Category: Music This Week

By Michael Witthaus

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• Family affair: With their reputation as Canada’s first couple of music set, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy bring their children Mary Frances and Michael Leahy on stage for an evening of Cape Breton’s finest mix of Celtic and traditional sounds. The show exudes youthful energy, while highlighting MacMaster and the elder Leahy’s fiddling talent. Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, $43 and up at palacetheatre.org.

• Rock coda: Formed by Dokken’s principal songwriter George Lynch after the band broke up in 1989, Lynch Mob long outlasted its predecessor. Its first album went gold, and a dozen more followed in a 30-plus-year career that’s now wrapping up with a farewell tour called The Final Ride. The current lineup is Lynch on guitar, singer Gabriel Colon, with a rhythm section of Jaron Gulino and Jimmy D’Anda. Friday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $55 at tupelohall.com

• Mule man: Million Voices Whisper, the first solo effort in nine years from Warren Haynes, has the Gov’t Mule leader and former Allman Brothers guitarist in town for a show. The new disc reflects the soul music that inspired Haynes early on and includes a collaboration with fellow Brother Derek Trucks, “Real, Real Love,” that was begun by Gregg Allman before his death. Friday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, $55 and up at ccanh.com.

• Ski jam: The house band for monthly jams at BNH Stage, Andrew North & the Rangers, play an apres-ski trio set. The local favorites have a new live album, Thanks for the Warning, Vol. 2, recorded at Feathered Friend Brewery in early December 2023. Their Bandcamp page has even more, like a 24-song show from early January show at Penuche’s Ale House in Concord. Saturday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Pats Peak, 686 Flanders Road, Henniker. Visit andrewnorthandtherangers.com.

• Twin bill: A solid rock ’n’ roll show has true believers Dr. G & Lee topping the bill. Louisiana-born Brandon Gauthier fell in love with a 100-watt Fender amp as a teenager and has kept it loud since, while managing at the same time to earn a doctorate in history. Lee Durham is a veteran guitarist. All-female trio Catwolf opens. Saturday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., Milk St. Studios, 6 Milk St., Dover, $15 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.• Shake it: A group of Boston area musicians with a love for funk, Booty Vortex play an early Valentine’s Day show at a romantic spot. Break out the dancing shoes and get out to get down for an evening of throwback dance music from bands like Earth, Wind & Fire and Wild Cherry. Along with winery selections will be a full bar with themed cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry, $40 at labellewinerey.com.

• Dy-no-mite: Before he hit it big playing J.J. on the ’70s sitcom Good Times, Jimmie Walker worked as a standup comic at Black Panther gatherings in Harlem and toured with Motown revues. Friday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Newfound Lake Inn, 1030 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater, $25 and up at eventbrite.com.

• Song man: After his band Ghost of Paul Revere parted ways in 2022, Griffin William Sherry began a solo career; his first record, Hundred Mile Wilderness, dropped last fall. Recorded in Nashville with an engineer who’s worked with Sierra Hull and Brandi Carlile, the album’s title is a reference to the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes through Sherry’s home state of Maine. Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $33 at palacetheatre.org.

• Light show: Beginning with the landmark album Dark Side of the Moon, Floydian Trip recreates Pink Floyd’s touring years before Roger Waters and David Gilmour began feuding. The tribute act combed through countless audio and video clips culled between 1973 and 1981 for an authentic concert experience that includes lights, projections, lasers and a very convincing psychedelic sound. Sunday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $40 at tupelohall.com.

• Plus one: Spontaneity defines the live experience of Session Americana, a musical collective begun over a decade ago that draws from the rich Boston Americana community. For an upcoming show, they’re joined by singer, songwriter and fiddle player Eleanor Buckland, who got her start with the trio Lula Wiles. She recently accompanied the group on a tour of Europe. Sunday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Word Barn Meadow, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, $28 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

• Shake it: A group of Boston area musicians with a love for funk, Booty Vortex play an early Valentine’s Day show at a romantic spot. Break out the dancing shoes and get out to get down for an evening of throwback dance music from bands like Earth, Wind & Fire and Wild Cherry. Along with winery selections will be a full bar with themed cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry, $40 at labellewinerey.com.

• Dy-no-mite: Before he hit it big playing J.J. on the ’70s sitcom Good Times, Jimmie Walker worked as a standup comic at Black Panther gatherings in Harlem and toured with Motown revues. Friday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Newfound Lake Inn, 1030 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater, $25 and up at eventbrite.com.

• Song man: After his band Ghost of Paul Revere parted ways in 2022, Griffin William Sherry began a solo career; his first record, Hundred Mile Wilderness, dropped last fall. Recorded in Nashville with an engineer who’s worked with Sierra Hull and Brandi Carlile, the album’s title is a reference to the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes through Sherry’s home state of Maine. Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $33 at palacetheatre.org.

• Light show: Beginning with the landmark album Dark Side of the Moon, Floydian Trip recreates Pink Floyd’s touring years before Roger Waters and David Gilmour began feuding. The tribute act combed through countless audio and video clips culled between 1973 and 1981 for an authentic concert experience that includes lights, projections, lasers and a very convincing psychedelic sound. Sunday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $40 at tupelohall.com.

• Plus one: Spontaneity defines the live experience of Session Americana, a musical collective begun over a decade ago that draws from the rich Boston Americana community. For an upcoming show, they’re joined by singer, songwriter and fiddle player Eleanor Buckland, who got her start with the trio Lula Wiles. She recently accompanied the group on a tour of Europe. Sunday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Word Barn Meadow, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, $28 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

• Reflective: A tribute to touring life, “The Road” from Rebecca Turmel is a fine depiction of the creative impulse that drives many performers. “I had no choice, the music chose me; and once it did, no going back,” she sings. Recorded in Nashville and released in the summer of 2023, the song includes guitar from longtime Jackson Browne Band member Val McCallum. Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m., DOX on Winnisquam, 927 Laconia Road, Tilton; see rebeccaturmel.com.

• Inclusive: The musical nom de plume of singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Roz Raskin, Nova One performs with a band of identically dressed members — bob blond wigs, black dresses, tights and heels. The group is described as “lush, dreamy music that celebrates and centers vulnerability, self-love, self-expression, and queer futurity.” Their latest album is create myself. Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m., UNH Strafford Room, 83 Main St. (second floor), Durham, $10 non-students.

• Unscripted: After 25 years in the cast of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Brad Sherwood comes to town for a night of one-man improv comedy. He creates an experience that’s akin to jam bands like Phish, only funnier; no two shows are ever the same. Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $43 and up at palacetheatre.org.

• Escapist: Steer clear of big game hype by having an early brunch with music from Marc Apostolides. There’s nothing like eggs Benedict washed down with mimosas to help forget that the closest New England is getting to the Super Bowl this year is Tom Brady’s commentary. Apostolides is a veteran singer/songwriter who’s also known for producing the Sacred Sessions livestream. Sunday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m., Copper Door, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford; theapostolidesproject.com.

• Camaraderie: In 1994, a brilliant collection of folk music was released, On A Winter’s Night. Organized by Christine Lavin, it was a showcase of the genre’s finest performers. Among the featured artists were Patty Larkin, Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky. The four are back by popular demand for an in the round song pull and collaborations. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $29 and up at etix.com.

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

• New Yorkers: Nosaj and Haight Keech’s new duo Wave Generators hit town in support of their latest LP, After the End. Released last year, the 11-track effort has elements of the rap rock that fueled New Kingdom, Nosaj’s former group, with the growling “New North” harkening back to ’90s era Iggy Pop. Also appearing are area favorites Cody Pope and Byron G., along with Nahreally. Thursday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m., Zo’s Place, 235 Main St., Nashua, wavegenerators.bandcamp.com.

• Family sound: Offering gorgeous close harmonies and delicate instrumentation, Golden Oak is fronted by the sibling duo of Zak and Lena Kendall. One writer described the mood of their unique music as “energetic intimacy.” Their most recent album, Room to Grow, explores the physical and spiritual effects of the climate crisis. Liz Simmons, known for her work with trio Low Lily, opens the show. Friday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $31 at ccanh.com.

• Just ducky: After enough customers told her she was the best thing about Boston’s Duck Boat Tours, Jody Sloane went from delivering sit-down jokes while driving an amphibious vehicle to standup comedy. A regular favorite at the Doubletree Hotel showcase room, she’ll headline a weekend show. Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m., Headliners Comedy Club, 700 Elm St., Manchester, $20 at eventbrite.com

• New romantic: Enjoy a Sunday afternoon sans football with highbrow melodies from Anthony Nunziata. In his Bocelli and Beyond show, the singer mixes operatic gems such as “O Sole Mio” and “Ave Maria” with pop hits like “When I Fall In Love” and originals one critic wrote have the “songwriting passion of a young Billy Joel combined with the soulfulness of Ed Sheeran.” Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $39 and up at palacetheatre.org.

• Helping hands: The Woodman Winter Warm-Up event has music from Gnarly Darling, a rootsy band playing originals and covers of bands like Wilco, Black Pumas and John Prine. There will be drinks, food and a raffle with custom guitars from Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan, all to benefit the Woodman Museum’s mission “to advance and develop passion for history, nature, and the arts.” Tuesday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m., Chapel + Main, 83 Main St., Dover, $75 at simpletix.com.

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

• B.I.G. Dead: Preposterous though it may look on paper, the sound of Grateful for Biggie makes sense. A melding of the Dead and the late Notorious B.I.G. interjects songs like “West L.A. Fadeaway” and “Eyes of the World” with lyrical flow from the late rapper, as jam band chops meet urban poetry. Watch two very different eras join together for a singular sonic experience. Thursday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m., Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket, $20 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

• Blues return: In the middle of the 2010s Delanie Pickering made a mark on the Concord music scene with incendiary guitar playing and inspired singing. Now that she’s relocated to the Cape, it’s been too long since she’s done an area show, but that changes when Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish hit town. Pickering joined the popular Martha’s Vineyard band after laying low for a bit following her arrival. Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $28 at ccanh.com.

• Metal ladies: Three female-fronted Granite State bands appear at an event dubbed Metal Queens & Burgers. Under the Horizon is a power trio led by singer/bassist Izzy McIntyre that opened for Great White at Tupelo last summer. The Saturn Cycle, the duo of Ariana Doccola and Jordan Leonard, use looping for a big sound and have a new album due next month. Vermilion recently appeared at Pizzastock. Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m., BAD BRGR, 1015 Elm St., Manchester, $10 at the door.

• Comedy tonight: Steve Scarfo will deliver the laughs at Chunky’s this weekend. A native Mainer, Scarfo came up in the Boston club scene and once took part in a mashup of Survivor and Last Comic Standing that’s worth a look on YouTube. Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m., Chunky’s, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, $20 at chunkys.com.

• Southern accent: After attending a weekly cumbia night in San Francisco, Chuck Prophet became fascinated with the rhythmic Colombia-based music. During treatments for a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis, he marinated in it, which led to the making of Wake the Dead, a life-affirming live in the studio album made with his band and two members of cumbia combo ¿Qiensave? Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, $22 and up at 3sarts.org.

By Michael Witthaus

[email protected]

• Get laughing: A solid lineup of standup talent is on hand at the monthly Comedy On Purpose showcase. Musical comedian Dave Andrews mixes self-deprecating humor with seasoned guitar skills to crowd-pleasing effect. Other comics include Ren Marquis, Jeremy Cangiano, Anthony Eugenio and host Alana Foden, who also books the show and has a fun side hustle. Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Soho Asian Restaurant, 49 Lowell Road, Hudson, $18 in advance (320-5393), $20 at the door.

• Have yachts: Though Steely Dan is considered a significant yacht rocker band by Boat House Row, a subgenre tribute act making an upcoming area appearance, Donald Fagen had a curt, unprintable response to the notion when interviewed for a documentary. Whatever, it’s still entertaining, and this group’s sax player sparks a yearning for “Caribbean Queen” and “Baker Street.” Friday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $29 and up at etix.com.

• Fab three: Taking an inventive turn off the well-trod path of Beatles tributes, While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a trio, reimagining the harder-rocking side of the legendary band. Fans of Abbey Road’s second side (if you know, you know) will delight in versions of “The End,” along with Yellow Submarine’s oft-neglected gem “Hey Bulldog,” while marveling at their economy. Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester; whilemyguitargentlyweeps.band.

• Well-rounded: Few New England musicians are as beloved as Dan Blakeslee, who performs an afternoon set at an area barbecue joint. The seemingly always smiling singer, songwriter and guitarist honed his craft busking in MBTA stations. His charming folk songs like “Wizard Nor a King” have led to bigger stages like the Newport Folk Festival (he also drew the event’s poster). Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 p.m., MrSippy BBQ, 184 S. Main St., Rochester. See danblakeslee.com.

• Scene support: Celebrating a year since forming, New Hampshire Underground hosts a grand re-opening party with live acoustic rock from Jesse Rutstein and Quincy Lord, along with art from cofounder Andre Dumont (Dead Harrison), fashion illustrator and painter Brenda Drew and artistic polymath MyArtbyKF, all in support of the Nashua underground scene. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4 p.m., Terminus Underground, 134 Haines St., Nashua. See newhampshireunderground.org.