Walk in Winter

Advice on hiking during the coldest season
PLUS Winter birds and where to find them

By Zachary Lewis

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Outdoor enthusiasts don’t let snow or single-digit temperatures stop them from getting out there. Looking to hike (or take a woodland walk) in the winter? Here is some advice from the experts.

Man in sunglasses taking a selfie while hiking.
Photo by Matt Larson.

Hitting the snowy trail

Matt Larson has hiked all 48 and wrote a book about it called 4000s by 40, which came out in September.

“I had this mission before I turned 40 to climb all the 4,000-footers,” he said. His book can be found on wanderingmattlarson.com. These mountains loomed before Larson.

“I grew up in Massachusetts and I always loved it when we came over to New Hampshire and went skiing in the North Country or were in the Lakes region. I was always very aware of the mountains. They earned a spot in my heart from a very young age,” he said.

As a Granite Stater Larson had the perfect opportunity to accomplish his goal.

“I live in the southern part of the state now. I was so excited when that happened because I finally got to be close to all these mountains that I always loved as a kid. When I was coming close to turning 40, I realized that I really hadn’t explored all of the mountains that I wanted to. I climbed a few of them, but I just felt like this deep connection with the 4,000-footers. It just felt a shame to me that I hadn’t really fully explored them yet. That was my first call to arms, so to speak, for getting out on the trail,” he said. He started in the winter because his birthday is in February and gave himself a timeline for the year.

“I started off hiking in the snow and quickly learned that I needed microspikes the first time I went climbing in the winter. I did not have them and had to learn about the proper gear that was really necessary to take on the mountains during the wintertime and learned a lot fast. I’ve been doing it for quite a while now,” Larson said.

Man looks up at snow covered tree tops.
Photo by Matt Larson.

Larson was persistent even as his dream met with reality.

“I had big visions when I first started off, and so I thought I was going to be able to climb two mountains in one day in the middle of winter without microspikes. I went up East Osceola and I was hoping to climb over what’s called the chimney from there to Mount Osceola. About halfway up, I thought I had something called Yaktrax in my bag so I thought I had something to help me with the ice. I didn’t have spikes yet, but I at least thought I had my Yaktrax with me. I went into my bag to take them out and realized I had left them in the car. So without anything to help me, I really was contemplating turning around. I ended up actually finding a way through. Along the sides of the trail, there’s a bunch of thickets and narrowly spaced pines that you can grab onto so I was able to actually get to the top of East Osceola by navigating my way through the trees off the side of the trail, but I wasn’t going to shoot for the other peak of Mount Osceola, because it just was way too treacherous-looking.”

This close call led Larson to gear up.

“Shortly after that climb I went right out to my local EMS store … and I grabbed myself some microspikes,” he said

Most of his journeys were solo missions.

“That’s not to say I was alone out there. I mean, I was always really surprised. Even that first day in Osceola, I think I got to the parking lot at 6 in the morning and started climbing, and there was already somebody there who beat me to the lot,” he recalled. “It’s really amazing. I think as time has gone on more and more people are getting into this and getting outdoors. When I completed the 4,000-footers, I think it was sort of a banner year for the AMC in terms of people that were submitting a claim for having finished the 4,000-footers.”

Larson is excited that more people are embracing hiking in the cold.

“It’s been really nice to see how many people are taking on the adventure but being sensible about it too. The most impressive climbers to me are the ones that are doing it in the winter because they really are a much more thoughtful bunch about how to prepare for it and be safe. There’s plenty of stories of people who have taken on unnecessary risk during the winter, but it’s all very doable if people take the sensible approach and mitigate the risk through proper gear and awareness of the terrain and the weather. You do see a lot of people out there, which is great,” he said.

As with a river, no hiker steps onto the same mountain twice.

“It definitely changes week to week too. Even this winter. We went up around the Mount Tom and Mount Willey area and there was a little bit of snow on the ground. Then the next week I went out with a buddy to Cannon and it felt like a blizzard had hit the place. Very quickly it went from not needing any spikes or anything really on our feet, or just needing spikes for like a little portion of the trail up Mount Willey, to needing spikes the entire time up Mount Cannon and us contemplating if we even needed snowshoes,” Larson said.

The snowy terrain has the possibility for change after change and it is important to be cautious while enjoying the spectacular beauty of nature.

“There’ll be times that you’re out there and you’re using snowshoes for 50 percent of the climb up and then you have to switch back and forth between spikes and snowshoes because it gets really icy in some sections and then it can get really deep in others,” he said. “Then there’s other times where it doesn’t look like it’s that icy or that snowy but the rock is so slick. There’s sort of a form of black ice on some of the granite. People slip. I slipped a couple of times even with spikes on. You can have some moments where your feet can get pulled out from under you. It’s definitely important not to rush, especially on the descent. It’s always more dangerous on the descent.”

One perk of winter hiking is the chance encounter with wildlife.

“When I’m in the 4,000-footers … I’ve seen some minks. I’ve seen plenty of gray jays out of Mount Tom, Mount Willey and Mount Field in particular. … and of course everything from chipmunks to squirrels, all the usual suspects.”

There’s always a chance some critter will dart right out toward you. “I think the funniest encounter I had with any animals was one time I was on the trail and it was super quiet. It was kind of spooky how quiet it was. I was kind of thinking there might be a bear around, and I started inching my way up the trail, looking every single direction I could. Just as I started getting comfortable, all of a sudden, all of these pheasants just emerged out of this bush in front of me. There were probably 30 or 40 of them, or quail, I guess. You’ll see them out there too. Then there’s some turkeys along the way and mostly birds, birds and squirrels,” he said.

Regardless of the locale, hiking a mountain trail in the winter is a joy that Larson hopes others in the Granite State can experience for themselves.

“I love winter hiking. I love hiking at any time … but winter hiking is very peaceful. There really is a serenity to winter hiking that I think is unique. I definitely encourage people to try it if they’re thinking about it. One of the reasons why I wanted to write 4,000s by 40 was because I feel like there’s a lot of stories out there about the dangers of the mountains. I think there is inherent risk in climbing, but I do think that it’s something that’s a venture that everybody can enjoy if they just take sensible steps, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to enjoy winter hiking, too,” Larson said.

Snowshoes and postholing

Sometimes using snowshoes is not just for your own benefit but for keeping the trail in good shape. They’re mainly used for traversing powdery or deep snow, to keep you from sinking.

The City of Concord’s online guide to local trails (concordnh.gov/1033/Trails) includes this note: “On fresh snow, please use showshoes. Bare-booting can cause post-holing, which is a potential hazard for trail users.” Post-holing is trail-speak for when your boot sinks deep into the snow and leaves a hole. Not only is post-holing no fun, but later, someone else’s boot, ski or snowshoe can get tripped up by that hole.

Even with snowshoes, you shouldn’t hike on top of ski tracks. In a Feb. 28, 2022, blog post on Sharing Winter Trails (nhrtc.org/sharing-winter-trails), Ellen Kolb wrote, “Where cross-country ski tracks are present, showshoers and hikers will walk next to rather than on top of them. Slower traffic always stays to the right.”

On gearing up

Renee Robertie works at REI in Bedford. She is a committee member of the New Boston Rail Trail and an avid hiker. She gives quarterly free talks on all things hiking-related, such as waterproofing and the 10 essentials to bring on every hike (her next talk will be on Saturday, April 26; email [email protected] for more information).

According to Robertie, rail trails are a great introduction to the world of winter hiking.

“It gives people an opportunity to get outside, get some exercise, do some hiking, ride the trail maybe, and these are folks that may or may not necessarily be in a physical condition or have the desire to do something more strenuous such as something in the White Mountains. So it’s a glade in between. It’s a beautiful path that’s an old railroad bed of course, and there are benches along the way and you can sit and just kind of watch the river because it follows the flow of the river. It’s just a nice time to be out in the woods,” she said.

Robertie laid out the basics of hitting the trail in winter.

“The first area [is] the clothing. Layering your clothing so that you can have flexibility to regulate your heat and any moisture if you’re aggressively walking or even running the trail,” she said.

Wool is an excellent choice for the first layer. “A typical base layer would be something that is wool or a wool blend or a synthetic type of clothing. There are pros and cons to either one, wool being a little bit more expensive than synthetic but it’s a really good insulator so even when it gets wet it still insulates and can keep you warm. Wool comes in various densities. It might be a light, a medium or a heavy type of wool,” Robertie said.

“The next layer is an insulating layer. Typically that’s fleece or it could be even like a down jacket or something thicker that’s going to insulate your heat and keep it in because you’re the one that’s generating the heat,” she said. Layering allows you to adjust the thermostat of your own body.

“Then the third layer is a shell layer and that keeps out moisture. So say if it’s raining or snowing or even if snow is dropping from the tree branches or something like that. You keep your base layer and then you can regulate your heat by adding or removing the other two layers or even just opening up, so unzipping if you’ve got a quarter zip, the zip that is from the neck down to above your chest, or even fully unzipping if you’re that warm,” she said.

The human head is like a chimney where a good amount of heat escapes. “Not having a hat can account for losing about 10 percent of your body heat, so if you’re getting too warm you can take your hat off, if you need a little more warmth you can put your hat on,” she said.

Leg gaiters are also an option to consider. “A gaiter is simply a waterproof fabric that has a strap that goes under your boot and then either zips or more typically these days Velcros around your leg. It’s made of a rugged material so if you are wearing something like microspikes and you happen to get it caught on your ankle or shin it’s not going to damage a good pair of pants.”

Foot covering is an obvious necessity in the winter too. “There are different insulation types for boots and you can get very warm … but the insulation in the boots can help keep your feet warm. Certainly things like hand warmers or toe warmers are a good idea too if you’re not quite sure what you’re going to encounter,” she said.

A woman hiking in winter poses next to a state park sign.
Renee Robertie. Courtesy photo.

After clothing, Robertie will speak on staying secure in your footing.

“Traction is what keeps you from slipping. Some boots have deep lugs, so kind of the bumps on the bottom … But sometimes you need a little bit more, so I talked about things like microspikes, which are quarter-inch spikes on chains that are attached to a … rubber-type thing that you put on the toe of your boot and then draw it back and up around your heel. That holds the spikes in place underneath your foot. So the microspikes are good when there’s definitely ice and they are very grippy.”

Bigger spikes are needed for the mountains. “I didn’t go into crampons or anything like that because that’s more of a steeper mountain, mountaineering kind of traction…. That’s a big spike that’s maybe a 3- or 4-inch spike that, it’s not just one spike, it’s a series of spikes underneath your boot that provides a lot of traction and is meant for very steep and very icy trails.”

And sometimes a wide, flat surface is what is called for in the winter.

“I spoke about snowshoes as well, which typically don’t come into play too much on a rail trail because there’s so much foot traffic, but if you’re breaking ground in snow a snowshoe is going to help you stay buoyant on the snow instead of possibly falling in…. The rail trails are typically packed down, but after a snowstorm, if you’re the first one out, there’s definitely a possibility that you could be running into some deep snow.”

Trekking poles can help you stay upright. “Trekking poles are great for stability. If you’re older or even young people nowadays, it’s really great for staying stable on your trail. It helps you walk a little more briskly. And if you’re doing a water crossing, which typically you don’t do on a rail trail but you might do on one of the town trails. It’s great for descent and especially if you’ve got bad knees because it takes some of the pressure off your knees.”

Robertie also mentioned the benefits of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Hike Safe Card. “The Hike Safe, which is through the New Hampshire Fish and Game, is something that you can purchase to help support the Hampshire Fish and Game. It’s $25 for an individual, $35 for a family, and if you have that and have not been irresponsible, if it happens that you do need to be rescued, then you won’t be charged the rescue costs.”

She hopes to spread her enthusiasm about winter hiking to others.

“It’s all about getting outdoors. The fresh air, the health benefits of being in a forest are well documented and studied. We want people to do that and we want them to do it safely and more than anything to have fun and enjoy it. It’s a great resource. The more people out there, the better,” Robertie said.

Birds in winter

Grace McCulloch works for the New Hampshire Aubudon is excited to get more Granite Staters interested in a winter activity that pairs well with winter walks and hikes: birding.

“One of our favorite projects here at New Hampshire Audubon is the Backyard Winter Bird Survey, which this year is taking place on February 8th and 9th. It’s a weekend out of the year where we encourage people to report the birds that they see in their backyards to us at New Hampshire Audubon. The reporting form will be open for a few days after just so that everyone can get their results in,” McCulloch said.

The Survey has been going strong for decades. “This will be our 38th year doing the Backyard Winter Bird Survey,” she said, “and so over that time we’ve gathered a huge amount of data to really get an understanding of bird trends throughout the state. Being able to look through that kind of year-to-year variation and noise and see what bird species are increasing in number and what species might also be declining in the state.”

The process is simple. “The survey is really easy. We have a simple online survey form on our website where people report what they see over the weekend. They can watch for as little as 15 minutes, or if they’re really dedicated they can watch the entire weekend as well.”

A Red-bellied woodpecker perches on a birch tree.
Red-bellied woodpecker. Photo by Grace McCulloch.

Birders do not need to be experts.

“We know that not everyone is out there birding every day, and that’s one of the things I love about the survey, is that it really is supposed to be easy for people who maybe this is the first time that they’re taking time to notice the birds in their backyard.”

The NH Audubon has plenty of helpful information on birds.

“We have a ton of resources on our websites, including a guide to the most common winter birds that people can check out, as well as a guide to commonly confused birds. Because there are species that can look quite similar. You can know that you have a woodpecker, but which woodpecker is it?”

The landscape of birds has changed in the state over the years. “You’d be surprised how dramatically the bird communities have shifted,” McCulloch said. “One example that I like to talk about a lot are American robins and eastern bluebirds. These are species that were once thought of as signs of spring. They arrived just in time for the beginning of spring. When we first started the survey in 1987 they were almost unheard of in February in the state. But today they’re frequently seen by people on the Backyard Winter Bird Survey in February. So just in 35 years, a huge shift.”

“We’re also seeing new species appear on the survey, species that are typically found further south. And … our work is even more important as we look to understand how bird species range and how long they’re staying in the winter might shift over time. We’re … seeing new species arrive, like red-bellied woodpeckers and Carolina wrens.”

Fan favorites will be making a return as well. “Our most common bird last year was the American goldfinch. We actually had about 10,000 of those reported on the survey. Then other favorite birds like black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, those are always very distinct birds, easy to identify. We had a lot of blue jays on the survey last year, and also things like mourning doves.”

McCulloch said residents can take steps to entice birds to their homes. “I always encourage people if they want to put up a suet feeder. It’s kind of like a block of suet that you can put up and that really will help attract the woodpeckers. You can see several different woodpeckers just within one weekend. Things like downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers, you can see all three in your backyard. The amazing thing is most of our feeder birds, multiple species, are all feeding together at once, so you have a good chance of seeing more than one species at a time.”

Now is the time to make your guesses on which birds will be showing up.

A Tufted titmouse perches on a frozen tree limb in winter.
Tufted titmouse. Photo by Grace McCulloch.

“Our senior biologist, Pam Hunt, always likes to make predictions for the survey. … this year, based on some food availability up north, we’re predicting a higher number of red-breasted nuthatches. … We’re also expecting a fairly good showing of species like red-bellied woodpeckers and Carolina wrens as our winters get warmer over time,” she said.

The Carolina wren has been drawing attention here, she said. “They’re a species that 10 years ago people weren’t seeing in the state, so when you see a brand new bird at your bird feeder, you’re like, ‘What is this bird?’”

“If you’re talking about hiking the 48 4,000-footers in winter, a bird you could always mention is the Canada jay or the gray jay,” McCulloch said. “That’s a bird that you typically only find on the top of mountains in New Hampshire, and you find it in the winter, and they love peanuts and other food that hikers bring them up. They’re known to eat out of hikers’ hands on the top of the snowy mountains,” she said.

Where to hike

Here are some ideas for finding winter (and all-season) hiking spots that match your skill level and interest.

• Renee Robertie suggested checking out rail trails. See nbrailtrail.com for information on the New Boston Rail Trails, including maps and a link to the group’s social media for updates on conditions. For information about rail trails throughout the state, check out the New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition at nhrtc.org, which offers links to rail trail groups around the state and brief descriptions of the trails.

• The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests offers a visitor’s guide that lets you filter through its properties for location, difficulty of trail and specific activity like snowshoeing or bird-watching. See forestsociety.org/visitor-guide.

• On the New Hampshire State Parks website, a specific guide to winter parks includes popular hiking parks as well as spots for snowshoeing, fat biking, ice fishing and mushing. See nhstateparks.org/things-to-do/winter-recreation.

• The New Hampshire Audubon (nhaudubon.org) will hold its annual Backyard Birding Survey Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9. See the website for details. While you’re there, check out the information about their trails at sanctuaries near the Audubon’s centers including the Susan N. McLane Center in Concord and the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn as well as wildlife sanctuaries across the state. The sanctuaries page offers maps and guides to each property.

Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; beaverbrook.org) has 35+ miles of trails, according to the website, as well as ongoing fitness hikes that can get you started by letting you hike with a crowd.

• The state Division of Travel and Tourism Development describes 10 winter hike options including Mount Major, with its views of Lake Winnipesaukee; the ever-popular Mount Monadnock; and hiker favorite Mount Cardigan, “a very popular area for hiking and snowshoeing,” at visitnh.gov/blog/10-popular-winter-hikes.

• Picturesque local parks with trails are good places for winter strolls, usually not too hilly, such as Mine Falls Park in Nashua (nashuanh.gov/491/Mine-Falls-Park), Livingston Park and other city trails in Manchester (manchesternh.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Trails-and-Facilities/Recreational-Trails), and several park trails in Concord (concordnh.gov/1033/Trails). According to the Concord trails website, there are three group hikes currently scheduled: On Saturday, Feb. 22, at 9:30 a.m., Bob Lyon will lead a 3-mile hike on Broken Ground trails; on Saturday, March 29, Peter Bartlett will lead a Morono Park trails hike, and on Saturday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m., Wendy Olson will lead a hike of the Winant Park trails.

Featured Image: Photo by Matt Larson.

Yes, you should hire a wedding photographer

Weddings are one of the most important and memorable events in a person’s life. From the vows to the first dance, every moment is a reflection of love, commitment, and joy. Capturing these moments is crucial, and the best way to do that is by hiring a professional wedding photographer. While smartphones and cameras are more advanced than ever, they can’t replace the expertise and experience of a skilled photographer.

A wedding day is often a blur of emotions, conversations, and moments that pass by quickly. As the day unfolds, couples can easily miss out on key moments, like the look of a groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time or the laughter shared between family members. A wedding photographer’s job is to capture these fleeting moments, preserving them for you to relive for years to come. These photographs are not only keepsakes for the couple but also for future generations.

Wedding photographers bring a level of professionalism that ensures your photos will be high-quality. They are experienced in managing lighting, composition, and angles to create stunning, timeless images. Professionals know how to handle various lighting conditions, from bright outdoor settings to dimly lit reception halls, and use the best equipment to produce clear, sharp images that tell a story.

Choosing to hire a wedding photographer means you can focus on enjoying your day without worrying about capturing every moment. Photographers are experts at what they do, so you won’t have to ask friends or family members to take pictures, which could detract from their ability to participate in the celebration. You can rest assured that your photographer will have everything covered, so you can stay present and relaxed.

A wedding photographer’s portfolio is often a representation of their style, creativity, and technical skills. By hiring a professional, you gain access to a body of work that shows how they can capture moments in different settings, lighting conditions, and environments. You can assess whether their style aligns with your vision for your wedding album.

So maybe you realize that you need a wedding photographer but then how do you choose one?

Wedding photographers have distinct styles, from traditional and posed to candid and documentary. Before you start your search, it’s essential to define the style you want for your wedding photos. Whether you want a modern, artistic look or a more classic approach, knowing your preferences will help narrow down your options.

Start by researching local photographers and reading online reviews. Personal recommendations from friends and family who have had positive experiences can also be valuable. Look through their portfolios to assess the quality of their work and the variety of images they capture. Keep an eye out for consistency and whether their style aligns with your preferences.

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of potential photographers, meet them either in person or virtually to get a sense of their personality and approach. It’s crucial to feel comfortable with your photographer, as they will be a constant presence throughout your wedding day. Make sure they are friendly, approachable, and able to communicate clearly about your needs.

Wedding photography requires specific skills, so it’s important to choose someone who specializes in weddings rather than someone who primarily shoots portraits or events. Inquire about their experience, particularly with weddings of a similar size and style to yours. A photographer with ample experience will know how to handle unexpected situations and will be more adept at capturing all the details that make your day unique.

Wedding photography can be a significant investment, so it’s important to understand the pricing structure. Ensure that you are clear about what is included in the package, such as the number of hours, the number of photographers, and any post-production work like editing and album creation. Discuss the photographer’s policy for overtime or additional costs for travel, prints, or extra services.

Finally, trust your gut. Your wedding photographer will be with you on one of the most important days of your life, so it’s vital that you feel confident in your choice. If you feel at ease with the photographer and confident in their ability to deliver high-quality images, it’s a good sign that you’ve found the right fit.

This is your special day, make those memories and record them.

Featured Image: Courtesy photo.

Celebrate Winter

Concord holds its annual Winter Fest

Winter is definitely here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a festival filled with an ice sculpture competition, a tour for delicious hot chocolate, and roasting marshmallows over a fire downtown?

“Winter Fest is on its seventh year,” said Jessica Martin, the executive director of Intown Concord, which puts on the event with the Hotel Concord.

“It started as the grand opening of the Hotel Concord. So it’s a partnership between Intown Concord and The Hotel Concord. There’s an ice carving competition, and every year we add different things to it and just see what people like, but the ice carving competition piece has remained the same,” Martin said.

Winter Festival takes place on Friday, Jan. 24, from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the perfect place to see ice sculpting in action.

“So with the ice carving competition we reach out to some of New England’s best ice carvers and typically we get between four and six, this year I think we have six confirmed, and they are artists. They work with huge blocks of ice and they use chainsaws and they make art. It’s beautiful. A lot of them, which I always tell people because I think it’s interesting, a lot of them come from a culinary background,” Martin said.

Both Jeff Day and Eric Knoll have culinary backgrounds. “Which is interesting to me,” Martin said. “I would think they’d be chopping wood or something with chainsaws.”

Last year a winter Mickey Mouse was sculpted. There is no telling what artful creations will be brought out of the ice this year. “I think we’ve had people do an owl, I think we had a dragon one, so it was really cool,” Martin said.

Speaking of culinary efforts, there are going to be tasty meals available at Winter Fest.

“This year we’re also including a little bit of a food truck-sustainable component,” Martin said. “We’re going to have quite a few different types of foods for people to try. Everything is pretty hearty and will help people warm up. We’ll have some propane heaters gathered around. We give away free s’mores, so we have fire pits for people to cook the s’mores on.” Food vendors include Batulo’s Kitchen, Bubble Bee Milk Tea, Cali Arepa NH, Canterbury Kettle Corn, Mi Corazon Taqueria, Teenie Wienies, and Wicked Tasty.

“Another thing that’s happening that’s new this year is we’re introducing a hot cocoa tour throughout the downtown and people can buy a ticket to that,” she said. “That’s the only paid part of the event. You buy a ticket and you can go sample hot cocoa at five different cafes or coffee shops downtown,” Martin said. (See sidebar.)

Music will help set the festive mood too. “We’re going to have a DJ playing music throughout the day, so it will keep the energy up, and I think that will be a nice addition for this year.”

Some other organizations will be joining in on the fun. “We partner with a lot of other organizations, we don’t have them all confirmed yet, but I know Darbster Dogs will be there so people can come pet the puppies and potentially leave with a new furry friend. Several of the businesses downtown will do things. Wine on Main, for instance, is doing a free wine tasting during our event, that’s inside their store. The Concord Garden Club is doing an event at the same time called Art in Bloom at Kimball Jenkins. So people can come down to Winter Fest, they can do the hot cocoa tour, they can go to Art in Bloom, they can do a wine tasting, there’s just a ton going on.”

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society will also have an activity about Europa on Saturday as well as Ram Axe Throwing. Red River Theatres will be showing Happy Feet for $5 per ticket.

The sculpting of the ice takes place on the Statehouse lawn with sponsored ice carving taking place on Friday and the competition on Saturday.

“Most of these festivities happen on Saturday. On Friday, from 3 to 9, they are carving ice, and so people can come look at that if they want, but most of the other stuff that I mentioned is on Saturday. We’re going to have some really great ice carvings for people to see. Some of them will be interactive. Some of them we’ll have opportunities to take photos with,” Martin said.

Concord Winter Fest

Friday, Jan. 24
10 a.m to 6 p.m. Art & Bloom at the Kimball Jenkins Estate Floral – Designers will be working with art from the Women’s Caucus for Art, NH Chapter. $10 suggested donation.
3 to 9 p.m. Sponsored ice carvings on Statehouse lawn

Saturday, Jan. 25
10 a.m pre-event activities in Concord
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art & Bloom at the Kimball Jenkins Estate
10 a.m. Red River Theatres screens Happy Feet, $5
11 a.m. Ice carving competition starts on the Statehouse lawn
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ram Axe Throwing
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society: Activity about Europa, the ice moon, and sky viewing
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Darbster Rescue meet & greet with adoptable dogs on City Plaza
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Winter Fest Hot Cocoa Tour at participating downtown coffee shops
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wine on Main free wine tasting
3 p.m. ice carving competition ends
3:30 p.m. awards announcement
4 p.m. festival ends

A Concord NH Winter Fest Mug

The Hot Cocoa Tour

There are few things more comforting in the winter, whether it’s bracingly cold or miserable and drizzly, than a cup of cocoa.

In that spirit this year’s Winter Fest in downtown Concord will feature a hot cocoa tour. Participants will buy a ticket entitling them to a cocoa mug, a cocoa “passport” and cups of cocoa at five participating businesses on Concord’s Main Street during the Saturday of Winter Fest.

Berit Brown, Event and Marketing Manager for Intown Concord, said the cocoa tour is a good way for Winter Fest goers to “warm up after watching ice carving.” Each ticket is good for five cups of cocoa, she said.

These are the five stops on the tour:

Revelstoke Coffee (100 N. Main St., Concord, 715-5821, revelstokecoffee.com)

Brothers Cortado (3-5 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 856-7924, facebook.com/BrothersCortado)

Gibson’s Cafe (45 S. Main St., Concord, 715-5833, gibsonsbookstore.com/cafe)

The Bean and Bakery (15 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-3317, facebook.com/TheBeanandBakery)

TeaTotaller (2 Capital Plaza, North Main Street, Concord, 715-1906, teatotallercafe.com)

Brown said this self-guided tour is a good excuse to spend an afternoon with an adult friend. At the same time, “It’s also the sort of thing you think about and say, ‘Ooh! I could bring my kid to that!’” she said.

The Cocoa Tour Passport is your chance to write down impressions of each cocoa and take tasting notes on “how chocolatey each is, or how it smells, and what your favorites are,” Brown said. “We did a group taste test with some members of Intown Concord and the Chamber, and it struck us that other people could set up their own tasting panel.” — John Fladd

Winter Fest Hot Cocoa Tour

Where: five shops on Main Street in Concord
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets: $35 each, which includes a mug, a passport and five hot chocolates. Register for the Tour at members.intownconcord.org. InTown Concord website warns that only 70 mugs will be available, on a first-come-first-served basis. Pick up your mug and passport at the s’mores station at City Plaza during Concord NH Winter Fest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Featured Images: Courtesy photos.

Winter Creations

The art of ice sculpture PLUS a look at Concord’s winter fest

By Zachary Lewis

[email protected]

It is the time of year for ice sculpting and this is not a reference to clearing off the windshield in the morning. Ice sculpting is an art and the people involved in this pursuit are artists.

Jeff Day operates Ice Designs in Plymouth. This business handles all things ice. From sculpture to making the blocks themselves, to delivering ice bars across state lines, Day is in his element in the cold and is in the middle of an ice delivery.

“Right now we’re bringing ice to another set of carvers in Maine. We supply ice to Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to ice sculptors as well as ourselves. I guess I’d say we’re the busiest of the ice sculptors in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We also supply. So if it’s not our ice we’re carving, someone else is carving our ice, which is cool,” Day said.

These cold waters run deep.

“I’ve been doing it since, I don’t know, I’m going to say like 1993, maybe. So quite a while ago. We’re located in Plymouth, New Hampshire. We got a warehouse and big freezers. Our busy season is basically December through March and then we have a lot of outside jobs,” Day said.

A glowing ice sculpture of an ornate fish
Ice sculpture from Eric Knoll. Courtesy photo.

Day and his company have worked for corporations like Red Bull for snowboard competitions and exhibitions. “So for Red Bull, we’ve done ice jobs on top of ski mountains for their professional riders. It’s cool. We’ve been blessed. We’ve done a lot.”

In the beginning, the culinary world propelled Jeff into the ice sculpting world.

“I was a chef by trade and I moved right to San Diego. Every Sunday there was at least five sculptures at our brunch. I was like, I don’t know, 20 years old. We did carve one in school and once I became a little more proficient as a chef and started being the boss I started doing a little carving on the side. Finally a chef asked me if I could carve something. He asked me if I could carve an eagle. I said, ‘How many blocks do you have?’ He says three. So, if I have a third block of ice, I made something that I felt represented the eagle well enough. It wasn’t great, but like I always say, I made a lot of ugly ones for a while until I got it figured out.”

Like a chef using an assortment of cutlery and utensils to craft the perfect dish, an ice sculptor relies on different tools.

“A chainsaw is very much a go-to for us,” Day said. “We do chisels. I use chisels a lot. We do have power tools. Basically, they look like drill bits.They’re from the milling industry, metalworking. We modify stuff in order to get what we need … there’s a few things out there that are made specific for us, but most of it’s taken from other industries. We use grinders with sandpaper, aluminum oxide sandpaper. And then we have some power tools, some brass and things like that that we put in die grinders.”

A die grinder works at high speed. “Like a big Dremel,” Day said. “It looks like a drill, but it’s really not. It spins at like 25,000 RPMs, and we can plunge with it, and we can carve with it.”

Ice Designs does not need to wait for a polar vortex to get blocks of ice.

“We produce our own ice, so we have 16 block makers.The block makers, they’re called Clinebell block makers, and they make crystal clear ice. It takes us three days to make two blocks of ice. We have 16 machines that make 64 blocks a week. Each block is about 45 gallons of water and we freeze it from the bottom up.”

There is a method to this freezing madness, Day said. “As it freezes, we have a circulator pump, and that pump moves the water around and gets rid of any oxygen that’s in the water. And that’s what makes it clear and any impurities or anything go to the top of the water.”

The water sinks below and all the impurities rise to the top. “So when we cut the top of this off at the end of the three days, we end up with a rectangle, a big block of ice that weighs 300 pounds and is crystal clear.” The block is 40 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 10 inches thick, he said.

Everything beautiful comes from the effervescent ice. “We can take those, like right now we have 70 blocks with us and we’re going up here and they’re going to build a big ice bar event, so we can stack these blocks and make a 10-foot-tall horse if we want,” Day said.

It is hard for Jeff to pick one favorite design over the years especially since Ice sculpture is such a passion for him. “We’ve done so many, it’s been such a good run. We’ve done some really cool dragons. I just did a competition last year, I did a dragon. I was pretty psyched about it. People ask if I have a favorite one. I don’t know. There’s been so many. I just really enjoy it,” Day said.

For an installation Day typically pre-makes the pieces to be assembled on site but the sculpture is carved in real time.

“I call it the big project,” he said. “And the next morning, the day of the event, I go and I get to carve that into … a horse or a dragon or an astronaut or whatever the case may be. That’s the best because it’s the last day, all the other stuff is done and I try to uncover this and make this thing look killer, which is fun. The last day is enjoyable.”

Day has the ability to carve and sculpt despite the season and has a few helpers to assemble the frozen magic.

“The weather is always a gamble, so we try to do as much ahead as possible,” he said. “I have a huge freezer, a 26-by-36 freezer I can drive a forklift in at my warehouse, and we have two other freezers. … I have a guy that helps me, Jamie, a high school friend for years, he’s a retired police officer. My girlfriend, Holly, she helps me a ton. I have another friend, Alex, that helps out a little, and between them, we can get this all done. We’re pretty darn efficient because we have to be.”

Those with a passion to sculpt ice into whatever their heart desires just need to ask around to find their path into this world. “Find someone like myself and work for them. I carved ice on the side, like my side hustle for a long time, and I was competing and doing well with that,” he said. “I went to Boston and got in with a guy named Steve Rose. Steve Rose and Bill Covitz. Those guys were absolute rock stars and they really humbled me. I worked with those guys a lot and that really was the next step to help me get better at my game. Unfortunately, most of us sculptors are, I would say, 40 and older.”

Eric Knoll is on the younger side of ice sculptors in the world.

“Eric is the youngest guy and he’s got another job so he’s part-time as a side hustle and he’s doing a pretty good job,” Day said about Knoll.

Knoll was turned on to the art of ice sculpture at culinary school.

“I went to Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, for culinary and started learning it in college, essentially. I’ve been doing it inside since I learned it. It’s been 15 years and I can’t stop doing it,” Knoll said.

“It actually is no longer taught in culinary school, but when I first learned it, it was for cruise ships and buffets and centerpieces, weddings and stuff like that,” he said.

Ice sculpture was where Knoll found another outlet, besides cooking, for his artistic gift. “I actually didn’t know what ice carving was. The first year I was at college they had a family event on the weekend and I walked by it and I was like, ‘What is this?’ Then I just tried to learn everything I could possibly learn about it. But before that, I mean, I can’t draw. I can’t paint. Am I creative? Absolutely.”

He recalls that one of his first competitions was in Keene, New Hampshire, “which they still have going and I still participate every year since and it’s just part of ice carving in the winter.”

Each competition inspires Knoll to make something different.

“I try to do new ones I haven’t done before at a competition because it’s a place to do it where you can kind of test the limits. You’re usually outside if things work out, the weather is cold enough. So you can do different things that you couldn’t do if the weather wasn’t cold.”

The ocean has been an inspiration. “The very first one I learned was a lighthouse, because obviously we’re in Rhode Island, so sticking with the theme,” he recalled. “But I’ve carved many different themes, different types of sculptures.”

These sculptures have led Eric around the globe. “I’ve gone to the World Championships up in Fairbanks, Alaska, for three years in a row, and that’s a whole different competition on its own. Usually like to stick with the nautical or sea creature theme, just a lot of detail you can do in those sculptures. One year I did a bunch of fish. I think the year before was a bunch of fish in a coral reef. I’ve done an eagle.”

A stunning ice sculpture of a sea horse surrounded by coral
Courtesy photo from Eric Knoll.

One sea creature is still on his list to sculpt. “There’s an octopus that I haven’t done yet. I actually tried to do it in Keene two years ago and the weather was too warm … and I was put right on Main Street with no sunshade, so it was just not feasible to pull that sculpture off. So one day, eventually, I will pull off an octopus. In Alaska I’ve done a full underwater scene. There was a shark. There were jellyfish in the sea, two or three other sea creatures on that one as well, but I’ve done a lot of other things. I carved a giant scorpion one year. I’ve done some realistic sculptures as well,” Knoll said.

At the Winter Festival in Concord he tied for first place in 2023 with Michael Legassey and he earned first place in 2019. Knoll is still deciding on what to sculpt for the Festival this year.

“I do not know yet. It really is weather-dependent. I usually wait until like the week before and look at the forecast of the weather to decide what type of design I can do and what type of sculpture. That’s usually how I prepare for a lot of the competitions. You do plan ahead, but you have a backup just in case the weather changes and you can’t actually carve what you’re trying to carve based on how warm or cold it is,” Knoll said.

Ice, unsurprisingly, is quite temperature-dependent. “There’s a lot of techniques involved, so you can actually fuse blocks of ice together or pieces together, but that can only really be achieved at 30 degrees or less or you’ve got to use dry ice and then it’s really messy and it’s not as easy to do as many of those fuses. Cold weather is what we look for in outside competitions.”

Knoll helps put on the Winter Festival with Intown Concord and The Hotel Concord and has been “part of it from the very beginning when it first started. I helped with a big part of planning it and growing it each year.”

Growth is important; the world of ice sculpting may be smaller than you think.

“Yeah, the community of ice carving is very small,” Knoll said. “That’s where I say, yeah, we compete against each other and obviously we’re competitive but we all are there to help each other and learn from each other. We’ll help stack each other’s blocks of ice…. It’s really a whole community and it’s a big team even though it’s a competition.

Featured Image: Courtesy photo.

The long tradition of rice

An old tradition — and some newer alternatives

We’ve seen it time and time again: Spouses kiss and are presented as a couple, then exit toward a waiting vehicle as guests throw celebratory rice in the air. But why?

Rice was originally chosen because it symbolizes prosperity and fertility, according to Brides magazine. It’s tossed as a sign of well wishes for the future. The tradition dates back at least to ancient Celts, who threw rice and other grains both as a newlywed blessing and to appease various gods, according to Brides. Not everyone followed along, however. Ancient Romans were said to toss wheat, Moroccans threw figs or dried dates, and Indians celebrated with flower petals.

Make or buy small packages of rice for your guests before the ceremony. Ushers can distribute the packets, or you can attach them to chairs or the wedding program. Ask ushers and other helpers to let guests know when the time is right. You might also consider listing the proper time to throw rice in the program. Most couples choose the moment they initially walk out of the venue, but others may want to do it during a special photo.

More recently, fears have arisen that leftover grains might cause harm to wildlife long after the ceremony is over. Some government officials have even banned the practice. Brides magazine reported, however, that subsequent testing has shown no immediate danger to animals. Rice can pose a slip hazard, however, so someone should be on hand to sweep up once the happy couple has left the venue.

There are plenty of reasons beyond worries over wildlife to opt for something else instead of rice. Some people are looking for greener options, while others are planning to have children and therefore feel uncomfortable about rice’s age-old symbolism of fertility. Then there are the inherent safety issues. Some options to consider go back to alternative traditions from places around the world like flower petals. Others now use birdseed, herbs, or biodegradable confetti. Some choose not to throw anything at all. Instead, have friends and family ring small bells or wave colorful ribbons.

Featured Image: Courtesy photo.

Small Spaces, Big Sound

A Look at Winter Music Series Warming Up the Season

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

With snow flying as the winds whip and temperatures drop, now is a great time to head indoors and enjoy some live music.

In addition to the nationally and wider-regionally touring shows at the larger capacity venues, several smaller spots offer winter music series that showcase a musical experience that features more indie, niche and regional original music. As the venues are smaller (some as small as under a hundred, some accommodating a few hundred music-lovers especially if the crowd is standing), the shows often provide a chance to catch an act before they blow up like Noah Kahan. Sometimes, the milieu and the music are equally compelling. Sipping wine before sitting down for a concert at Hermit Woods wineries, for example, or looking at art before the music at the Andres Institute.

Many of the performers can be seen in area bars and restaurants, but at these shows they have the opportunity to play their own material. When Andrea Paquin and April Cushman are at Milk St. Studios, for example, they’ll be able to draw from their own extensive catalogs instead of doing covers, something that’s also true for all of the shows at The Livery. The Songwriter Roundup at Hermit Woods Winery pretty much exists to expose original voices who spend a lot of their time doing someone else’s songs. If you like what you hear, buy a CD, it’s the best way to support independent musicians. Whether it’s a craving for rock, blues, folk, big band or traditional sounds from Ireland or Ecuador, there’s an option available.

The following is a look at upcoming concerts, from now to spring, and a few beyond.

Faith Ann Band. Courtesy photo.

Andres Institute of Art (16 Route 13, Brookline, andresinstitute.org)

This outdoor sculpture garden was once a ski resort. Fundraising concerts are held to keep admission free year-round. The upcoming schedule is an eclectic one, with Manchester alt rockers the Faith Ann Band, acoustic roots band Low Lily and pan-Latin Boston group Sol y Canto all playing. Institute President Kristi St. Laurent, who also books the shows, noted recently that the former ski lodge where the concerts happen is historic. “J. Geils played here, I have photographic proof of that,” she said, adding it’s perfect for concerts. “Musicians all want to come back, because they love the way the room sounds.”

Saturday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. – Faith Ann Band and Rabbit Foot

Sunday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. – The Sofferman Perspective

Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m. – Low Lily

Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m. – The Honey Bees

Sunday, April 6, 6 p.m. – Evan Goodrow

Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. – Mighty Colors and Jamdemic (Earth Day Benefit)

Monday, April 28, 6 p.m. – Sol y Canto

Button Factory Stage (99 Islington St., Portsmouth, portsmouthnhtickets.com)

This intimate performing space located in the studios of Portsmouth Community Radio is as eclectic as the Seacoast music community it supports, with multiple genres appearing, and nationally touring artists often stopping by. Local shows include Mango Catch Collective on Jan. 25 and a raging punk rock show featuring Condition, Black Vinegar and The Saturn Cycle on Feb. 21, with unique Beatles tribute trio While My Guitar Gently Weeps the following night. Boston acid jazzers Bees Deluxe are there March 8.

Friday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. – Alchemy with Hell Beach and Qvickdraw

Friday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m. – DJ Chad Banks and Friends

Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. – Mother Nimbus with Mango Catch Collective

Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m. – The Orrs with Twothousands

Friday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. – Anna May

Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. – Alexia Scott

Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. – Mango Catch!

Friday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m. – Condition with Black Vinegar and The Saturn Cycle

Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. – While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. – DJ Chad Banks and his DJ Friends

Friday, March 7, 8 p.m. – Complete Utter Opposite with Neurotic

Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. – House Lights & Friends

Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m. – Bees Deluxe

Thursday, March 20, 8 p.m. – Matt Farley with Thin Lear, Niagara Moon, and Bird Friend

Sunday, March 23, 8 p.m. – Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Thursday, April 10, 8 p.m. – Broommaker (formerly Teething Veils) & Eternal Slumber

Contoocook Cider Co. (656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, contoocookcider.com)

A bucolic room booked by NH Music Collective and run by a revered cidery. Music happens Saturdays and Sundays, with a long list of regional favorites stopping by.

NHMC, which helps independent musicians find gigs by working with pubs, restaurants and listening rooms, recently underwent a leadership change. Brad Myrick sold his stake to fellow co-founders John McArthur and his wife, Reva Tankle, to focus on his own music.

“It’s a very amicable change of direction for the company,” McArthur said in early January. “I’ve been trying to help him as much as I can with his performance career…. Brad is one of the best guitarists, certainly in the Northeast, and he’s a fabulous composer.”

Brad Myrick, who’s now devoting his time to performing, makes an appearance in mid-March. NHMC is also booking a series of shows at the BNH Stage in Concord this winter.

Also on tap is Ian Archibold, recently seen at a BNH Stage showcase concert. Sully Erna sideman and Joe Walsh doppelgänger Chris Lester is another highlight; he’s there next month.

Sunday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m. – Jack Ancora

Saturday, Feb. 1, 1 p.m. – Justin Cohn

Saturday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m. – Chris Lester

Saturday, March 1, 1 p.m. – Ian Archibold

Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. – Dan Fallon

Sunday, March 16, 1 p.m. – Brad Myrick

Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m. – Alex Cohen

Sunday, March 23, 1 p.m. – Justin Cohn

Saturday, April 5, 1 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Saturday, April 12, 1 p.m. – Ryan Williamson

Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Guy Davis. Courtesy photo.

Flying Goose (40 Andover Road, New London, flyinggoose.com)

The longest-running concert series in the state mixes old-school folkies like Ellis Paul, Garnet Rogers and Tom Pirozzoli, who conceived the whole thing back in the early ’90s, with new faces like Sam Robbins and Brittany Moore. This small room sells out fast, so best to make reservations well in advance, especially for shows like bluesman Guy Davis on Feb. 13.

Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band

Thursday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. – Dinty Child and Mark Erelli

Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. – Guy Davis

Thursday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. – Ellis Paul

Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. – Aztec Two Step 2.0

Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. – Brittany Moore

Thursday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. – Willy Porter and Tom Pirozzoli

Thursday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. – Lonesome Ace String Band

Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. – Sam Robbins

Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. – Garnet Rogers

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. – Garnet Rogers

Goosefeathers Pub (1398 Route 103, Newbury, mountsunapee.com)

Kick back with the apres-ski crowd and enjoy a bountiful list of musicians curated by NHMC. Willy Chase, another singer-songwriter recently showcased at BNH Stage, has an early February set. In March, it’s Mikey G, who also headlined the downtown Concord room. Other good bets are Rebecca Turmel Duo on Jan. 19, and The 603s on Feb. 22.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. – Ryan Williamson

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel Duo

Saturday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m. – Frontwoods

Saturday, Feb. 1, 3 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m. – Willy Chase

Saturday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. – Dave Clark

Sunday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. – Andrea Paquin

Saturday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m. – Karen Grenier

Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m. – Jack Ancora

Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. – The 603s

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. – Brad Myrick Duo

Saturday, March 1, 3 p.m. – Joel Begin

Saturday, March 8, 3 p.m. – Mikey G

Hermit Woods Winery (72 Main St., Meredith, hermitwoods.com)

Curated and hosted by singer-songwriter Katie Dobbins, the winery’s Wednesday Songwriter Roundup event will celebrate a two-year anniversary on Feb. 26, with Pete Downing and another artist sharing the spotlight with Dobbins. Shows are offered in tandem with a dinner that begins an hour before the music. Additional dates are anticipated. “I am coming down from the busy fall/winter show season,” Dobbins texted recently. “I’m going to be working on more bookings.”

Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. – Grace Wallace Band

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. – Songwriter Roundup with Katie Dobbins, Dan Sirois and Patrick Synan

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. – Songwriter Roundup with Katie Dobbins, Pete Downing and TBA

Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m. – Songwriter Roundup with Katie Dobbins and TBA

Livery at Sunapee Harbor (58 Main St., Sunapee, nhmusiccollective.com)

Another NHMC-curated venue, this winter’s concert season will see the return of Slim Volume, a young Beatlesque quartet that sold out the rustic Main Street space last year, as well as Charlie Chronopoulos playing an intimate set of original music. For those looking forward to summer on the lake, NHMC’s John McArthur is planning a series there when it’s warmer.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. – Jack & Tim

Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. – JD & the Stonemasons

Saturday, April 19, 7 p.m. – Slim Volume

Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m. – Charlie Chronopoulos

Milk St. Studios (6 Milk St., Dover, milkststudios.com)

An extension of a Seacoast recording studio modeled after The Record Co. in Boston, this listening room has local musicians stretching out to play originals, though the Joni & Cat Tribute Show — Mitchell and Stevens, if anyone’s wondering — on March 29 is an exception. An in-the-round concert featuring acoustic music from singer/songwriters Andrea Paquin and April Cushman on March 15 should be stellar.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. – The Writeful Heirs & Darien Castro

Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. – Groundspore

Saturday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. – Lee & Dr. G. + Catwolf

Saturday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. – STL Gold

Saturday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. – Jarred Garneau Group

Saturday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. – Andrea Paquin + April Cushman

Saturday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. – Amulus

Saturday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. – Joni & Cat Tribute Show (Nicole Gauthier & John Fuzek)

Saturday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. – Studia & Jed Allen + The Regals

Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org)

An extension of the larger venue with cabaret seating for dozens instead of hundreds in the audience, this downtown venue welcomes rising stars like indie rockers Certainly So and Americana singer/songwriter Liv Greene along with regional talent like folksinger Reed Foehl and jazz saxophonist Seba Molnar. Valentine’s Day brings the romantic PMAC Jazz Night, with a bevy of Seacoast musicians including sax player Eric Klaxon, singer Taylor O’Donnell and keyboard treasure Mike Effenberger.

Friday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. – Seba Molnar

Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. – Reed Foehl

Sunday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. – Lee DeWyze

Friday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. – Certainly So

Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. – Juanito Pascual

Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. – 18th Annual PMAC Jazz Night: Dream a Little Dream

Friday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m. – Vance Gilbert

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m. – Johnny Cash’s Birthday Bash with Scott Moreau

Thursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. – Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen tribute)

Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. – Sam Robbins

Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m. – Ellis Paul

Friday, March 14, 8 p.m. – Liv Greene & Elise Leavy

Tuesday, March 18, 8 p.m. – Jordan Tice

Friday, March 21, 8 p.m. – Heather Maloney

Sunday, March 23, 8 p.m. – Tyler Hilton

Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. – Alice Howe & Freebo

Saturday, April 5, 8 p.m. – Scott Kirby

Nippo Lake Restaurant (88 Stagecoach Road, Barrington, nippobluegrass.com)

Acoustic music fans delight in the long-running series housed in a Barrington country club, which lasts from October through April. Some of the region’s finest players show up for this Sunday evening tradition. Ahead are revered bluegrass band Lunch at the Dump, the always entertaining Rockspring and a couple of projects that include Scott & Betsy Heron, Little Wishbone and the Heron Bluegrass Co.

Sunday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – Chicken Shack

Sunday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. – Unsung Heroes

Sunday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band

Sunday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m. – HydroGeo Trio

Sunday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m. – Lunch at the Dump

Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m. – Cordwood

Sunday, March 9, 6 p.m. – High Range

Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m. – Little Wishbone

Sunday, March 23, 6 p.m. – Hot Skillet

Sunday, March 30, 6 p.m. – Heron Bluegrass Co.

Sunday, April 6, 6 p.m. – Cedar Mountain

Sunday, April 13, 6 p.m. – Unsung Heroes

Sunday, April 27, 6 p.m. – Rockspring

Lee and Dr. G. Courtesy photo.

Pats Peak (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, patspeak.com)

Another apres-ski series curated by NHMC. Shows to look forward to include Andrew North and the Rangers, who host the monthly open mic at BNH Stage, and River Sang Wild, who perform for two days straight in early March. A word to the wise: Resort management cautions that things can change when the sap’s running.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. – Scott & Wally

Saturday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. – Young Guns

Saturday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. – Geoff & Wally

Saturday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. – Dan Fallon Band

Saturday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. – Scott & Wally

Saturday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. – Andrew North & the Rangers

Saturday, March 1, 6 p.m. – Karen Grenier

Saturday, March 8, 6 p.m. – River Sang Wild (also 3/9)

Saturday, March 15, 6 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel Duo

Saturday, March 22, 6 p.m. – Geoff & Wally

Pembroke City Limits (134 Main St., Pembroke, pembrokecitylimits.com)

Opened last summer by music maven Rob Azevedo, this is the newest addition to the region’s live music scene, with a focus on local talent like the Irish band Black Pudding Rovers, singer-songwriter Paul Nelson and Vampire Bird, the latest project from Will Kindler, which went over so well in December that it will return March 9. “This spring, PCL will continue to introduce and reintroduce such incredible musicians,” Azevedo said recently, while touting the venue’s Sunday Jazz Sessions with Gary Smith.

Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. – Chris Salemme

Friday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. – Todd Hearon Trio

Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. – Funk Night w/ Gary Smith & Friends

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. – Black Pudding Rovers

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. – Paul Nelson

Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. – Colin Nevens

Friday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. – Piano Man Jody Robichaud

Saturday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m. – Arthur James

Saturday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. – The Honey Bees

Sunday, Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m. – Stonemasons

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. – Tequila Jim

Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. – Gary’s “Legendary” Musical Gathering

Friday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. – Hickory Horned Devils

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. – Let’s Get Sticky Rolling Stones Tribute

Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. – Timothy K Blues

Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – Lee & Dr. G.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. – Mikey G

Saturday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m. – Angela Stewart

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. – Dan Fallon & Company

Saturday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. – Georgie-Jam Night

Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. – Faith Ann Acoustic

Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. – Vampire Bird (Will Kindler)

Friday, March 14, 7 p.m. – Cinnamon Jazz Trio

Sunapee Community Coffee House (9 Lower Main St., Sunapee, sunapeecoffeehouse.org)

This is another series that’s been around a very long time, located in the basement of a Methodist church. It’s a pass-the-hat affair; bring a Hamilton to help out the artists. The effort encourages new and emerging talent, which means New Hampshire’s Noah Kahan might appear on their way to greater fame.

Friday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. – Hubby Jenkins

Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. – Click Horning

Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Tommy Crawford

Friday, March 14, 7 p.m. – Nate Goyette

Friday, March 28, 7 p.m. – White Mountain Ceilí Band

Friday, April 11, 7 p.m. – E J Tretter

Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. – Halley Neal Group

Katie Dobbins. Courtesy photo.

Twin Barns Brewing (194 DW Highway, Meredith, twinbarnsbrewing.com)

Craft beer and live music pair well at this NHMC-curated venue. Upcoming are singer-songwriter Temple Mountain and Lakes Region duo The Sweetbloods, as well as rising stars Taylor Hughes and Dakota Smart.

Friday, Jan. 17, 5 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Saturday, Jan. 18, 5 p.m. – Temple Mountain

Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m. – Kat Ivy

Saturday, Jan. 25, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Friday, Jan. 31, 5 p.m. – Freddie Catalfo

Saturday, Feb. 1, 5 p.m. – Karen Grenier

Friday, Feb. 7, 5 p.m. – Taylor Hughes

Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel

Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. – The Sweetbloods

Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. – Paul Driscoll

Saturday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m. – Dakota Smart

Friday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m. – Ciera MacKenzie

Saturday, Feb. 22, 5 p.m. – Jack Ancora

Friday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. – Jackie Lee

Saturday, March 1, 5 p.m. – Dave Clark

Friday, March 7, 5 p.m. – Rock Dove

Saturday, March 8, 5 p.m. – Andrea Paquin

Saturday, March 15, 5 p.m. – Chris Torrey

Friday, March 21, 5 p.m. – Willy Chase

Saturday, March 22, 5 p.m. – Kyle McGuinness

Friday, March 28, 5 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Saturday, March 29, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Friday, April 4, 5 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Saturday, April 5, 5 p.m. – Justin Federico

Friday, April 11, 5 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel

Saturday, April 12, 5 p.m. – Temple Mountain

Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, thewordbarn.com)

Tucked at the end of a twisty road in Exeter, this venue is the perfect place to catch an under-the-radar star in the making, along with local treasures like Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki’s Trio, Will Evans and The Wolff Sisters. The shows here frequently sell out, so it’s best to act early for artists like Liz Longley and Joe Crookson.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. – Winter Warmer with Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection

Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. – Rakish and Nate Sabat

Friday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. – Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier Duo

Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. – Soggy Po’ Boys

Sunday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. – Will Evans

Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. – Genticorum

Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – The Wolff Sisters

Sunday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. – Eli West & The Clements Brothers

Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. – Jordan TW Trio

Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m. – David Howley (We Banjo 3)

Friday, March 7, 7 p.m. – Joe Crookson

Saturday, March 8, 7 p.m. – Chatham Rabbits

Sunday, March 23, 7 p.m. – Liz Longley

Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. – Matthew & the Atlas.

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