyrup.com.

• Parker’s Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline Road in Mason, will offer sugar house tours weekends in March, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. See parkersmaplebarn.com.

• Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, wraps up its Maple Express event this weekend, with times Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23. Admission costs $29 per person and the event includes horse-drawn and tractor train rides, a look at a working sugar shack, visits with the farm animals, taste testing and more. See visitthefarm.com.

Nature Quest

The Nashua Public Library and Nashua River Watershed Association will hold March’s Nature Quest event on Saturday, March 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. with a focus on the river otters, beavers and muskrats of Nashua River in Mine Falls Park. Register at nashualibrary.org.

On screen

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road in Manchester, chunkys.com, has some special screenings on the horizon. On Tuesday, March 25, at 11:30 p.m. The Smurfs (PG, 2011) will screen as part of the Little Lunch Date Series. Admission costs $5 and includes a $5 food voucher. Snow White (PG, 2025) will screen as a Sensory Friendly Screening on Wednesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. During these screenings, house lights will be up and the volume will be lower.

• O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square, 24 Calef Highway in Epping, will feature the recent PG release The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie on Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. in a sensory-friendly screening.

• The family film on Wednesday, March 26, at Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St. in Plymouth, flyingmonkeynh.com, will be 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog(PG). The film starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $3 online, $5 at the door, and the theater offers a special kids’ menu on family movie nights, according to the website.

This Week 25/03/20

Thursday, March 20

Tonight’s Art Off the Walls at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org) will spotlight the works of contemporary artist Ann Agee and her exhibition “Madonna of the Girl Child” is on view at the Currier from March 7 to June 5. The Art off the Walls event is tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Thursday, March 20

The Manchester Garden Club will hold a meeting today at noon and feature “Go Native! Incorporating Native Plants into Your Landscapes” by Jane Raymond, Master Gardener through the UNH Cooperative Extension. The meeting will take place at St. Hedwig Hall, 147 Walnut St., Manchester, and is open to the public.

Friday, March 21

Ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham will take the stage at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) tonight at 7 p.m. as part of his Artificial Intelligence Tour. Tickets start at $66.

Friday, March 21

The 11th Annual National SleepOut takes place tonight. This is a challenge to spend a night outside to raise awareness and funds to support New Hampshire’s only low-barrier emergency youth shelter and safe space in Manchester and a range of support services. Visit waypointnh.org.

Saturday, March 22

Join the fun at the Goffstown Public Library (2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com) today from 11 a.m. to noon with The Musical Baseball Show with Howie Newman, former sportswriter for the Boston Globe, the Lowell Sun, the Patriot Ledger and Associated Press. Howie will entertain with live baseball songs, stories, trivia and surprises. Register at the Library’s website.

Saturday, March 22

The Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) presents comedian Whitney Cummings tonight at 7 p.m. on her Big Baby Tour. Tickets start at $37.50.

Saturday, March 22

There’s a Seed Starting Workshop at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org) this morning from 9 to 11 a.m. Learn from Andy Messenger of Turning Mill Farm how to start your own seedlings for your garden this year. The cost is $20.

Wednesday, March 26

The Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord, 228-2793, theaudi.org) is hosting two Walker Lectures tonight, starting at 7:30 p.m.: “New England Traditions: Maple Mania” with Willa Coroka and “Discovering New England Stone Walls” with Kevin Gardner. All Walker Lectures are free and open to the public.

Save the Date! Wednesday, March 26

Join Ally the Piper on Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com). Ally is known for taking the traditional Great Highland bagpipe into the modern era. Tickets are $35.

Featured photo: Ally the Piper. Courtesy photo.

Author: The Hippo Press

This Week 25/03/27

Quality of Life 25/03/27

News & Notes 25/03/27

125 exciting things to do in the spring — 03/20/2025

Kiddie Pool 25/03/20

This Week 25/03/20

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