Category: Music This Week

By Michael Witthaus

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Stories and dance: Michael Londra brings his PBS series Ireland With Michael to the stage. The show blends music, dance and stories, as the Emmy-nominated Voice of Riverdance shares his affinity with them, backed by a traditional Irish band and dancers. Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m., Stockbridge Theatre, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry, $35 and up at stockbridgetheatre.com.

• What’s up sweetcakes? Enjoy jazz inspired by a popular anime series at Cowboy Bebop Live. Japanese composer Yoko Kanno’s music helped drive the edgy Japanese series, from her earworm theme song “Ask DNA” to the jumping jazz number that opened the 2001 movie, “TANK!” An all-star 14-piece ensemble performs in support of the big-screen multimedia presentation Friday, March 14, 8 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $39 at etix.com

• Long green weekend: Four days of St. Patrick’s fun commences with Shamrock & Roll-themed music bingo from DJ Paul Corwin on Friday night, with Celtic band Loch Mór and the Pogues-inspired Rebel Collective the next day. Sunday, it’s music from the Reel McCoys and a set from McGonagle School of Irish Dance. Dan Fallon performs on the big day. Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17, Biergarten, 221 DW Highway, Merrimack; schedule at budweisertours.com.

• Canyon lady’s prime: Drawing primarily from her 1970s heyday, The Linda Ronstadt Experience is a stirring tribute. American Idol Season 15 contestant Tristan McIntosh is convincing on ballads like “Long Long Time” and “Blue Bayou,” the Roy Orbison song she made her own, and shines on the early hit “Different Drum.” She’s a believable doppelgänger for Ronstadt as well. Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $39 at palacetheatre.org.

• Cross-Canadian Celtic: Hailing from Ontario, The Glengarry Bhoys occupy a unique musical intersection, blending Highland Scots, Irish and French Canadian idioms for a thrilling and energetic performance. Given the Celtic flavor of the band’s sound, they’re an especially popular item around St. Patrick’s Day, where they perform plenty of traditional songs along with their original material. Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $39 at tupelohall.com.

By Michael Witthaus

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• Arena laughs: With an act that begins with an entrance riding a Vespa, Sebastian Maniscalco is well-suited to hockey rink humor; it’s been years since the comic has appeared in a nightclub or even an opera house. His It Ain’t Right is in town with Maniscalco’s trademark physical comedy, as well as Pete & Sebastian Show podcast sidekick Pete Correale opening the show. Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester, $39 and up at ticketmaster.com.

• SoCal sound: Some alt-rock fans bristle at their favorite bands being called classic rock, but Everclear’s Art Alexakis is honored by the moniker. Friday, March 7, 8 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $55 at tupelohall.com.

• Electric cowboys: The twang-fueled alter ego of prog-rock band Mindset X, Horsefly Gulch performs at an adult fun house that includes axe throwing, arcade games and augmented reality darts aimed at laser targets. This critic watched them early on and called their sound “Link Wray meets Primus by way of Crazy Horse, or Rush playing incognito at a cowboy bar.” It still stands. Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m., Smitty’s GameLAB, 630 W. Main St., Tilton. Visit horseflygulch.com.

• Good guy: Performing in support of his latest album, Time is a Thief, Marc Broussard stops in Portsmouth. The record, produced by Eric Krasno and Jeremy Most, is Broussard’s first collection of originals in seven years and follows the 2023 collaboration with blues rock chart topper Joe Bonamassa, S.O.S. 4 Blues for Your Soul, part of a series of benefit releases from the vocalist. Sunday, March 9, 7 p.m., Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, $37 and up at themusichall.org.

• Blues rocking: With slide guitar augmented by Hammond organ, Barrett Anderson Band rips through standards like Bo Diddley’s “Mona” with fierce reverence, calling their sound “hypnoboogie.” The Cambridge-based trio plays a midweek set at a downtown eatery that regularly hosts live music along with tasty smashburgers and fun items like the Bad Bird and DRTY MNKY shake. Wednesday, March 12, 8 p.m., BAD BRGR, 1015 Elm St., Manchester. Visit barrettandersonband.com.

By Michael Witthaus

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•• Welcome back: The show never ends as Carl Palmer hosts An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer that’s a virtual concert from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame prog rock band. Video from a 1992 Royal Albert Hall performance brings back Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, who both passed away in 2016, while Palmer plays along on drums to evoke the masterful power trio. Thursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $55 and up at tupelohall.com.

• Hard rocking: Check out three distinct flavors of female-fronted metal with Dystopica, a Connecticut-based band led by singer Becky Brideau, who recently released the revved-up single “Freewheel Burning,” local favorites Sepsiss, hot on the heels of their latest, “Play the Game,” an indictment of industry success syndrome, and riffy duo the Saturn Cycle. Hollow Virtue opens. Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester, $10 at the door, 21+, @KineticCityEvents.

• Bag boys: Boasting they’re “the most famous bagpipe band on the planet,” the Red Hot Chilli Pipers have a pair of area appearances to kick off the Celtic-centric month. The nine-piece group is known for its rock ’n trad “bag rock,” which includes covers of everything from “Amazing Grace” to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, and Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia. $29 and up at etix.com.

• Forthright folk: The rootsy trio Low Lily — married couple Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen, and fiddler Natalie Padilla — decided to be bold on their latest, Angels in the Wreckage. The a capella anthem “What’ll You Do” is punchy, political and ready-made for a march, while “One Wild World” covers similar territory more tenderly. Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m., Andres Institute of Art, 106 Route 13, Brookline, $25 at andresinstitute.org.

• Neighbor loving: It’s legend that The Rough & Tumble was born when Mallory Graham met Scott Tyler on a double decker bus in 2011 while spying on his notebook. Their latest, Hymns for My Atheist Sister & Her Friends to Sing Along To, is a hopeful album focused on the nature of faith in a corrosive world. The energetic chorale piece “Love Them, Too” is a standout. Tuesday, March 4, 2 p.m., Taylor Community Center, 435 Union Ave., Wolfeboro, bandsintown.com.

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.